It was not to be for Cornwall RFU as two sides fell to narrow defeats.

Starting on Saturday in the Bill Beaumont Cup, it was the men who faced the tough test of the current holders, Kent.

Despite a good start with a score from centre Josh Semmens in the third minute, Cornwall fell to a razor-thin defeat at Charlton Park RFC.

Hopes of a win for the Cornish contingent were certainly raised when Kent hooker Oliver Walliker, was red-carded just after half an hour.

But not everything went as planned for Cornwall RFU.

Kent battled to a narrow 34-33 win and look all but certain to make a swift return to Twickenham next month.

After the match, Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe said: "It’s disappointing and I feel for the boys who have worked hard in the short time we have been together.

"They put their bodies on the line and did the shirt proud.

"We will look to go again next week against Hampshire at Redruth."

Falmouth Packet: Josh Semmens scores the game’s opening try away to Kent

On the other hand, Cornwall Ladies experienced a similar defeat in the Gill Burns Cup Division 2.

Despite initial defeats and subsequent victories against Herfordshire and Somerset respectively, Cornwall Women were unable to secure a clear path to the semi-finals following a 24-10 defeat against Hampshire Women.

The final decision of advancement in the competition is pending confirmation from the RFU.

For more information about the Cornwall RFU, such as fixtures, contact and sponsorship, visit ww.crfu.co.uk.