INDIA Harvey enjoyed an afternoon to remember as she skippered the Essex women’s rugby team to County Championship glory.

The Hockley based Harvey bagged a late try to help Essex beat Eastern Counties 15-7 in the final.

And that meant Harvey got to lift the winning trophy at Twickenham, the home of English rugby.

“Lifting the trophy in front of the Twickenham crowd is a feeling I’ll never forget,” said Harvey.

“Having my team-mates walk in front of me and guiding us up to the Royal Box was euphoric.

“Lifting the trophy while my name was echoed out and seeing the pleased faces on my team-mates was incredible.”

And Harvey - who plays her club rugby for the successful Thurrock T-Birds - felt the moment was among the very best she has ever experienced.

“Personally for me it has to be one of the best moments,” said Harvey.

“Winning the county final after such a tough game, and lifting the trophy at Twickenham is something I’ll remember to the day I die.

“I still don’t think I’ve taken the smile of my face.”

But Essex’s success was hard to come by as Eastern Counties proved to be tough opponents in the final.

“The game was incredibly tough and the teams were very well matched,” said Harvey.

“The physicality shown on the pitch was impressive and the fact it was only 3-0 at half time shows how hard both teams were to break down.

“We definitely had the majority of the possession but we struggled to cross the line.

“The close score is how a final should be and just proving how we both deserved to be there.

“But for me it was amazing to be able to score in the 70th minute to be able to clinch the win.”

And the victory also delighted Essex coach David Northfield.

“The girls put on a great show for the crowd and got us our first County Championship win,” said Northfield.

“The first half was a close fought match and we found it hard to break through their defence.

“But we did it in the end and to receive thee medals in the Royal Box at Twickenham while the England and Barbarians teams warmed up on the pitch was second to none.

“India Harvey captained the team and looked every bit the player she has become.

“But the squad is already looking forward to competing in next season’s competition and are hoping to make it three final in three years.”