AT LAST REAL RUGBY!

Enough of the phony stuff, league rugby is back and what an exciting opening weekend it was for the Cornish clubs involved.

In the RFU Championship a solid win by the Cornish Pirates out in Jersey with a 20-6 score-line. Canadian International winger Matt Evans bagged a hat-trick of tries for the Pirates, whilst fly-half Kieron Hallett kicked a penalty and conversion. Four points to start the season off prior to the visit of Plymouth Albion to the Mennaye next Sunday.

Dick Straughan’s match report from the Western Morning News can be found in the link

In National League 2 South, contrasting fortunes for our two Cornish sides. Redruth began with an away win at Taunton Titans 25 – 15 , thanks to tries from Craig Bonds and a brace from No.8 Tom Duncan. Duncan last season’s top try-scorer for the Reds is back in the grove already. Paul Thirlby adding the other points with the boot.

You can read Roger Watson’s report from the Western Morning News in the link here

Launceston had a disappointing start losing at Polson to newly promoted Chinnor 33-29. As skipper Tom Rawlings put it “We blew it”. Centre Lewis Paterson showed great early season form with a hat-trick of tries, whilst scrum-half Richard Friend grabbed a fourth All Blacks try to at least give the All Blacks two points from the game.

Catch up with Dick Benson-Gyles match report for the Western Morning News here

It promises to be another exciting Cornish derby at Redruth this Saturday as Launceston head west looking to get their season back up and running, whilst Redruth will hope to build on the fine start at Taunton. It will be full of passion at the Rec!

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne had a great start at Oldfield Old boys winning 18-13 with tries from James Galsworthy and Dave Roberts. Dave Mankee’s trusty boot added the other points.

Wadebridge Camels will be disappointed to have lost at the Molesworth Field 11-10 to visitors Old Redcliffians. Mike Davey got the Camel’s try with James Grubb kicking a couple of penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell started with a bang at home defeating new boys Honiton 46-10. Ben Chenoweth (2) Paul Winterbottom (2), Sam Tank (2) Matt Shepherd and Sam Howorth all crossed the whitewash.  Shepherd added three conversions to put Saints on top of the table.

Truro won the Cornish derby at St. Clements with a 38-8 win over Bude. Issac Scoble, Matt Ayres, Tim Gay, Tom Child (2) and Ashley Richards got Truro’s tries with Chevy Read adding four conversions.

Penryn lost their opener at home 18-13 to Ivybridge. Jamie Martin scored a couple of tries with Gavin Laycock kicking a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League. St. Ives beat Newquay Hornets 52-32, thanks in part to 28 points, including three tries, from fly-half Kyle Moyle. For the losing side Liam Freeman also scored a hat-trick of tries in amassing a personal tally of 22 points.

Falmouth won at Wessex 24-14, Pirates Amateurs triumphed at Plymouth Barbarians 17-12, whilst newly promoted Saltash sent OPM’s back across the Tamar following a 50-22 defeat.

A loss for Liskeard & Looe at Teignmouth 31 – 12, whilst the game between Tiverton and Hayle was postponed.

I was sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Mike Dove. A stalwart of the Cornish game who gave so much to the clubs he served. St Austell, Penryn and Truro all benefited from his hard work and enthusiasm, as did the Cornwall RFU.

Next month will be Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club AGM, when we announce the winners of our Cornwall Senior and U.20 Player of the Year. Voting has now closed and we look forward to informing the winners shortly.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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