Camborne within touching distance of cherished National League return


Photo – Liam Chapple has guided Camborne to brink of National League return

It was without doubt the big game of the weekend with the most riding on the outcome. In the end Camborne’s 19-12 win against Newent wasn’t quite enough to guarantee the long cherished dream of a return to the National Leagues, however with the champagne still on ice the corks could be popping on Saturday if “Town” can get the right result at struggling Wells.

Centre Jack Simmons scored the only try for the Cherry and Whites, with full back Rhys Brownfield showing great maturity to add the conversion and four crucial penalties.

Good to learn there was a good crowd at Camborne and hopefully they will turn out in force again when Camborne take on Thornbury in their final home league game on 16th April.

In the Greene King Championship the Cornish Pirates came off second best in fifteen try thriller at Bedford Blues which ended 54-46 to the home side.

Pirates’ seven tries were scored by Tom Riley (2), skipper for the day Tom Duncan, Alex O’Meara, Matt Evans, Joe Atkinson and Alex Cheesman. Will Cargill landed three conversions and a penalty with Kieran Hallett also kicking a conversion.

It was incredibly enjoyable,” said Ian Davies after the game, going on to add “Although the score in the end reflects that Bedford perhaps just deserved to edge it, I am proud of the players for getting back into the game near the end to score those two tries.

“Each team gave a couple of soft tries away, but having said that there were some crackers. It provided some welcome sunshine. Both sides wanted to play, and there was plenty of great rugby to witness.”

The Cornish Pirates have a weekend off before their final home game of the season against London Welsh, which will also mark Director of Rugby Ian Davies’ final game in charge at the Mennaye.

In National League 2 South, Redruth maintained their good form with a 27-16 win against Clifton. Kyle Marriott, Hugo Culverhouse, Sam Stevens and a Penalty-try award secured the bonus point with Dave Mankee adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.

A fine game from the back row notably John Stevens who seemed to be everywhere.

Head coach Steve Larkins was delighted with his side’s performance and told me that plans were all ready well in advance for next season with player signings hopefully being announced in the not too distant future.


Photo – Steve Larkins already looking ahead to next season with the Reds.

It was a hard day for Launceston as the Cornish All Blacks lost to Champions elect Cambridge 109-0. Irrespective of one’s club affiliations, no one likes to see a Cornish side on the wrong end of such a score-line. The Blacks will come again.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro had a walkover against Exeter University, whose participation in league rugby next season remains the subject of much speculation. This is due to the formation of a new BUCS competition, which will involve some Saturday fixtures. A decision will have to be made soon as it will have ramifications for the league set-up next season!

Saltash won the basement battle against Penryn 29-25, Craig Jones (2), Ollie Mulberry and Will Morton scored the tries in the Ashes’ first league win since October! Todd Crofts kicked the remaining points.

For the Borough Jordan Rose, Andrew Seviour and Will Payne scored tries with Martin Strick kicking a couple of penalties and conversions. Penryn remain seven points adrift of safety with four games to play!

St Austell did their prospects of avoiding being pulled into the mire the power of good with a 46-10 win against Torquay Athletic. James Martin (2), Shane Johns, Pete Rowe, Callum Wilson and Ben Chenoweth all scored tries with Cavan Boyer kicking five conversions and a couple of penalties.

Wadebridge Camels lost at home to promotion seeking Okehampton 5-9. Mark Grubb with their sole try.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish stormed back from a 17-3 half-time deficit at home to Old Regatian to win 25-17 with Tom Ievers scoring their final try. The result keeps them in a play-off place before Saturday’s home game against leaders Cobham.

In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League, Bude have almost booked their return to Western Counties West next season following their 40-19 win at third place Withycombe.

Bude’s tries were scored by Joe Wilson, Will Kingdon, Kyle Speare (2), Duncan Tout and Dan Pearce, who also kicked five conversions.

St. Ives did their prospects no harm with a 31-0 win at Bodmin. Louis Stevens, Guy Pallett, Todd Prisk, Sam Carter and a pen-try award were the five pointers for the Hales with Lewis Thomas adding three conversions.

This Saturday St. Ives face Withycombe at Alexandra Road.

Falmouth lost a ding-dong battle at Honiton 34-31. Bradley Cox, Justyn Irons and Nick Carne with Irons kicking the other points.

Pirates Amateurs won their derby game with Hayle 33-7, Ashley Weston, Jamie Barrett, Trev Dugdale, Charlie Goldsworthy and James Tresize all scored tries with Tresize also adding four conversions.

Newquay Hornets forfeited their game at Plymstock.

The Champion of Tribute Cornwall 1 will go down to the final game of the season in two weeks time with either Camborne School of Mines or Lanner taking the title.

The Students remain in pole position, three points clear of Lanner who beat Veor 18-14, Veor could yet finish as runners up if they defeat CSM in their final game with a bonus point and Lanner fail to beat Perranporth and unlikely scenario.

Undoubtedly the Students have the tougher fixture at Veor but a narrow win will see them crowned champions.

Helston, who lost at home to Liskeard-Looe 16-12, could yet climb out of the relegation berth if they beat winless St Agnes in their final game condemning Perranporth to Cornwall 2 alongside Aggie.

Illogan Park defeated Perranporth 21-8 in a game that also doubled as a Clubs Cup quarter-final.

Tribute Cornwall 2 program was wrapped up with Champions Roseland defeating Camelford  31-17 for an unbeaten league season.

Runners-up St. Just beat Lankelly-Fowey 33-0. Stithians defeated bottom side Redruth Albany 22-3.

This coming Friday evening sees the Final of the Trelawny’s Army Colts Cup at Wadebridge Camels RFC at 8:00 pm between Helston and St. Austell. It will be preceded by the Vase Final at  6:30 pm.

Congratulations to Camborne’s Michaella Roberts who has been selected for the England U18 Talent development group game against Canada on Tuesday 5th April at Bicton college Devon. Having represented the South West Division against the North Michaella received a call up to the squad for this game and will start as loose head prop.

The talented front rower has also recently played women’s rugby for Championship side Plymouth Albion again the Royal Navy women scoring two tries and won forward of the match in Albion’s 22-10 victory.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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