DIVISION 3

Dorset & Wilts 24 - 22 Essex

DORSET & Wilts lifted the Division Three title with a 24-22 victory over Essex in the final at Richmond RFC.

The Twin Counties then had the honour of lifting the trophy at Twickenham, with former England captain Beaumont presenting them with the silverware at half-time of England’s game against the Barbarians.

Essex started the better and it was against the run of play when North Dorset fly-half Sam Baker opened the scoring with a penalty in the eighth minute to put the Twin Counties in front.

The lead lasted until the 22nd minute when Barking hooker Marcus Bloomberg crashed over the Counties line following a forward drive to touch down.

Swindon winger Ollie Wilson then showed a clean pair of heels to run in a try, with Baker slotting the conversion.

On the stroke of halftime, Essex ensured a two-point advantage following a try from Brentwood wing Chay Pollinger, with Thurrock full-back Jake Burrand’s conversion making the score 12-10.

Burrand landed a penalty to widen the margin before Baker burst free to score and his conversion put the Twin Counties back in front at 17-15.

Royal Wootton Bassett forward Kyle Lovell picked up from the base of a scrum to dive over and Baker’s convesrion saw his side well in control.

Trowbridge centre Shai Bonnick was yellow carded and Essex flanker Charlie Russo crossed the whitewash for a try.

Pollinger converted to cut the deficit to two points but after Bonnick returned to the fray, Dorset & Wilts were able to run the clock down.