CORNWALL 26

LANCASHIRE 35

Thousands of passionate fans wearing the black and gold of Trelawny's Army were forced to make the long trip home from Twickenham without the win they so desperately wanted, after Cornwall were beaten 35-26 by Lancashire in a thrilling county championship final.

The result meant Dave 'Benji' Thomas's last game as Cornwall coach ended in defeat, but he can be proud of the way his team played, with Cornwall showing plenty of grit and resolve to fight their way back into a game that at one point looked to be running away from them.

In fact, had Paul Thirlby put a second half conversion over with Cornwall trailing by just two points the story may have been different. As it was, even the most ardent Cornwall fan would struggle to say that the better team lost.

Lancashire had a point to prove after losing their title against Hertfordshire last season, but in glorious sunshine, and cheered on by their fanatical supporters, Cornwall fans had reason to feel confident.

Sure enough, the Black and Gold started well, Paul Thirlby putting Cornwall into an early lead with a penalty kick after just three minutes to help settle early nerves.

Lancashire levelled with a penalty of their own just before the ten minute mark after Damien Cook was caught off his feet at the ruck. Chris Johnson made no mistake with the kick.

Indeed, Johnson was to play an integral part in Lancashire's victory, proving deadly with the boot.

But it was lightning-quick winger Nick Royle who put Lancashire into the lead when he linked up with Ben Rath on the overlap to dot down in the corner. Johnson's kick made it 10-3.

A Thirlby penalty put Cornwall ahead, but back came Lancashire, Dominic Moon taking advantage of some sloppy defending to go over in the corner and make it 15-6 after 22 minutes. Johnson missed the conversion.

Ten minutes later Lancashire were 22-6 up when Royle intercepted a wayward pass to score, with Johnson adding the extras.

Cornwall grabbed a try of their own just before the break when Neilson Webber touched down following some superb forward play by the Cornwall pack to make it 28-11. Thirlby missed the conversion.

After the break Cornwall, whose pack were dominant all afternoon, battled their way back into it. Greg Goodfellow went close with a chip and charge, but the Black and Gold seemed to lack that touch of class in vital areas.

Richard Bright had a chance to score, but hesitated when he found himself in acres of space, giving Lancashire time to get back and cover, while Lancashire had chances of their own.
Royle, and Chris Briers had opportunities to put the game beyond Cornwall, but both dropped the ball when poised to score.

Then Cornwall were awarded a penalty try. Thirlby converted to give them hope at 22-18, before Johson's penalty cancelled it out minutes later.

Lewis Vinnicombe's late try meant Paul Thirlby's conversion could have levelled the game for Cornwall, but it drifted agonisingly wide.

And last year's beaten finalists wrapped up the win minutes from time when Ben Rath went  over to score the decisive try.