Cheltenham Tigers captain Rhi Parker says she could not have wished for a better end to her first season at the club after her side roared to Twickenham glory on Papa Johns Community Cup finals day.  

Tigers thumped Thurrock 42-10 to retain their Women’s Championship Playoff crown in front of hundreds of friends and family at a sun-drenched home of rugby, 

Scrum-half Parker believes their second successive win on hallowed turf underlines the dedication and focus within the squad.

“To do it once is a privilege, to do it back to back is a credit to the girls, to the coaching team who put the effort in on the cold nights when you don’t want to be there,” said Parker.

“To come out and perform when we needed it and stick to our processes was incredible.

“For the girls doing it back to back, I think the second time it is just a little bit sweeter, proving we are the best in the league.”

Georgia Davey, Zoe Heeley, Georgie Daniells and Emma Hennessy all became Twickenham try-scorers in a one-sided first half which saw Tigers lead 29-0 at the break.

Thurrock threatened a comeback with a sensational solo score from Jessica Pettafor and a fine try soon after from Hannah Thornhill but replacement hooker Penny Bevan hit back with a five-pointer to settle Tigers nerves and seal victory.

“We just wanted to finish the job,” said Parker. “It is easy to get a little bit complacent, so it’s important to finish the job, stick to processes and have a bit of fun along the way.

“Playing on a pitch with a bit more width, our wingers enjoy that, so it was a great experience.”

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 an incredible experience playing at Twickenham and great to enjoy the little moments, the journey along the way and remember who we are playing for,” added Parker.

“We have come across some good competition and even when games have been running away in our favour, we've managed to stay grounded.

“It’s really nice to finish the job here and I feel like we have got what we deserve.”

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