Aylesford Bulls celebrate their 13-0 win over Berry Hill in the RFU Intermediate Cup semi-final

by Alex Hoad

Preparations for Aylesford’s historic trip to Twickenham are in full swing after a heroic performance earned them a dream place in a national cup final at the home of rugby.

The Bulls earned their place in the RFU Intermediate Cup final, to face Stoke-on-Trent on May 14, with a battling home win against Gloucestershire side Berry Hill on Saturday.

Chairman Dave Evans said: “There are many clubs who play above our level who never get to play at Twickenham so Saturday was a fantastic occasion.

“Next Saturday will be a great day for the club and a great day for Aylesford.”

Head coach Glyn Mitchell was among a delegation from the club who attended Twickenham on Tuesday to look at the facilities and go over arrangements.

Mitchell said: “It was fantastic, everything about it,” adding: “The only thing was the pitch – there’s too much grass. We’re not used to it, for the past month we’ve been playing on bare pitches.”

He said: “I have been to Twickenham in the past to watch my children play in school finals, but now it’s my turn and I can’t wait.”

Mitchell says despite the jubilation at sealing the club’s first ever trip to Twickenham, he has had to break the news to several players that they will not take part in the game due to a limit on the numbers clubs can name in their squad.

He said: “Everyone is fit and raring to go, but we’ve had to name a squad of 22 and we have 27 or 28 players who want to be a part of it.

“The ones to miss out knew by Tuesday night. That’s the hardest part of the job. We’ll do whatever we can to get them at pitchside during the game.”