What an experience for the players and supporters alike, the faithful traveled on mass to HQ to support Havant's 1stXV in the Papa Johns Community Regional 1 'Final'. Hooks Lane was heaving at lunchtime as seven coaches made their way to the home of English rugby, with even more, making their way by car and train.

The players were greeted at the Twickenham gates with a thunderous noise, Nick Whittle at the front holding a picture of Mick Chalk, oh how beaming with pride he must have been looking down upon us all.

The Lower West stand started filling up with Havant and Driffield supporters, and as they mingled the tension was palpable.

Will Knight picked pretty much the same squad, with Will Brock moving to the 2nd row in place of the missing Ross Parkin and Sean Shepherd returning to the starting line-up in the back row. Chris Buckett was named as one of the replacements.

As both teams came out of the tunnel the noise in the stadium was deafening. Both sets of fans waving banners, blowing horns, and of course the rattles those damn rattles.

The whole experience of watching Havant at Twickenham was surreal the game went by in a flash, in fact, the whole day flew by.

So, so proud of the players, fighting till the end with the game already lost! To be fair I wouldn't have expected anything less from this close-knit group of players. They play for the badge and the experience of playing in front of the vociferous "Faithful" not coin! Beyond proud!

The game itself was one of Havant defending for large periods, especially in the first half whilst down to 14 men then 13 with yellows cards. Havant found themselves down by 10 points in the opening ten minutes before Joel Knight cooly slotted over a penalty to calm the nerves.

Havant certainly had their moments in the first half but were finding it hard to break the Driffield line. In fact, Driffield had the same problem breaking the Havant line. A fair but bruising contest.

Finally, on forty-plus minutes Havant forced Driffield back, defending their 5m line Driffield tried desperately to keep Havant out. Havant's pack kept the momentum going forward when Armandus Morgan found enough space to creep over, Joel Knight kicked the extras, and the game was tied going into half-time.

Half-time Driffield 10 Havant 10

With key injuries in the first half, the 2nd period was going to be tough. Those that came on defended like lions but Driffield found a way through again when a kick-through and chase ended with a try. Driffield back in front at 17-10.

Both defences were on top form with both teams having a real go, fine margins kept the score at 17-10 till...

The defining points came on sixty-seven and sixty-nine minutes when Driffield exposed our flanks with their big ball carriers and offloading skills too much for the cover defence. The two tries gave Driffield a very healthy lead at 31-10 with ten minutes to go. A penalty minutes later all but sealed Havant's fate at 34-10.

Havant however never gave up and a consolation try by Tam Lindsay on seventy-eight minutes had the faithful cheering from the stands again, it would be the last meaningful action of a pulsating cup final. Huge credit to Driffield well-deserved champions on the day.

Full-time Driffield 34 Havant 17

But what an experience, a day I'm sure will live long in the memory of those that made the trip to HQ to watch the Mighty 'Hav' on the hallowed turf.

Will Knight's thoughts
"What an amazing experience. I cannot fault any one of the 22 players who wore the badge with such pride today.
Congratulations to Driffield they were excellent and took their opportunities very well, we fought for every minute of the game and some of the defence was fantastic.
We have loved every minute of this cup competition and to end such a great season here at Twickenham is just unreal.
The support for the team today was so brilliant, we couldn't get the win but I hope we have made you all proud."