JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20’s 25 – 24 DEVON U.20’s

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Camborne

Three tries during the second half saw Cornwall Under 20’s overturn an 8-17 half-time deficit and become the inaugural holders of the Brunel Cup, a trophy that they  and Devon Under 20’s  will compete for on an annual basis.

Cornwall began the game well and were quickly into their stride with the forwards making some big carries, whilst outside the backs looked sharp, notably full-back Harry Larkins.

Sadly, Cornwall had to re-shuffle the backline when centre Charlie Levick went off with a muscle pull after just 6 minutes.

It got worse when Devon wing Cameron Grizzle-Johnson sliced through the Cornish defence before linking with his full-back Fred Smale who romped in for the opening try, converted by fly-half Bradley McKee.

Helston’s Freddie Trewin at flanker was a constant thorn in Devon’s side, a huge workrate.

Cornwall got on the scoreboard with a penalty struck by School of Mines fly-half Joe McCarthy, but Devon soon extended their lead when a bouncing ball bamboozled the Cornish defence allowing Devon centre Sam Plumer to snap up the ball and score his side’s second try, McKee was once more on the money with the extras.

Cornwall needed a swift response, it came as the forwards drove, notably locks Toby Osborne, Pat Walton and prop Declan Prowse before McCarthy put in a cross-field kick that Camborne wing Lachlan Surridge gleefully accepted to dive in at the corner for an unconverted try.

A Mckee penalty before half-time gave Devon their half-time advantage, but Cornwall would have the slope and the wind second half.

The forwards would prove key during the second half as Cornwall kept it tighter, a powerful maul just four minutes in saw Pirates Amateurs No.8 Alfie Pilcher stretch and score. Moments later another powerful maul saw Cornwall head for the Devon line this time hooker Camborne’s Tyler Dower dotted down and astonishingly Cornwall now led!

Cornwall pressed for the bonus point try deep in the Devon twenty-two, suddenly the ball was intercepted by the menacing Grizzle-Johnson, there was no stopping the flyer as he sped to the Cornish line, McKee’s conversion put Devon 6 points up, all to do again!

There was still time for a final twist, Cornwall roared back, McCarthy’s deft kick through bounced up kindly for the on-rushing replacement Camborne’s Jack Davis, who gathered to dot down.

McCarthy picked the right moment to land his first conversion of the match to regain the lead for Cornwall to huge roars from the crowd to huge cheers from the West Bank.

Devon threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Cornwall during the dying minutes, but Cornwall’s defence would not yield, Devon attempted a drop-goal that fell short, gathered by Larkins he set off on a memorable run up-field that ran down the clock and the relief of the  referee’s final whistle.

In two week’s time Cornwall travel to Dorchester to take on Dorset & Wilts in their final group game.

Cornwall U.20: Larkins (Camborne), Bostock (Truro), Levick (Penryn), Pascoe (Truro), Surridge (Camborne), McCarthy (CSOM), Anderson (Truro); Pearce-Cowley (Cinderford)(Capt), Dower, Prowse (both Camborne), Walton (Penryn), Osborne, Williams (both Pirates Ams), Trewin (Helston), Pilcher (Pirates Ams).

Replacements: Leigh (Camborne), Cardwell (Pirates Ams), Minnis (St.Austell), Triggs (Truro), King (Redruth), Tanswell (Penryn), Davis (Camborne & R.N.)

Referee: Donald Swart (Dorset&Wilts)     

Match balls supplied by Trelawny’s Army

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team host neighbours Devon for their first pool game of the competition. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President John Sumnall said “It is great to get this year’s campaign off with a local tie against our neighbours Devon. 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 Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Cinderford) as the captain for the season, Ethan came through the ranks at St. Austell RFC and was capped by England Counties U.18’s  alongside him is Truro RFC’s Joss Pascoe who is the vice-captain.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. Having missed all last season with covid this is virtually a start from scratch team and a big step up for them all.  Although we have had only one warm up game, we are in a different ball game now that the Championship is underway. 2 years ago, we were beaten by Devon at Ivybridge, and we know the guys in green and white will be up for a tough game again this season.”

Cornwall has maintained the same coaching set again with Tyler Gendall, Brad Howe coaching the forwards and Adam Kevern and Richie Kevern coaching the backs.

Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley 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 and only 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.”

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be away to Dorset & Wilts at Dorchester RFC on Sunday February 6. As Gloucestershire have not entered this year’s competition, we only have the 2 pool games and so results are important if we want to progress.

The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. This year due to Covid we have lost 2 years’ worth of experience and knowledge. 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 guys 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.”

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 Colin Hatch in the first instance. 

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com

Mob – 07967725368

Entry on the day will be by programme costing £5 on the gate with Under 16’s entering free.

Cornwall Squad 

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Dr John Garman, Sam West + Graham Ashton

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

Gill Burns Cup Division 3 Fixtures 2022

Fixtures now confirmed to be played on a Sunday.

Sunday May 8th, CORNWALL WOMEN v DORSET & WILTS WOMEN (Venue tba)

Sunday May 15th, MIDDLESEX WOMEN v CORNWALL WOMEN (Venue tba)

Sunday May 22nd, CORNWALL WOMEN v SOMERSET WOMEN (Venue tba)

Cornwall U.18’s, 10pts v 50 pts Dorset & Wilts U.18’s

Report and pictures by James Mills Cornwall Under 18 Team Manager

Our 18’s went into this match off the back of a victory pre Christmas and were keen to build upon that momentum but Dorset & Wilts had other ideas and took the victory in a dominant display built upon both their strength in the scrum, fast hands, their off loading game in the wide channels and having the edge on us in terms of fitness. Our lads gave it their all but the opposition were too strong on the day and we were certainly not helped by 5 injuries during the game that deprived us of both of our Fly Halves Dean Wills and Captain Harry Walsh-Newton, our full back Harvey Penhallurick who was a stand out player in our first match, our centre Jack Commons and our openside flanker Ben Jones. Additionally we were on the wrong side of the penalty count which further starved us of territory and control.

That said our line out functioned well with lock Magnus Bushby securing good ball. Our Launceston boys winger Archie Dinnis and blindside flanker Harry Tomlin also had strong performances and both were rewarded with a score a piece. Their mums Mel and Jackie assured me their rugby talents originated from them! We hope that a number of our players have done well enough for further SW divisional consideration.

Despite the disappointing result from our perspective, credit has to go to the opposition Dorset & Wilts who took a deserved victory and we wish their players well with the SW selection.

First Half

Dorset & Wilts kicked off and opened the scoring after a good 50:22 kick from their own half to secure a line out in the Cornish 22. The line out was well executed from D&W and good running lines dissected the black and gold defence to score under the posts. 5-0 It only took another minute straight from the restart for the D&W backs to run it back going through the hands with good offloads within their midfield to create an overlap down their left to score in the corner. 10-0.

Archie Dinnis showing strong early form secured our first points 10-5. Cornwall took energy from this and spent a good period in the opposition 22 when we looked certain to score only to be thwarted by the match officials whistle who gave D&W a penalty and from 5m off their own line they ran it back down their left wing to score a fine try on 20mins. 5-15.

Our boys held their own right up until just before half time when we slipped off some tackles for D&W to break our lines to register a further 2 scores to close the half 5-25.

Second Half

Dorset & Wilts started the half as they finished the first half scoring 2 near identical scores down their right wing before Harry Tomlin scored from short range 10-35. Much of the second half was controlled by Dorset & Wilts who always appeared to have more players on the pitch possibly because they did at the start as we had only 14 on the pitch! Cornwall suffered a series of injuries which enabled to D&W to take the game away from us with a further 3 scores down their right wing creating overlaps and through an excellent off loading game for a deserved victory. 10-50

Over the course of the 2 matches our players gave it everything they had and I look forward to seeing how they all progress over the coming seasons and wish them all the very best. I look forward to seeing our 10 U17 players back in the black and gold at the end of the season.

Team:

1. Blain Mock                          Falmouth RFC
2. Jared Hambly                     Redruth RFC
3. Beau Danks                        Redruth RFC
4. Magnus Bushby                Truro School
5. Dom Stanislavacius          Redruth RFC
6. Harry Tomlin                      Launceston RFC (Pack Leader)
7. Ben Jones                           Perranporth RFC
8. Tyler Gunn                         Redruth RFC
9. Ben Bebb                            Truro School
10. Dean Wills                           Redruth RFC
11. Archie Dinnis                      Launceston RFC
12. Harry Walsh-Newton     Helston RFC (Captain)
13. Jack Commons                  Redruth RFC
14. Harvey Orchard                Wadebridge Camels RFC
15. Harvey Penhallurick        Truro School
16. Jared Williams                   Newquay RFC
17. Finley Holt                           Redruth RFC
18. Angus Williams                  Helston RFC
19. Ollie Newman                   Truro RFC
20. Luca Roberts                      Redruth RFC
21. Matt Pollard                       Perranporth RFC
22. Tom Hollyman                   Saltash RFC
23. Oliver Crawford                Saltash RFC

PERRANPORTH 0 – 22 CORNWALL CLUBS XV

Report by Team Manager Stuart Hood

An evenly contested first quarter led to high scoring Illogan wing Owen Symonds showing his pace and scoring out wide after 22 mins. Stevie Trenoweth (Illogan) missed the conversion and a well contested first half ended 0-5 to Cornwall Clubs.

Early in the second half captain and number 8 Ollie Brooks (Bodmin) barged over under the posts which Stevie Trenoweth duly converted. Cornwall Clubs gradually came together as the second half progressed and again moving the ball wide led to Illogan’s flying winger Owen Symonds scoring twice in the last 10 minutes to complete his hat trick.

Final score Perranporth 0 – 22 Cornwall Clubs.

22 Match day squad – eight different clubs represented 
Cornwall Clubs XV:15 Max Cowling – Bodmin  14 Ben Chenoweth – Roseland13 Billy O’Meara – Illogan12 Josh Taylor – Bodmin 11 Owen Simmons – Illogan 10 Steve Trenoweth – Illogan 9 Jack Moorhouse Hoyle – St Agnes 8 Olly Brooks – Bodmin 7 Lewis Eustice – Helston 6 Kyle Pointer – St Just 5 Callum Rowe – Bodmin 4 Ed Llewelyn- Roseland 3 Jacob Hapan – St Agnes 2 Jason House – St Just 1 Johnathan Budd – Illogan

Replacements Decarlo Trerise – Helston Phil Nicholas – St Just Adam Smith – Camborne Crusaders Matt Penrose – Camborne Crusaders Dan Jane – Lan/Fowey James Turpin – Lan/Fowey Lachlan Blacklaw- Bodmin.
Coaches – Adrian Trewhella, David Mankee, Chris Bray

Please find attached the team sheet for tomorrow nights game v Redruth XV.

For obvious reasons there are no Redruth players in our squad but a number of U20’s will be playing against us so we can see as many players as possible.

11 different clubs represented as well so good spread from the clubs who have supported the nominations process.

We have selected Ethan Pearce-Cowley as the captain for tomorrow night, he has already shown good leadership skills, commitment and has a wealth of experience in rugby.

Cornwall U20’s v Redruth XV

Wednesday 8 December Hayle RFC 1930 kick off

1. Ethan Pearce-Cowley  not attached (Captain)
2. Jake Seaton – Pirates Amateurs
3. Kieran Yelland – Truro
4. Pat Walton – Penryn
5. Eli Williams – Pirates Amateurs
6. Archie Pilcher – Pirates Amateurs
7. Freddie Trewin – Helston
8. Oliver Minnis – St Austell
9. Josh Anderson – Truro
10. Joe McCarthy – Camborne School of Mines
11. Lewis Bostock – Truro
12. Bailey Rogers – Veor-Holman
13. Joss Pascoe – Truro
14. Jack Davis – Camborne
15. Harry Larkins – Camborne

Replacements

Tyler Dower – Camborne

Matt Boothby – St Austell

Matt Trehair – St Austell

Lewis Woolaway – Saltash

Connor Triggs – Truro

Dillon Newton – Newquay Hornets

Joe Maunder – St Austell

Dominic Tresidder – Camborne

Jack Counter – Wadebridge Camels

Kai Sale – Penryn

Ethan Knight – Truro

Andrew Walsh – Saltash

Team Manager – Colin Hatch

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern.

Medical – Dr John Garman, Graham Ashton

Kit – Paul Hurrell

Photographs -Simon Bryant

Match Filming David Burrows

Multi-media – Kevin Bishop

Report & Photos from Team Manager James Mills

This campaign has been a challenge from the off with the RFU withdrawing funding and Covid-19 ensuring that the normal timelines were very much condensed resulting in a impact to our normal preparation. That said we had more than 110 players trial for the U18s and as always our clubs, colleges and schools have been incredibly supportive of the Cornwall Representative U18 team and for that we are hugely grateful.

An early morning 0745 pick up by Williams Travel at Chiverton Cross made for a quiet bus as 26 bleary eyed 16-18 year olds made there way to Hartpury in Gloucestershire for a 1400 kick off against the boys from Buckinghamshire. On arrival at midday we were faced with a cold sand strong wind that we were to play into in the first half.

Unfortunately we lost a couple of players just before kick off due to illness which meant our team manager had to scurry back and forth to the selectors meeting room to update them of the changes.

First Half

Dean Wills the Redruth stand off got the match under way and the initial encounters were pretty even but played within the Bucks half. The first scrum of the game came off a Bucks knock on, on the Bucks 10m line and Cornwall were quick to assert their forward power to win a scrum penalty. The open play and break downs were quite messy in the early stages but Luca Roberts the Cornish lock was showing good industry at the breakdown to win turnover ball to provide a platform to build upon and ensure our boys had good territory.

The next scrum had our boys going forward at a rate of knots only to be judged to have pushed beyond 1.5m and Bucks were awarded a free kick which they moved the ball left and created a good line break and were accelerating to the Cornwall try line, however Harvey Penhallurick at full back came hurtling across with a huge cover tackle to take the Bucks winger into touch. This was the first of 3 excellent try saving tackles Penhallurick would go onto make in the match.  From the subsequent line out Jarred Williams the Cornish hooker executed a sweet lineout throw and the team worked their way back up the pitch with the help of winning an offside penalty and then another free kick for an early shove in the scrum from Bucks. It was from this free kick after 13mins of play that scrum half Ben Bebb supplied good ball to Dean Wills who made a great run, sucking in the defenders for an equally excellent off load to centre Tom Hollyman who with still work to do had too much power and pace to be taken down and from 15m out went over to register the first points of the match. 5-0

This score was the catalyst for a period of dominance for Cornwall with Bucks making a number of unforced errors such as not straight lineout throws, scrum penalties and knock on’s. It was through another unforced error that a loose Bucks pass was picked off by winger Harvey Orchard on the right wing to show the Bucks boys a clean pair of heels and finish smartly in the right hand corner to extend the score 10-0 to Cornwall.

Cornwall obviously high in confidence started to relax, possibly too much and were forcing the game, as a result the Buckinghamshire boys came back into the game and countered well and if it were not for the tenacious Harvey Penhallurick  putting in another fine cover tackle were sure to score.  Bucks continued to exert pressure,  helped by knock on’s from Cornwall and clever Scrum Half play picking off the base of the scrum and using the wind to kick deep into the corner resulting in our lads having to take the ball back over our own try line and dot down. This gave Bucks a 5m attacking scrum on the 28min mark and they managed to cross our line to register their first points. 10-5 We should have taken note at the Bucks scrum half threat at the scrum time at this point.

Following a Bucks ruck infringement we secured a lineout 10m into the Bucks half with Magnus Busby imperious in the air securing good ball we ship the ball to our left wing who shows incredible feet and strength to dart down the left wing beating 4 defenders to cross the line under huge pressure to dot the ball down with 1 finger for possibly the score of the match. 15-5 on 31mins.

Cornwall then steal lineout ball only to knock on and from the subsequent scrum the Bucks 9 breaks again and it takes the 3^rd try saving cover tackle from our fullback Harvey Penhallurick to thwart the lively opposition scrum half.

With the match official about to blow for half time, Cornwall infringe at the breakdown and Bucks kick well using the wind at their back and secure a 5m lineout from which they lineout maul and drive over for a fine forward score that we would be proud of, to close the half Cornwall 15 – Bucks 10.

Second Half

Cornwall unload their entire bench of 8 new players as we are obliged to do with the half a game rule.

Bucks from the kick win good territory resulting in an early scrum 10m off the Cornish try line and that Bucks 9 again picks off the base and runs blindside unopposed to level the scoreboard 15-15. Not the end of the first half we wanted or the start of the 2^nd half. It is not until 9 mins into the 2^nd half until our boys start to assert themselves and its our dominance up front that wins another scrum penalty and dissent from Bucks see’s them marched back a further 10m.

Cornwall then suffer the blow of losing fresh on, replacement right winger Ollie Crawford for a high tackle that at the time I thought was harsh but the photographic evidence suggests that his subsequent sin bin time on the bench was probably justified. The next period of play was scrappy from both teams with Cornwall getting pinged for an early lift in our line out and both teams not securing their own ball at the breakdown. The Cornish blindside flanker Harry Tomlin however was happy to profit from this, winning good turnover ball which as a good reward for his industrious work all game.

Jack Commons the Redruth centre was next to benefit from the Bucks handling errors and neatly collected a loose ball off his boot straps during a knock on advantage to run strongly and break the tackles and finish under the sticks to nudge us back in front 20-15 14mins into the second half.

Dean Wills was the next to get on the wrong side of the match official whilst defending 20m off the Cornish line he was judged to have taken the Bucks player beyond the horizontal and as such had to spend some time in the bin. From this penalty Bucks kick for an attacking lineout and score in the left corner to again level the game 20-20 at the 24min mark. This was to prove the Bucks final attack as our Cornish players dominated the last 10mins of play.

Harvey Penhalurick fittingly after his fine defensive display in the first half was to show his abilities in attack to score in quick succession on 31 and 32mnin to take the victory for Cornwall 30-20.

Ben Smith our replacement hooker unfortunately took a knock on his shoulder and back rower Dom Stanislavacius also injured his ankle in the last 10mins but we hope neither are serious injuries. Bucks suffered a shoulder dislocation and we wish the player well. We look forward to our next match against Dorset & Wilts at Hartpury on 9^th Jan 2022.

Team:

1. Blain Mock                          Falmouth RFC
2. Jared Williams                   Redruth RFC
3. Beau Danks                        Redruth RFC
4. Magnus Bushby                Truro School
5. Luca Roberts                      Redruth RFC
6. Harry Tomlin                      Launceston RFC (Pack Leader)
7. Ollie Newman                   Truro School
8. Dom Stanislavacius          Redruth RFC
9. Ben Bebb                            Truro School
10. Dean Wills                           Redruth RFC
11. Archie Dinnis                      Launceston RFC
12. Harry Walsh-Newton     Helston RFC (Captain)
13. Tom Hollyman                   Saltash RFC
14. Harvey Orchard                Wadebridge Camels RFC
15. Harvey Penhallurick        Truro School
16. Fin Holt                                 Redruth RFC
17. Angus Williams                  Helston RFC
18. Tyler Gunn                          Redruth RFC
19. Ben Smith                           Redruth RFC
20. Ollie Crawford                   Saltash RFC
21. Matt Pollard                       Perranporth RFC
22. Jack Commons                  Redruth RFC
23. Zach Smith                          Redruth RFC

Travelling Reserve

1. Ben Bryant                          Launceston RFC

Late Withdrawals

1. Ben Jones                           Perranporth RFC
2. Jarrod Hambly                   Redruth RFC

Report by Chris Lea, photos Simon Barbary

Three u16 squads selected from clubs and schools across the county took their chance to shine against their Devon counterparts on Sunday 5^th December at Redruth Rugby Club. 78 boys were able to show their developing skills led by coaches Rich Phillips, Phil Olds and Marlen Walker. For the record Cornwall won two of the games but overall, this was a great festival day for youth players.

Many players, who train at the central venue, stood out showing good individual handling and passing skills as well as taking the ball forward at speed. Defensive work also stood out, but it was the teamwork and combinations of players that was most impressive. Despite ‘losing’ a year of rugby this age group demonstrated that the game at youth level is looking good.

The gathered supporters, families and friends, made the occasion more memorable for the young players as they roared on the players to go forward and generously applauded good play by both Devon and Cornwall players.

CRFU Management Board members were in attendance at the day of rugby. Youth Chairman, Tony Knightsbridge, was visibly enthused by the occasion that showcased what is good about Youth Rugby in the County. RugbySafe representative for Cornwall, Bob Hubble, was able to witness that the level of care for the young players was excellent with qualified pitch side staff and high standards of safety in place. President John Sumnall was delighted with the way that Cornish boys were able to wear the black and gold and represent their County.

CRFU Chairman, Dave Saunter, was very grateful that Redruth RFC hosted the event. The Redruth RFC website have a photo gallery for viewing. It is impressive! Saunts also wishes to thank the CRRS refs who allowed the boys to play keenly contested games ensuring a good attitude from all involved.

The intention is to provide more events like this for U15 and U16 players and dates are being planned for the New Year fitting in with club and RFU calendars. Young players who have not yet signed up to the rugby development ‘satellites’ can still register using the CRFU website.

Chris Lea