WESTCLIFF Under-11s coach Peter Mahoney says his young side had "the time of their lives" after playing a part at the Aviva Premiership Rugby final at Twickenham.

The young side won their place at the famous ground after triumphing at the Premiership Rugby Cup at Saracens’ ground last October.

Aiden Hall, Joshua Weyeneth, Ellis Tremain, Connor Mahoney, Martha Smith, Aaron Castle, Isaac Phillips, Rory Colleran, Dylan Sykes, Charlie Black and Joe Gutteridge went to Twickenham, although youngsters Flynn Wright and Callum Faint missed out as they were on a school trip.

They, and 11 other representatives from the 11 other teams in the Premiership, soaked in the atmosphere at Saturday’s final, as well as meeting some of the game’s greats including World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson and fellow former England international Lewis Moody.

And they helped cheer winners Saracens across the finish line as they beat Exeter Chiefs 28-20 in a thrilling final, with Mahoney delighted the youngsters were able to enjoy the occasion.

“It was a brilliant day,” said Mahoney. “It was their prize for winning the rugby cup at Saracens and they had the time of their lives.

“They met some of the former players and sat in on a Question & Answer session with Martin Johnson and Lewis Moody before going out to watch the game. We had a considerably easier journey that some of the other teams as well, with one coming from Warrington (in Lancashire).

“We couldn’t get enough tickets for the entire squad of 40 but 13 boys did go and had a great time.”

Mahoney was also supporting former Westcliff youth player Jackson Wray, who played the final 31 minutes for Saracens.

The Westcliff coach was formerly the Director of Rugby at Barking, which was where the young Saracens star spent a spell in 2010 as he bid to get a first taste of senior rugby.

And he said he was so pleased to see Wray play his part in the final triumph.

“I know Jackson well and all the kids gave him a big cheer when he came on,” he said. “He came down to the club a few weeks ago and did a session with the kids which was good of him.

“He has gone on to have a very successful season and long may it continue.”

Westcliff thanked A&R Elite Scaffolding for sponsoring the personalised shirts worn on the day.

Mahoney added Westcliff RFC Lion Cubs (aged two to five-years-old) and Minis (School Years 1 to 7) welcomes new players and anyone interested should contact him at petermahoney@me.com for more details.