All Blacks loss at Lydney seals fate, whilst Town see play-off hopes fade

Photo: London Cornish skipper Craig Chatley receives London 2 SW plaque from Middlesex RFU President Tom Brownsell

Redruth can thank the goal kicking of Brett Rule, who landed three of the Reds four conversions as the edged a game of two halves 33-29.

Both sides managed to score five tries in a thrilling National League 2 South encounter. The first half saw Redruth score four tries through Rule, Shaun Buzza (2) and Nielson Webber with Rule landing three conversions and Joel Matavesi the fourth to lead 28-5.

The second half saw Worthing exploit turnover ball in deadly fashion to score four ties of their own but crucially only convert two of them.

Dean Bonds scored Redruth’s fifth try, their sole points of the half.

The bonus point win moves Redruth one point closer to Taunton whom they face on Saturday, a game that will likely decide who finishes fourth in the final table.

Disappointing results for both our sides in National 3 SW, Launceston were cruelly denied at the end by Lydney as the home side stormed back from a 24-15 deficit to take the spoils 27-24. The result confirmed a second relegation in two seasons for the Cornish All Blacks, although the effect of London Welsh’s demise from the Championship has to be factored into the promotion/relegation shake up down the league pyramid.

Rikki Bentham, Harry Dawe and a penalty-try award plus the boot of Fraser Honey accounted for the All Blacks’ haul. Near the end Launceston lost prop Andy Knight to a red card.

Camborne’s play-off hopes took a terminal blow up at Brixham as they were comprehensively beaten 38-14. Ashley Lawton scored a late try and were awarded a penalty-try both converted by Dave Mankee.

Town need to win both their remaining games and hope that Dings Crusaders slip up to get back in the play-off spot.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro put their Cornwall Cup disappointment behind them with a 27 all draw at Devonport Services. Matt Symons (2), Daryl Riches Ollie Seagrove and Luke Trescothick scored tries, Alex Stuthridge with a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels returned home empty-handed from Cullompton after a 27-0 loss.

St. Austell enjoyed a fine win in South Devon winning 48-16 at Sidmouth, Adam Kellow, Chris Ashwin (2), Ian Venner, Charlie Nicholson, Max Duggan and Liam Freeman all crossed for tries. Freeman also landed five conversions and a penalty.

St. Ives had a good win at Wellington 48-5 scoring seven tries through Sean Stevens, Martyn Lawrence (2), Dan Rutter, Tom Nicholas and Jordan Gott (2). Gott added five conversions and a penalty.

Bude lost at Crediton 31-14, the result is not ideal for the North Cornwall side as they are now level with Burnham who have a game in hand. Adam Black and Will Kingdom scored tries for Bude both converted by Dan Pearce. With the bottom two going down Bude need to get wins but with a home game to play-off hopefuls Cullompton and a tricky trip to Devonport Services it will be a tall order.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish completed their home program with a 29-17 win against London Exiles. Tries were scored by Tom Ievers, Chris Kolapo-Ajala, Rich Stephens and Jake Slade with Paddy Dean landing three conversions and a penalty.

Post match Cornish were presented with the London 2 SW trophy and will look to complete an unbeaten league season away to Twickenham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League leaders Falmouth lost for only the second time this season in the league at Withycombe 17-14.

With the Eagles facing a points deduction for fielding an unregistered player, they will hope to be confirmed champions at home this Saturday when they face struggling Bodmin.

Owen Hambly and Tom Tonkin scored tries both converted by Justyn Irons.

Saltash were made to work hard by Honiton before overcoming the Lacemen 38-28.

Paignton were awarded the points against Plymouth Argaum, though a friendly was played. It means that Paignton are six points ahead of Saltash with two games to play. It looks like the Ashes will run out of games to claw back the second promotion spot.

Pirates Amateurs won 14-6 at Penryn. Jack Nicholas and Liam Lonsdale scored the Ams tries both bettered by Lonsdale . Matt Horton kicked a couple of penalties for Penryn.

Better news for Penryn is that recent Pirates’ signing Toby Freeman will be head coach at the Borough next season assisted by Ian Morgan, Dave Pascoe and Gareth Tedstone. Graham Dawe will still be available as coaching consultant.

Lanner’s current good form continued with a 38-6 win against Plymstock at St. Day. Bev Stone (2), Adam Harris, Ryan Latino and Nick Prout all crossed for tries with Prout kicking the other points.

Despite losing at home Bodmin 23-18 to Tavistock, the losing bonus point was enough to move Bodmin out of the drop zone for now.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Hayle completed their league program with a 28-5 win at Veor. Gareth Mankee scored three of their tries. They will now look to try and complete a league and cup double when they take on Liskeard-Looe in the semi-finals of the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup later this month.

Newquay Hornets remain in second spot after seeing off Camborne School of Mines 27-19.

Liskeard-Looe won 43-19 at Helston to remain in third place, whilst Roseland defeated St. Agnes 19-12.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Lankelly-Fowey won the battle of the top sides edging out Illogan Park 24-16. They go into the final game at home to Camelford knowing a win bonus point will crown them champions.

Redruth Albany defeated Perranporth 24-17, whilst the game between Camelford and Stithians was postponed.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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