Yorkshire missing influential Stephens for final
June 3, 2000

Yorkshire are aiming for lucky 13 at Twickenham tomorrow, but they will have to win the County Championship against Devon without their most influential player.

Former Wales fly-half Colin Stephens has transferred allegiance to the white rose county and was instrumental in the semi-final victory over favourites Cornwall at Otley earlier this month.

However, the former Llanelli man had a long-standing holiday to Mexico booked with his girlfriend and despite his best efforts, Stephens was unable to persuade her to take a break at a more convenient time.

It means that Yorkshire coach Jim Kilfoyle, who last week masterminded Rotherham's rise to the Premiership, has had to call on Otley's Dan Clappison to fill the pivotal half-back berth. Clappison is one of five Cross Green men in the Yorkshire starting line-up, confirming an impressive campaign for the Otley side, who strolled to the Jewson League championship.

The strength of the men from the north will ensure they start the game as hot favourites. While maintaining their own traditions, Devon's modest county achievements have generally been overshadowed by those of neighbours Cornwall, although they will still be accompanied by a sizeable following on their trip to the capital.

Devon name eight members of the Plymouth Albion side in their squad, while three from Exeter, who mounted a spirited Premiership Two challenge this term, are also included.

The south-west team have not won the competition for 39 years and even then they were denied a Twickenham triumph, taking the trophy at Home Park, home of Plymouth Argyle.

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