There was disappointment for Chester RUFC trio Gavin Woods, Rhys Hayes and Mike Craven as Cheshire lost out 35-13 to Cornwall in the final of the Bill Beaumont Cup at Twickenham.

Experienced prop Woods and dangerous centre Hayes both started the game with forward Craven among the replacements as Cheshire looked to repeat their last success in the competition when they defeated Cornwall 21-14 in 1998.

But the Hare Lane trio and their team-mates came up against a determined and confident Cornish side at the home of English rugby.

Cornwall controlled much of the first half and they deservedly went 12-0 in front after 11 minutes via Billy Searle and Sam Matavesi touchdowns.

Cheshire managed to keep themselves in contention through Macclesfield hooker Paul Millea’s converted try and Caldy fly-half Jack Lavin’s penalty, but successive Matt Shepherd three-pointers kept them at arm’s length.

Lavin reduced the arrears at the start of the second period but the black and gold were dominant from thereon in, adding 17 more points through Herbie Stupple and Shepherd, who scored a try, two conversions and a penalty after the interval.

Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott leads his team through the tunnel formed by the Cheshire players following the game
Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott leads his team through the tunnel formed by the Cheshire players following the game

Following the game, Cornwall head coach Grahame Dawe said: "It's a special day for Cornish rugby. We were calculated and organised today which I think was the difference between the two sides.

"To win this competition two years in a row is fantastic and our team showed how good they are this afternoon. We came up against a very tough Cheshire side. We were very impressed by the quality of their players.

"This means a lot to the many supporters who are here and to all involved in Cornish rugby."

Cheshire defeated Lancashire in the semi-final 27-11 at Sedgley Park to set up their trip to Twickenham.