Cheshire miss out on County Championship win (From Wirral Globe)

Cheshire miss out on County Championship win

3:08pm Monday 21st May 2012 in Rugby

IT WAS so near yet so far for Cheshire as they just missed out on winning the Northern Group of the County Championship last weekend.

Old rivals Lancashire prevailed 36-29 in a thrilling showdown at Broughton Park and go on to contest the Championship final against the Southern table toppers at Twickenham this coming Sunday.

Cheshire were ahead 14-8 at the half way stage and it was still anybody’s game as the scores were locked at 22-22 entering the concluding quarter But Cheshire began to look a little weary as Lancashire suddenly opened a gap 36-22 via two converted tries.

Cheshire called on their last reserves of energy for a converted try themselves and then threw everything into a last desperate attack from a tap penalty only to be hauled into touch by a relieved Lancashire defence.

Club spokesman Graeme Marrs said: "It was an excellent, entertaining and tough game between two good sides.

"It was just a pity the players could not provide a farewell present for chairman of selectors David Partington who is now heading for higher office."

Lancashire secured five tries in all plus four conversions and a penalty.

Cheshire gained touch downs via Jack Moorhouse, Paul Ralph and Peter Hodgkinson who added one goal and also succeeded with four penalties.

New Brighton are hosting a Peninsula Sevens Tournament this Saturday with an 11am start at Hartsfield.

Eight teams will take part in the main event with Wallasey, St Edwards, Oldershaw Monkeys, Port Sunlight, Parkonians, Prenton and Pink Panthers joining the hosts in the line-up.

There will be a Plate competition for the less successful clubs.

There will also be a "Fatboy Sevens" event with New Brighton, Wallasey, Parkonians and Port Sunlight competing.