TWICKENHAM was awash with black and gold on Sunday, as more than 2,000 Cornish rugby fans watched their team triumph over Lancashire 18-13 to win the Bill Beaumont Cup.

Many supporters travelled up to Middlesex on Saturday, with others getting up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to board buses and cars to take them to the much awaited final.

The Lancashire side had beaten the Duchy in the two previous finals at rugby headquarters, but Cornwall coaches Graham Dawe and Ian Morgan were keen to set the record straight, and their players did not disappoint.

There was no mistaking the fire in the players' bellies from the onset.

Just over two minutes in, the Cornwall forwards set up Launceston's Matt Shepherd to power over the line and score the first try, which he also converted.

Lancashire were, as always, a strong side, and despite a few errors, they kept good possession of the ball.

Steve Collins kicked a penalty for Lancashire, putting his side on the score board.

Towards the end of the first half, things started to wobble for Cornwall.

Launceston's Ben Hilton was given a yellow card for a professional foul and Chris Johnson kicked the penalty to put Lancashire one point behind.

Cornwall were one man down and Lancashire piled on the pressure, but the remaining 14 worked hard to keep their opponents from capitalising on their advantage.

A yellow card soon followed for Lanca­shire's Christopher Briers and Shepherd kicked the penalty awarded to Cornwall, adding another three points to the score.

From 10-6 up at the interval, the organised Cornish side split open their opponents again with Shepherd touching down for his second try of the game. His conversion attempt went wide.

Cornwall were awarded another penalty and this time, Launceston's Billy Searle stepped up, slotting the ball through the posts.

Despite a late onslaught from the Lancashire side, including a converted try by captain Evan Stewart, Cornwall held on tight to their lead until the final whistle, winning their first county title in 16 years.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.