Kent rugby overcame the odds at Priestfields to book their place in the National County Championship plate final at Twickenham.

A 29-8 win over Devon means Kent will face East Midlands in the final on Sunday. It was a tough ask to qualify top of the Bill Beaumont, Division 2 South table.

Kent needed to score four tries against Devon and deny the pool leaders a bonus point. Only that would have put Kent top at the expense of their opponents.

But that’s just what happened at the home of Medway RFC.

Devon had scored 89 points in their previous two games ahead of the clash but by half-time, Kent had already accumulated three of their required scores, to lead 19-3.

Kent got a crucial fourth try in the second half but still had to ensure they won by more than seven points. Devon did get one try but a Freddie Gabbitass penalty for Kent eased their worries.

Head coach John Gallagher said: “The job’s only half done. We now need to prepare for Twickenham.”