Saturday’s fine win at Lydney by 30-6, and let’s face it any win at Regentsholme is an achievement, sees Mount’s Bay five points clear of second place Cinderford in National League 3 South with just four more matches to play Bay scored two tries in each half to secure the all-important bonus point. Lee Jarvis scored Bay’s opening try after 25 mins before hooker Jamie Semmens grabbed the second just before half-time to leave the visitors 10-6 up at the turn. After the break Tyrone Child claimed a third try following a charge down before lock Richard Carroll, on a try-scoring burst at the moment scored the fourth try 7 mins from time. Jarvis converted both second half tires as well as a couple of second half penalties.
Sunday afternoon saw the Cornish Pirates secure a six-try win over struggling Sedgley Park by 36-10 a result, which also helps the Cornish All Blacks in their desperate fight to avoid the drop after just one season in National League 1. Despite trailing to an early Park penalty the Cornish Pirates upped the pace to score their opening try after 19 mins through winger Vunga Lilo. Four minutes later it was Cornishman Adryan Winnan who raced in for the Pirates second try of the afternoon. Centre Steve Winn scored the third try for the home side after 34 mins. Fly-half Olly Thomas had difficulty his kicking in the first half but no problems in the second as he converted flanker Chris Cracknell’s try as well as the final two tries. Replacement hooker Darren Dawiduik scored a fifth try shortly after coming on for Rob Elloway. The last Pirates’ try was scored by Jimmy Moore. Park battled away to the end and were rewarded with a converted try scored by Chris Biers.
On Saturday the Cornish All Blacks played their third match in seven days when they lost 62-0 at Exeter Chiefs. Launceston did well to contain the Chiefs to just 15-0 at half-time but in the second half Exeter ran riot scoring a further seven tries.
In Tribute South West 1, relegated St. Ives gave a good account losing 29-7 at home to Old Patesians. The Hakes led at half-time 7-5 thanks to a converted try by Matt Thomas, sadly they couldn’t build on the lead during the second half.
In Tribute South West 2 West, Camborne notched up their first win of the season with a home win over visitors Barton Hill. Camborne won by 20-3, hooker Sam Bartle and a second half penalty try award made up Town’s two tries. David Mankee converted both scores adding a penalty as well. Young Josh Matavesi dropped a goal to complete the scoring.
In Tribute Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels remain in third place despite their reversal at Minehead Barbarians 20-8. Gary Gynn scored the Camels’ try with Matt Bailey kicking a penalty.
In winning 8-7 at Hayle, Bude consolidated their mid-table position leaving their hosts in a precarious position second bottom in the league. It was a game of two halves as Bude scored all their points in the first half. Matt Trewin kicked a penalty before Ollie Denford scored Bude’s try after 20 mins. In the second half and despite tremendous pressure Hayle could only score one converted try through Adam Keverne with Ben Eddy adding the extras. Withycombe’s win over Kingsbridge 13-7 didn’t help Hayle’s cause either.
Already relegated Penryn put up a tremendous fight at home to promotion chasing Sidmouth before going down 10-6 to their visitors. Alex Suthridge kicked a penalty and dropped a goal for the Borough.
In London 3 SW, London Cornish battled out a 9-9 draw at Effingham & Leatherhead, DoR Dickon Moon has a comprehensive match report in the forums.
Outside of Mount’s Bay, Newquay Hornets look like Cornwall’s only other promotion bet this season in the leagues outside of Cornwall. Hornets who came up from Cornwall 1 last season cemented their top spot in the Cornwall & Devon league with a 21-0 home win over Wellington. Ashley Mann scored a couple of tries with Rob Johns scoring their third try as well as kicking all three conversions.
Falmouth beat Crediton 17-7 at the Recreation Ground with Darren Pellow scoring a brace of tries with Tim Gay grabbing a third, James Instance kicked a conversion.
Spoils were shared at St. Clements where Truro drew 10-10 with Okehampton. Truro scored two tries through Matt Trevail and Joe Williamson.
On Sunday after Cornwall U.20’s played their second match in this season U.20’s County Championship at North Petherton against Somerset U.20’s. Unfortunately Cornwall lost their second game in this season’s championship 20-11 a result, which ends Cornwall’s hopes for this season.
In the RBS 6 Nations tournament, Wales secured the Triple Crown with a fine 16-12 win at Croke Park over Ireland. Scotland surprised England with an easy win over the auld enemy 15-9 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup. On Sunday France playing in glimpses won against plucky Italy 25-13.
So to the final round of matches next weekend. Scotland will find it tough in Rome, though I think they can win 20-14. England will want to give their fans something to cheer about against Ireland, I think they will win 18 – 12 in a tense match. Finally I expect Wales to complete the Grand Slam against France, but I do think France will give them a fright on the way, 22 – 18!
