I was fortunate to see two cracking games of rugby this weekend at both Redruth and the Cornish Pirates.
Both games were of high quality full of running rugby with a veritable feast of tries served up in both games. What more could a rugby fan ask for?
At both games I was happy to make TASC Senior Player and Under 20 awards re-presentions to both Greg Goodfellow and Tyler Gendall in front of their home fans.
Photo by Simon Bryant Iktis photo – presenting Greg Goodfellow with his Shield at Redruth
I’ll start at Redruth were much fancied Bishop’s Stortford were the visitors.
Despite going behind to an early try the Reds showed plenty of spirit and continued improvement in the set-piece which illustrates just how far the boys have come along this season.
Eight games played with points picked up from each of those games has certainly built confidence much of the plaudits must go to head-coach Steve Larkins and his coaching team.
You can read my match report on the Reds’ 28-24 win in the link from the West Briton site.
In the other game in National League 2 South, the Cornish All Blacks came up just short once more in losing at Lydney 20-19.
Trailing 17-9 at half-time the Cornish All Blacks couldn’t turn the game around despite good tries from Billy Searle and Kyle Speare. Frustratingly another score was chalked off by the referee!!
You can read Conrad Sutcliffe’s WMN match report in the link.
The Cornish Pirates needed a win on Sunday after the disappointing news that their win against the Bedford Blues had been reversed. That decision is subject to an appeal that will be heard at a later date.
Photo Simon Bryant Iktis photo – presenting Tyler Gendall with the U.20 Shield at the Mennaye
Despite a good start the Pirates found themselves 17-30 down during the second half but they rallied in splendid fashion to pip Cross Keys 34-33 at the final whistle.
A tremendous game of rugby played by both sides. It was good to see both Stuart Townsend and Jack Innard in action with both having being called up into England’s Under 20 squad for this season.
The Pirates’ have a week off (but not from training as Ian Davies was quick to point out) as the Championship XV take on Canada next Sunday at Sixways with both Ian Kessell and Darren Barry featuring the Championship squad.
Read Bill Sobey’s match report from the WMN in the link.
In Tribute South West 1 West; Camborne made it back-to-back home wins with a narrow 16-14 win at home to Wells.
Debutant right wing Jack Dickson scored Camborne’s first try with full-back Dean Pascoe grabbing the second. Dave Mankee kicked a couple of penalties to confirm a precious win for the Cherry and Whites made all the sweater when news of leader’s Ivybridge’s first defeat of the season at home to Thornbury filtered through to the Rec.
St. Austell faced a tough trip away at Matson and despite leading 20-17 at half-time fell away during the second half to finally lose 41-27.
Saints did pick up a try-scoring bonus point thanks to tries from Sam Tank, Alex Welland, a Penalty-try and Dan Martin. Dan Pearce kicked the other points.
So, this coming Saturday all roads will lead to Tregorrick Park when St. Austell play Camborne in what will no doubt be a keenly contested Cornish derby in front of a big crowd in Clay country with both sides needing the win for different reasons.
In Tribute Western Counties West; Penryn got back to winning ways following the previous week’s slip up at Wadebridge defeating Devonport Services 22-11 at the Memorial Ground.
Borough scored tries through Chris Instance, Jack Willey and a penalty-try award with Matt Horton adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.
Truro lost at Teignmouth 17-5 with just a Jake Champion try to show for their efforts in a tight battle that saw the home side pull away in the closing quarter.
Wadebridge Camels came un-stuck at Tiverton 31-5 with just a Matt Ballard try to show for their efforts.
St. Ives slipped to defeat at Torquay Athletic 66-0.
In London 2 SW, see the previous blog entry re London Cornish’s win against Leatherhead & Effingham.
In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League; Withycombe came out on top in the battle between first and second against Pirates Amateurs 15-10.
Leigh Edwards scored the Amateurs try with Rhys Brownfield kicking a penalty and conversion.
Saltash leap-frog the Amateurs into second place following their 23-19 win at Paignton. Will Morton, Pearce Hancock and Ryan Cruickshank scored the Ashes’ tries, with Max Veneables kicking the rest of the points.
Falmouth defeated Exeter Saracens 17-12 at the Rec. George Cooper scored the Eagles sole try with Justyn Irons kicking four penalties.
Honiton defeated Bude 15-10, Adam Black scored a try for Bude with Olly Denford adding the conversion and a penalty.
Hayle lost at home to Crediton 37-13. Matt Rashleigh scored the Lions sole try with Dan McGee kicking the conversion and two penalties.
The derby game at Lux Park went the way of visitors Bodmin who defeated Liskeard-Looe 31-12 for their second win as they continue to climb away from the bottom of the table.
Trelawny’s Army, through Pete Gough and Colin Penwarden were present at the game to present both clubs with match balls following their promotions last season.
Wendon Lee Taylor (2) Williams and Job scored tries for Bodmin with Jamie Taylor kicking the rest of the points.
For Liskeard-Looe Kitto and Regan scored tries with Noel -Johnson adding a conversion.
In Tribute Cornwall 1 Newquay Hornets made it four wins from four with a 52-14 win over School of Mines.
Illogan Park are also on four from four following a 67-13 win at home against Helston.
Stithians won at Ponsmere Valley against Perranporth 45-21, whilst Veor travelled to Roseland and won 32-3.
In Cornwall Tribute 2, Lanner top the table following a third win 52-5 against Lankelly-Fowey.
St. Agnes having played one game less are second after their 75-14 win against St. Just.
Camelford defeated Redruth Albany 29-16 at Trewergie.
