A late try by centre Moses Tuiba earned Cheltenham North an historic victory over Honiton at Dings Crusaders on Saturday.

It was converted by fly-half Jack Fowler to secure a 38-32 win in the Papa John’s Cup Counties 2 South Plate final.

Honiton play in Counties 2 Devon and like Cheltenham North, who play in Counties 2 Gloucestershire North, had finished runners-up in their 12-strong division.

“We were well aware it was going to be a humdinger,” said Cheltenham North chairman Paul Carter.

“They’d won 18 league games like we had, their points difference was a bit better than ours and the bonus points were about the same. So we knew it was going to close.”

And the spectators weren't disappointed.

“It ding-donged throughout the game,” continued Carter. “I’m very happy that we won, it was a great weekend.

“It was an historic day because we’d never won a national final before. The atmosphere in the club was buzzing on Saturday evening.”

And Carter was delighted that Tuiba and Fowler were centre stage in the victory celebrations.

“Moses has played in every position for us this season, he’s a proper utility player,” he said.

“And Jack’s place-kicking has been amazing, I think he scored well over 300 points in the league. He was voted our most improved player this season and also got the players’ player award.”  

Carter is already looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign.

“We’ve had our best season for a long time and we want to kick on,” he said. “We are looking to appoint an RDO who will be responsible for combining all aspects of rugby at the club.”

Interviews for the position of rugby development officer are expected to start soon.

The North, who were founded in 1905, booked their place in Saturday’s final with home wins over Cirencester (39-26) and Chipstead (26-21) after being given walkovers in the first couple of rounds by Hucclecote and Berry Hill.