BATTLING PIRATES SHOW GRIT

Apologies for no entry last week, after the Pirates match against Rotherham it took the dust a few days to settle, not just with me, with many others too it would seem judging by the week’s press and the forum chatter.

Still I think on Saturday we had an answer with a battling performance from the Pirates up in Yorkshire to maintain their un-beaten record at Castle Park. It ended 24 all against Doncaster Knights thanks to a brace of tries from Rhodri McAtee and a try from Iva Motusaga. Rhys Jones converted all three tries as well as a penalty, he was un-lucky to have a last gasp drop-goal attempt charged down. At the beginning of the week with all the doom and gloom surronding the club not many gave the boys much chance of getting anything from this game, to their credit and also coach Mark Hewitt they stuck at it and got some reward, let’s all hope that with our support they can build once more next Sunday against Moseley at Camborne. A reminder that kick-off for this match will be 2-30pm.

I watched Redruth on Saturday maintain their fine start to the season with their seventh win to remain top dog in National League 2. It wasn’t a perfect perfromance despite the 44-10 scoreline, coach Nigel Hambly admitted as much afterwards, plenty to work on before the trip to Southend this Saturday. When they do get it right they are an awesome side with pace aplenty. Great to see Mark Bright back on Saturday after his exploits with the Tasman Makos in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup. For the recored the Reds’ scored six tries through James Mann, Luke Collins (2), Richard Carroll Craig Bonds and Mark Richards. You can read my report in the link,.

Match of the day in National League 2 had to be the Cornish All Blacks’ trip to Birmingham & Solihull. In the end it was the Midlanders who got the win 23-19. Scott Hobson, on loan from Bath, got the CAB’s try with Adam Staniforth kicking the conversion and three penalties, Jon Fabian also kicked a penalty. The result leaves the CAB’s in 3rd place seven points adrift of the Reds. Saturday see’s the next Cornish derby as the Cornish All Blacks entertain Mount’s Bay, they will wany all five points from that match.

Mount’s Bay looked on course for their first win in National League 2 leading visitors Wharfedale 14-0 having scored tries through winger Mika Mua and centre Steve Johns, both converted by Dan Hawkes. In the second half it all went pear shaped as Wharfedale scored three tries through David Hall and Peter Hall (2), with Mark Bedworth kicking a penalty to end up losing 18-14!

No regional leagues this week, it was Cup and Vase action. Well done to Wadebridge Camels who defeated London 2 South side Old Colfeians, who were a National League 3 South side not too long ago, 10-5 in the EDF-Energy National Trophy 1st Rd. Alisdair Maclennan got the try which Leigh Charles converted as well as a penalty.

In the Intermediate Cup, Cornwall’s only representatives in this season’s competition are St. Ives who followed up last week’s home league win over Yatton with a win on their pitch 31-23, with Grant Thirlby scoring 21 points. Tom Outram and Ryan Bishop scored the other two tries.

In the senior Vase, there were notable wins for, Bude who defeated Hayle 10-3, Newquay Hornets at Tiverton 26-12, Camborne had a good win at Crediton 17-10, Truro had a home walkover against Withycombe, up in the London section of the draw, London Cornish beat Twickenham 42-3. Dickon’s match report can be found here

In the Junior Vase of the eight cross Tamar ties Cornwall only lost one as Roseland lost at South Molton 64-6. Bodmin beat Tamar Saracens 15-7, Stithians demolished Dartmouth 78-3, Helston won at Devonport HSOB’s 29-12, Liskeard & Looe whitewashed Salcombe 56-0, Redruth Albany had some cheer after a bad week defeating Totnes 31-21, St. Austell beat Buckfastleigh 43-5, finally Perranporth won up in North Devon beating Torrington 22-17.

Having read the article in Friday’s Rugby Times , what a shame Phil Vickery hasn’t been asked to play for the Barbarians against Australia on December 3rd at Wembley Stadium. This is the game to celebrate the 1908 Olympic rugby tournament, which as you all know featured Cornwall as reigning County Champions. Phil was very keen to play in this match and represent us (the Cornish). I understand that the Barbarians club will be playing the match wearing Cornish socks. You can read the full story here from the Western Morning News

Posted in Bill's Blog

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