MATT SHEPHERD is hoping he can help Cornwall make history this weekend after penning a new deal with Plymouth Albion.

The 26-year-old utility back will feature for the Duchy against Cheshire at Twickenham on Sunday as they aim to win back-to-back County Championship titles for the first time.

“Hopefully, we have got the players to do it,” said Shepherd.

“We can’t take Cheshire lightly – they put in a good performance against Lancashire. It is 15 v 15 on the pitch and it’s just about whatever happens on the day.”

Shepherd was Cornwall’s hero last year as they beat Lancashire 18-13.

“Last year was brilliant – winning the Bill Beaumont Cup which I don’t think we had won for 15 years,” said Shepherd.  “This year is the chance to make more history.

“I think there is a bit more pressure on us, but we just have to crack on.”

Shepherd will go into the match knowing his immediate future is secure having re-signed for Albion.

The former Launceston and St Austell player, who scored 196 points last season in his first year at National One, had interest from clubs in the north but he wanted to stay in the West Country.

“I did have a few people sniffing around, but I just thought it was right financially to stay down there at the moment,” said Shepherd.

“With my girlfriend having her own business it just makes sense for this year. I will just try and kick-on and see what happens at Plymouth.”

On re-signing for Albion, he added: “It’s set in stone now and I’m excited for next season, just to see who else is involved and what it’s going to be.

“I’ve got to be positive now I have signed. They offered me the contract and they say they have things in the pipeline, but we don’t know what they are. However, they must be thinking of something positive, so I’m looking forward to it.

“Herbie’s signed, Nile has and Dan Pullinger and they say there is going to be more people signing this week, so we’ll just see what happens. I’m looking forward to it.”