DAN Draper described as a "real nail biter" Dorset & Wilts crucial last-minute County Championship Shield victory against Middlesex to secure a place in the Twickenham showcase final.

After putting Buckinghamshire to the sword with a 68-0 victory, the Twin Counties faced a far sterner test at Grasshoppers Rugby Club.

Middlesex led by eight points at half-time, however, the defending champions showed their class to deliver a 20-18 win thanks to a late penalty kick from Sam Baker.

The result completed a perfect record of three successes from their three group fixtures.

Reflecting on the result, team manager Draper said: “That was a real nail biter.

"We trailed by 15 points to seven at the break and didn’t secure the victory until Taunton fly half Sam Baker landed a penalty with the last kick of the game after striking the post with a penalty three minutes earlier.

"But all that said now we get the opportunity to run out at Twickenham that we were denied last year when we had to play the final at Richmond."

Royal Wootton Bassett prop Chris Rowland touched down twice for the visitors with Warminster wing Ross Williams grabbing a third try for Dorset and Wilts.

Baker converted Rowland’s first touchdown then snatched victory for his team at the death.

The Twin Counties will take on Pool One winners Cumbria in the final at the home of English rugby.

Last season, Dorset & Wilts lifted the Bill Beaumont Division Three trophy after a 24-22 triumph over Essex at Richmond's Athletic Ground.