GLOUCESTERSHIRE took Twickenham by storm today, with jubilant fans of the victorious Longlevens and Newent teams savouring their day of fun in the sun.
Hundreds of supporters made the trip to the home of English rugby to see first Longlevens and then Newent pick up precious silverware following spectacular performances.
Longlevens defeated Rugby Lions 23-12 in the Junior Vase final before Newent's green army secured a 20-13 victory over Yarnbury to bring home the Senior Vase.
Gloucester City Council leader and rugby fan Paul James said the atmosphere at the ground was electric. Speaking from Twickenham, he said: "What people were saying was the Longlevens lads were really nervous, but that didn't show on the pitch where they started strongly and built up a big lead.
"There was a real exodus from Longlevens and nine coaches full came, and others made their way by car, which is good going. Longlevens and Gloucester should be very proud of what the team has achieved as this doesn't happen very often."
Mayor of Gloucester councillor Chris Chatterton also made the trip to Twickenham and said it was "fantastic" to see Newent and Longlevens supporters cheer each other on. His seven-year-old son William plays for Longlevens under-sevens and added: "The junior set-up all came down to support the big guys and what an inspiration it is for them to see – people in their club shirt playing and winning at Twickenham."
Both teams left for Twickenham a day early to prepare for their games and more than 250 fans turned out on the streets of Newent to send off the green army on Saturday. Mayor of Newent councillor Roger Beard said: "It has been a great day for Gloucestershire. It was absolutely terrific. The roar was great when they came on to the pitch and the green army has done us proud."
Newent captain Tristan Veale said: "The support we get from people around the area is just unbelievable. We had nine or 10 coach loads coming up today and that just gives you that little bit more to get the win."
And Longlevens captain Jed Holman-Jones added: "Most of my family were here, Mum, Dad, brothers, grandmother, aunties, cousins. It's just brilliant.
"My mum and dad are the stewards of the club so it means a lot to my whole family. I'm the oldest but my brothers all play for the club's age grades. It's a great day. We're not just a team, this club is a family."
