HAMPSHIRE under-20s came from behind to defeat Cheshire 22-13 at Trojans and reach a Twickenham final against Cornwall on June 1.
Matthew Morgan opened the scoring for Hampshire in this Tetley's Under-21 County Championship semi-final after ten minutes, picking up from a tap penalty to run into the corner.
After an exchange of penalties, Peter Whitfield slotting over for Hampshire, Cheshire then stormed ahead with a penalty and a try to lead 13-8 at the break.
The second half was almost all Hampshire, with a strong wind at their backs allowing them to surge forward. Their pressure finally paid off when Tom Allen went under the posts on the hour for a try converted by Whitfield.
Three minutes later, Will Wyatt intercepted on the right wing to run from the half way line into the corner. The try was converted superbly from the touchline by Whitfield to secure the Twickenham trip.
Coach Peter Allen was naturally delighted with the result. "It has been a tremendous year for the boys, however I will be finding it difficult to keep them fit and rugby ready for the final which is some five weeks away," he said.
"We will be holding training sessions every Sunday at Trojans and I am hoping to arrange a couple of warm-up matches against the London Academy if possible."
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