Photo – Neil Bayliss, pleased with Cornish All Blacks’ recent form.
A wet and windy Sunday afternoon saw what could well be the last cross-Tamar derby for at least a season as the Cornish Pirates’ 27-16 win over Plymouth Albion creaked open further the relegation trap door on their Devon rivals.
Pirates’ tries came via Kieran Hallett, Chris Morgan and Paul Andrew, with former Albion star Hallett kicking the rest of the points.
The win ensures Championship rugby at the Mennaye next season.
Read George Thorpe’s match report in the link.
In National League 2, the Cornish All Blacks got maximum points for the second week running with a fine 29-5 win over Old Elthamians at Polson Bridge.
Ed Holmes and Matt Shepherd both crossed twice with Kieron Lewitt adding the rest of the points from his boot.
Suzanne Cleave’s report in the link.
Redruth suffered another away day horror losing 50-7 at Dorking. Robin Wedlake scored their only try converted by Ashley Hosking, whilst to cap it all Rhodri McAtee suffered a break that has ended his season.
Ed Bawden’s report in the link.
In Tribute South West 1 West, both our sides suffered away day defeats, for St. Austell it proved to be the loss that broke the Camels’ back confirming relegation back to Western Counties West next season after a two-year stint at this level.
Saints went down 31-10 at Avonmouth Old Boys with Ian Venner and Hugh Noot scoring unconverted tries.
Camborne lost at Bideford 35-24, despite the hosts being reduced to fourteen men during the first half.
Alex Ducker, Kevin Mankee and skipper Steve Kenward scored the Cherry and Whites’ tries with Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.
In Tribute Western Counties West; Wadebridge Camels 36-7 win at St. Ives virtually condemns the Hakes back to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.
Matt Ballard (2), Mark Kempthorne, Jack Bolton, Gary Gynn and Dom Hawkey all scored tries for the Camels with Bolton kicking three conversions.
For St. Ives Tom Nicholas scored a try converted by Jamie Prisk.
Truro lost at Devonport Services 18-13, Luke Trescothick with their only try converted by Eggy Williams, with Jake Champion chipping in a couple of penalties.
Penryn went down at Tavistock 38-31. Martin Strick and Josh Chambers (2) scored tries whilst Strick added two conversions and a penalty with Matt Horton also kicking three penalties.
In London 2 SW, London Cornish were given a walkover by Tadley to confirm their play-off berth.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash and Crediton are locked at the top of the table with the title set to be decided when Ashes visit Crediton on 18th April.
Saltash maintained their bid for the title with a 45-0 win at Bodmin. Will Morton (2), Ryan Cruickshanks (2), Steve Hillman Brian Veneables and brother Max all scored tries with Max Veneables kicking five conversions.
Pirates Amateurs defeated Bude 19-14 on the Mennaye thanks to tries from Lee Edwards, Mike Roach and Harry Hudson, Steve Evans and Trev Dugdale each kicked a conversion.
For Bude, Adam Black and Bradley Janes scored tries both converted by Olly Denford.
Hayle won at home against Honiton 20-5. Josh Rule and Neil Mitchell scored tries for the Lions which were both converted by Scott Harvey who also landed a couple of penalties.
Falmouth were given a walkover by Liskeard-Looe.
Easter weekend sees the usual touring fixtures with Old Dunstonians and Imperial Medics both down in the Duchy.
Easter Saturday will also see the return Rodda’s Milk Cup fixture as Camborne entertain Redruth!
Easter Sunday will also see the Penryn Easter 7’s.
Finally good luck to the Cornwall Under 20 lads who will be at Welbeck College over Easter for the Divisional Festival, and looking to make the England Counties Under 20s tour to Hungary in May.
