Two early tries from open play gave Hertfordshire a lead over Kent they never relinquished in the opening match of the 2015 Bill Beaumont Cup.

With the slope in their favour, the visitors looked sharp and incisive from the outset, stretching the Kent defence before the gaps appeared first for left-wing Jimmy Spiers, and then full-back Henry Robinson to cross the goal-line for a second score. 

Inside-centre Dan Watts converted both efforts and Hertfordshire led 14-0 with as few minutes played.

Kent dominated the set-piece throughout, and responded by driving skipper and open-side Hamish Barton across in the 31st minute, but too many unforced errors, including three missed penalty kicks to touch, would be destined to let the host county.

Visiting hooker Brett MacNamee crossed in similar fashion straight after and Hertfordshire led 21-7 at the break.

Forcing numerous penalties through their superior set-scrum, Kent held the upper hand in the third quarter.

Scrum-half Charlie Edwards poked around the fringes for a second converted try, before replacement tight-head Terry Read stretched out after more forward pressure to bring the hosts within two-points.

However, just at the very moment the Kent juggernaut began to look unstoppable it jack-knifed, enabling Hertfordshire to regain their pace and momentum of the early minutes. 

Spilt possession as the hosts tried to break from their own half of the field gave the visitors an opportunity to counter.

With their speed and support play consistently allowing them to make ground across the gain-line, a quick tap-penalty saw second-row Rob Conquest across next to the uprights on 70 minutes for the crucial score.

Fly-half Tom Coleman added the conversion, and followed up soon after with a penalty to put Hertfordshire out of sight.

“There were many aspects of the performance that were very encouraging,” said Kent head coach Chris Wilkins.

“I thought the set-piece and breakdown were excellent, as was the leadership and work-rate.

“It was great to see the pride the lads have in playing for Kent and our defence showed this as well, with everyone scrambling very hard.

“Having fought our way back to 19-21 down with 10 minutes left, the game was there for the taking.

“Unfortunately a few basic errors cost us dearly, as did a couple of 50/50 calls at the breakdown not going our way in the final quarter.

“We are all looking forward to working hard to improve our game for the tough challenge of Cornwall at Gravesend on Saturday, as we know that we will need to be at our best to get the result we desperately want.”

Saturday’s match at Rectory Field in Donald Briggs Drive, home of Gravesend RFC, is a 3pm kick-off.