INDIA Harvey was left suffering mixed emotions after helping Essex’s women’s rugby team reach the final of the Gill Burns Women’s County Championships.

The Hockley based centre was overjoyed to help Essex see off Buckinghamshire 38-24 at East London Rugby Club on Saturday.

But the 24-year-old, who played a leading part in the success, is also frustrated that only the men’s county final will be played at Twickenham.

“It’s gutting not to play at Twickenham when I think all the girls had their hearts set on it,” said the former Greensward Academy pupil.

“However, it’s a little better knowing our post match meals and celebrations will be there.

“It’s also incredibly pleasing to have got to the final by winning on Saturday.

“It was something we hoped for but didn’t really expect.

“We went into Saturday’s game as the underdogs but we played so well as a team, which resulted in us getting the win and it’s great for Essex rugby we got there.”

Harvey, who was one of six Thurrock T-Birds players in the starting line-up, now has her sights set on helping Essex see off Leicestershire in the final, which will be played at Richmond on Sunday.

And she is confident of securing more success “On the back of Saturday’s result I think Essex feel we have such a great chance of winning,” said Harvey.

“If we take the mentality we had on Saturday to the final, we are in with a great shot.

“I don’t think Essex have any idea what Leicestershire are about so it will be an interesting game but I’m sure the coaches are currently doing all their research.

“It’s also a very early kick off so prep will have to be key.

“All the coaches and managers have been incredible and will continue to help us right up to the final.”

Essex’s appearance in the final comes after a successful group stage which saw them play four matches.

And Harvey believes things are coming together nicely for the team.

“The majority of players play for different clubs and it’s been tough throughout some of the games but on Saturday it all finally came together and we played to our strengths,” said Harvey.

“Training was great on Thursday so I had a good feeling for Saturday’s match.

“I started playing after the first group game and it’s great to be involved.”