LACK of good possession hindered Cheshire as they began their County Championship campaign with a 26-16 defeat against Lancashire at Preston.
Cheshire, who included Gavin Woods and Paul Campbell from Chester and the Caldy duo of Marcus Coast and Jake Lyon, could not capitalise on wind advantage in the opening period and trailed 13-6 at the break, with New Brighton's Anthony Birley landing a couple of penalties.
Lancashire went on to achieve four tries in all and a brace of penalties, but Cheshire kept in touch with tries from sub Andy Fuller and Isaac Richmond.
Cheshire play Yorkshire at Hull Ionians tomorrow and are not expected to make many changes in their starting line-up. nCheshire Under 20s gained a fine 27-10 victory over Hampshire at Southampton on Sunday and it means they will make a first appearance at Twickenham in the final of the U20 County Championship.
Yorkshire, who beat Gloucester 17-11 in the other semi-final, stand in their way of the title. The two counties finished first and second in the Northern group to qualify for the knockout stages, and it promises to be a ding-dong tussle on Sunday, May 29.
They were always in the driving seat against Hampshire, well marshalled by Birkenhead Park's Alex Davies at stand-off. But it was a terrific all-round team performance which carried the day.
Rob Ledner from Wirral gained a first-half try for Cheshire and Caldy's Ben Fedigan crossed later. Davies was successful with one conversion, four penalties and a drop goal.
Hampshire had to settle for a converted try and a penalty.
'It is a highly satisfying result,' said Cheshire president Graeme Marrs. 'The team and the off-field workers deserve all they get. Hopefully, this will add to the development of rugby in the county.'
