Latest news with #PapaJohnsMen'sCounties3&BelowChampionshipFinal
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach 'proudest man in the world' after win in Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final
By Mohamed Hamza at Twickenham Old Otliensians head coach Andy Hinchcliffe declared himself 'the proudest man in the world' after his side outmatched Old Georgians 35-26 in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. A formidable four-try burst from wing and leading county try scorer Will Howarth alongside an effort from Luke Cowdell helped Old Otliensians hold off their opponents in a thrilling back-and-forth battle at the home of English rugby. Having watched his side take the final step in their journey to become champions, Hinchcliffe's pride in his players was plain to see. 'I can't put it into words. I'm over the moon!', enthused Hinchcliffe. 'I'm the proudest man in the world. 'It was an extremely hard game and a wonderful contest that was perfect for where we were at. 'Just a great game between two very good sides and it could've easily gone either way but I'm absolutely delighted for the players. 'We've been through a lot in the last couple of years so it has been quite emotional. 'Will has had a great season. He is a very dangerous player but he is given the opportunity by the players around him and he is exceptionally quick and scores a lot of tries from half chances but the lads put him in a position to do that and he'll say the same himself. The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023 where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. Hinchcliffe added: 'It's a fantastic competition. To have a national competition for clubs like ours, where you get to play local clubs a lot and get to know them and also get to different places and play different sides you've never come across before makes it a fantastic tournament. 'Long may it continue.'
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
