Longlevens and Smiths in Community Cup triumphs - but disappointment for Drybrook, Cirencester and Widden

Longlevens captain Tom Griffiths dedicated the club’s Papa Johns Community Cup success to double centurion and Twickenham try-scorer Steve Phillips.

The Gloucester side shone bright in the south-west London sun, sweeping Widnes aside for a 25-19 victory in the Counties 1 Championship final.

Cup glory capped a perfect season for Griffiths’ side, who backed up their league promotion with a memorable cup triumph at the home of rugby.

“It’s pretty special to be honest, something we’ve been building towards all season, we’re an incredibly tight group of boys, most people at the club have played since they were seven or eight years old and come through all the junior age groups” said Griffiths.

“There were times when we doubted ourselves this season but getting there in the end is a surreal feeling to finish that off with a last dance.

“Special mention to our number 8 Steve Phillips playing his 200th game for the day, it’s a special day for him and I’m glad we could get a win for that.

“He battled over, he’s a big bit of kit to stop and he’s been awesome this year, so we’ll enjoy tonight and I think we’ve earned a bit of time off.”

Centre James Butler got Longlevens off to a flier before Matt Smith tore a hole in the Widnes defence to score a second try at the midway point of the half.

After weathering the initial Longlevens onslaught, Widnes grew into the game and were on the board when prop Matt Lawton burrowed over.

Back came Longlevens and they restored a two-score cushion when Phillips crashed over in the corner before Brad Wilkins kicked a penalty to push the Gloucester side 20-7 in front with the last act of the first half.

Tom Barton’s late try sealed a deserved victory for Longlevens, though there was still time for a consolation at the death from Widnes’ Allan Breeden.

“Credit to Widnes, they threw everything at us,” Griffiths said. “They were a very good team, held the ball well and were very physical.

“They should hold their heads up high, we got the better of them today but that could have gone either way and we wish them the best of luck next season.”

“When you peak at a final like that it’s almost written in the stars so we couldn’t be happier with how it’s all gone.

“We’ll enjoy our celebrations and remember what’s been an awesome season.”

Smiths claimed the Counties 2 South Plate honours at Shaftesbury Park, beating Harrow 31-29.

Marcus Raymond scored two tries, with a penalty try and a score for Duncan Spurrier giving them their other scores, while Raymond kicked three conversions and two penalties.

The Regional 2 South Plate final saw Drybrook go down 42-29 to Reeds Weybridge.

Drybrook led 14-0 inside 10 minutes as Sam Peaper and Danny Price crossed the whitewash with Sonny Greenman on target with the boot.

Reeds hit back with a try but a well-executed rolling maul set up a good ball for Luke Roberts to force his way in at the corner. Greenman nailed the conversion and Drybrook led 21-7.

Weybridge grabbed two tries to cut the lead to 21-19 before Drybrook roared back with a penalty from Greenman to extend the lead to five points.

But when they lost possession in the Weybridge 22, they conceded a try to go in 26-24 down at half-time.

Weybridge extended their lead with a penalty but Peaper popped up to grab his second try and level the scores.

Two penalties put the Surrey side 35-29 up and Drybrook battered the Weybridge line but they turned the ball over to go the length of the field for the converted try that won the game.

Tom Dykes scored Cirencester’s sole try in the Counties 2 South Shield final as they lost 44-16 to Saracens Amateurs, Will Lowe kicking the rest of their points.

In the Counties 3 & Below South Plate final, Widden Old Boys lost 53-14 to Worth Old Boys with tries for Josh Yeomans and George Morse, both converted by Jordan Walker.

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