County Championship news from the South West
May
CORNWALL head into Saturday's Bill Beaumont Cup clash against Hertfordshire, at Hertford RFC, knowing they must defeat their pool rivals to keep any championship hopes alive this season.
After losing 31-17 to their South West rivals Devon last weekend in the championship opener, the Cornish side are already on the back-foot.
And Head Coach Dave Thomas is hoping it will be third time lucky for his side on Hertfordshire soil as Cornwall have come off second best in their last two outings on their turf, losing in 2008 and 2007.
"This is a game we must win," said county stalwart Thomas. "It's a really big match as both of us know that everything is at stake in the Bill Beaumont Cup.
"It's no doubt going to be a tough game. Although I think we are a better side now, we have lost to Hertfordshire twice on their turf in recent years so we really are hoping it's going to be third time lucky.
"Losing to Devon in the opener has hampered our campaign. They were much more organised than us and had a bigger pack, and on the day were the better team. We know we can improve but at the same time Saturday's game is going to be just as tough because both teams have so much at stake."
DEVON meanwhile take on GLOUCESTERSHIRE at home in what could be a winner takes all match when it comes to one team from the South West division reaching the Bill Beaumont Cup final at Twickenham on May 30th.
In Division Two of the Bill Beaumont Cup SOMERSET have it all to play for against Kent at Taunton RFC. With both teams winning their opening clashes this game looks set to be a crucial clash as Team Manager John Williams acknowledges.
"We are all aware of what is at stake in this game," said Williams. "This is a crucial match and we must take advantage of our home status. It's not going to be an easy game as Kent have proved they are a good side and we know they will be fielding players from some very strong clubs."
Despite Somerset opening their championship campaign with a 35-18 victory over Middlesex Williams says Head Coach Clive Book will definitely be looking for an improvement.
He added: "We won last weekend, but we started the game very slowly and we know we have got to work on that. In the second half we were much better and we have to ensure we take that into this game from the first whistle.
"Kent will be a much stronger opposition, and much bigger. It is good we have learned our lessons early on, but we must now step up. We are all aware how crucial this match is."
In the County Championship Shield DORSET & WILTS appear to be putting their past history of poor results in the tournament firmly behind them.
The Twin Counties have recorded back to back wins over Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and now must win their final pool game against Sussex at Lewes RFC, kick off 3pm, to safely book their place in the semi finals.
Coach Simon Culley said: "It is absolutely vital that we win this game to book our place in the semi finals, but also to book a home semi final game.
"The lads have done brilliantly and we have made some good progress, considering just two seasons ago we couldn't even fulfil this fixture list. However, we must keep this going.
"Fortunately we have a big squad this season and that means we can rotate a lot of players, which has worked really well for us. The good thing is we'll also have some more players available if we get to the semi finals which will strengthen our cause further.
"It's going to be a tough game though, it's a long trip to Sussex and Sussex too will have something to prove as they are bottom of the table at the moment. Sussex have a big pack and I am sure it's going to be a really big battle upfront, but as long as we can win that battle and get the ball out wide then I think we have got a good chance."
Also in action in the County Championship Shield is BUCKINGSHAMSHIRE who face their local rivals BERKSHIRE at Marlow RFC. And both teams know they are still in with a fighting chance of reaching the semi finals if other results go their way at the weekend. OXFORDSHIRE are in exactly the same position and will be looking for a victory over Essex on Saturday.
Fixtures
County Championship Shield
May 15:
Pool 1 - East Midlands v Leicestershire, Oxfordshire v Essex;
Pool 2 - Notts, Lincs & Derby v Cumbria;
Pool 3 - Sussex v Dorset & Wilts, Buckingham v Berkshire.
May 22: Shield Semi-finals - Pools 1 & 3 have home advantage
May 30: Shield Final at Twickenham
Bill Beaumont Cup
May 15:
North Division One - Northumberland v Lancashire, Cheshire v Yorkshire; South Division One - Devon v Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire v Cornwall. North Division Two - North Midlands v Eastern Counties, Durham v Warwickshire;
South Division Two - Somerset v Kent, Middlesex v Hampshire.
May 22:
North Division One - Cheshire v Northumberland, Yorkshire v Lancashire; South Division One - Hertfordshire v Devon, Cornwall v Gloucestershire. North Division Two - Eastern Counties v Durham, Warwickshire v North Midlands.
South Division Two - Hampshire v Somerset, Kent v Middlesex.
May 29: Division Two Plate final - Winners of South Division Two v Winners of North Division Two.
May 30: Cup final: Winners of North Division One v Winners of South Division One at Twickenham
