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.
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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 a big game & 3 tries scored. Photo Simon Bryant, Iktisphoto.
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.
Dean Wills scores for Cornwall. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto.
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.
Kyle Moyle kicks one of his eight conversions. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto.
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.
Ben Priddey scores in the corner for Cornwall. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto.
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.
Josh Matavesi showed his skills with a big first half performance. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto,
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.
Stupple comes up with the ball. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto.
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.
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.
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.
Abby Smith scores the first of her two tries v Devon Women. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
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.
Libbie Cole on the charge against Devon Women. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
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.
Rosie Ninnis on the charge v Devon Women. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
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.
Abby Masquelier shows her pace as she heads to the try-line. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
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.
Cornwall took a giant step towards another county final with this comprehensive win against reigning champions Kent.
Nobody in the Cornwall camp will take anything for granted as there is still another 80 minutes to navigate next Saturday at Charlton Park in the return leg.
Sunshine and a large crowd bedecked in their black and gold colours greeted the Cornwall team led out by skipper Sam Matavesi on his home ground.
Despite a bright start by Kent, Cornwall were as clinical as the score suggests. It all began with a 50:22 by Josh Matavesi putting Cornwall on the front foot and from the ensuing catch and drive the ball went wide for Matavesi to finish what he’d started.
Kyle Moyle booted over the first of his nine conversions and Cornwall were on their way.
Kye Beasley crashes through the Kent cover to score. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Next it was the turn of the forwards, good work from the mightily impressive Moyle and Shaun Buzza set up Kye Beasley for his try.
Moyle again was the provider when his strong run and final pass put the evergreen Matt Shepherd away to dot down in the corner.
The Cornish back row got through a huge amount of work with notably Herbie Stupple catching the eye with a man-of-the-match performance.
Man-of-the-match Herbie Stupple on the charge. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Tries came at regular intervals during the rest of the half with Tom Cowan-Dickie, Alex Ducker and Shepherd, again, putting Cornwall 45-0 up at the break.
Trelawny’s Army were already singing their heroes praises during half-time anticipating further scores in the second half, they were not disappointed.
Cornwall turned to the bench early in the second half, it didn’t diminish their performance. Two early tries from CJ Boyce kept the momentum going as they went for the jugular.
Kent, to their credit never gave up and were rewarded with a good try scored by skipper Sam Begbie, bettered by Jon Griffiths.
Skipper Sam Matavesi scores his try v Kent. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Into the final quarter Cornwall kept pushing with skipper Sam Matavesi wriggling over from close range.
Shepherd put in a try-saving tackle to keep Kent at bay, before Will Hennessy and Ducker scored either side of Lucas Hutton grabbing Kent’s second try to complete the scoring.
Speaking after the match Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe was satisfied with his side’s overall performance. He said. “I am pleased with the score-line, it’s more than we dared hope for. It wasn’t all perfect, we gave away more penalties than I would have liked at the breakdown and tackle area.
Asked what aspects of the match pleased him, “Well I thought our scrum performed well as did our driving maul. Our mid-field created some great opportunities for our back three, we didn’t always make the most of those chances on the day.
Asked about the return fixture. “It’s a strange one really, we have to go into the game thinking it’s nil-nil and treat it like any other game, we have to prepare to face potentially a stronger side and work on the areas we were penalised this week.”
Cornwall (Camborne, unless stated): Kyle Moyle, Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Max Bodilly (London Welsh), Josh Matavesi, Alex Ducker, Dean Wills (Redruth), CJ Boyce; Kye Beasley, Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Ben Watson, Mawgan Osborne, Edd Pascoe (both Redruth), Shaun Buzza, Sam Matavesi (Capt), Herbie Stupple.
Replacements: Archie Rolls, Pat Waton (Barnes), Sam Rodman, Ben Hancock (Launceston), Jordan Nicholls, Will Hennessy, Harry Larkins, Ben Priddey.
Cornwall Women go into this Sunday’s Tamar Cup match against regining Gill Burns Division 2 Champions Devon Women having to make some changes to last Sunday’s squad.
The principal reason is the unavailability of players from Ivybridge who are involved in a RFU Cup Final at Twickenham against Old Albanian II. This will also have an impact on the Devon squad.
From the team that defeated Berkshire Women, skipper Amy Bunt, Hannah Mills, Elizabeth Langton and Jessie Humber are unavailable.
Rhiannon Thomas steps up from the bench to replace Langton in the backrow.
In the backs, Rachel Hicks moves from the wing to full back to replace Bunt, Abby Masquelier (Penryn) and Suz Franks come in on the wings to replace Mills and Hicks.
The bench sees Maddie Webber (Camborne), Heather Holmes (Penryn), Michelle Bauer (Camborne) all come in from the selected squad for the Championship.
Launceston’s Megan Arnold takes over as captain with Amy Warman again vice-captain.
A win for Cornwall will see them qualify for the semi-finals of this year’s competition.
Kick-off at North Tawton is 2 pm on Sunday.
For those unable to get to the game on Sunday full match coverage is available on BBC Radio Cornwall from 2 pm.
Cornwall Women laid down a marker with a fourteen try demolition of a young, valiant Berkshire team who did not let their heads drop.
Launceston’s Abby Smith, playing on her home pitch was the star of the show, not only did she score five scintillating tries but she also showed her tigerish tackling when called upon.
Abby Smith enroute to scoring one of her 5 tries. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the match for the coaches at least, apart from not conceding any points, was that when the bench players came on there was no dip in intensity nor attacking intent. It was truly a 23 women’s team performance.
It had to be Smith who both opened and closed the try-scoring, her first came after 5 minutes as she cut a great angle to the line from a Tori Crutchley pass, who then added the first of her eight conversions.
The pace and provision of the Cornish Women was evident when skipper Amy Bunt finished off a fine move with Smith and Alex Hutchings involved.
Kim Upcott leaves the Berkshire cover in tatters as she dives for a score. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Despite losing Caitlin Milliken to a yellow card, the forwards wanted their say. The ever willing Kim Upcott took a quick tap near the line powering forward before being brought down only for fellow prop Libbie Cole to finish the job.
The Cornwall back row were industrious, with Hutchings, Rosie Ninnis and the impressive Elizabeth Langton getting through the hard work.
The bonus point try was a thing of beauty, a break out from the Cornish twenty-two by Bunt saw her feed Hannah Mills who with 60 meters to go completely bamboozled the Berkshire cover to dot down.
Further tries from Upcott, Faith Rowe and Rachel Hicks saw Cornwall lead 43-0 at half-time.
Rachel Hicks dives for the line. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Mindful of Devon’s win against Berkshire 50-0 the previous week, Cornwall knew thy had to press on during the second half.
A couple of early tries from Smith kept the momentum going. Smith and Mills then put Rowe away for her second try.
Cornwall began to empty the bench with Jessie Humber and Rhiannon Thomas bringing renewed power and Zeta Penrose and Jessica Varker more of the same in the front row.
Jenna Arnold made sure the forwards had a third try to celebrate before Rowe completed her hat-trick of tries and Smith rounded off the scoring with her final couple of tries.
Abby Smith scores one of her 5 tries. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto
Speaking after the match Abby Smith was quick to pay tribute to her team mates. “I couldn’t have scored those tries without them, they did the hard work to put me in with a chance, we are very much a family and we all work for each other.”
Cornwall’s head coach Jo Holden was delighted with her side’s performance. “I am really pleased, we kept going and put in a full eighty minutes never letting up, they stuck to the game plan and gave everything. I was pleased that the whole squad got game time and that the consistency did not drop off, it will be very hard picking the side for next Sunday with so many great performances today.”
The win puts Cornwall in charge of the group ahead of next Sunday’s Tamar Cup fixture against Devon Women at North Tawton RFC kick-off 2 pm.
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Rachel Hicks, Abigail Smith, Tori Crutchley (Truro), Hannah Mills (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Truro), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Alex Hutchings, Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn).
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