Old Rutlishians RFC captain David Cecil hailed one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history following Papa Johns Community Cup glory at Twickenham.
The Wimbledon club strolled to Counties 2 Championship victory at a sun-drenched home of rugby, dismantling Brunel University 43-31 in front of hundreds of travelling supporters.
With the league and Surrey Cup already secured, Old Rutlishians added a third trophy to the cabinet and you got the sense this was Cecil’s favourite success of the lot.
“I’m buzzing. It was a good start from the boys, good control, we set the tempo and I’m over the moon. It’s a culmination of a long year of hard work, pre-season Surrey Cup, league and I’m massively proud of the boys – speechless,” he said.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at Twickenham, that’s a reward for all the hard work we put in. We deserve this and it’s brilliant.”
Tries from Sam Smith, Ben Jones and Ben Navosailagi put Old Rutlishians in the ascendancy with a 20-0 lead within 25 minutes.
Jamie Collins then kicked his second penalty of the game and despite a first try for Brunel on the stroke of half time, Rutlishians never looked flustered.
Prop Louise Davies and vice-captain Robert Cecil touched down in the second half while Collins took his personal haul to 16 points to wrap up a heroic success at HQ.
“We were throwing it about nicely but that pitch was wide and I was on my knees nearly throwing up at half time,” Cecil quipped.
“We had to work hard today but pulled it through, built enough of a gap and held on at the end.
“They had some good players, strong runners, putting us on the back foot but we reacted well and that’s all you can ask for.”
A year-long celebration of community rugby, the Papa Johns Community Cup has enabled clubs to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way.
Finals weekend witnessed non-stop action across the country with more matches being held at Sixways Stadium, Shaftesbury Park and Darlington Mowden Park.
“It’s been a great experience, we’ve been able to play teams we wouldn’t usually play,” Cecil added.
“Last year we went out in the early rounds so we didn’t really get to experience it but it’s been nice getting on the coaches and travelling, meeting different people from different leagues.
“It’s been a great opportunity and we’re thankful to Papa Johns for putting it on and sponsoring it.”
For a round up of all the Papa Johns Community Cup Final action and to watch the games back follow @RFU on X or search for #PapaJohnsCommunityCup
