For Steve Currie, rugby stalwart and a director in the Stoke office of corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, appearing at Twickenham seemed a dream but he achieved the feat as part of Stoke RUFC's success in lifting the Intermediate Cup Final, beating Aylesford Bulls 16-10. 

A big day out after 18 years of loyal service and 500 appearances. 

He was thrust on to the biggest stage of all when coming off the bench in the 53 rd minute to add fresh impetus as things got tight. 

And an occasion which highlighted the important connections between business and sport. 

Steve, as important a member of the Begbies Traynor team as he is for his club, said: "I hadnever played at Twickenham before, so it was fantastic to get the opportunity because of the length of time I've been turning out.

"And to win into the bargain was just wonderful. It was a great performance by the team - just like in my role at Begbies Traynor, team work is everything.

"I just felt so proud for the lads and the city. It was a brilliant day and the celebrations afterwards were equally brilliant." 

The 37-year-old prop can recall the halcyon days when Stoke competed at National League level. They are now in Midlands Two West (North), just missing out on promotion this season when coming third.

Steve has seen his fair share of promotion and relegations. 

He said: "I never really thought about playing at Twickenham when we went through the hard times. But we have built an ethos of producing our own players, which has come to fruition. It was great to be involved in a game which was one of the greatest days in our history. 

"Having all these youngsters, one or two probably not born when I started playing, makes me realise how long I've been turning out. But I'm not the oldest - Richard Brown is 44, so he takes that honour. He joined the club about a week before me, but he's still showing no signs of slowing down." 

Currie's Stoke career made a flying start as his first season with the club, in 1993, culminated in them achieving their highest ever position with a third-placed finish in Area Three North - now known as National Two North. Conversely, one of his lowest points arrived when he skippered the Stoke side that were relegated to Midlands Three West in 2002. He relinquished the captaincy, and was part of the team that bounced back immediately.

His one regret from the Intermediate Cup victory was that it clashed with Stoke City's historic appearance in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, sadly losing 1-0 to Manchester City.

"I've followed Stoke City since I was 10 and managed to get six corporate tickets for Wembley. I was even organising the trip," he explained.

"I had to give my ticket away. It was a pity that City couldn't quite do it, but it was a fantastic achievement getting to the final. I would have loved to have been there despite the side losing.

"But, to be honest, I could never have turned down the chance of running out at Twickenham."

 Asked about the synergies he sees between rugby and business, he said: "Rugby and sport in general teaches you important lessons you can use every day in your work.

"You go in on a Monday with a fresh mind having blown away all life's frustrations on the pitch. You learn discipline, teamwork and loyalty to club and colleagues, all important in the corporate world.

"You learn to take on responsibility - there is no hiding place once a game is under way.

"And just as in corporate recovery your decision-making has to be good." 

 Indeed he was full of praise for Begbies Traynor who stepped in with sponsorship which allowed Stoke to travel down to the capital the day before their big match, stopping overnight near Heathrow.

"It was a lovely gesture from the firm and very much appreciated.

"It allowed us to avoid the FA Cup Final traffic and be as fully prepared and as relaxed as we could be. These are the things that make a vital difference when matches are close as in the cup game.

"This was a classic case of sport and business working together to the benefit of their community. The rugby club made history, the Begbies Traynor name was there in lights and it all helps to build the Stoke brand as a proud and vital city which can offer much to sport, business and the country." 

For the record, second-half tries from Simon Price and Wayne Dicken, plus two penalties from fly-half Steve Talbot, afforded the Hartwell Lane club their moment in the spotlight. 

The final whistle was greeted with jubilant scenes from the Stoke players and their supporters.

For more information about Begbies Traynor, please visit their website here: www.begbies-traynorgroup.com