The Suffolk outfit clinched the National Two East title with a stunning 95-28 demolition of fellow high-flyers Old Albanians in front of a four-figure crowd at Haberden.
He told The Rugby Paper: “It’s amazing, to be honest – I still can’t believe it.
“It’s been five or six years of hard work from a lot of people around the club. To finally get there and achieve it is just incredible.”
Special
He added: “People from Bury and around the area have been supporting us all season.
“It felt like everyone wanted to be there for that moment, which made it even more special.
“I’ve never won a league before. I came here to try and do that and after some tough years, we’ve finally done it.”
Few expected such a one-sided scoreline in what looked recently as a potential title decider with OAs leading the league for the vast majority and coming into the contest in third, but Bury, who ended the season on an eight-match winning run, delivered a statement performance when it mattered most.
“I don’t think anyone thought it was going to be that,” he said. “I thought if things went well, it might be a 20 or 30-point win, but not like that.
“It was a bit of a surprise, but we’ll take it every day of the week.”
Party time: Bury St Edmunds after winning the National Two East title
Devastating attack
Bury’s title charge has been built on a devastating attacking game, racking up 1,128 points across 26 matches – an average of 43 per game.
Yet Kharbouch believes the real strength lies in the spread of contributions rather than individual brilliance.
He added: “We’ve had six or seven lads score over 10 tries this season.
“No one’s right at the very top of the charts, but that just shows how balanced we are. It’s a full team effort.”
That balance is underpinned by a dominant pack and a clinical backline, with Kharbouch quick to highlight the platform laid by the forwards.
“We’ve got four of the best props in the league and one of the best fullbacks as well,” said Kharbouch.
“When you’ve got that front-foot ball, it makes everything easier. The backs can just go and punish teams.”
Fresh perspective
A major factor in Bury’s success has been the transition under new head coach James Shanahan, who joined from Blackheath last summer and has overseen a cultural shift across the club.
“Jacob Ford did a brilliant job before, but Shanners has brought a fresh perspective,” Kharbouch said.
“It’s a whole-club approach now. The seconds have won their league as well and we’ve used 37 players in the first team.
“That just shows how much depth and buy-in we’ve got.”
Individual recognition has followed, with a place in the National Two East Team of the Week for his role in the final round demolition, but Kharbouch insists the celebrations with team-mates meant far more.
“I’m not much of a drinker, but Saturday night was class,” he added. “Just being around people you care about, seeing everyone so happy – that was enough for me.”
Challenge
Kharbouch will now enjoy a rare summer off from international duty with Algeria, having represented the nation in both 15s and sevens in recent years.
He said: “It’s a great experience. A lot of the lads play in France at ProD2 or Federale 1 clubs, a really good level, and therefore the standard’s high.
“But I think my body will appreciate a rest this summer.”
Attention will soon turn to life in National One, where Bury will face a significant step up – but Kharbouch believes the squad is ready.
“We don’t fully know what to expect,” Kharbouch added. “But we’ve worked so hard to get there.
“And we’re excited for the challenge.”
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