Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 1 holders Kent got their title defence off to a serene start as they beat Hampshire 42-5 last weekend. (Photo Credit: Josh Thomas)

Headed up by Canterbury Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam and incoming Blackheath head coach Tom Stradwick, Kent delivered an early statement of intent, scoring six tries at sun-kissed Charlton Park RFC.

Tonbridge Juddians winger Tom Kendrick grabbed himself a brace while clubmates Vince Everitt and Luke Talbot also crossed the whitewash. Westcombe Park’s livewire scrum-half Mikel Davies was a menace all afternoon, and his display was rewarded with a try in the first period.

Hampshire did score a consolation late on via Havant flanker Wesley Dugan, but this was the perfect opening for Kent, who are targeting a third successive title.

In Pool 1, a new-look Lancashire beat Somerset 24-17 with 13 players making their debuts for the red rose.

Speaking to The Rugby Paper’s Josh Thomas, Lancashire boss Alex Loney – who is also joint head coach of National Two North side Fylde – was delighted with the result, and it was some of the stars from Woodlands that helped them to this opening win.

Winger Ben Turner, centre Sam Stott and the versatile Alex Clayton were all among the tries as the visitors to Weston-super-Mare led 21-7 at the break.

Old Redcliffians and Somerset captain Sam Taylor had dotted down in the first 40, but after the interval, it was first blood to the hosts as potent Hornets full-back Charlie Carter scored an excellent solo try.

A penalty from Clayton took his tally to 12 points, but a score just after the hour from Hornets lock Tom Bailey kept Somerset in touch. However, Lancashire held firm for the victory and will face Yorkshire on May 31st in their final pool game.

Before that, last year’s finalists Yorkshire take on Somerset this coming Saturday, while Kent travel to Cornwall in what could be a Pool 2 decider.

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