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GLOUCESTERSHIRE are hoping it will be second time lucky in the Bill Beaumont Cup final this Sunday at Twickenham, kick off 2pm, when they take on rivals Lancashire for a second successive year.

The West Country men had to settle for second best 12 months ago against the Red Roses, leaving England Rugby's HQ empty handed following a disappointing 18-32 defeat.

Mike Rafter, Gloucestershire Team Manager and former coach and player, said: "We are delighted to be in the final. And we have done it the tough way too, beating Cornwall and Devon away. It is a fantastic feeling and all of the squad are delighted."

This time around Gloucestershire could be tagged as favourites as they head into Sunday's clash with a clean sheet in the tournament while Lancashire fell at the penultimate hurdle, losing 30-28 to Yorkshire last weekend. Lancashire were, however, able to breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday with superior points difference taking them through to the final.

Rafter, however, is keen to dismiss such suggestions. He added: "This is going to be a tough, one off, 80 minute match. I think anything that has happened before this final is irrelevant. This tournament is too close to call, and we have seen that by the results in the last round.

"Lancashire too have an impressive pedigree in this tournament, winning the title more times than us. We will have to work very hard for this, and hope that our forwards, who have done exceptionally well this season, keep their momentum going and secure possession for our backs to do the damage."

DORSET & WILTS will make history on Sunday by taking part in their first ever final at Twickenham Stadium.

The Twin Counties' debut at the home of England Rugby, in the County Championship Shield, is a remarkable turn around for the Dorset & Wilts side who just two years ago, in this same tournament, failed to fulfil their fixture list because of a lack of players.

Coach Simon Culley said: "This is a very special time for the county. It's an amazing feeling because just two years ago we had to throw in the towel because we couldn't get enough players together. A lot has changed since then, and now the team spirit is fantastic and that is largely why we are in this final."

Dorset & Wilts' challengers for the Shield crown are Leicestershire, who Culley expects to pack the punches up front this Sunday.

He added: "Having spoken to other coaches they all say that Leicestershire have got an extremely powerful pack and they like to move the ball around. That's exactly what we like to do, but we know we must control the game. That will be crucial. We have done that very well so far and our backrow was immense against another good pack last weekend so we know we have got as good as chance as any side. We just can't wait, and I doubt many of us will get much sleep before Sunday!"

Bill Beaumont Plate Final

Saturday, May 29th

Kent v Warwickshire, KO 3pm, Blackheath FC

County Championship Shield Final

Leicestershire v Dorset & Wilts, Twickenham Stadium, KO 12pm,

Bill Beaumont Cup Final

Lancashire v Gloucestershire, Twickenham Stadium, KO 2pm