CHESHIRE lifted the County Championship Shield in glorious sunshine after staging a dramatic second-half fightback at Twickenham on Saturday.
Making their second appearance at rugby’s HQ in four seasons, Cheshire faced Hertfordshire in the showcase final after winning all of their three group games.
Hoping to replicate their 2006 success and backed by a couple of hundred supporters who made the long journey for the 10am kick off, Cheshire started in the worst possible manner.
Two tries and a penalty left them with a mountain to climb, and despite some late pressure of the Hertfordshire line, Cheshire trailed 15-0 at half-time.
A Gavin Roberts penalty early into the second period restored some belief in the travelling support and soon Cheshire had drawn level thanks to a tries from second-half substitutes and Caldy duo Roberts and prop Derek Salisbury.
Another Roberts penalty nudged Cheshire into the lead before Northwich-based full back Ben Coulbeck scored in the corner to make it 23-15 with 18 minutes to go.
Coulbeck’s Manchester clubmate Patrick Leach capped a fine display at inside centre and completed a memorable fightback with a try.
A shellshocked Hertforshire earned a consolation try late on but it was Cheshire who ended the day in triumph with the final score at 30-22.
After the whistle, Coulbeck, 26, said: “In many ways that was more satisfying than 2006. To show such character and come back from 15-0 down is a great credit to everyone associated with the county this season.
“To be fair, Hertfordshire gave us an almighty scare but in the end the talent of this young squad shone through.
“To get on the scoresheet was a dream come true. It was only from a couple of yards out but they all count. It’s my first at Twickers so I’ll always remember it.
“It’s been a great season and the management, coaches, players and supporters deserved their day in the sun and to sink a few beers.”
After their success, Cheshire are promoted back to the county’s elite and will contest the Bill Beaumont Cup against old enemies Lancashire and Yorkshire next season.
