All four of our National League clubs can take pride in their performances over the weekend including the Cornish All Blacks who will feel unfortunate not to have taken something from their match against Nottingham.

Result of the day has to be the Cornish Pirates thrilling win at Castle Park over the Doncaster Knights by 16 – 12. Not too many would have given the Pirates much chance of obtaining a win up north following their un-convincing displays in recent weeks. Bolstered with new signing Tongan full back Vunga Lilo, the Pirates turned the form book upside down to come away with the points. Despite falling behind to an early Doncaster penalty, the Pirates took the lead after 17 mins with a try from scrum-half Ed Fairhurst, converted by Gareth Steenson. Woodrow kicked a second penalty for the home side to reduce the deficit to one point on 30mins. Steenson kicked a penalty for the Pirates having just failed to score a try moments earlier, 10-6 to the Pirates at half-time. Woodrow once more cut the deficit to one point shortly after the resumption of play, before giving his side the lead with his fourth penalty success. The Knights spurned their opportunities to put the game beyond the Pirates, instead it was Steenson who regained the visitors the lead with a second penalty success, before sealing the win in injury time with a third penalty to slay the Knights.

Nottingham’s pack proved decisive as they claimed four of their five tries in a 31 – 23 win at Polson Bridge over the Cornish All Blacks. John Prowse has a report on the main page of the TASC site. Matt Jess once again showed what a fine player he is scoring one of the CAB’s tries. Jon Fabian scored the other two tries with Scott Ireland kicking the other points.

Redruth faired much better on this trip north claiming all five points in their National League 2 encounter at Ovenden Park against bottom side Halifax by 41 – 17. The Reds ran in six tries through Lewis Vinnicombe (2), Darren Jacques, Nathan Pascoe, Dave Pascoe and Luke Collins. Gareth Griffiths kicked the other points. Redruth will have a sterner test this Saturday when in-form Stourbridge travel down to the Recreation Ground in a re-arranged fixture.

Mount’s Bay were given an almighty fright by Lydney in their National League 3 South encounter before emerging 18-13 winners thanks to the boot of Lee Jarvis who kicked all six penalty goals for the Bay. Bay didn’t get their noses in front until 64 mins. The win keeps them at the top of the pile. Mount’s Bay return to cup action next Saturday when they entertain Hertford in the National Trophy.

A depressingly familiar tale in South West 1 and South West 2 West as both our clubs lost heavily. St. Ives would have had high hopes as they entertained fellow strugglers Bournemouth at Alexandra Road however, it was the visitors who ran out winners by 37 – 3, Mike Crump kicking the Hakes only points.

Camborne lost at Weston Hornets by 40 – 24. Town managed to score four tries through Tom Hinds, Cameron Bone, Rob Ley and Dave Eustace with Dave Mankee kicking a couple of conversions.

It wasn’t much better in Western Counties West, with only Hayle getting a point after a 20 – 20 draw at home to Minehead Barbarians. Sam Heath scored a couple of tries for the Lions.

Wadebridge Camels lost at Sidmouth by 21 – 10, whilst Bude slipped up at Tiverton 37 – 24, Matt Trewin, Paul Williams, Rob Uglow and Barry Sobey scored tries for the North Cornwall side.

The only bright spark at Penryn in recent times has been the switching on of their new flood- lights last week, the Borough lost 26 – 0 at Withycombe in their bottom of the table clash to remain firmly bottom of the league and apparently heading down to the Cornwall & Devon league next season!

Another fine win for London Cornish in London 3 SW as they defeated Old Wimbledonians 33 – 13.

The Cornwall & Devon league Newquay Hornets remain in top spot following their 23 – 17 win over Cullompton. Truro remain in second spot following their 39 – 3 win over Bideford, whilst Falmouth enjoyed a 28 – 24 win over Honiton up in Devon.

Congratulations to both Matt Evans and Rhodri McAtee from the Cornish Pirates who have both been selected for the Barbarians to play the Combined Services at the Brickfields on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7 pm). Also in the squad are Andy Birkett and Tony Roques from the Cornish All Blacks. Redruth’s Dave Pascoe will captain the Services side.

Park Lane has never been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Pirates and with a few murmurings of discontent in a few quarters following last Sunday’s disappointing result at home to Nottingham another faux pas could have sown the seeds for a mutiny aboard the good ship. Thankfully a 20-13 win stifled for now any such outcrys, however there was still frustration in the manner of victory. The Pirates scored two tries through the ever improving Ollie Thomas and fly-half Gareth Steenson who also kicked the other points with two conversions and a couple of penalties.

Up at Polson Bridge the other local game in National League 1 saw the Cornish All Blacks entertain the Exeter Chiefs. The Launceston club would have been delighted that distractions of the EGM held on the Thursday preceeding this match had been resolved. Many pundits prior to kick-off would have had the Devon side down to claim all five points, though the Chiefs did take the win the margin was only 25-18 with a late try from hooker Neil Clark ensuring a losing bonus point for the CABs. The All Blacks other try was scored by full back Andy Birkett, with Scott Ireland kicking a penalty and a conversion. Jon Fabian droped a goal to complete the scoring.

Six penalty goals struck by the boot of fly-half Tim Mosey deputising for the injured Lee Jarvis saw Mount’s Bay home 18-16 at Ealing to maintain their un-beaten start to the season and keep them at the top-of-the table in National League 3 South.

In South West 1, poor old St. Ives endured a nightmare at Oxford Harlequins thumped 72-3, a result which leaves them at the foot of the table. Mike Crump kicked the Hakes solitary points with a penalty.

In South West 2 West a ray of light for Camborne as they secured their first league point of the season with a 7-7 draw at home to Brixham. Tom Hinds scored the try which was converted by David Mankee.

In Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels defeated Paignton at the Molesworth Field 53-14. Three tries in the first six minutes had the camels on their merry way, Richard Treleaven, Matt Ballard and Jamie Kneal securing the touchdowns with a Sean Hawkey conversion were the early point scorers. Andy Cameron scored a fourth for the Camels just before half-time which Hawkey again converted. Paignton rallied after the break but it was the camels who ran away with the game scoring another five tries through Gary Gynn, Kneal, Cameron, Tom O’Donnell and Alisdair MacLennan, Hawkey and Andy Hicks kicking a couple of conversions.

Bude defeated Sidmouth at Bencoolen Meadow 13-10. Rob Uglow and Barry Sobey scored the North Cornwall side’s tries with a penalty slotted by Matt Trewin.

Hayle slipped to another defeat this time at Ivybridge by 53-14, James Jago and David Guffick scored the Lions’ tries.

Penryn lost again at home this time to Tiverton by 20-3 to remain firmly anchored to the foot of the table.

Up in London another fine win for London Cornish by 33-3 in London 3 SW at home to Andover, see Dickon Moon’s excellent report in the forums.

The Cornwall & Devon League sees two Cornish clubs occupying the top two positions. Newquay Hornets remain top after a 39-6 win at home to Wessex which saw winger Rob McIntyre bag a brace of tries.

Truro are second after defeating Tavistock in Devon 34-27, thanks in part to 19 points from the boot of Scott Martin.

Falmouth drew at home with Cullompton 14-14, Ed Lawrence and Mike Slater scored Falmouth’s tries both of which James Instance converted.

Man of the match Gareth Griffiths scored all of Redruth’s points in this absorbing encounter at the Recreation Ground. In a closely fought encounter with the final result in doubt right up to the final whistle Redruth will be relived to have secured a win which once the ten point penalty is applied will still leave them at the foot of National League 2. The Reds have the ability and players to climb the table and get themselves out of the mire they currently find themselves in.
Redruth gave a debut to Rudolf Meredith at outside centre who has played with Mark Bright at Nelson Bay in New Zealand. Former Penryn player David Pascoe had a start in the number 9 jersey displacing Mark Richards.

Redruth kicked off playing down the slope, it wasn’t long before Griffiths had points on the board with an early penalty success for offside. The lead was short-lived as James Whittingham kicked a penalty for the visitors to level the scores.

The play was at times abrasive with some firm tackles going in from both sides. Both sets of forwards were getting through a tremendous amount of work. Westcombe Park enjoyed the lion’s share of territory and possession reflecting their fine start to the season. It was inevitable that tempers would come to a head with a flair up near the touchline following a late tackle on a Redruth player, Dave Pascoe (Redruth) and Will Thorpe (Westcombe Park) were duly dispatched to the sin bin by referee Mr. Phillips.

Redruth nudged ahead on the scoreboard with Griffiths’ second successful penalty after 28 mins following a big drive by the Reds pack into the visitors half forcing them to infringe. The home side looked to increase their lead as the interval approached with skipper Craig Bonds losing the ball close to the try line in Hell Fire corner, the visitors then cleared the ball up field carrying play deep into the Reds 22 thankfully the cover held firm.

Redruth played some of their best rugby of the game immediately after half-time. A fine passage of play saw Mark Bright almost score following some fine play with Meredith, Griffiths though was on hand to finish off the play with a try under the posts on 45 mins, Griffiths added the extras for a 13-3 lead. Griffiths missed a penalty attempt a short while later but made amends with a fine drop goal to stretch the Reds’ lead to 16-3.

If the Redruth faithful thought their favourites would go on to secure a handsome win then they were in a rude awakening. Whittingham kicked a second penalty to reduce the deficit, worse was soon to follow as scrum half Gideon Roux, who had been a handful all afternoon cleverly kicked deep into Hell Fire corner, the Reds cleared the immediate danger to touch following a lineout, however from their own throw in, Westcombe Park launched a fearsome onslaught into the Reds 22, various phases of play culminated in Roux sneaking in on the blind side from a ruck up in the Piggy Lane corner, Whittingham’s touchline conversion brought Park right back in it at 16-13 down with around 10 mins to play. The visitors sensed a result and put huge pressure on the Redruth line, That pressure resulted in a penalty slap bang in front of the posts on 77 mins which Whittingham kicked to level the scores.

Almost from the re-start Redruth were themselves awarded a long-range penalty, which Griffiths kicked right between the uprights as cool as you like to regain the lead at 19-16. The Reds then ran down the clock to earn a valuable and welcome four points.

Plenty of smiles in the Redruth camp after the game, a big game again next Saturday as the Reds will want to target their away game at fellow strugglers Halifax.

Redruth 19 pts – Try: G. Griffiths; Conversion: G. Griffiths; Penalties: G. Griffiths (3); Drop Goal: G. Griffiths.
Yellow card – Pascoe

Westcombe Park 16 pts – Try: G. Roux; Conversion: J. Whittingham; Penalties: J. Whittingham (3).
Yellow card – Thorpe

Redruth: R. Thirlby, L. Vinnicombe (P. Thirlby 38), R. Meredith, P.J. Gidlow, C. Bonds (Capt.), G. Griffiths, D. Pascoe, D. Jacques, G. Cooper, P. Joyce (A. Morcom 72), D. Cook, L. Collins, N. Pascoe (B. Fox 65), C. Fuca, M. Bright.
Replacement (not used): D. Job.

Westcombe Park: S. Naden, N. Davies (T. Latu 12), G. Purdy (C. De Klerk 62), P. Nacamavuto, A. Slade, J. Whittingham, G. Roux, D. Weston (B. McKinnell 60), D. Sole (J. Moyce 53), S. Croall, G. Frith, W. Thorpe, I. Hardcastle, T. Carruthers, T. Hayman (Capt.).

Referee: Mr Richard Phillips (RFU)

Eight wins from eight matches played and a healthy seven point cushion at the top of National League 3 South, the Mount’s Bay bandwaggon keeps on rolling following their latest success 20 – 5 win over London Scottish their nearest rivials at the Mennaye last Saturday.

Once again Lee Jarvis proved an inspiration to his team with his tactical nous and kicking game. Jarvis contributed ten points to the Bay’s haul with a couple of conversions a penalty and a drop goal. Bay’s tries came courtesey of Tom Edyvean and Andrew Cheung-Fook.

Bay’s win was almost the only ray of light on a disappointing week-end for Cornish clubs in the league.

In National League 1 both our sides lost. The Cornish All Blacks put up a tremendous fight at Butt’s Park Arena against Coventry finally losing 35 – 27. Recent signing Scott Ireland had a first start for Launceston and contributed 17 points with a try 3 conversions and a penalty goal. The CAB’s other points were scored by winger Matt Jess with a brace of tries. Ireland missed with a late penalty chance which could have snatched a losing bonus point. Launceston also handed a debut to another new signing Tinus Du Plesis a member of Namibia’s Rugby World Cup squad in France last month.

Next up for the Cornish All Blacks are the Exeter Chiefs at Polson on Saturday it’s going to be a cracking match.

Sunday brought disappointment to the Cornish Pirates’ fans as Nottingham with the final play of the game scored a converted try to win 22 – 21 at Camborne. It was always likely to be a tight game with both sides on 30 points prior to the match.

It all began so promisingly as full-back Ollie Thomas cut a great angle to score at the posts for Gareth Steenson to convert to put the Pirates 7 – 0 up after only 3 minutes.

This comfort zone proved to be short lived, as Nottingham won the ball from the re-start and moved the ball left, a burst of speed from Nottingham’s exciting full back Rohaan Nirmalendran created space for Alex Dodge to score in the club house corner, former Pirate Tom Barlow’s conversion failed. Thomas especially, was a constant thorn in the visitor’s side. Steenson and Barlow then swapped penalties, however when the Pirates did have possesion the backs looked static with the wrong options being taken all too often! The most glaring of all was a clear three man overlap which was completley ignored. Thomas was denied when he chased on a hack from James Moore having himself kicked the ball on over the tryline the deadball line saved the visitors. With the last play of the half Steenson kicked a penalty for the Pirates to leave them 13-8 up.

If the Pirates’ faithful thought that the second half would rubber stamp the win they were in for a big surprise. Steenson’s early attempt at a drop goal from distance went well wide,whilst before long Nottingham were beginning to get their powerful maul into gear. An initial surge was foiled illegally, sensing a score Nottingham kicked to the Town gate corner to set up another powerful surge from the lineout which took them over the line for tight-head prop Nigel Hall to score. Barlow added a fine conversion to nudge the visitors into a 2 point lead.

At last the Pirates stirred themselves into action, following numerous phases of play flanker Chris Cracknell was driven over towards the scoreboard corner, Steenson couldn’t convert but made amends later with a penalty kick to stretch the Pirates to 21-15 with 15 minutes to play.

Instead of controlling the rest of the game the Pirates threw the iniative to Nottingham, allowing them field position, twice the Pirates were warned by Mr Spreadbury about pulling down the maul in the end Nottingham forced their way over the line for Sam Raven to score the try to allow Tonks to seal the points.

In National League 2, Redruth had to endure their longest trip of the season away up to Blaydon only to suffer a 25-0 loss and see winger Nathan Pedley dismissed towards the end of the first half for a dangerous tackle. The Reds will hope to bounce back on Saturday at home against Westcombe Park. Redruth should also learn the fate of their appeal against the points deduction following the Cambridge game on Tuesday evening.

In the regional leagues it wasn’t a great day either unless you are a Newquay Hornets supporter. St. Ives lost at home 6-5 to Maidenhead to remain second from bottom in South West 1. Marc Britton scored the Hakes try.

Camborne lost their seventh straight game at Yatton by 58 – 18 to remain firmly fixed to the bottom of South West 2 West, Nathan Curnow and Rob Ley scored tries for the Cherry & Whites with Joe Parma kicking the other points.

In Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels earned a 10 – 10 draw at Kingsbridge, Tom O’Donnell and Adam Coleman scoring the Camels tries. Hayle defeated Devonport Services 17-11 thanks to a last gasp penalty try converted by Adam Keverne, James Jago and Sam Heath scored the Lions other tries. Penryn are also firmly rooted to the foot of their league following a seventh defeat this time at home to Bude who won 15-6 at the Memorial Ground.

Up in London the Cornish renewed with victory as London Cornish claimed a fine win over Old Reigatian’s by 33 – 5 in London 3 SW, (see Dickon Moon’s match report in the forum).

Newquay Hornets sit proudly ontop of the Cornwall & Devon League following their 17-11 win at Truro. Rob McIntyre scored the only try for the Hornets with Ryan Jones kicking four penalties. For Truro Scott Martin kicked a couple of penalties with Luke Trescothick scoring a try. Falmouth’s game at Wessex was postponed.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 2

REDRUTH 31 – 22 WHARFEDALE (HT 17-7)

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Redruth.

After all the trials and tribulations of the past few weeks it was good for the Reds to get back to winning ways with this hard fought win over worthy and welcome visitors from the Yorkshire Dales.

Whilst coach Nigel Hambly will be delighted with the result he will be concerned at the Reds high penalty count and another sin binning for their recent signing Fale Seve. It may well be that the lads were a little over eager to get the result, which they badly needed. Redruth also had difficulty in dealing with the powerful Wharfedale maul, which resulted in three tries for the visitors.

It didn’t take long for the Reds to open the scoring as from a penalty kicked towards the Piggy Lane corner by fly-half Gareth Griffiths, Luke Collins secured the line out allowing hooker Glen Cooper to drive to the line and claim the try after only 3 mins, Griffiths adding the extras. After 10 mins the Reds had doubled their score when No 8 Mark Bright ripped the ball out of the tackle inside his own half and ran the ball in under the posts, Griffiths once more obliged with the extras.

Wharfedale soon hit back following a penalty kicked towards the Strawberry Lane corner a well worked catch-and-drive saw the visitor’s pack trundle over the line for flanker Oliver Renton to score, Andy Baggett kicked a fine conversion. Wharfedale continued to press and were denied by a fine tackle by winger Nathan Pedley, from the resulting scrum Seve was yellow carded for a professional foul. Thankfully for the Reds they conceded no points during their flanker’s absence, indeed Redruth were the more dangerous with Thirlby brothers combining well in attack. Redruth stretched their lead just before half-time when Griffiths kicked a penalty from 30 meters.

Wharfedale came out in determined mood for the second half with their England Counties centre Chris Malherbe looking dangerous. Baggett kicked a second penalty to reduce the arrears before the visitors drew level with another well worked try following another penalty kicked to the corner (Piggy Lane) which saw flanker David Clements driven over after 58 mins. Baggett kicked a fine conversion to make it 17-17. The crowd grew anxious wary of what had happened in the Reds last home game against Blackheath.

Redruth took play to the visitors with Pedley just being denied in the corner following good work from Bright. PJ Gidlow was twice denied from promising attacks, the points duly arrived through the boot of Griffiths, first a penalty from in front of the posts and then a neatly taken drop goal.

With their noses back in front the Reds looked to score tries, a blistering attack by Rob Thirlby up the Eastern Bank touchline saw his brother Paul finish off the move with the Reds third try which Griffiths failed to convert.

Wharfedale sensing a least a losing bonus point had another kick to touch from a penalty to set up another maul which, saw Clements claim a second try, Baggett couldn’t add the extras.

Redruth went in search of the fourth try and were pressing the Wharfedale line when they were awarded a kickable penalty with the last play of the game, Griffiths kicked the goal to deny the visitors a point.

Plenty for the Reds to build on as they embark next weekend on their longest trip of the season away up to Blaydon in Northumbria, they should travel in good spirits and will look to get a good result on the road.

Redruth 31 pts

Tries – Cooper, Bright, Paul Thirlby, Drop-Goal – Griffiths, Penalties – Griffiths (3), Conversions – Griffiths (2)

Wharfedale 22 pts

Tries – Renton, Clements (2), Penalty – Baggett, Conversions – Baggett (2)

Redruth: Rob Thirlby, Nathan Pedley, Craig Bonds (capt), PJ Gidlow (Simon Peters 75), Paul Thirlby, Gareth Griffiths, Mark Richards; Darren Jacques, Glenn Cooper, Peter Joyce (Ashley Morcom 77), Damien Cook, Luke Collins, Fale Seve (James Mann 49), Chris Fuca (Ben Priddey 77), Mark Bright.

Yellow Card – Seve (20 – 30)

Wharfedale: Neil Baggett, Dan Hart, Chris Malherbe, Andy Baggett (capt), Simon Horsfall, Luke Gray, James Doherty; Neil Dickinson (Adam Mason 72), Gavin Hindle, Chris Steel (Philip Peel 60), David Lister, Anthony Capstick, Oliver Renton (Robert Ladnor 72), David Clements, Robert Baldwin.

Rep not used; Mark Simpson

Referee; Mr Nigel Higginson (RFU)

Who would have thought six weeks ago at the start of RWC 2007 that this England squad would have had a cat-in-hell’s chance of successfully defending their World Crown? Certainly not following their 36-0 defeat against the Springboks nor their uninspiring win over the USA in Lens. Yet hard fought wins over Samoa, Tonga and Australia showed that this group of players led by Cornishman Phil Vickery had the resolve and inner strength to battle on never more exemplified than by their dogged win in last Saturday’s semi-final against France in Saint Denis 14-9.

Semi-Finals are by and large tediously dull affairs yet at the same time gripping, this was to prove to be no exception with the outcome going right down to the wire with Jonny Wilkinson drop kicking England into the final next Saturday against South Africa.

It will not have gone unnoticed in the land of the silver fern that England in reaching their third World Cup Final have eclipsed New Zealand (two finals) in rugby’s premier event. Can they go on and create their own piece of history and become the first nation to successfully retain the Webb Ellis Cup? Who would bet against them now?

The Cornish Pirates made it six wins from seven starts with a 24-14 win at Esher in National League 1. The Pirates who have been suffering with a lengthy casualty list saw all their points scored by James Moore and Ollie Thomas and are now fourth in the league.

It was always going to be hard and the reality is settling in at Polson as the Cornish All Blacks lost their sixth league encounter of the current campaign to the Pertemps Bees 32-8. A win which lifts the Bees from the foot of the table vaccating the slot for the CAB’s. Owen Hambly with a try and Stuart Alred with a penalty were the points scores for Launceston. They will look to bounce back this Saturday when they entertain London Welsh at Polson. A few off the field rumblings at Polson which will not help the club as everyone needs to pull togeather to get the team away from the wrong end of the table.

Redruth are another side where it has been far from plain sailing this season. The close season opptimisim of a promotion push has all but evaporated with a ten point penalty hanging over the club following the unfortunate events at Cambridge which have been well documented elsewhere. Following last Saturday’s home reversal against Blackheath a daunting trip to Waterloo awaited. To Redruth’s credit they were in the game and only lost towards the end 25 – 19 to gain a losing bonus point. Redruth also had the satisfaction of scoring three tries through Lewis Vinnicombe, Fale Seve and Mark Bright, with Gareth Griffiths kicking a couple of penalties. A blow for the Reds was Griffiths leaving the field with a broken thumb.

Below the top two National Leagues it was Cup day elsewhere, Mount’s Bay led the way with another comprehensive win over Barking 55 – 19, Bay ran in eight tries with one from Jamie Semmens who was making a welcome return following his broken leg. Trelawny’s Army player of the Year, Lee Jarvis kicked six conversions and a penalty. St. Ives also made the 2nd round draw with a 26-15 win at Bristol Harlequins.

In the Senior Vase Bude defeated Penryn in a close encounter at Bencoolen Meadow 22-21 with Paul Williams kicking the winning penalty for the North Cornwall side. Wadebridge Camels completed a good day for North Cornwall over the Fal estuary with a 39-12 win over Falmouth. Up in the home counties, London Cornish enjoyed a fine win at Trojans 25-24.

The reason for my lack of activity on this blog for the past couple of weeks has been my absence whilst attending some of the matches in France.

It’s been a tremendously exciting three weeks having attended all four of the host nation’s pool matches in Paris, Toulouse and Marseille. The atmosphere in France has been remarkable helped along by the excellent cuisine, fine wines and good beer. Everywhere you go RWC 2007 hits you, whether at Rugby Town just opposite the Eiffel Tower or in a sleepy village down south the whole country has been gripped with rugby fever. On the playing front there is no question that the ability of some of the so-called lesser nations has been the big plus in this World Cup. The failure of Ireland and Wales to progress to the Quarter-Finals coupled with England and Scotland being pushed all the way to secure their berths has shaken the old order in the Northen Hemisphere, France’s failure to beat the Pumas in their opening match has now left them with the unenviable task of facing the tournament favourites New Zealand at the Quarter-Final stage in Cardiff on Saturday night. This has caused a great deal of re-organisation for many as hotel plans and flight/travel plans have now had to be altered to travel to Cardiff on Saturday, no rest after having travelled back from Marseille via Paris today!!! It’s a hard life but hey someone’s got to do it!!

Everywhere you go in France one figure dominates, Chabal, Sebastien Chabal, the Sale Sharks player has become an insitution in France, his presence sending the fans into gutteral chants of some neolythical caveman who roamed the caves of the Massif Centrale many thousands of years ago. Is this the man who can inspire the French to an improable victory against the All Blacks as his countrymen managed eight years ago in the un-forgettable Twickenham semi-final?

We shall see. Whatever happens this has been a great World Cup so far with capacity gates at all the stadiums.

Vive la France and Vive la coupe du monde de rugby!!!

Whether it was still the effects of French hospitality from my lightning trip acoss the channel for the opening game of RWC 2007 on Friday night at the Stade de France or a lack of sleep over the previous 48 hours but at half-time on Sunday there was a sense that this could be the day that the Cornish Pirates turned over one of the big boys on their own turf. with score 19-10 to the Pirates courtesy of four Gareth Steenson penalties and a try scored by hooker Rob Elloway converted by Steenson you could sense that this time they might just pull it off.

Adryan Winnan had another stormer for the home side his vision creating the Pirates opening try when he chipped the ball ahead, Winnan was impeded in his chase by Saints winger Paul Diggin not once, nor twice but three times which should have seen the Saints’ winger spending 10 minutes in the ASK Secruity sin-bin.

The illusion was shattered soon after the start of the second half by Northampton as their fly-half Barry Everitt scored a fine try which he converted to pull his side back to within two points. The game then turned as the Pirates kicked a penalty to the corner and then launched from the lineout a massive assult on the Saints line. The period of pressure and resulting penalties were repulsed by the Saints pack who turned the ball over and set off downfield for Diggin to rub salt into the Pirates wound with a third try, now they trailled 24-19. It must have soul destroying for the home side, the Saints sensing the moment grabbed the try scoring bonus point with a fourth try from Dutchman Tim Visser for a 32-19 lead. James Moore on for Rhodri McAtee scored a second try for the Pirates which Steenson converted to leave the Pirates with a losing bonus point at 32-26, but even that slim reward was snatched away as the Pirates transgressed towards the end for Everitt to kick his third penalty of the game to leave the Saints 35 – 26 winners.

Almost 6,500 saw a great game.

The Cornish All Blacks made the long trip to Doncaster and had to give second best to the Knights 26-8. Matt Jess with a try and Stuart Alred scored the CAB’s points. Next week’s home game against Sedgley Park Tigers is one that the Cornish All Blacks will hope will kick-start their season.

With no games in National League 2 due to England Counties participation in the FIRA-AER Festival in SW France, Mount’s Bay once again stole the limelight with another impressive display in National League 3 South winning 42 – 18 at Bridgwater & Albion. With another five tries scored Bay now top the table with maximum points

News this week that Joff Rowe coach of the County side has stepped down from the position just weeks after having been confirmed in the post for a second season! Interesting to read conflicting reports from both camps as to the reasons why Joff Rowe resigned!!

Apologies for the lack of a review of our SW league clubs on the opening day of their league season, due to trips to the Rugby World Cup, once the tournament is over it will be back to buisness as usual.

THE CORNISH PIRATES took the honours on the opening day of the National League 1 campaign with a hard fought 26 – 12 at new boys the Cornish All Blacks.

Whilst the Cornish Pirates will be satisfied with the win they will no doubt be less than satisfied with their second half performance which the East Cornwall side shaded by 12-7.

Leading 19-0 at half-time thanks to a try from winger Brian Tuhoy converted by fly-half Gareth Steenson who also kept the scoreboard ticking over with four well struck penalty goals, the travelling Press Gang faithfull would have been contemplating their side finishing the job during the second half and travelling back West with all five points in their booty. The Cornish All Blacks had other ideas. A trademark pushover try was scored by CAB’s No 8 Dave Kimberley to cut the Pirates’ lead to 19-7 with Stuart Alred kicking the conversion. Former Pirate Matt Jess scored a spectacular try on his competative debut for the CAB’s, the flying winger chipped the ball over Pirates’ Nick Buckley and Adryan Winnan to score in the corner, Alred couldn’t add the extras at 19-12 Launceston could sense at least a losing bonus point.

The Pirates made the game safe with their second try scored by skipper Tim Cowley following a break from Iva Motusaga, Steenson’s conversion completed the scoring.

Both sides will take positives from the match, however the Cornish Pirates will have their sternest test of the season already on Sunday when Northampton Saints roll into Camborne.

On Sunday, Redruth got their National League 2 campaign off to a fine start with a 21-14 win away at Nuneaton. This the first of three away matches for the Reds during September before their first home match against Blackheath on October 6th!!

Clive Griffiths kicked a couple of penalties to give the Reds a 6-0 lead before Huw Thomas cut the deficit to 6-3, there was no more scores during the first half. Nuns then took the lead with a try scored by flanker Ian Critchley. Redruth proceeded to score three tries in a 15 minute burst, the first from winger Nathan Pedley followed by a brace from fellow winger Lewis Vinnicombe, further penalties from Griffiths completed the Reds tally.

Next weekend the Redruth front row head to SW France for the FIRA-AER International Festival as part of the England Counties squad to play against Russia, Spain and France Amateurs.

And so to perhaps the most emphatic scoreline of the day and one which I couldn’t have forecast MOUNT’S BAY 63 – 10 BARKING.

Bay could not have wished for a more glorious debut as a National League club then this demolishon of a club that last season played in the league above. 35-3 up at half-time, Bay turned the screw mercillously during the second half running in a total of NINE tries ALL converted by fly-half Lee Jarvis. Australian Tim Mosey lead the way with a hat-trick of tries with the other tries coming from Jarvis, Nick Burnett, former Barking skipper Jon Marlin, Andrew Cheung-Fook, John Griffiths and Ben Hilton, Barking’s full-back Harry Bryan scored all their points with a try, conversion and a penalty.

This scoreline will have sent shockwaves throughout the whole division, with Bridgwater next up to tackle Bay on Saturday.

In the two EDF-Energy Senior Vase 1st Round ties involving Cornish clubs on Saturday there were mixed results. Falmouth progressed defeating Bideford 30 – 20 at the Recreation Ground, whilst Newquay Hornets bowed out 31-10 at Okehampton.

There really couldn’t be a bigger game to start the National League campaign than the National League 1 derby between the Cornish All Blacks and the Cornish Pirates, or for the purists Launceston v Penzance & Newlyn. East versus West with all roads leading to Polson on Saturday, quite what the exodus of holiday makers heading back to England will make of the mass hords of the Pirates’ Press Gang heading up the A.30 is anyone’s guess. I hope that the expedition to the “borders” is plain sailing as far as the traffic goes.

The Cornish All Blacks deserve tremendous credit in getting to National League 1, Saturday will be their first major test not only on the pitch but off it as well as the demands in this league are far higher than anything they will have experienced before. I am sure that the pressure has already been felt with the pre-match ticket sales for this match and the rush to install the tiered terracing opposite the clubhouse and grandstand side of the pitch.

So what of the game, well I am sure that we are going to witness a tremendous tussle between the two sides and I am sure that former Pirates’ players such as Matt Jess and Owen Hambly will be keen to impress against their former club. I would expect the game to be close for 60 minutes before the Cornish Pirates’ pull away during the final quarter to seal all five league points on offer.

There have been some silly remarks this week about the lack of locals in the Cornish Pirates’ side. I have no truck with these ridiclous comments, the Pirates are a professional outfit who are duty bound to find the best players they can on their budget from wherever. They can come from Timbuktu for all I care as long as they do the buisness for the club! That is the reality of professional rugby and aiming for the Guiness Premiership.

In National League 2, Redruth kick-off their season at Nuneaton on Sunday afternoon. The Reds will be looking to get their league season off to a flying start. There is a great deal of optimisim in the Reds’ camp this season having gone close to promotion last time around. With the likes of Rob Thirlby and Lewis Vinnicombe out wide Redruth have a potent attacking option. A minor set back for the Reds this week is the absence of their new Samoan No 8 Faleoni Seve for the trip to Nuneaton. I’ll tip the Reds for a winning start to the new campaign.

Mount’s Bay begin life in National 3 South welcoming Barking to the Mennaye Field on Saturday. It really is a big day for the Bay and a feather in the cap for all concerned with the club to be playing National League rugby in such a short space of time since the formation of the club. Bay have former Barking skipper Jon Marlin playing in the centre one of several new recruits for the new campaign. A win for the Bay but they may not nick the bonus point on offer!

There are a couple of EDF-Energy Senior Vase 1st Round ties featuring Cornish clubs on Saturday, Falmouth entertain Bideford whilst Newquay Hornets travel to Okehampton.