WHILE Kent face a crucial game in their county championship campaign in the East Midlands, six of the county’s sides will battle it out tomorrow for the Kent Plate, Vase and Salver.
County Championship Plate
KENT started their county championship campaign last week with a comfortable 45-14 win over Berkshire at Westcombe Park.
Despite running in seven tries, it wasn't all plain sailing for the county. With a squad made up of players from no less than 10 of the county's top clubs, it was no surprise to see Kent struggling for cohesion early on.
The hosts opened the scoring with an early try from Deal & Betteshanger's Mike O'Donnell, but the Berkshire struck back after 25 minutes.
With half-time approaching, Kent's pacey backs suddenly clicked into gear hitting the visitors with three quick tries from James Lindifled (Westcombe Park), Prince Moyo (Blackheath) and Brad Box (Sheppey).
With three conversions added by Deal & Betteshanger's Tom Best, Kent found themselves 26-7 up at half-time.
A scrappy second half ensued but Kent were able to add three more tries with Tom Ash (Thanet Wanderers), Toby Carroll (Tonbridge Juddian) and Tom Best all touching down.
A late consolation score by Berkshire left the final score 45-14.
This afternoon’s game against East Midlands, who knocked Kent out of last year's competition, promises to be a much tougher examination.
East Midlands go into the match having demolished Berkshire 66-0 two weeks ago, although Berkshire were missing players from Bracknell, Newbury and Reading for that game due to club commitments.
If Kent are to win through the the knockout phase of this year's county championship, they will have to produce a much more cohesive performance than their win against Berkshire.
This afternoon will be a tough test of their credentials but, if they can up their game and play to their strengths, there is no reason why Kent shouldn’t be in the draw for the semi-finals come this evening.
Shepherd Neame Kent Plate Final
BECKENHAM will be looking to retain the Kent Plate tomorrow in a repeat of last year’s final against Tunbridge Wells, which they convincingly won 60-17.
Tunbridge Wells will be determined to make a better fist of it this year and go into the game as favourites having won both of this season’s league encounters against Beckenham 33-24 and 13-57.
Tunbridge Wells finished the league season as the highest placed Kent club in London 2 South with a fourth-placed finish. Beckenham finished three points behind their opponents in seventh.
Shepherd Neame Kent Vase Final
LIKE Beckenham, Old Gravesendians go into tomorrow’s final looking to retain the trophy they won last year.
Old Gravesendiands take on Medway, who will be looking to make it a league and cup double after winning the Kent 2 title.
Medway booked their place in the final with a 15-7 win over Kent Salver holders Sheppey.
In the other semi final, Old Gravesendians beat Gillingham Anchorians 16-10 in a repeat of last years final. Old Gravesendians go into the game as clear favourites having finished second in Kent 1 this season although Medway are in the habit of winning this season having only tasted defeat on one occasion.
Shepherd Neame Kent Salver Final
PARK House are another team who could complete a double tomorrow after beating Old Gravesendians to the Kent 1 title.
They take on fellow Kent 1 outfit Sittingbourne in the final after a narrow 10-12 win at Cranbrook in the semis.
Sittingbourne, who finished sixth in Kent 1, beat Brockleians 27-0 in their semi-final.
Park House’s status as Kent 1 champions makes them favourites although they were beaten 17-14 by Sittingbourne back in October.
All three finals take place tomorrow at Canterbury RFC with the first game kicking off at midday.
POSTED: 10/05/2008 09:15:00