BILL BEAUMONT CUP FINAL

CORNWALL 39 – 24 LANCASHIRE

By Gareth Davies, Allianz Twickenham Stadium.

Cornwall claimed their eighth County Championship crown with a hard-fought five try win over a
spirited Lancashire outfit at Twickenham.

For Cornwall’s Matt Shepherd it was also a fifth winners medal from his eight finals played at Twickenham.

Looking to emulate the magnificent feat of the Cornwall women’s team just a few hours earlier,
Dawe’s charges fell behind inside the first 90 seconds when a ruck infringement was punished
by Lancashire captain Chris Johnson.

The Heath veteran, playing in his eighth showpiece final, kicked a long-range penalty to open
the scoring.

That narrow Red Rose advantage didn’t last long as with Cornwall’s first assault on their line,
Shaun Buzza went over and Kyle Moyle converted.

Lancashire responded well to conceding the game’s first try and they duly opened their five-
point account in the 11th minute through hooker Jack Ellam. The extras were knocked over by
Johnson and Cornwall were behind.

Two tries in three minutes then underlined Cornwall’s attacking prowess as both Alex Ducker
and then Moyle crossed the whitewash. Moyle, the former Gloucester and Cornish Pirates full-back, chimed into the three-quarter line to feed Ducker who showed magnificent footwork to sit two would-be Lancashire defenders down to score near the posts. Moyle added the extras and almost from the restart, Cornwall struck again.

A scrum in the centre of field after the ball struck the referee saw Cornwall execute a training
ground move with perfection. Josh Mataevesi’s short delayed pass found Dean Wills and then
Shepherd with Moyle supporting to dot down.

Another seven-point score was registered and at that point Cornwall threatened to run riot but
once again huge credit must go to Lancashire as they dug in magnificently.
So much so that Moyle opted to kick for goal from a penalty inside the Lancashire half as the
interval approached to stretch the score out to 24-10 in Cornwall’s favour.

Lancashire would ensure that Cornwall’s lead would be down to single figures at the turnaround
when powerhouse flanker Ashton Kassam-Sharples scored and Johnson converted.
After the interval, Cornwall nerves would have started to jangle when Lancashire levelled up the
game when full-back Sam Freeman burrowed his way over from close range for his side’s third
converted try of the afternoon.

Freeman’s score came on the back of a penalty advantage for the Red Rose side which also
resulted in Josh Matavesi being shown a yellow card.

At 24-24 and with Cornwall losing one of their many talismen, Lancashire hopes were raised
that they could secure an against all odds triumph.

Moyle kicked a fine penalty from just inside the Lancashire half to edge Cornwall back in front
before the game changing moment arrived in the 53rd minute. Lancashire’s Tom Ailes broke
through the Cornwall defence and his brilliant offload was snared by replacement Matt Bradley.
The Sale scrum-half dived for the line and he slid over, only to be denied by a truly remarkable
try-saver from Wills. Held up was referee Tom Evans-Jones’ call and from the subsequent
restart, Sam Matavesi delivered a captain’s knock to win a penalty and the momentum swung
towards the Black and Gold.

Back from his 10 minutes on the sideline, Josh Matavesi then increased Cornwall’s lead with a
powerful run off the back of an attacking line-out. The former Bath and Newcastle man reached
out to place the ball on the whitewash and despite strong Lancashire protests, which led to
handbags between the two sides, the try was awarded and Moyle converted.

Some real breathing space for Cornwall, who suffocated the Lancashire attack and despite the
Red Rose outfit having a sustained spell of possession and multiple phases, they were nullified.
With 10 minutes to go, another fine backs move resulted in Bodily cutting a superb line to score
a fifth Cornwall try. The conversion was missed as Moyle recorded the only blot on his personal
copybook from the tee.

Ben Priddey thought he had extended Cornwall’s lead further as the clock approached 80
minutes but the referee, in consultation with one of his tough judges, ruled that the Camborne
try scoring machine had knocked on.

It was the final noteworthy action of the match and when the final whistle sounded, despite
heavy rain falling under gloomy London skies, a second side in black and gold had triumphed at
headquarters, in what turned out to be a truly landmark day for Cornish rugby.

Cornwall (Camborne, unless stated): Kyle Moyle, Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Max Bodilly (London Welsh), Josh Matavesi, Alex Ducker, Dean Wills (Redruth), CJ Boyce; Tyler Gendall, Tom Cowan-Dickie (both Redruth), Sam Rodman, Mawgan Osborne, Edd Pascoe (both Redruth), Shaun Buzza, Sam Matavesi (Capt), Herbie Stupple.

Replacements: Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Jack Andrew, Jago Sheppard, Ben Hancock (Launceston), Jordan Nicholls, Will Hennessy, Harry Larkins, Ben Priddey.

Tries: Buzza (5), Ducker (14), Moyle (17), J Matavesi (60), Bodily (70). Pens: Moyle 2/2. Cons: Moyle 4/5

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2 FINAL

CORNWALL WOMEN 46 – 27 DURHAM WOMEN

Cornwall Women produced a scintillating performance on their first ever match at the home of English rugby to defeat Durham Women in the Gill Burns Division 2 county final, reports Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women scored eight tries during the match with Cornwall’s Michaella Roberts scoring a brace in a player of the match performance. The No.8 carried time and time again, constantly making good ground putting Cornwall on the front foot against a Durham side that played their part in the final.

Despite a promising start by Cornwall it was Durham who opened the scoring with an unconverted try scored by Kathryn Barrett who slipped the Cornish defenders.

From the beginning of the match Cornwall’s scrum had the measure of the Durham eight at the set-piece with Roberts proving a handful along with Alex Hutchings. Good Cornish pressure saw Abby Smith go close before the ball was moved wide with Faith Rowe finding Hannah Mills to dot down out wide.

Moments later Durham regained the lead when their skipper Jess Clabby sliced through the Cornwall cover, Sabrina McCann adding the conversion.

Cornwall got back to within two points when from a penalty kicked to the corner by Tori Crutchley, skipper Megan Arnold won the lineout with the pack putting in a great drive to the Durham line for Roberts to dot down.

Cornwall then took a firm grip on the game scoring two converted tries, first of all Cornwall’s scrum shoved Durham off their own ball strong drives saw Kim Upcott pick up from a ruck and then drive towards the posts, brought down just short the prop managed to dot down under the sticks.

From the re-start Hutchings made good ground before Amy Warman’s pass found Roberts who spotted a gap and sped from her own half to score a marvellous try, Tori Crutchley added both conversions and Cornwall were suddenly 24-12 up that scoreline remained to half-time.

Cornwall brought on some fresh legs for the second half just 5 minutes in from a scrum Cornwall broke away, the ball went wide to Abby Masquelier she was brought down short, Warman re-cycled the ball to Jessie Humber who did well to ground then ball in the corner.

Durham then lost Molly Dutchburn to the sin bin for repeat offending, Cornwall made the most of the extra numbers, good play by Roberts and Hutchings saw the ball moved into the Durham twenty-two, when the ball was moved wide Georgia Hall’s pass found Masquelier who showed her pace to out flank the cover and score to put Cornwall 34-12 ahead.

Any thoughts Cornwall had of game won were quickly dispelled. The influential Roberts found herself on the sidelines with a yellow card, Durham took full advantage when Hollie Mountain found space out wide to score, then Daisey Graham pulled back another try to bring the Northerners back to within twelve points.

Then Maggie Graham scored a fifth try for Durham with just seven minutes remaining to set Cornish nerves jangling.

Cornwall needed calm heads, they went for more! Mills, Ninnis and Upcott drove up into the Durham twenty-two before Faith Rowe picked the ball up three meters out and wriggled to the line to score, Hall’s conversion gave Cornwall some breathing space.

The icing on the cake came when Masquelier danced down the touchline to skin the tiring Durham defence and dot down with aplomb by the posts. Hall’s conversion went the wrong side of the sticks but it mattered not Cornwall were Champions and the celebrations began.

Speaking after the match Cornwall’s head coach Jo Holden was understandably delighted by her side’s performance. “We showed Cornish granite out there today, it was a game of ups and downs, we were well ahead, then got pegged back, but we showed our mettle and the support of the crowd helped us get over the line. I couldn’t be happier for our team. What a great bunch they have been, a pleasure to coach.”

Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Rachel Hicks, Suz Franks, Abigail Smith, Tori Crutchley (Truro), Hannah Mills (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Truro), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (Capt), Jessie Humber (Ivybridge), Alex Hutchings, Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).

Replacements: Jessica Varker (Helston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Rhiannon Thomas, Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Evie Groves (Truro), Abby Masquelier (Penryn).

Cornwall scores: Tries: Mills 12, Roberts 26, 33, Upcott 31, Humber 47, Masquelier 56, 80, Rowe 76. Cons, Crutcley 32, 34, Hall 77

Durham Women: Sabrina McCann (Bishop Auckland), Georgia Massey (Bishop Auckland), Kathryn Barrett (Bishop Auckland), Jess Clabby (Capt, Ryton), Daisy Graham (Houghton), Neve Kinghorn, Leonie Kinghorn (both Stockton), Kenzie Burnside (Houghton), Tamsin Thompson (Peterlee & Horden), Meg Owen (Bishop Auckland), Hannah Picknett (Yarm), Maddy Chandler (Bishop Auckland), Dagmara Podgorska (Stockton), Sophie Underwood (Durham Uni), Naomi Garbutt (Stockton).

Replacements: April Roxby (Peterlee & Horden), Molly Dutchburn (Bishop Auckland), Amy Hayhurst (Stockton), Maggie Graham (Houghton), Clara Verlaque, Hollie Mountain (both Bishop Auckland), Ndapanda Kakundi (Stockton), Emma Lawson (Bishop Auckland).

Durham scores: Tries: Barrett 6, Clabby 15, Mountain 64, D Graham 71, M Graham 75. Cons, McCann 16.

Referee: Chrissy Clark (Oxon SRFR)

You can watch both the men’s and women’s finals via the RFU You Tube Channel from 10:50 am on Saturday morning.

RFU Livestream You Tube Channel

Women’s final is at 11 am

Men’s final at 5 pm

Watch the the livestream and put on BBC Radio Cornwall for the best audio of the game.

Here is the link for the Radio Cornwall online commentary for the Women’s final

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/live/cd7pqdx1j9et

BBC Cornwall doing a big match preview at 6 pm Friday evening

Thanks to the efforts of Kevin Thomas from Cornwall RFU and their valued sponsors Newell’s Travel, Newells are laying on two coaches on Saturday for the Bill Beaumont Cup final at Twickenham kick-off 5 pm. These coaches are up and back on the Saturday.

Please note that neither coach will arrive in time for the Women’s final at 11 am, the logistics are not possible, regretfully.

Coach A, Will pick up from;

Falmouth, Truro, St. Austell, Liskeard & Saltash

Coach B, will pick up from;

Penzance, Camborne, Redruth, Cornwall Services (A30), Launceston

Arrival time at Twickenham is 3 pm.

Cost per person £74 return per person.

To book, contact Newell’s Travel on 01726 932329.Phone lines are open 09:30 – 17:00. Payment (bank transfer only) will be taken at the time of booking and will be strictly first come first served.

Bill Beaumont County Championship Division One Group Two

Kent 19 Cornwall 56

Gareth Davies, Charlton Park RFC, Saturday

Cornwall booked their place in the Bill Beaumont County Championship final at Twickenham next Saturday with a comprehensive 56-19 win over reigning champions Kent.

In a two legged clash with the current holders, Cornwall travelled to Charlton Park holding a 59 point lead after last week’s 11-try romp at Camborne’s Recreation Ground.

And in searing temperatures, Graham Dawe’s charges crossed the whitewash eight times in South London to prevail 132-29 on aggregate.

Herbie Stupple’s hat-trick, along with braces for Dean Wills and Ben Priddey, coupled with a single score for flying winger Alex Ducker, was enough for Cornwall to book a date with Lancashire at headquarters – the Black and Gold’s first County Championship final in four years

Holding a 59 point cushion from seven days previous, Dawe made three changes to his starting line-up with two of those coming in the front row.

Ben Watson and Kyle Beasley were replaced by Archie Rolls and Sam Rodman whilst in the engine room, Jago Sheppard took the place of Redruth’s Edd Pascoe.

Sadly for Rolls, he was injured early in the piece and replaced by Jack Andrew but this early pack shuffle didn’t deter the visitors as Wills opened the scoring in the sixth minute from close range.

Kyle Moyle, who had a 100 per cent record from the tee, slotted over the first of eight successful conversions.

Despite falling behind early and being fearful of another painful loss, Kent rallied and scored the game’s next try when Sevenoaks winger Jacob Ivell finished off a flowing backs move out on the left flank. Home skipper Sam Begbie, also a Sevenoaks player, missed the conversion and Cornwall remained in front.

But just as Kent gained a foothold in proceedings, it was taken away from them by Cornwall in ruthless fashion almost straight from the restart. Josh Matavesi got his hands on the ball in midfield and an outrageous dummy, which has become the giant Fijian’s trademark, punched a huge hole in the Kent defence and with Ducker supporting, the full-back was drawn and Cornwall were in again.

Once again, credit to Kent who didn’t crumble and for 10 minutes they kept Cornwall at bay before Camborne’s Stupple barged over from near the posts.

Wills then seared through the Kent rearguard just before the interval and with Moyle kicking the extras, Cornwall held a 28-5 interval lead.

They had, barring one of the greatest comebacks in the history of rugby union, made it to Twickenham and with a final place 99.9 per cent secured, Josh Matavesi and Wills were replaced at the turnaround.

Priddy took the place of Tom Cowan-Dickie at hooker while Barnes lock Pat Walton and Camborne’s utility back Harry Larkins were also thrust into the fray.

And because of those changes, coupled with Kent’s willingness to throw caution to the wind at every opportunity, the opening exchanges of the second stanza were scrappy.

But Priddy, with a remarkable 39 tries for Camborne this term, got in on the scoring act when he finished well in the far right corner. Moyle nailed a fine touchline conversion and Cornwall were up and running in the second 40.

Kent, just like they had in the first half, then scored next when Canterbury scrum-half Tom Williams seized on a loose pass to run fully 80 metres to score the home side’s second try which Begbie bettered.

Stupple recorded his second just shy of the hour mark after a short, close-range pass from Priddey, after Cornwall took a quick tap penalty close to the Kent line.

Into the final quarter and after a number of driving mauls deep in home territory didn’t result in points, Priddey bucked the trend in familiar fashion to nab his second.

With 14 minutes left Kent scored arguably the try of the game when Cornwall were penalised the hosts 22 and quick thinking from half-back duo Harvey Young and Williams saw the latter match the feats of Wills, Stupple and Priddey with a second try.

Sidcup’s Harry Large took over from the tee and he tacked on the extra two points to leave the score at 49-19 in Cornwall’s favour.

With the sweltering conditions taking its toll on both teams and Cornwall with one eye on their final against Lancashire, the game somewhat petered out in the final 10 minutes, but not before Stupple secured his hat-trick.

His third five-pointer of a productive afternoon came from a Cornwall scrum 18 metres from the Kent line. Obliterating the Kent pack, playing with a penalty advantage, the former Plymouth Albion man picked up from the base and he crashed over.

A final converted try of the match hoisted Cornwall over the 50-point mark and victory ensured Kent’s name will not be on the trophy for a fourth consecutive season.

Instead, Cornwall will be vying for a first title since 2022 whilst Lancashire, the competition’s most successful side, bid for a 26th county crown.

Cornwall (Camborne unless stated): Moyle, Shepherd (St Austell), Bodily (London Welsh), J Matevesi, Ducker, Wills (Redruth), Boyce; Rolls, Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Rodman, Osborne, Sheppard, Buzza, S Matavesi, Stupple. Replacements: Andrew, Walton (Barnes), Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Hancock (Launceston), Nicholls, Hennessey, Larkins, Priddey.

Tries: Wills (6, 38), Ducker (17), Stupple (31, 56, 72), Priddey (45, 62)

Conversions: Moyle 8/8

Kent: Hawkins (Bromley), Sipawa (Medway), Begbie (Sevenoaks), Harrison (Westcombe Park), Ivell (Sevenoaks), Young (Bromley), Williams (Canterbury); Watson (Sidcup), Jackson (Gordon Highlanders), Gibbons (Blackheath), Cole (Medway), Sanusi (Blackheath), Lienafa (Old Alleynians), Wagstaff (Westcombe Park), Elliott (Bromley). Replacements: MacMillan (Canterbury), Muhlemann (Westcombe Park), Wheeler (Blackheath), Clarke (Dartfordians), Large (Sidcup), Griffiths (Bromley), Kiernan (Medway), Ford (Medway.

Tries: Ivell (14), Williams (49, 66)

Conversions: Begbie 1/2, Large 1/1

Referee: Angus Nicholls

Attendance: 300 (est)

At Charlton Park RFC, kick-off 2 pm, entry is free.

The link for Saturday’s match at Charlton Park RFC between Kent & Cornwall, kick-off 2 pm.

Following their retaining of the Tamar Cup and qualification for the semi-finals of this season’s Gill Burns Division 2, Cornwall Women can count on the return on the majority of their Ivybridge players following their Twickenham success last Sunday.

There is however one notable absentee, Amy Bunt picked up a dislocated knee during the Twickenham match and is out.

Megan Arnold continues as captain with Amy Warman as vice-captain.

The squad also features Michaella Roberts who is set to make her first appearance for the black and gold this season from the bench.

The match against North Midlands Women kicks off at 1 pm at Stourbridge RFC. Cornish support is always welcome.

In the other semi-final Durham Women host Devon Women at Stockton RFC.

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

DEVON WOMEN 17 – 26 CORNWALL WOMEN

Cornwall Women had to dig deep under a relentless sun in North Tawton to secure top spot in their pool and qualify for the semi-finals of this season’s competition, reports Bill Hooper.

They also defended the Women’s Tamar Cup to make it a double delight for the black and golds.

Cornwall Women certainly had the upper-hand when it came to the scrum, on numerous occasions they shoved the Devon Women back at a rate of knots.

It was Devon who got the early try when their wing Annie Jones squeezed in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Cornwall Women launched numerous attacks from the base of the scrum notably through No.8 Amy Hutchings, but frustratingly, they fell-foul, as did Devon on numerous occasions to the referee’s whistle.

Cornwall did manage to tie the scores when Abby Smith managed to stretch for the line having been tackled just short.

Cornwall thought they had gone ahead when Libbie Cole put in a determined charge to make the line, but once again on the intervention of the Assistant Referee the try was disallowed.

Both Hutchings and Smith again went close to a score, eventually Cole had something to celebrate when she crossed to score Cornwall’s second try, which was converted by Tori Crutchley.

Just before half-time Devon conjured up an unconverted try when centre Boe Minns went over in the corner to leave Cornwall with a narrow 12-10 lead.

After the break Cornwall looked to raise the tempo, Kim Upcott put in some of her trademark drives and came close to scoring, Amy Warman kept the tempo up with her quick taps keeping Cornwall on the front foot. Yellow cards saw Devon lose a couple of players, whilst Cornwall were again denied when Abby Masquelier thought she had scored only to be called back for a forward pass in the build up.

The breakthrough finally came when Georgia Hall slipped a pass to Smith who finished in style, Hall’s conversion gave Cornwall some breathing space, but not for long. Back came Devon as Jones scored her second try with Aoife Underhill adding the extras to make for a tight finish.

Cornwall playing in the right area o0f the field pressed the Devon line with Hutchings and Rosie Ninnis close, before the ball went wide for Masquelier to score the vital try with Hall on the money with the extras.

Devon threw everything at Cornwall during the closing moments but when they were driven into touch the referee blew for time and the Cornish celebrations commenced.

Speaking after the game Cornwall head coach Jo Holden was understandably delighted. “I am really pleased with that performance today given the hot conditions, they gave their all and were determined not to let go of the Tamar Cup. To make the semi-finals again is a great achievement but we now want to go further and make that Twickenham final next weekend.”

Cornwall will be on the road for their semi-final next Sunday when they travel to play North Midlands Women.

Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Rachel Hicks, Suz Franks, Abigail Smith, Tori Crutchley (Truro), Abby Masquelier (Penryn), Faith Rowe (Truro), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (Capt), Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn) Alex Hutchings.

Replacements: Jessica Swales (Truro), Jessica Varker (Helston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Maddie Webber (Camborne), Heather Holmes (Penryn), Michelle Bauer (Camborne), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Sophia Bishop (Camborne).

Cornwall Women scores: Tries Smith 12, 66, Cole 36, Masquelier 75, Cons, Crutchley 13, Hall 67, 76

Referee: Eleanor Clarke (Bristol RRS)