Eleven teams claim glory in Papa Johns Community Cup finals day

By Tom Masters

Eleven teams were crowned Papa Johns Community Cup champions as the second finals weekend entertained with thrilling matches across the country.

StoneX Stadium and the Darlington Arena hosted four finals, while Sixways Stadium in Worcester was the stage for three further finals, with 12 more taking place tomorrow, again in Darlington and at Stonex Stadium, plus four at the home of English Rugby,Twickenham Stadium.

The new national cup competition, backed by Papa Johns, was part of the season restructure where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended.

This gave players a good contrast of rugby, with a balance of league competition and cup rugby.

Following thrilling finals at Sixways and Twickenham last weekend, the action this weekend began at StoneX Stadium and Darlington.

Harlequin Amateurs defeated Old Patesians 22-14 in the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 3/4 South Plate Final after surviving a late scare, while Thornton Cleveleys pulled away to win 40-25 against Burley in the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 3/4 North Plate Final.

The action continued to come thick and fast and Lutterworth put in a solid display to mark their 150th anniversary in style by lifting the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 2 North Plate trophy with a 34-15 win over Percy Park in Darlington.

Banbury claimed glory in the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 1 Bowl Final, defeating West Bridgford 29-22 in a competitive contest.

In North London, there was a thrilling finale, as Bream just held on to defeat Chipstead 21-20 in the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 2 South Plate Final after a missed conversion at the death.

There was more drama in the next wave of matches, as Wath Upon Dearne landed a last-minute penalty, before opponents Ripon missed their own shot moments later, resulting in a 25-23 win for the South Yorkshire outfit.

Battersea Ironsides overcame league rivals Reeds Weybridge at StoneX Stadium in the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 2 South Plate Final, defending excellently to win 18-3, inspired by winger Lewis Waters.

Wirral and Launceston played out a 100-point thriller in the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 1 Shield Final at Sixways, with the Merseysiders holding on to win 55-45, after a sensational second-half from their Cornish opponents.

Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, with all making plenty of memories along the way.

The competition has also showcased rugby’s values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment and sportsmanship during many keenly contested matches

That theme continued in the final matches of the day as three more teams looked to be crowned Papa Johns Community Cup champions.

In the Papa Johns Men’s Regional 1 Plate Final at Sixways, it was Macclesfield that came out on top, winning an entertaining affair 40-26 against Maidenhead.

Widnes claimed glory in the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 1 North Plate, defeating Aldwinians 40-20 thanks to a late double from Jack Krause.

In the last final of the day, Longlevens lifted the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 1 South trophy after a hard-fought 24-11 win over Twickenham.

As well as lifting a trophy, all 29 teams winners across the Papa Johns Community Cup Finals will be entered in a prize to win a visit from a Red Roses’ coach and a free Papa Johns pizza order.

Other teams who competed in the Papa Johns Community Cup competitions also have a chance to win by submitting their best try from the competition.

Also being played at Sixways on Saturday was the U18s National Boys Cup Final. In recognition of The Coronation, players and supporters joined together to give three cheers for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen ahead of the match. Tonbridge Juddians went on to lift the Cup after beating Olney RFC 23 – 12.

For a round up of Papa Johns Community Cup Final action and to watch the games back follow @RFU Twitter and #PapaJohnsCommunityCup