THE RED ARMY AWAITS

IT’S THE FINAL that everyone dreamed of, the CORNISH PIRATES up against the mighty men of MUNSTER, here in the Duchy at the Camborne Recreation Ground on Sunday 16th May with a 6pm kick-off. The very first British and Irish Cup final is going to be an ALL-CELTIC affair with plenty of passion, and no quarter given nor asked. On the terraces the “SINGING”, Trelawny will mingle with the Fields of Athenry. It promises to be cracking craic and the beer will flow well into the night win or lose.

Having disposed of the Ulster Ravans 27-3 on Saturday in the warm up to the Munster – Ospreys game at Thomond Park. It was left to the Pirates to book their place on Sunday and they did so thanks to a 43-5 drubbing of the Doncaster Knights.

Full-back Wes Davies got the opening try and further score came from Jonny Bentley, Chris Morgan, skipper Gavin Cattle, nick Jackson and Laurie McGlone, Bentley adding five conversions and a penalty. For the Kinights Bevan Armitage got a first half consolation score.

High Performance Coach Chris Stirling was pretty happy with his sides’ performance “It was an outstanding result. There were some parts of our game that weren’t great today but those outweighed by the good ones.”

Before the “invasion” of the Red Army from the emerald isle, the Pirates have a small matter of their final “Championship Play-Off” match against Bristol on Saturday. Whilst having to concede that they are now out of the reckoning, Pirates will be up against a Bristol side looking for a win to confirm a home semi-final.

In National League 1, the Cornish All Blacks completed their season with a 26-19 win over struggling Cinderford. The win sees the All Blacks finish in third place in the league, three points behind London Scottish, who will be everybody’s favourites for the league next season.

The All Blacks scored four tries thanks to Ben Turner, Bryn Jenkins, Ryan Westren and Sam Hocking with Tony Yapp adding three conversions.

After the match director of rugby Jon Hill was keeping his options open with regard to next season “I’ve got some thinking to do over the next week or so, I’ve been here for eight seasons but I have got to weigh up in my mind whether it would be a natural time to end it and let someone else take over. I have been asked to stay and will make my decision shortly.”

Redruth got the point that they needed to be totally safe from the relegation scrap as they lost 15-10 at Cambridge. It’s a game that the Reds will feel “got away”. Lewis Vinnicombe scored the Reds’ try with Adryan Winnan adding the conversion and a penalty. Redruth complete their program next Saturday when they travel to Esher to take on the National League 1 champions, Jon Inverdale et al!!

Congratulations to Wadebridge Camels who on Saturday defeated Western Counties North runners-up Thornbury 25-21 to clinch a spot in Tribute South West 1 West next season. Camels try scorers were Ben May, Sean Hawkey and Ian Boyling with Luke Davidson and Dan Prout landing a conversion each and Davidson also kicking two penalties.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Austell completed their program with a 51-3 win at Plymstock, a result which sees them finish in third place. Relegated Saltash lost at home to Exeter Saracens 31-13.

Sunday also saw the Cornwall RFU U.18 Group Finals at Hayle RFC. Sponsored this year by Trelawny’s Army. A superb day’s rugby culminated in the Cup Final between Redruth and Truro with the Reds’ once again winning the Cup defeating Truro 12-6 in a tight, tense finale.

In the other finals played Penzance & Newlyn defeated Penryn in the Shield by 26-13. Wadebridge Camels won the Salver defeating Liskeard Looe 20-5. The Plate went to Bude who defeated Launceston 45-3, whilst the Bowl saw St. Austell defeat Saltash 13-10.

Congratulations to all the players who took part.

Posted in Bill's Blog


ALBION SPIKE PIRATES’ GUNS

FINANCIALLY-STRUCK Plymouth Albion rounded off their home fixtures in front of Sky Sports cameras on Friday night with a 19-14 win over the Cornish Pirates, which effectively puts paid to the Pirates hopes of reaching the semi-finals. It wasn’t the greatest spectacle to put before the cameras and with RFU President John Owen and RFU Management Committee Chairman Martyn Thomas in attendance food for thought for the men from HQ about the Championship and other pressing matters in the rugby world!

I enjoyed the coverage from SKY SPORTS and hope that we get a few more games next season, Dewi Morris was in his usual best form and is now a keen fan of Pirates’ supporter Rod Lyon, as a former Grand Bard, I am sure Rod would be happy to put Dewi straight on all matters Cornish!!

You can read Mark Stevens report from the Western Morning news in the link here

So the focus now turns to Sunday’s British & Irish Cup semi-final at Camborne against Doncaster Knights. I am sure a big crowd will turn out to support the boys and that they will need very little motivation to turn over the Knights and make the FINAL, which if they do will be held at CAMBORNE on Sunday 16th April at 6pm.

In National League 1, the big news at Redruth on Saturday apart from five very welcome league points against Sedgley Park thanks to a 33-13 win was the news that Reds’ head coach Nigel Hambly will be stepping down at the end of the season. Nigel is a great guy and it’s been a privilege for me to get to chat to him after the Reds’ home league games, he always had the club at heart and always put his players first, he will be a hard act to follow, but I am sure he will be the first to congratulate and encourage whoever is appointed as his successor for next season.

Saturday’s win just about puts the Reds’ safe but to be absolutely certain should the results go against them 1 point from their final two games would make them safe, not easy on current away form , nor when you have to play Cambridge and champions Esher! Match details can be found here

The Cornish All Blacks picked up the five points on offer at Manchester with a 71-8 win. Manchester, as they have all season in adversity, competed with great courage and dignity and I am sure we all hope that they will be able to re-group and one day return to National League 1. For the All Blacks the runners-up spot is still a possibility going into next weekend’s final match. With a home game against relegation haunted Cinderford, and London Scottish, whose form has slipped in recent weeks travelling to Sedgley Park, Launceston could pip them.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne still in party mode lost at Devonport Services 27-10 to complete their program. Dave Roberts and Sam Matavesi scored Town’s tries.

Newquay Hornets ended a disappointing season with a loss at Tiverton 29-12, Adam Rayer and Stuart Williams scored their tries with Sam Cullen adding a conversion.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Liskeard & Looe defeated Torrington at Lux Park 48-6, whilst Saltash won the battle of the relegated sides defeating Plymstock 43-20 at Moorlands. Falmouth finished on a high with a 20-5 win at OPM’s.

In the Tribute Cornwall League, Veor clinched the play-off spot with a 18-16 win over third place Bodmin. Champions Roseland rounded off their program with a 47-17 win over Lankelly-Fowey, whilst their were wins for Perranporth at Redruth Albany 33-10 and for St. Agnes at home over Illogan Park 24-21. The match between St. Day and Helston was called off when the referee failed to appear.

Sunday saw the 2nd leg of the Skinners Brewery CRFU Super Cup FINAL at Redruth, which saw the Reds overcome a 1st leg deficit winning 32-9 to lift the cup. Details in the link here

Next Sunday 25th April sees Trelawny’s Army at Hayle RFC in force supporting the U.18’s Finals Day. A feast of youth rugby is assured. The rugby gets underway at 12-30 pm with the Bowl Final and ends at 6-15 pm with Cup Final. The program is as follows;

12.30 bowl St Austell v Saltash

2.00 Plate Launceston v Bude

3.15 Salver Liskeard & Looe v Wadebridge Camels

4.30 Shield Penryn v Penzance & Newlyn

6.15 Cup Redruth v Truro

Trelawny’s Army will be in attendance all today with our merchandise stall and details of our trips to support Cornwall at Hertfordshire on Saturday May 15th and hopefully at Twickenham for the County Championship Final on Sunday 30th May.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES MAN THE BILGES

NO. NOT A SINKING SHIP, but holed below the waterline after being blown off course following their heavy defeat at the hands of Bedford Blues at Goldington Road on Saturday by 42-18. With both the Blues and Bristol grabbing five point wins, it is they, with two games to play who hold the whip-hand in Pool A of the RFU Championship Play-Offs.

Certainly the Pirates have a chance to get back in the mix on Friday evening when they travel to the Brickfields to take on a Plymouth Albion side who are out of the reckoning and who today announced that they are seeking an urgent injection of capital circ. 100K to see them through the summer!

Despite taking an early lead through full-back Rob Cook, the Pirates were rocked by two tries from Fielden and Pritchard both converted by the Canadian full-back. Cook landed a second penalty for the Pirates but then Dorrian scored a third try for the Blues for a 19-6 advantage, however Cook cut the deficit before half-time as he converted his own try to leave the Pirates 19-13 adrift at the break.

Despite a promising start to the second half by the Cornish side, they were rocked by Bedford’s fourth try scored again by the flying Fielden with Dorrian adding the conversion to penalty successes either side of winger’s try for a 32-13 lead. The match as contest was well and truly up. Rob Elloway on as a replacement grabbed a consolation try for the Pirates, but the Blues had the final say with Dorrian scoring and converting his own score, and then with the final kick of the match the Australian kicked another penalty for a personal tally of 23 points!

In National League 1, the Cornish All Blacks had a fine win in an entertaining match at Polson against visitors Wharfedale coming out on top by 38-24. Launceston out-scored the Yorkshire side by five tries to four, with Sam Hocking (2), Tony Yapp, skipper Tom Rawlings and Jake Murphy all crossing. Yapp added three penalties and two conversions to cement the All Blacks’ third spot in the league.

Redruth suffered another heavy defeat on the road as they lost 34-12 at the Rectory Field against Blackheath. To add insult to injury their casualty list now sees locks Damien Cook and Chris Fuca added. Adryan Winnan and Herbie Stupple scored tries for the Reds with Winnan adding a conversion. Redruth gave debuts to a couple of replacements Richie Keverne, who’s been having a fine season and has great potential, and prop Keith Barlow. Redruth really need to get a good win at home to Sedgley Park on Saturday to extinguish any lingering doubts about the drop before playing their final two matches away at Cambridge and National 1 Champions, Esher.

In the Tribute regional leagues, in South West 1 West, St. Ives signed off for the season with a win at Alexandra Rd against Clevedon by 20-19. Trailing to their visitors 19-0, the Hakes staged a great comeback. Full-back Harry Maunder got the revival under-way with an unconverted try before St. Ives scored three more in the second half through Pete Samu, Ryan Trudgeon and Ben Jenkins. St.Ives will now concentrate on defending their Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cuo against the 2008 winners Wadebridge Camels at Camborne on Monday May 3rd.

In Western Counties West, Camborne were crowned champions as they defeated Wadebridge Camels 12-10 at the Molesworth Field. Despite scoring the only try of the game through winger Sean Hawkey, the boots of Shane Woods with three penalties and Joe Parma’s drop-goal deep into time added on gave Camborne the title and promotion to South West 1 West next season. For Wadebridge there remains a play-off against the runners-up in Western Counties North Thornbury to join Camborne again next season.

Truro completed their league program with a 31-17 win over Devonport Services to finish in 4th place. Scott Martin scored 26 points with 8 penalties and a conversion of Simon Peters’ try.

Bude lost their final game at Withycombe 26-17, Paul Williams and Olly Denford scored Bude’s tries, with Denford converting both scores and a penalty. Bude finished up in mid-table just behind Penryn who have already completed their program. Newquay Hornets complete their program on Saturday with a trip to Tiverton. The two sides to be relegated from this league are Minehead Barbarians and Withycombe.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish finished their season with a defeat at Guildford 34-13.

In the Cornwall and Devon League, Stithians lost at home to Champions Wellington by 35-8, Lewis Vague scored the only try for the home side with Martin Strick kicking a penalty.

Falmouth defeated Bideford at the Rec by 15-14 with Matt Horton kicking a late penalty to secure a win for Black & Whites.

St. Austell defeated Hayle 23-3, thanks to tries from Meshak Esien and James Earp with Andy Ashwin kicking 13 points. Josh Rule scored Hayle’s only points with a penalty.

In the SE Cornwall derby, Liskeard & Looe won at Saltash 33-12. The Lions scored five tries through Sobey, Johnson, Curgenven, Grant and Elliot, with Ryan Morris kicking the other points. For Saltash, who will be back playing in the Cornwall League next season, Devonport and Sullivan scored tries whilst Toms added a conversion.

Congratulations to Roseland who have won the Cornwall League and will be promoted to the Cornwall & Devon League next season. The play-off spot will see either Veor or Bodmin through, both sides are set to meet in the final round of matches this weekend and both sides are currently level on points!

An interesting article in this Sunday’s local Independent by Neale Harvey, who also writes in the Rugby Times. In an interview with John Vale the RFU’s chairman of the finance and funding committee, Mr Vale let slip that the “Seamless Game” between the amateur community game and professionalism was up for review. “The question we’re asking now is: “Is the Seamless Game over?”. The topic is set to be an agenda item at the IRB forthcoming conference in May.

This will have significant ramifications for rugby from level 3 down i.e. National 1 should it come to pass. Personally I think it would be a retrograde step, but the RFU seem ruthless and determined in their attempts to make all rugby below level 2 strictly amateur and go back to the “Good old days!”

Posted in Bill's Blog


TERRY BURWELL IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Terry Burwell Competitions and Tournament Director at the Rugby Football Union was present at Camborne on Sunday for the Cornish Pirates vs. Bedford Blues Play-Off match in Pool A of the Championship.

He spoke to reporters prior to the match and gave them an insight on the RFU Championship, British & Irish Cup and other topical rugby matters.

Asked how he thought the inaugural RFU Championship season had gone so far;

“There has defiantly been some good but there has also been some distinctly average and some downright questionable, we‘ve all got to be very honest about the situation, it’s never easy to introduce something that’s new and different to both players and supporters. I think we also have to reflect back on what it was like before we make any rash judgements. Here we are now at Easter and in this part of the world (South West), there are three or four massive games still to come and the appetite is really whetted for it. Where would we have been this time last year, not with the same narrative, so it’s not a time for knee jerk reactions is the way I see it, it’s a time for honesty we haven’t got to be precious about anything we’ve introduced and say that’s absolutely right, but not necessarily for change after one season as such but I do think there is some distinct tinkering that needs to be done with out actually throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Terry was then asked what he felt needed to be tinkered in the format;

“I think we need to see if the regular season has enough importance attached to it, one of the things we thought about was whether some points should be carried forward from the regular season or weight your position in the play-offs depending how well you did during the regular season and that was rejected in the first instance, once again it was new and people didn’t always understand it. Well now people are saying maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea, we’ve mapped out a few options; the critical thing here is not to make it too complicated. The average supporter wants to know were they are in the table, what does it mean with regard to the play-offs, and what their team needs to do to be successful, so if you try to make it to complicated and they have to rush for their calculators every weekend, then I think we have probably got it wrong.

In hindsight should this have been place in the relegation pool C

“Our preference in the first instance was in the relegation pool to actually look at that. That was then rejected. We did a lot of this by consultation, you used the term suck & see, people came back and said “Maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea and we have mapped against what would we have done with the season as is in terms of the position. What we do know is this round of games that we’ve had now, in week 3 couldn’t have been more competitive, look at the results, 6-3 to Coventry yesterday, the reality is it makes for good watching unless you’re actually playing in it. Yes Moseley are up against it but they have got three matches to turn it around on the pitch.

Was he and the RFU disappointed by the lower than anticipated crowds for the play-off matches so far;

“We are surprised by the small crowds that these play-off matches have attracted so far, we are putting some resources to support the promotion of that, we’ve talked closely with the press and media people – to be fair there is not a lot more you can do down here in the southwest, you get very good support from your local media and everything else, so it’s got to be down to the fact that people don’t really understand what it’s about and the motivation to take it forward. More critically looking at Doncaster yesterday with Exeter coming up with just over 1,000 people watching now that has to change we’ve got to find a way of moving that forward, it’s a bit early to draw any reaction, after the first week, the weather wasn’t great, it clashed with the final week of the six nations, – the second week, well we’re not too sure what the reasons were there, so there is no clear indication we need the clubs to help us to find out why so many people are not supporting – next weekend more local derbies – there’s the SKY game at Plymouth coming up. Plymouth were worried that the SKY broadcast might impact significantly on their gate, hopefully it won’t. I am concerned because most clubs felt that what would happen in the play-offs is when they would put the cream on the cake and start to drive their finances in and the season would have been done, but it’s not happened so that is something we need to really look at very carefully and whether the format is right why is the supporter not enthused by it. Clearly the players are and the media are, coaches are very keen they have built their teams up during the season but the supporters haven’t latched on to it in the same way.

Terry was asked what the RFU planned to do prevent a repeat of this season’s tale of financial woe with some of the Championship clubs;

“Well I’ve long been a firm believer in the French system, which basically is that you have to have proper audited control, now the French are very bureaucratic and consequences of that means more regulation control, but if we are going to regulate that’s the area. The league is only as strong as your weakest link, and if you’ve got 2/3 weak links in that structure it drags everybody back down, the consequences of that is we have to put in place really robust regulations to support that. We are in the process of doing that, we’ve got to make sure that everybody’s business model is strong, but we can’t have situations were clubs are going beyond their means from the very word go. They have to be able to deal within their financial and business model, and if that model requires somebody putting in an extra bit of money to ensure it works, that’s what Dicky Evans (Cornish Pirates) does, what Geoff Irvine does at Bedford, then that’s fine, but ultimately it has to be sustainable in it’s own right. I think with hindsight there were 2/3 accidents waiting to happen, because people had put such great effort before the Championship began into being in it to start with and the consequences of that was the financial side were very rocky. Other matter is of course due diligence you have to find out who the people are who are trying to help run these clubs, soccer have found that they are not necessarily people that you’d want to, having said that you do have some great people who do support the game in the local communities but there are others who frankly have not served their clubs anyway near as well.

Terry was then asked about the frustration in some clubs regarding Dual Registered Players;

“You have to look at why we brought in. 2/3years ago the majority of our young players were playing less than 10 games a season, how can you become a quality player only playing such a small number of games. It just isn’t going to happen. We changed that to help players going into the Championship in particular, as a result of that we reached the final of the U.20 World Cup twice, that’s no accident it’s fact. The Championship and the competitiveness of that have led to the improvement of players and more of them this year are playing in Premiership rugby than ever before.

“The balance ultimately is to make sure it doesn’t destroy the competition.

“ If two academies are effectively forming a barrier down the M5, then it is making it difficult for players to get down to this part of the world. But there are other attractions for young players to play rugby in Plymouth and Cornwall. We do need to get an agreement and the general feeling is too many in a match day squad is not good for the competition. The other issue is you want clubs to be genuine rugby clubs, you want people to feel they are part of the club not just transported in because it serves their individual needs or that of a wider-sphere like England, ultimately the strength of any competition is the strength of the clubs that are playing in it.

How did he feel this year’s British and Irish Cup had gone so far and were any changes in the pipeline for next season?

“No, I don’t think we’ll change it. Some clubs have had 2 home games and 3 away, this year so we’ll have to redress that balance. I think we’ve got incredibly lucky this year we’ve got four fantastic teams and two great semi-finals. Newport’s result at Leinster re-invigorated the competition and gave an opportunity for the Cornish Pirates. I think the Celtic Unions have got more out of it than the Championship clubs, and given greater opportunities for their players is that a good thing? Not a bad thing necessarily. For my sins I also sit on the board of ERC, I’ve been involved with the European Challenge Cup for 12 years that was a baby that nobody wanted, this year we’ve tweaked it we’ve got the drop down from the Heineken Cup so we have a Wasps v Gloucester Q/F that’s changed the concept of that competition, so once again it’s early days. Again you’ve got the potential of some great rugby here maybe Munster travelling here for a final, which will be live on SKY, so the potential there is phenomenal if you beat Doncaster.

So there’s no question at the moment of the entry of Italian clubs, which had been mooted?

“We had a meeting of ERC last Wednesday and the Italian teams are going to stay in the Challenge Cup now, that’s for one year, it’s something we’ve done to help develop Italian rugby.

On financial assistance for travel in the cup

“We thought that the club’s home gate would have been sufficient to justify the cost of an away tie, that’s no quite worked out. If we are going to make any tweak at all it will be to find a way of providing financial support to meet the away costs, I don’t know what the travelling support has been like – Pirates played in Dublin didn’t they? I suspect there were a few (300 or so made the trip)… you can’t really row from here!!!.

We’ll look at the timing next season, we may well go in tandem with Heineken Cup weekends, that in itself might give it another boost, the critical thing is not to be myopic about this, and look at the bigger picture and see how this might develop.

With regards to the England Counties team Terry was asked if the RFU supported the proposals from France for a 4 or 5 Nations tournament played over two seasons as in the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup competitions.

“We think what we’re doing with a couple of games in the spring and the summer tour is the right way of supporting the National Leagues and the County Championship program. I have a little bit of a problem of seeing another competition
at that level, I think that would change people’s conception of what it’s there for, coaches would want more preparation time, more investment. I know we are in a semi-professional era for most of those players, but it’s still quite nice to keep it relatively amateur, that’s the view of the Irish and probably the Scots as well. The French interestingly have moved, from a couple of years ago they were selecting their players from a pretty low base, now suddenly there is a lot of Fédérale 1 players that are wanting to play, nothing concentrates the French minds like losing a couple of times to England and that’s what happened when they got well beaten at Blackheath (three years ago), now they have bounced back and started selecting a more appropriate side. I think we need to look at how we select that team, looking more closely at players who have given a lot of service to clubs at that level, shouldn’t this be a little bit more like the Barbarians were you’ve got a choice between a 31 year old guy and a 19 year old youngster, how do you balance that, it’s a personal view, I would like to think it’s about who’s given a lot of service to rugby at that level over a period of time.

Terry was also asked if there was a danger of National League 1 being diminished in the current economic climate with funding being cut centrally from the RFU

“ I don’t think you’ll lose a strong National 1 as there is still a lot of good players about. It is sad if the only rationale for wanting to play rugby at that level is the financial reward that they would get, because the game played at that level is of a very good quality as you know from Launceston and Redruth in this part of the world and I know from what’s played up in Newbury and Esher. I don’t think money is necessarily the sole arbiter. The critical thing is we as a game have produced a lot of good quality players coming out of our youth sections and schools and we have to find a way of getting those in to levels 2/3/4 so that starts to reflect on the game and they have to want to play there for reasons other than someone putting £100/150 pounds in their pocket.

Terry was also asked about the travel subsidy for next season in National League 1

“It’s a massive issue, we’ve altered the way we fund clubs at that level and it’s about supporting travel payments it’s been reviewed again so that now we will be increasing the payments over 1,000 miles which will help Redruth and Launceston particularly on trips to Tyne dale and Blandon, it is very difficult to conceptualise that level of travel. (Launceston players arrived home at 4 am Easter Sunday after their trip to play Blaydon!)

Being in Cornwall the final question was about the changes to this season’s County Championship, which is just a few weeks away

“Player eligibility is critical to ensure that players are qualified to play in it but rolling subs will be interesting, in one way it’s good that the County Championship is being used as a means of testing these things in other ways it’s not because you need to make sure that the competition is still valid so people don’t just feel they are their for just a trial. I am hopeful that it will prove it’s worth, rolling subs is nothing new it’s being happening at schoolboy level and junior level for years, whether it impacts on the way County rugby is played and whether it ultimately impacts at higher levels, bearing in mind that this has come about from “Bloodgate” and whether this stops that happening again will be interesting, I suspect that the normal counties will still be strong, there doesn’t appear to be the same priority in Cornwall in the last 2/3 years amongst the player to play, I am sure they will be big events as they go forward but with Pirates having such a big May month it’s difficult to envisage how the two things will go in parallel, there must be an impact with the Pirates to the Cornwall County team, Cornwall playing away at Hertfordshire and a potential Pirates final against Munster or Ulster will make for an interesting weekend 15/16 May for a patriotic Cornishman!

Posted in Bill's Blog


CAPTAIN CATTLE KEEPS PIRATES ON COURSE

Seats of your pants, nail-biting, gripping, pass the cardiac arrest tablets, the Championship Play-Offs are passionate, absorbing and give the end of season that final twist to make it something to savour.

Apparently gates are down up and down the country as some supporters appear to shun the new format well at the half way stage they are missing some of the most compelling rugby I’ve seen for a very long time…..Forget the Premiership this is were the real action is!!!

The Cornish Pirates Pool A is finely balanced with Bristol, Pirates and Bedford all tied on 9 points. With Bristol travelling to play Plymouth Albion and Bedford hosting the Pirates both games are at 3pm next Saturday, supporters blood pressure levels and nerves are in for another torrid afternoon!

And so to Sunday’s thriller at Camborne, no crowd apathy here as almost 3,500 enjoyed the Easter sunshine albeit stiff breeze to see if the Pirates could down the unbeaten Blues.

The Pirates got off to a cracking start and took command early on with a first try from skipper Gavin Cattle. An attacking scrum near the Bedford line saw No.8 Blair Cowan break before Cattle took the pass to dive over in the Park Gate corner, full-back Rob Cook added the conversion and a subsequent penalty a couple of minutes later for a 10-0 lead.

Instead of building on a such a fine start it was Bedford who hauled themselves back into contention. A couple of penalties from former Albion favourite James Pritchard pegged the Cornishmen back before half-time as they found themselves down to fourteen men as hooker Dave Ward incurred the wrath of referee Rowan Kitt. With 40 minutes on the clock a late attack from the blues saw a perfect kick ahead from Pritchard into space allowing winger Luke Fielden to show a fine turn of speed to score in the scoreboard corner. Half-time 11-10 to Bedford and much for the Pirates’ coaches to pounder on at half-time.

However, it was the Blues who carried on in the same vein, a penalty kicked to the corner saw the Blues pack set up a fine maul that was eventually driven over the line with No.8 Paul Tupai getting the pat on the back from his team, Pritchard’s conversion putting Bedford in an 18-10 led, which to that point was well merited on the balance of play.

With play in to the final quarter and fresh legs appearing off the bench, the Pirates upped the tempo, quick ball to the right saw an opening with lock Mike Myerscough setting up Cook for a try on 64 minutes, Cook’s conversion left the Pirates chasing a one point deficit.

The drama and tension mounted as the moments ticked by, a Cook penalty attempt rebounded off an upright anguished cries all around the ground, however the Pirates were steadily building a head of steam for a rousing finale. Further Pirates’ pressure saw a penalty awarded near the line, suddenly Cattle tapped and went, darting over in a flash of brilliance to huge roars of approval (and relief) from the Camborne crowd, Cook’s conversion giving the Pirates a four point advantage at 22-18.

Despite a desperate final surge from Bedford to pull out the win they looked certain to achieve mid way through the second half, the Pirates line held firm “They shall not pass” and they certainly didn’t. The final whistle brought a huge roar that even Lord St. Leven must have heard down on the Mount!!

After the match Chris Stirling was delighted with the result, but conceded that his side had much to work on before the return at Goldington Road next Saturday, ” Any game in the play-offs is going to be hard, full credit to our boys they stuck at the task and came out with the points. We conceded to many turnover balls and our discipline let us down at a crucial time, eleven penalties during the first half cost us any momentum and any go forward”.

Special guest for the afternoon at Camborne was RFU Tournament and Competitions Director from the RFU Terry Burwell. It was interesting to get some insight from Terry about the way the Championship has gone this season and how they (RFU) see the current format going forward. There was also some interesting observations about the vexed question of dual registered players and of course how to overcome the blight this season of clubs and their financial predicament in the Championship, the British and Irish Cup, and other rugby related topics were covered in and interesting interview which will no doubt be appearing in the local press and media over the next few days.

The fixture planners in National League One decided that the Cornish All Blacks and Tynedale would have to go on a prolonged Easter trek. Whilst Tynedale at least had the relative luxury of a Saturday night in Newquay (if you like that sort of thing!), then Launceston were arriving back in Cornwall on their coach in the wee small hours. Both sides shared one thing in common defeat at the end of their mamouth excursions.

Tynedale arrived in Redruth boasting a fine run but sadly for them it all slid to a grinding halt in the mud and rain of Redruth as the Reds’ gave one of their finest performances of the season to beat their Easter visitors 24-14 scoring four tries, Chris Fuca, Craig Bonds, Matt Bowden and Mark Bright all crossed for the Reds with Adryan Winnan managing a couple of conversions in the appalling conditions. A moral boosting win for the Reds and all their supporters after the trials and tribulations of the past few weeks and months this season.

Despite scoring four tries at Blaydon’s Crow Trees ground the Cornish All Blacks could only bring back a try-scoring bonus point on the long-haul back to Cornwall in the early hours of Easter Sunday. Tom Rawlings, Sam Hocking, Neil Bayliss and Nathan Hannay made it an afternoon for the forwards to remember in the try-scoring stakes. Tony Yapp adding three conversions in the 35-26 defeat.

A few rearranged league matches were also played, in Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives fielding a weaker side than normal in view of Easter Monday’s Skinners Brewery CRFU Cup semi-final against Truro, lost 21-18 at Ivybridge. The Hakes did score three tries through Raphael Baragwanath, Neil Turner and Tom Nicholas, with Ian Morgan adding a conversion.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Bude again with an Easter Monday cup semi-final on their minds sent an under-strength side to Kingsbridge and lost 84-0.

Truro edged a tight affair at the Sportscentre over Newquay Hornets 9-5, Grant Thirlby kicked three penalties for Truro, whilst Kellithorn scored for the Hornets.

In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-final 2nd leg, Helston made the final against Roseland on May 3rd with a 18-7 win over St. Just

Cornwall Clubs XV had a narrow 14-12 win over Redruth Albany, who are celebrating their 80th year.

Old Dunstonians enjoyed a win in their second Easter tour match against Falmouth winning 7-5 at the Rec.

Saltash entertained their French friends from Buzancais with the French winning 25-22.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES INFLICT MORE MISERY ON ALBION

The Cornish Pirates got their play-off hopes back on track with a hard fought 17-0 win over old rivals Plymouth Albion on Sunday at a wet and murky Camborne.

Albion’s fly-half Kieran Hallett had an off day with the boot fluffing three kickable first half penalties , and Gary Kingdom pulled one wide as well to compound Albion’s misery.

The Pirates on the other hand had no such qualms, following an initial penalty Rob Cook added conversions to the Pirates’ two first half tries from their Kiwis Blair Cowan and Jonny Bentley.

The second half became a turgid wrestle in the mud as conditions worsened. Albion’s Canadian international Tyler Hotson had a rush of blood thumping Pirates’ Laurie McGlone, the Canadian’s indiscretion warranted more than a simple yellow card.

With Bedford Blues turning over Bristol 17-16, it sets up the Pirates back-to-back encounters with the Midlanders, the first act on Easter Sunday at Camborne.

In National League 1, the Cornish All Blacks enjoyed another fine win on the road this time at Nuneaton 36-14. Apart form a penalty-try award, Jon Hill’s charges scored tries through Kieron Lewitt, Lewis Webb, Bryn Jenkins, Darren Semmens, and Ryan Westren. Tony Yapp chipping in three conversions.

Redruth let a 17-10 lead slip at Monks Lane to end up on the wrong end of a 28-22 defeat as they endured yet more misery on the road. Injuries to Adryan Winnan and Nick Simmons didn’t help the mood in the Red camp either and with Brett Rule picking up a nasty injury on Sunday in the Skinners Brewery CRFU Super Cup Final 1st leg at Launceston, the Redruth backroom staff have got their work cut out to get the Reds ready for Tynedale on Easter Saturday.

In Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives lost at Chosen Hill 37-13, Raphael Barragwanath got the Hakes try with veteran Ian Morgan kicking the points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne are almost there following their 30-27 win over Truro at the Rec. Truro certainly pushed the “champions elect” all the way with 17 points from the boot of Grant Thirlby as well as a try to add to the try from Luke Trescothick.

Camborne scored four tries with Adam Notman grabbing a brace, Joe Parma and James Goldsworthy, Shane Woods kicking 10 points.

Wadebridge kept up their chase with a 45-0 win at Bude. The Camels only have one more league game to play on April 10th at home to …Camborne!!! Ian Boyling (2), Tom O’Donnell, Luke Davidson, Dan Prout and Mark Grubb scored the Camels’ tries , with Davidson adding a further 15 points with the boot.

It’s heartening to see Penryn on the up and finishing the season strongly, which hopefully augurs well for next season. The Borough won 17-14 at Minehead.

Newquay Hornets are looking anxiously over their shoulders as they slipped to another defeat at home, this time to Okehampton 34-10. Prop Simon Lutey grabbed a try for the Hornets with Sam Cullen adding the conversion and a penalty.

Up in London, in London 2 SW, London Cornish lost at home to Effingham & Leatherhead 24-15

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon league, Falmouth’s game at OPM’s was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

St. Austell could offer little as they lost at runaway leaders Wellington 31-0. Stithians lost at Exeter Saracens 38-10. A good win for Hayle over doomed Saltash by 33-0. Liskeard & Looe scored 14 tries as they thumped Plymstock 80-3.

On Sunday in the first leg of the Skinners Brewery CRFU Super Cup Final 1st leg played at Polson, the Cornish All Blacks defeated Redruth 20-16. Redruth fielded a few Exeter Academy boys to bolster their depleted squad. Josh Lord playing at No.8 and fly-half Joe Wearne scored the All Blacks’ tries with Wearne adding both conversions and a couple of penalties. For the Reds, Chiefs’ Ruaidhri Murphy scored a try as did winger Ashley Hosking, a fine break out of defence and showing fine footballing skills. Brett Rule and Jason Pengilly added penalties.

All to play for in the second leg at Redruth on Sunday 18th April.

Having returned home from Paul Bawden’s funeral last Thursday, I was shocked to learn of the death of another Trelawny’s Army stalwart, Tom Prout, who was for so many years editor of our newsletter Black & Gold and who still wrote a column Tom Prout’s tuppence worth. Tom was also the webmaster for the Cornwall RFU website. A keen supporter of the Cornish All Blacks, Tom also had a soft spot for his home town club Lankelly-Fowey. As a former Navy man Tom always looked forward to Cornwall’s clash with the Royal Navy for the Ginster’s Cup.

Tom my ‘andsome you will be truly missed on the touchline.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES ARE HOME FOR SEMI

BRITISH & IRISH CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Munster v Ulster and Cornish Pirates v Doncaster Knights in BIC semis

Matches to take place April 23-25 with final on May 16

There is guaranteed to be one Championship side and one Irish side in the British & Irish Cup final after today’s [Wednesday] semi final draw pitched Munster against Ulster and Cornish Pirates against Doncaster Knights.

The draw for the semi finals of the British & Irish Cup took place in Cardiff this morning [Wednesday] and produced the following ties:

Semi final 1: Munster v Ulster
Semi final 2: Cornish Pirates v Doncaster Knights

The semi finals will take place on the weekend of April 23-25. Pirates will play their semi-final at Camborne on Sunday 25th April.

British & Irish Cup Tournament Director Terry Burwell said: “We now have two mouth watering semi finals for players, coaches and supporters of these clubs and provinces. There will also be an Anglo Irish final live on Sky Sports HD which will further showcase this exciting new cross-border competition.”

Speaking on behalf of the Cornish Pirates, CEO Rod Coward commented: “We were obviously hoping that the Cornish Pirates would receive a home draw in the semi-finals and I’m sure that our supporters are really looking forward to welcoming Doncaster Knights back to the ‘Rec’. We have the greatest respect for Doncaster and we are certainly not looking so far ahead, but the added incentive is that the winner of the game will then play either Munster or Ulster at home in the final.”

The winner of semi final 2 will have home advantage in the final, which will take place on Sunday, May 16 at 6pm, live on Sky Sports HD.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PLAY-OFF’S ALREADY A THRILL

The first round of the RFU Championship promotion play-off’s has already thrown up some surprising results, not least Exeter Chiefs slip-up at Meadow Lane against Nottingham on Sunday by 20 – 9. The pundits prophecy of an Exeter Chiefs – Cornish Pirates semi-final already looks to be in tatters.

Not that the Cornish Pirates will be too downhearted about their 19-12 loss at Bristol on Friday night, a tight game and a losing bonus point to bring back to Cornwall against the promotion favourites is not a bad start. I think a lot of these games are going to be tight affairs and teams are going to have to maximise their points haul when in the “red zone”. The other game in this pool was also tight with Bedford just edging out Plymouth Albion, 10 – 9 at the Brickfields. It makes Sunday’s encounter at Camborne even more savoury than it already was. The loser of that game will to all intense and purpose be out of the running after only two games. Read the post match comments from Friday night from today’s Western Morning News in the link

So get along down to Camborne on Sunday, it won’t be pretty, it will be a tight nervous affair and don’t be surprised if a late, late drop-goal decides it!!

With Redruth having a day off, well most of the squad were involved in a sponsored row at ASDA Penryn with funds going to the club and the Handstand Appeal for Marshall Janson, it was left to the Cornish All Blacks to carry the Cornish flag on Saturday in National League 1. What a game it was too, 3rd place entertaining 2nd and the home side nicking a worthy 13-12 win over the Scottish exiles. Scottish No.8 Will Lip and a penalty try converted by Simon Amor gave the visitors a 12-3 half-time lead, Tony Yapp had kicked an early penalty for the Cornish All Blacks, Amor had missed a couple of kicks, the exiles certainly missed Frankie Neale on England Counties duty in France. In the second half the home side turned the tide with a try from skipper Tom Rawlings, which Yapp converted also the match winning penalty shortly after.

In the regional league in Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives won the battle of the fishermen with a 22-12 win at home against Brixham. Nic Hitchens scored two tries with hooker Ben Taylor and prop Craig Williams also crossing. Ian Morgan adding a conversion. It leaves the “Hakes” in 7th place in the league safe from any relegation worries.

In Tribute Western Counties West, leaders Camborne maintained their push for honours with a hard-fought 29 – 22 win at Tiverton. Winger Adam Notman scored a couple of tries for the Cherry & Whites, with Joe Parma scoring a third for the visitors. Shane Woods in the absence of Dave Mankee chipped in with four penalties and a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels maintain their push with a 74-0 win over bottom side Withycombe, Leigh Charles led the scoring with a hat-trick of tries and seven conversions. A brace too for Sean Hawkey on the comeback trail after his nasty injury last season.

Truro defeated Bude in the Cornish derby 24-10 at St. Clement’s Hill. Sean Roseveare, Luke Trescothick and Tim Gay scored Truro’s tries with Grant Thirlby adding three penalties and a conversion. Matt Trewin converted a penalty-try and a penalty for the visitors.

Penryn defeated early season pace-setters Kingsbridge 25-7 at the Memorial Ground. Grant Randlesome, Isaac Fields, Mike Slater and Darren Pellow all scoring tries for the “Borough”. Alex Stuthridge adding a conversion and penalty.

Newquay Hornets were forced to concede their match at North Petherton as they couldn’t field a front row. A friendly game with uncontested scrums was played, which the Somerset side won 34-14.

In London 2 SW, our exile club London Cornish lost at Bognor 32-3.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Austell lost ground in the promotion stakes with a 13-9 loss at second place Exeter Saracens. Falmouth lost at Teignmouth by 9 – 7. Stithians enjoyed a good win at home against Crediton by 10-3. Two good wins in Devon for our local sides, Hayle winning 19-0 at Plymstock and Liskeard & Looe winning 22-10 at OPM’s. Saltash found league leaders Wellington too hot to handle losing at Moorlands 65-3.

Posted in Bill's Blog


ENGLAND SUCCUMB IN HELL OF THE NORTH

France Fédérale 29 – 11 England Counties

At the Stade Velodrome, Roubaix

The Vélodrome in Roubaix is the historic finish of the one of the most gruelling one day classics in the cycling calendar, the famous Paris-Roubaix otherwise known as the Hell of the North, and on a wet night England Counties were steamrollered by the French pack into submission in their own Hell of the North in front of a crowd of some 2,500.

England came into the game with confidence following their impressive win at Stourbridge against Irish Clubs, France on the other hand had slipped up at Netherdale against Scottish clubs and were keen to make amends.

One of their changes saw the recall of Bertrand Artero of U.S. Carcassonne, who was one of the main architects of their fine win at Twickenham last season, in difficult conditions he once again proved to be England’s nemesis with a faultless kicking display, converting both France’s first half tries and five penalty kicks, one from over 45 meters for a personal tally of 19 points!

England did get off to a promising start with a penalty kick from full-back Frankie Neale of London Scottish, however France roared on by passionate support from the local crowd soon hit back with a try after 14 minutes from winger Mathieu Mercier (Castanet), from then on they didn’t look back,. England were undone once more on 28 minutes when flanker Joris Matheron (Monteux) scored France’s second try of the night, Artero’s two conversions plus a penalty on 32 minutes put the French in a commanding 17-3 lead. Just before half-time Neale gave England Counties a glimmer of hope with his second penalty for a half-time score of 17-6.

In the second half England continued to fall foul of Irish referee Mr. Stancey with Artero kicking further penalties to stretch France’s advantage to 23-6.

England did manage to pull one try back with a forward surge after 54 minutes, which saw Cambridge flanker Darren Fox claim an unconverted score. The only heartening moment in the game from an English perspective.

England’s frustrations become apparent as the game then degenerated, try scorer Fox being one of three players forced to spend 10 minutes on the sidelines.

Further penalties from the metronomic Artero on 60 and 80 minutes completed France’s win ensuring they kept hold of the Jean-Claude Baque Cup for another season.

If anyone has any doubts about what a game such as this means then the post-match comments from the French show just how much the win meant to them.

“The atmosphere around the ground was remarkable, commented La Seyne flanker Julien Capdeillayre, We felt the passion of the Roubaix crowd – the youngsters all around the pitch encouraging us – it was very special and lifted us”.

French coach Olivier Magne who knows a thing or two about being on the winning side against England summed it up thus “This match played here today will remain a special moment in these players memories. To beat England wearing the blue shirt of France in such an atmosphere is not something you will forget easily. Tonight is our little “Grand slam” for the ordinary club player.

Whilst disappointed the England management team were nevertheless fulsome in their congratulations to France. “At the end of the day I thought the French side played well, took their chances well, played in the right areas of the field and deserved their win,” said Counties Forward Coach Dave Baldwin. “Our problem was that we struggled all night to get good, clean, quick ball. We did win some ball early on, but it wasn’t really sufficiently sharp to allow us to get any ‘go forward’ into our game. The French also counter-rucked very well and won key ball in that department.”

Said Counties Manager Danny Hodgson: “It’s always very disappointing to lose by a score like that, but we knew the French had strengthened their side after defeat by the Scotland clubs and it just didn’t happen for us tonight. They were a better side than us on the night and deserved the win.”

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES CHART BRISTOL DOWNFALL

The Phoney War is over! The real meat of the Cornish Pirates’ season is now upon us The Play-Offs. Six games to decide who will progress to the Championship semi-finals, the top two from each of the two pools of four. First up for the Cornish Pirates a trip to the Memorial Ground at Bristol to take on the favourites for promotion to the Premiership. The weekend matches saw the Cornish Pirates final pool opponents decided and surprise, surprise it’s Dawsey’s Albion who have nicked a place at the death with a 20-13 win over Doncaster.

These matches should ensure “full house” signs up at the various grounds up and down the country, and for Pirates’ fans the thought of two westcountry derbies a tasty treat to savour.

Also this weekend the last four of the British & Irish Cup was decided with Munster and Ulster joining the Pirates and Doncaster, it really does promise to be a fascinating few weeks of rugby.

The Pirates completed their league program with a real curate’s egg performance down at the Mennaye on Saturday against London Welsh leading 24-6 at half-time, thanks to tries from Nicj Jackson(2) and “Ice” Havili, all converted by Rob Cook who also landed a penalty, the Pirates switched off in the second half as Welsh scored 22 unanswered points to nick the game 28-24. Chris Stirling conceded that the second forty was the Pirates worst half of the season, well they can’t afford any more slip ups like that second forty in the play-offs.

So Friday night in Bristol it is and I am sure that it’s going to be a cracking game to set the play-offs going. If you can’t make the game BBC Radio Cornwall will be covering the game live and of course Pirates TV will providing live coverage, book up quick to get your pass for the game.

In National League 1, The Cornish All Black’s fine run came to a halt at Esher as the league leaders won comfortably 29-3, Kieron Lewitt with the All Blacks only points. Worse news of all for the Cornish All Blacks was the news that centre Steve Perry has broken his jaw.

Redruth eased their relegation worries with a comfortable 42-10 win at home to Stourbridge, Lewis Vinnicombe scored twice and further tries came from Peter Joyce, Nathan Pedley, Matt Gidlow and youndg prospect Tom Cowan-Dickie. Adryan Winnan getting back to form after his long lay-off kicked three conversions and a couple of penalties.

I was very sorry to hear that Sam Heard is out for the rest of the season with injury following his call up to the England Counties game against Irish Clubs the other week. I wish Sam well for a good recovery.

In the regional leagues in Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives lost 24-10 at Avonmouth Old Boys. Ben Taylor and Nick Hichens scoring a couple of late tries for the Hakes.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne and Wadebridge Camels have pulled clear of the pack. Camborne beat Tavistock 36-0 at the Recreation Ground to maintain top spot. Joe Parma (2), Sam Bartle, Cameron Bone, Adam Notman and Sam Matavesi all crossed for the Cherry & Whites, with Dave Mankee adding three conversions. Camborne have a one point advantage over Wadebridge Camels who won a high scoring Cornish derby at home to Truro by 44-22. Camels won the try count 6-3 with Matt Ballard getting a brace.

Camborne are due to play at Wadebridge on the last day of the league season on 10th April in what could be a championship deciding battle!

It was a disappointing day for our other sides in this league, Bude lost at home to Tiverton 17-15, whilst Penryn lost at Devonport Services 25-17, Newquay Hornets lost the plot at already relegated Withycombe gifting the home side only their second league win of the season 29-19!

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Wellington march on at the top following their 104-0 win over Plymstock. The best placed Cornish side are St. Austell 4th, they won at Crediton 11-6, with James Earp scoring their try, Andy Ashwin kicking a couple of penalties.

Falmouth won a Cornish derby over Liskeard & Looe 31-10 at the Rec, whilst Hayle won at home against OPM’s 25-8. High-flyers Exeter Saracens beat Saltash 57-5, whilst Stithians were forced to concede their match against against Bideford as they couldn’t raise a side.

Cornwall completed their U.20 County Championship program against Devon on Sunday at the Memorial Ground Penryn. Trailing by 31-8 at half-time the young Cornish players made a better fist of it in the second period before eventually losing the game by 36-15. Cornwall scored tries through Adam Lewarne (Redruth) and James Hawken (Launceston). Rob Banks (Penryn) kicked a penalty. Cornwall finished third in their group, with reigning Champions Gloucestershire advancing once more as the group winners having won all three of their games.

I was very sorry to hear the sad news on Friday that Paul Bawden had passed away that morning. Paul’s contribution to both rugby union and cricket in Cornwall was immense. With the CRFU he was Chairman of selectors as well as being heavily involved with the Colts for whom he was made a Life Member. As well as a reporter for the Packet, Paul reported for the Western Morning News, and Sunday Independent. I spent many a happy time sitting next to him at Redruth on the press benches and learnt much from him.

With Trelawny’s Army Paul was our Chairman from 1993 – 2004 and it was thanks to him that we were “accepted” by the CRFU, Paul always championed the needs of the spectators and supporters at County matches, the Falmouth Marine Band springs to mind, we all owed him a deep debt of gratitude for all he did for our cause.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.

Posted in Bill's Blog


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