TAMAR CUP

CORNWALL 22 – 14 DEVON

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth

Roared on by a big Easter holiday crowd Cornwall wrested the Tamar Cup back from Devon in a pulsating encounter.

Cornwall were far from perfect but given the limited time the squad have had together they found a way to win which pleased backs coach Malcolm Roberts. He said. “Given our limited time to prepare I thought we put in a decent performance, pulling players together from various clubs you have to put in a structure and plan and I feel they did that.

Roberts was pleased with the performance from his backline. “I thought they looked sharp and put their tries away very well and that didn’t let up when we brought replacements on.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence impeccably observed to remember former county player Terry Barnes also former Devon Secretary and past President Treve Mitchell, who hailed from Camborne.

Devon kicked off playing down the slope, the visitors enjoyed early territory and possession but the Cornish defence held firm.

Scrum-half Liam Jolly made a good break into the Devon half but his kick forward came to nothing.

Props Dec Prowse and Mitch Hawken drove into the Devon twenty-two before Matt Shepherd launched his backs, good hand from Ben Plummer and Cam Fogden put wing Ryan Cruickshanks in at scoreboard corner, Shepherd adding a fine conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The St. Austell pair of Archie Bees and Dan Tyrrrell were full of running along with the influential Fogden in mid-field as Cornwall started to hit their strides and show their mettle.

A quickly taken tap by Jolly five meters out led to Cornwall’s second try quick ball out to Shepherd saw him release fellow Saint Ben Plummer to bulldoze through the Devon defence and dot down.

Cornwall maintained their pressure, just before half-time a fine run and kick ahead by Tyrrell led to Cornwall’s third try, the winger kicked the ball forward with Bude’s Ben Hancock winning the race for the touchdown. Half-time 17-0 to the black and gold.

Cornwall began the second half at pace and were unlucky not to get an early score.

They did add to their tally when Jack Counter, just off the bench tore down the top touchline to score in Piggy Lane Corner.

Chances came and went the clinical touch was just missing to polish off the chances that came.

Both sides began to empty their benches with the game becoming a little dis-jointed, however it played into Devon’s hand as both their tries came from replacements.

They pulled a first try back through Corey Jamieson to give them some hope but they couldn’t add to their tally until the dying moments when Leon Horn scored, both tries converted by Declan Hadley.

CORNWALL: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Ryan Cruickshanks (Saltash), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Dan Tyrrell, Matt Shepherd, (Capt, both St. Austell), Liam Jolly (Truro); Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels).

Replacements: Matt Boothby (St. Austell), Charlie Short (Launceston), Pete Harris, (St. Austell), Dan Head (Truro), Rory Jago (St. Austell), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne), Jack Counter (Wadebridge Camels), Declan Matthews (Truro), Jose Juarez (Launceston).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Cruickshanks 15, Plummer 35, Hancock 38, Counter 52

Con, Shepherd 16

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

Crowd: 1,732

Suez UK Man-of-the-match: Cam Fogden (Cornwall)

CORNWALL DETERMINED TO RECLAIM  TAMAR CUP

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall will go into Easter Saturday’s Tamar Cup fixture at Redruth RFC against Devon determined to win back the Cup in front of their fanatical supporters.

Having lost the Cup last season in wintery conditions at Ivybridge, Cornwall will hope that the kinder weather will allow them to play an expansive game.

With both Camborne and Redruth both still involved with their league programmes the squad has been picked chiefly from sides at level 5 down in the RFU leagues.

The sole exception are Camborne’s Declan Prowse and Will Tanswell who have been given the nod.

“We decided to have a slightly different approach to the Tamar Cup fixture this year”, said Chairman of Selectors Kevin Thomas.

He added. “Having lost our second Bill Beaumont Cup home game this season, we were able to team up with Redruth RFC who are having a big weekend over Easter to celebrate their 150^th anniversary. We are grateful to them for what should be a very competitive game.”

Chairman of the CRFU Steve Murley added, “The Tamar Cup gives the coaches and selectors the opportunity to look at current and potential Championship players from level 5 down as well as players just out of the Under 20 squad.

“With only two County Championship matches this seasons it was very important we had some quality fixtures in the build up to ensure we are match ready“

“Cornwall v Devon is always a great occasion and I have no doubt this Saturday will be no different.”

Kick-off is 2:30 pm, with the gates open from 12 pm, stand £12, ground £8 with under 16s free. The Falmouth Marine Band will be in attendance with a bucket collection on behalf of Wooden Spoon (Cornwall). Please note pre-reserved Blue Badge parking only at the ground.

Also please be aware there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off to remember former county player Terry Barnes (Falmouth) also former Devon RFU Hon. Secretary & past President Treve Mitchell, who was a proud Cornishman.

Cornwall squad (St. Austell unless stated), Forwards: Matt Boothby, Sam Carroll (Pirates Ams), Mark Grubb (Wadebridge), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Ben Hancock (Bude), Pete Harris, Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Dan Head (Truro), Roy Jago, Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell, Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Brandon Rowley, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Mark Vian.

Backs: Archie Bees, Jack Counter (Wadebridge), Ryan Cruickshanks, Greg Eatwell (both Saltash), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Liam Jolly (Truro), Jose Luis Juarez (Launceston), Ben Plummer, Matt Shepherd, Will Tanswell (Camborne), Dan Tyrrell.

Trelawny’s Army again sponsored this season’s CRFU Colts Cup Finals Day at Hayle RFC.

Four terrific finals that saw some fine rugby played.

The main final was between Wadebridge Camels (pictured above) and Penryn/Perranporth, with the Camels winning it at the death.

Other winners on the day were Launceston, Bude & Camborne.

With the TASC trade stand present at Penryn RFC last Saturday on the occasion of the Cornwall Women’s Cup, a presentation was made to Cornwall Women’s head coach Jo Holden of match balls ahead of this season’s Gill Burns Division 2 campaign.

TASC Merchandise Secretary Jackie Thomas is seen presenting a ball to Jo.

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 32 – 22 GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Camborne

A try by Rosko Troughton in the dying moments of the game foiled any hopes Gloucestershire harboured of a miraculous comeback.

It also ensured Cornwall had an opening day bonus point win ahead of their trip to Tiverton next month to take on Devon.

The result, if not always the manner, pleased head coach Richie Kevern. He said post-match. “I am happy to get the campaign off to a winning start and with the bonus point. We stuck at it and showed grit when Gloucestershire had momentum . I thought our defence at times was top draw we knocked their big forwards back time and again.

“We created some very good chances but we failed to finish them off and that almost allowed Gloucestershire back into it. We will need to be more clinical in our next games. We did show that we have some serious gas out wide if we can get it right we will cause sides problems.

Thoughts will now turn to the Devon game on April 27^th at Tiverton in what is likely to be a group decider. “Devon’s win today against Somerset sets up a great encounter next month. We will be working hard between now and then to make sure we go into that game well prepared.”

Cornwall took the lead with a routine penalty from fly-half Jowan Kerry. That lead proved short lived when the visitors kicked for the corner and the rumbling Gloucestershire pack put Reuben Millward over for the try.

Both Billy Jordan and Ben Roskilly went close to scoring before Leo Armstrong-Lever went over from a maul to put Cornwall back in the lead, Kerry adding the extras.

The black and gold back three showed plenty of pace throughout the game.

The Cornish back row of Freddie Jordan, Will Symons and skipper Jack Jenkin ruled at the breakdown as Cornish pressure built. 

Armstrong-Lever then crossed again as Cornwall dominated play before wing Rhys Bowery sped in at the corner with Kerry again on the money with the conversion.

Cornwall’s concentration switched off just before the break when Millward bagged his second fo the visitors to leave Cornwall 22-10 up.

The second half proved cagey, Cornwall took the points from a penalty in front of the posts from Kerry to stretch their lead.

Gloucestershire pressed and were rewarded when Zac Mountfield crossed with Ollie French adding the conversion and when Omar Ly scored his side’s fourth try Cornish nerves jangled as the lead was cut to just three points.

Cornwall redoubled their efforts. A tremendous forward drive in the final moments gave Troughton his chance to score following several phases with Kerry adding the extras to ensure the win. 

Cornwall U.20 (Helston, unless stated): Barney Lewis (Newquay), Ayden Earnshaw, Ben Roskilly, Bill Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Jarvis Lee (Truro); Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Leo Armstrong-Lever, Olly Derry (Wadebridge), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Oli Wells (Redruth), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge), Jack Jenkin (Capt)

Replacements: Jalal Bennett (Truro), Rosko Troughton, Joe Court, Ben Smith (both Camborne).Luke Young (Redruth), Callum Phillips, Lewis Wiltshire (both Wadebridge), Harry Rigg.

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Armstrong –Lever 27, 32, Bowery 38, Troughton 78, Cons, Kerry 28, 39, 79, Pens, Kerry 4, 58

Cornwall Star Man: Rhys Bowery

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2025 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts Gloucestershire for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 30^th March. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s competition off with a tie against Gloucestershire. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.

Cornwall have named Jack Jenkin (Helston, pictured above) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another new player this season, Ted Kullich from Camborne, who is the vice-captain.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Gloucestershire is never easy, playing Gloucestershire in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.

Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Camborne player Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich.  There is also a change in the team management with LJ Collick from Helston taking over as Team Manager. LJ has many years of experience and has been involved with the U18’s and the Southwest sides.

Cornwall Captain Jack Jenkin said, – “It is an honour to be asked to captain the side for this season. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 30th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Devon away on Sunday 27th April at Tiverton RFC with a 1400 kick off time and then finally Somerset at Redruth RFC on Sunday 11^th May again with a 1400 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. There are a number of these players who will be around for the next 2 seasons, and we are always on the lookout at new talent who can come into the squad and join them over the coming seasons. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. Or tickets can be pre purchased on the CRFU website Fan Base link. https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9772 

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance. 

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

24/03/2024
                             Cornwall U20 v Gloucestershire U20

Sunday 30th March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Sam West

Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop

Cornwall U20 v Cornwall Clubs XV

Wednesday 26 February @ St Austell RFC with a 1930 kick off time.

As part of the build up to the U20 County Championship campaign they play their second and final warmup game v a Cornwall Clubs XV on Wednesday 26 February at St Austell RFC.

Coaches Rich Kevern have used the opportunity to look at a few new players in the squad after their first warm up game against a competitive Camborne School of Mines side in January. A few new players have joined the squad transitioning from the U18 age group, along with players identified at club level.

The squad of 25 player includes players from 12 different clubs across Cornwall which is a great advert for this age group and club rugby.

Head coach Rich Kevern said: – This will be a stern test for these young guys facing a Clubs XV who will bring experience and game hardness with them. We want this to be that kind of test as in a few weeks’ time we will be facing other tough county sides in the championship.

Team Manager LJ Collick said; – We have had good numbers at training and over 70 in the enlarged squad. We cannot give everyone game time in two matches and, build for the championship. We have observed other players in club matches, and certainly all players are in contention for a spot come the championship games.

Jack Jenkin (Helston) has been named as Captain with Ted Kullich (Camborne) being named as Vice-Captain of the 25-player squad.

Entry on the evening is £2 with under 16 gaining free entry. So come along and support the future Cornwall players along with those representing several of their own clubs in the Clubs XV side.

Cornwall U20 Team

1. Dan Bennett                         St Austell
2. Jalal Bennett                         Truro
3. Olly Derry                              Wadebridge Camels
4. Charlie Knight                      Saltash
5. Oli Wells                                Redruth
6. Freddy Jordan                      Penryn
7. Will Symons                          Wadebridge Camels
8. Jack Jenkin (Capt)               Helston
9. Callum Phillips                     Wadebridge Camels
10.  Jowan Kerry                         Perranporth
11.  Harry Rigg                            Helston
12.  Billy Jordan                          Penryn
13.  Ted Kullich (V Capt)           Camborne
14.  Rhys Bowery                       Newquay Hornets
15.  Ayden Earnshaw                Helston
16.  Leo Armstrong Lever          Helston
17.  Telio Jenkins                       St Ives
18.  Will Luscombe                     Redruth
19.  Rosko Troughton                Helston
20.  Ben Smith                            Camborne
21.  Jarvis Lee                             Truro
22.  Barney Lewis                       Newquay Hornets
23.  Josh Blyth                            Hayle
24.  Luke Young                         Redruth
25.  Lewis Wiltshire                    Wadebridge Camels

Coaches   – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager – LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical Cover – Hen Gard, Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Match recording David Burrows, Photographer Simon Bryant, Multi-media Kevin Bishop

Next Wednesday at St. Austell RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm

Entry on the gate £2 adults, under 16 free.

Advance tickets available via Fanbase https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9151