SOUTHEND Saxons completed a stunning season with a superb 36-25 win against Northampton Old Scouts at Twickenham on Saturday.
The victory, which was Southend’s 25th in succession, came in the final of the Papa Johns Regional Two Championship.
And co-captain Ben Lloyd admitted winning at the world famous home of English
rugby was the best way to end an incredible campaign.
“It was truly a brilliant day and we couldn’t have asked for a better year,” said the fly-half.
“The thing that stands out for me is the size of the travelling support.
“We had six coaches full come from the club but there was a huge amount who also went direct, it was incredible.
“At times in the game where we were having to dig really deep the noise from that part of the stand was huge and gave us massive energy.
“I’m delighted that we were able to give them what they deserve.”
Southend have already been crowned Regional Two Anglia league champions this season while their Priors side also completed a league and cup double.
But Lloyd initially struggled to recall too much of Saturday’s success.
“The game itself is a bit of a blur and I’ll need to watch it back,” said Lloyd.
“The first 20 minutes was one of the most intense physically that I’ve been in.
“Both teams were naturally pumped up by the whole thing and there was no holding back.
“We had to defend for large parts and it was just body on the line stuff.”
However, Southend were worthy winners and Lloyd was quick to praise everyone involved.
“I couldn’t be any prouder of this group," said Lloyd.
“It really has been a squad effort and a lot of boys really stepped up at key moments.
“The progress of the group over the five years that I have been at the club has been a joy to be a part of.
"It’s been an incredible season, to have gone unbeaten for 25 games is exceptional and to finish it off in that fashion at Twickenham will be hard to match.”
