Men’s Division 1
Kent ...................... 31pts
Tries: Denham 48, Jones 50, 65
Conversions: Evans 49, 51, 66
Penalties: Evans 5, 36, 62
Yorkshire............ 30pts
Tries: Taylor 8, 40; Kivalu 56, Macnab 77 Conversions: Minikin 40, 56
Penalties: Minikin 30, 59
KENT secured backto-back County Championship titles at Twickenham as Taff Gwilliam’s side edged a thrilling final that displayed how cruel rugby can be.
Hull Ionians centre Lewis Minikin had been deadeye off the tee before succumbing to the pressure on the big stage.
Minikin missed a tough conversion from out wide with three minutes remaining but was then presented with a golden chance to seal Yorkshire’s first title since 2008 as he stepped back for what looked a routine penalty 22m out.
However, instead of elation Minikin threw his tee into the surface in frustration after just slicing the penalty wide and instead it was Kent who revelled in victory.
Kent director of rugby Gwilliam led his county to their first title in 96 years last year and was thrilled to do it all over again.
He said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for us, it’s been a few years in the making with what we’ve done in Kent within our community rugby. It started back in 2008 when we took a development team to south west
France and then regular tours to help provide a strong culture.
“The spine of the squad is the same with youngsters all coming through our development programme. Virtually all the boys out there have come through that pathway which is brilliant to see.”
Kent made the better start as Sam Evans slotted the first points of the contest with a routine three-pointer from straight in front.
However, Yorkshire scored an outstanding try moments later as with a penalty advantage 5m out, Eddie Crossland landed a pinpoint crossfield kick to pick out try scorer Sam Taylor.
Kent remained on top in terms of territory and after two unsuccessful pick and gos, the decision off a penalty was for Evans to retake their lead off the tee.
Yorkshire outside centre Minikin missed a penalty from 35m out, while the vast majority of action continued at the other end as Kent piled on the pressure – but resilient defence by Yorkshire kept them at bay.
The norther ners retook the lead on the half hour mark as Minikin slotted a penalty before Evans stepped up for a routine three-pointer of his own.
Despite conceding a large bulk of possession and territory, Yorkshire went into half-time ahead thanks to Taylor’s second try after a strong carry by influential former Coventry No.8
