Kent……………… 20 Hampshire…… 15
Kent opened up their campaign with a hard-fought win against Hampshire, a late try from Rafael Dutta securing them the win in Medway.
Hampshire took the lead through Havant’s Sean Shepherd, the hooker picking up at the tail of the maul before being driven over. Frank Reynolds’ penalty just after the halfhour mark got a lethargic Kent side up and running, but they were further in the mire just before the break.
Max Fletcher, of Sandown and Shanklin, was the beneficiary of an excellent turnover and he showed a turn of pace to race over for Hampshire’s second. However, Tom Fieldsman was unable to improve Fletcher’s five-pointer, his side turning around just 12-3 to the good.
Fieldsman added a penalty early into the second half but from there, the visitors – belatedly, but to great effect – burst into life.
Nick Cooke went over the whitewash twice within the space of four minutes to turn the tie very much on its head and as confidence surged through the home outfit, it felt like there’d only be one outcome.
And it was eventually realised, seven minutes from time.
It was second-row Dutta, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with Regional One South East champions Westcombe Park, who stepped forward to get the job down, his try from close quarters ensuring Kent’s Twickenham aspirations remain alive.
KENT: Moss, Denham, Hennessy, Orelaje, Ratcliffe, Reynolds, Buckley; Holland, Jackson, Herriott, Dutta, Stradwick, Liston, Furneaux, Cooke Replacements: Witchell, Young, Conlon, Pangarker, Williams, Evans, Hollidge
HAMPSHIRE: Fletcher, Penfold, Young, Gwyther, Buckett, Fieldsend, Dolbear; Tarrant, Shepherd, Barry, Neil, Bruce, Brock, Coles, Perkins Replacements: Crawley, Hibdige, Featherstone, Voight, Read, Rigelsford, Long
REFEREE: Callum Howard ATTENDANCE: 203
Star man
Nick Cooke – Kent
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