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Maidstone coach Paul Hathaway reaction to winning RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham against Bridgnorth

Maidstone coach Paul Hathaway with the trophy. Picture: Martin Apps
Maidstone coach Paul Hathaway with the trophy. Picture: Martin Apps

Lifting the RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham was the icing on the cake for Maidstone coach Paul Hathaway.

The victory marked the end of an incredible season for Maidstone who went undefeated in a league campaign that saw them return to London 1 South for the first time in five years.

Hathaway said: "This year we've built a new team and employed a different style of play and the proof that our efforts have worked can be seen in the way we won the league and the icing on the cake with the win at Twickenham.

"Based on (Twickenham) it doesn't get much better, obviously we're looking to push on next season but in September we said we'd win the league and the cup, and we've done both of those things."

The Stones got to the home of England Rugby at the third time of asking with an impressive 44-13 semi-final win against Coney Hill last month.

On Sunday they proved they weren't content with just getting to the final, and overwhelmed undefeated Bridgnorth in the first half before withstanding a late fightback to win 31-18.

Hathaway, who has already voiced his desire to take the team to the national leagues, said: "We came here knowing the pressure of the occasion on a lot of players was going to be immense, but we asked them to try and keep cool heads, try and keep control of the game and keep the tempo up and I couldn't have asked for a better start.

"We've worked on our offloading game and we've got a mobile pack and exciting back line and I think Bridgnorth were shocked by the intensity of our game and were made to chase the match.

"The players are happy, I'm happy and that win caps what has been an excellent season for us."

Maidstone lift the RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham on Sunday. Picture: Martin Apps
Maidstone lift the RFU Intermediate Cup at Twickenham on Sunday. Picture: Martin Apps
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