Kent bidding to lift rugby union’s County Championship for first time since 1927 when they take on Lancashire in Bill Beaumont Division 1 Final at Twickenham

By Graham Cox

It’s been almost 100 years since Kent won the rugby union County Championship - but they could finally get their hands on the trophy again this weekend at Twickenham.

Wins over Hampshire, Somerset and at champions Cornwall leave Kent a victory from glory in the Bill Beaumont Division 1 Final but Lancashire - who along with Cornwall have dominated the competition in recent years - stand between them and their first win since 1927 on Sunday (4pm).

It is also the first time Kent have reached the Final of the top tier of the county competition since 1986 with Medway’s Alfie Orris and Canterbury’s Frank Reynolds among those playing their part. Understandably, the team can’t wait to step on to the hallowed turf at Headquarters.

“We are delighted to have made the county Final and look forward to playing against Lancashire at Twickenham with relish,” said Kent director of rugby and former Medway head coach Taff Gwilliam.

“It will be a great experience for everyone involved with the squad. To have travelled to the reigning champions, Cornwall, and beaten them in their own backyard is a massively significant achievement for Kent.

“I don’t think we have ever won away to Cornwall, it is an endorsement of what we have been developing within our county.”

A win for the county’s senior squad this weekend will add to the feelgood factor after some impressive displays by the women, along with the promising progress the under-20s are making.

“With our women winning two from three this season, the under-20s making the national Final last year and remaining unbeaten this year, Kent rugby is in a healthy position,” Canterbury director of rugby Gwilliam added.

“The committee and coaches are pushing in the same direction. We have