Lichfield RFC captain Molly Stewart conceded that the best team won after her side's unbeaten streak ended in heartbreaking fashion at Twickenham on Papa Johns Community Cup finals day.

Stewart’s side led for much of a low-scoring thriller but Old Albanian 2nd XV delivered a sucker-punch two minutes from time, snatching a 12-7 victory in the Women’s Intermediate Cup final at a sun-drenched home of rugby.

After defeating Old Albanian twice during the league season, defeat on hallowed turf was a particularly bitter pill to swallow but Stewart insisted her team should hold their heads up high.

“It’s not a nice feeling, our first loss of the season so we’re not feeling great, but Old Albanian really deserve it, they took it to us,” said Stewart.

“It was hot and horrible, we missed out on a few key things today and they punished us for it.

“We all got some special t-shirts for the game and with a presentation which was really nice and it’s great to be a part of this team, we’re all so close.

“We didn’t get the result today but we had a great season, so we need to keep our eyes on that.”

A cagey first half saw just the one try scored, with Lichfield making the most of a two-on-one out wide as full-back Eleanor Udall set up wing Hattie Roberts to go over before Udall added the extras.

The second half was a similar story with very little to split the sides. Old Albanian got themselves on the board when Emily Eves’ pinpoint cross-kick found Madelene Vaughan-Johncey, but an unsuccessful conversion attempt left Lichfield a nose in front.

Then with just two minutes remaining, Old Albanian centre Lucy Lawford-Wilby struck, sneaking round the blind side undetected to dot down for a dramatic victory.

“That’s the toughest game we’ve had all season, we’ve not experienced that – it wasn’t our day, unfortunately,” said second row Stewart.

“We’ve beaten them twice already but just couldn’t make it third time lucky, at least we’ve got our promotion and we’re going up so we’ve got to remember that and relish that.

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 absolutely incredible experience, we had the best journey to get here and not everyone gets the opportunity to play at Twickenham,” added Stewart.

“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime thing. “We’re so lucky we’ve had the chance to play here and I’m so proud of everyone.”

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