TWO-TRY Twickenham hero Tom Sly joked he was
Southend Saxons’ lucky charm after helping them win the Papa Johns Regional Two Championship final.
The Australian full-back produced another impressive performance to help Southend beat Northampton Old Scouts 35-26 at the world famous stadium.
And the victory also meant Sly ended his first season at Southend without having lost a single match.
“I was a bit late over because of my mate’s wedding so I missed the first game of the season and haven’t lost a game over here yet,” said Sly.
“I do tell the boys I am the magic pill but it’s been unreal. Being with this group of boys is just awesome and I’m loving it.”
Southend ended the season with 25 victories in succession.
But the best was arguably left to last as they triumphed in front of a partisan Southend crowd at Twickenham.
I’ve never played at a stadium like this before and to run out at the home of
rugby is awesome,” said Sly.
“I think it took me a couple of minutes to settle in and it was just unbelievable.
"Hearing the crowd as loud as they were as well was unbelievable too.
"Looking round to see them and hear them was unreal and made a difference too.”
Southend needed that backing and did not have things all their own way against their strong opponents.
“Northampton came to play and we knew they would come for us,” said Sly.
“It swayed one way to another and I just feel we always backed each other. There was never any doubt and it’s just the best way to end the season.”
Sly will be back with Southend again next season and remains incredibly grateful for the backing of those closest to him.
“My fiancée put her life on pause to come over with me,” said Sly.
“She’s really successful and paused her life to I could chase my dreams. She’s amazing and I have so much support back home too.
“I’ve got about 80 texts saying well played and how they’re off to bed because it’s 4am now!”
