Cornwall win again to book place in Bill Beaumont final
CORNWALL were pushed all the way by a valiant Hertfordshire, but did enough to seal a fifth consecutive trip to Twickenham to defend the Bill Beuamont Cup they have won for the past two seasons.
Sam Matavesi particularly impressed as he crossed the whitewash twice and will be a key figure in the final against Lancashire a week today.
And Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe was delighted with his side.
He said: “This was a big step up, the boys played really well and were pushed all the way by an excellent Hertfordshire.
“We started very well and maintained that pressure, we had to be on top of our game because Herts competed for the full 80, as you expect from a James Shanahan side.
“The support we had was fantastic and that spurred the boys on, especially when under the cosh. I can’t thank them enough.
“We will prepare for next Sunday against our old friends Lancashire and look forward to meeting them once again.”
In ideal conditions Cornwall began brightly scoring an early try through Matavesi following a good run into the Herts’ 22 by Tom Notman. Matt Shepherd kicked the first of his five conversions.
Hertfordshire got level following a dummy from Shanahan near the line, dotting down under the posts for Tom Banks to add the extras.
Despite losing scrumhalf Jack Oulton to injury, Cornwall regained the lead with a try from Lewis Vinnicombe, off a Joe Elderkin pass.
Cornwall maintained the heavy pressure, scoring a third try through Notman before Pier Dotta pulled a converted try back for the visitors.
Playing down the slope in the second half Cornwall again made a great start, notching the bonuspoint try from a catch-and-drive with Richard Brown getting the score.
The game ebbed and flowed with Hertfordshire giving themselves a lifeline thanks to James Apperley’s try, with Banks on the money with the conversion.
But Cornwall made the game safe with Matavesi crossing for his second try when Herts were down to 14 men, quickly followed by a second score from Vinni-
combe, both converted by Shepherd.
Dave Mankee bagged try number seven for Cornwall to send the crowd wild, but the final say went to Herts as Sam Lunnon drove over for Banks to add the conversion.
Herts head coach Shanahan was pleased with his side’s effort.
“I am really proud of them despite all that went on this week we knew we had to come here and get a result,” he said.
“Cornwall were something else – when they put that black and gold jersey on they are transformed, well played to them for their win.”