Hertfordshire fell just short of claiming a spot at Twickenham with a 45-28 defeat to Cornwall in front of over three thousand people at Camborne.
Both teams knew that victory would secure a place in the final of the Bill Beaumont Cup.
And 15 minutes into the second half, and with just three points between the sides, the prize was still up for grabs.
But a sin-bin to Old Albanian’s Harry Bate tipped the scales in the hosts’ favour.
Cornwall took an early lead which they held onto until half-time but tries from player-coach James Shanahan and Pier Dotta, both converted by Tom Banks, had kept Herts in it.
And despite conceding another early try, Sum Lunnon and Banks ensured the gap would be cut to three.
Three tries from Cornwall killed the game off but Lunnon ensured Herts had the last say, scoring in the final minute with Banks again adding the conversion.
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