SCRUM-HALF Harry Branch believes winning at Twickenham took an already successful season for Southend Saxons to another level.

Southend dug deep to beat Northampton Old Scouts 35-26 in the Papa Johns Regional Two Championship final.

And Branch, who was among the Saxons’ try-scorers, was beaming with delight at the final whistle.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have such a great group this year and being part of it has just been amazing,” said Branch, 30.

“Everyone bought in and there are a lot of players who didn’t play at Twickenham who could’ve played. We’ve used about 40 boys this season and the reason we made it here is because of the togetherness of all the players and the backroom staff.

“It was amazing to win the league and for the Priors, who have been brilliant as well, to win two trophies but to win at Twickenham is just something else for us all. And for Vaughany (Chris Vaughan) to score in his last ever game as well was just the icing on the cake.”

But Branch was also delighted to add his own name onto the score-sheet.

“My mum was sobbing at the end saying she couldn’t believe I scored and it means so much to everyone,” said Branch, whose dad Nigel also played for the club.

“This club means so much to all my family.

“I’ve been here since I was 17. I had a period at Westcliff I really enjoyed before coming back about five years ago now and it’s been brilliant.”