DORSET and Wilts' chances of a trip to Twickenham disappeared when they were eliminated in the South West Regional round of the National Counties competition.

The Twin Counties met Cornwall I in their first match and conceded a try straight from the kick-off which ultimately sealed their fate in the competition.

However, they tied the scores with a Dave Parker try by half-time but lost the match 12-5 when they conceded a second score in the second half.

Beating Gloucestershire I 21-15 kept them in the hunt but wins by Cornwall against Devon II and then Gloucestershire I meant that the Twin-Counties' nine-try romp against Devon II in their last match was meaningless.

Cornwall I beat Devon I in a sudden death play-off when the scores were level at 31-31 at the end of proper time and will go forward to the finals at Twickenham.

Group One results: Gloucestershire I 45 Devon II 0, Dorset & Wilts 5 Cornwall I 12, Gloucestershire I 15 Dorset & Wilts 21, Devon II 7 Cornwall I 55, Gloucestershire I 0 Cornwall I 35, Devon II 0 Dorset & Wilts 59.

Group Two: Gloucestershire II 14 Berkshire 31, Cornwall II 0 Devon I 31, Gloucestershire II 21 Cornwall II 24, Berkshire 5 Devon I 29, Gloucestershire II 5 Devon I 47, Berkshire 24 Cornwall 26.

Final: Devon I 31 Cornwall I 31 (Cornwall won with a sudden death try in extra-time).