Where else can one start this week other than sending warmest congratulations to Mount’s Bay RFC on writing yet another fantastic chapter in their all too brief history. The champagne corks popped all over the Mennaye as the Bay celebrated a seventh promotion in eight seasons! With the National League 3 South safely secured Mount’s Bay can now plan for their next campaign in National League 2, who knows they may even still meet the side they defeated 28-16 on Saturday Cinderford next term, should they prevail in the play-off with the runners up from National League 3 North either Darlington Mowden Park or Fylde.

Cinderford to their credit fully tested the champions-elect, taking the lead with a try from their scrum-half Dickens, then pulling further ahead with a penalty from Trigg on 26 mins. Lee Jarvis, playing his final match at the Mennaye, opened Bay’s account with a penalty after 31 mins. Bay got on level terms shortly after with a fine try from winger Jon Marlin. Just before half-time Jarvis made up for his missed conversion kicking a 35 metre drop goal to give Bay a 11-8 half-time advantage. Cindeford levelled after the break with a second Trigg penalty. Bay were in determined mood and not to be denied with flanker Adam Nicholls scoring a couple of tries within eight minutes both of which Jarvis converted to put the home side in a commanding position. A second Jarvis penalty completed Bay’s haul before Cinderford had the final say with their second try scored by Wallis.

The burning of the midnight oil by the Polson Escape Committee earned yet another marvellous result for the Cornish All Blacks as they came from behind to beat Moseley at Billesley Common 12-10, thanks to four penalties from full-back Jon Fabian. Launceston are now out of the bottom two level on points with Sedgley Park but having won two games more than their rivals. The next assignment will be a tough home match with Bedford Blues, I think that the Cornish All Blacks have got the heart to win and give themselves another fighting chance.

Redruth came off second best to promotion chasers Manchester in their National League 2 encounter at the Recreation Ground as the Cheshire side won 42-10. Paul Thirlby, celebrating his 100th appearance for the Reds scored a fine second half try in the Piggy Lane corner, which Gareth Griffiths did well to convert, Griffiths also kicked a penalty, that was as good as it got for Redruth, trailing 9-0 at half-time they were undone by five second half tries, though it will be the manner of the defeat that will have left coach Nigel Hambly fuming.

No game this weekend for the Cornish Pirates, though as ever at this time of the year it’s the player transfer speculation that hits the headlines, skipper Tim Cowley’s move to the French Top 14 side Bourgoin-Jallieu was confirmed this week as was winger Vunga Lilo’s move to Guinness Premiership side Bristol. Joining the Cornish Pirates next season will be backs Marika Vakacegu (Pertemps Bees) and Tom Luke (Doncaster Knights) as well as back row player Chris Morgan (Newbury Blues). The trio joining already announced signings of Nicky Griffiths (Ospreys), Jannie Bornman and Ben Gulliver (both Plymouth Albion) and Michael Burek from French side Pau.

In the Tribute regional leagues it was the penultimate round of matches with several decisions reached.

In South West 1, St. Ives put up a far better performance than expected against topside Chinnor only going down by 29-10. Mark Sherris kicking a penalty and converting No8 Andy Skinner’s try.

In South West 2 West, Camborne completed their home program with a disappointing defeat 39-5 against St. Mary’s Old Boys, winger Rob Floyd scoring Town’s only try.

In Western Counties West, both Wadebridge Camels and Bude may well have been slightly hung-over from last weekend’s Cornwall knock Out Cup final as they both lost. Camels went down away at Devonport Services 34-26 despite scoring four tries through Alistair McLennan, skipper Gary Gynn, Jake McCarroll and Mike Shipple. Bude’s home defeat to Withycombe by 16-7 did Hayle no favours at all at the wrong end of the table. Andy Yates scored the try with Paul Williams adding the conversion.

Hayle’s defeat at Tiverton coupled with Withycombe’s surprise win at Bude leaves the Lions in a hopeless situation and the drop to the Cornwall & Devon league looks on the cards just 12 months after they missed out to Barton Hill in the promotion play-off to South West 2 West. No 8 Rob Heath scored both Hayle’s tries with Adam Keverne kicking a penalty and conversion.

Penryn having seen off old rivals Falmouth last week in a friendly secured only their second league win of the current campaign with a 6-0 over Kingsbridge thanks to a couple of Alex Suthridge penalties.

A much better performance for London Cornish in their final home league match in London 3 SW, however they couldn’t prevent play-off chasers Purley John Fisher winning 14-3. Read Dickon Moon’s report from the forums.

More champagne corks popped over at the Sports Centre where Newquay Hornets secured a second successive promotion following their 20-8 win over Okehampton in the Cornwall & Devon League. Whether the Hornets go up as champions will be decided in the final round of matches as they still trail leaders Cullompton by a single point. Ashley Mann and James Bayley (2) scored the tries with Ryan Johns kicking the other points.

Truro almost gave Newquay a helping hand as they led Cullompton 12-10 with time almost up thanks to four Scott Martin penalties, it was not to be as Cullompton scored a second try in injury time to win 17-12.

Teignmouth scored an upset at the Recreation Ground defeating Falmouth 6-5, the Chiefs’ try being scored by Andy Palmer.

The final round of matches in Cornwall 1 and 2, saw Saltash crowned winners of Cornwall 1 thanks to a 6-5 win over Liskeard & Looe. Helston finish second and will play-off for a place in the Cornwall & Devon League next season after a 15-10 win at St. Austell. They will meet either Plymouth Barbarians or Old Public Oaks on Saturday week. St. Just and Bodmin are relegated back to Cornwall 2 to be replaced by Illogan Park who come up as champions of Cornwall 2 following a 25-7 win over St. Agnes and Redruth Albany 89-14 winners over Lankelly-Fowey.

Honours even at the Recreation Ground Camborne on Sunday afternoon as the Cornish Pirates drew 17-17 with Plymouth Albion in front of a large crowd despite the bitterly cold conditions. Albion have had a hard time of late but you can always guarantee that coach Graham Dawe will always have something special lined up when he crosses the Tamar to head west. The Pirates faithful will have been mightily impressed by Albion’s flanker Jannie Bornman who has signed for the Pirates next season.

Bornman gifted Rhodri McAtee the Pirates opening try as the Welsh Whippet pounced on the big South African’s error in his own 22 to gleefully score with less than two minutes on the clock, Gareth Steenson adding the extras. Ross Laidlaw cut the deficit with a penalty on 5 mins before reducing the arrears to one point with a second penalty after 24 mins. Albion maintained the pressure especially after Pirates’ Chris Cracknell was sin-binned, however the score remained 7-6 to the Pirates at half-time.

Albion were quicker out of the straps in the second half with Bornman driving over for try to give his side the lead. Laidlaw and Steenson then swapped penalties to leave Albion 14-10 up. The home side pressed for a score, which finally came as McAtee scored his second, try of the game Steenson once more adding the conversion. Albion were not yet done as Laidlaw kicked a fourth penalty to tie the scores. Steenson had the chance to win it for the Pirates but his last gasp penalty attempt sailed wide. On balance a draw was a fair result, both sides are already eying next season and the battles ahead!

Marvellous, superb or simply stunning the superlatives roll of the tongue when you examine the Cornish All Blacks’ latest relegation defying win at the Pillar Data Arena, a 41-0 thrashing of Esher to gain ample revenge for the 20-0 defeat inflicted upon them at Polson earlier in the season. Matt Jess scorched in with three tries to add to the scores from Marc Dibble, Sam Alford and Tinus Du Plessis. John Fabian added three conversions and a penalty with Mark Scrivener coming on and kicking a fourth conversion. Launceston travel to Moseley next Saturday to play their re-arranged league match, they are now only four points adrift of Sedgley Park. Anything can happen!

Saturday saw the finals of the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Knock-Out Cup and the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup, both finals being played at St. Austell RFC. In the Junior event Newquay Hornets hope to make it the first leg of a cup and promotion double as they defeated Saltash comfortably 33-8. Ryan Johns scored two tries and converted four of the Hornets five tries, Steve Potter, Ashley Mann and Lee Woodhatch scoring the other Hornets tries. For the Ashes Dominic Hill scored a try with Will Virgo kicking a penalty.

In the senior final, the first to see two former Junior Cup winners contesting the senior final tie, Wadebridge Camels defeated Bude 15-5. Jamie Kneale opened the scoring for the Camels before lock Richard Hawkey crashed over for the opening try, moments later it was Camels full back Dan Briskham who carved his way through the Bude cover from his own 22 to score a breathtaking try which was converted by Kneale for 15-0. In the second half Bude could only manage to pull back one try through flanker Dave Uglow, leaving Camels skipper Gary Gynn to lift the cup high for the Camels.

Space this week to look over the channel to rugby in Brittany, Vannes who as I reported had qualified for the play-offs in the Jean-Prat trophy in France for clubs in Fédérale 1 (level3) have had a tough old time in their pool. They have found the three sides from the southwest Lavaur, Lannemezan and Périgueux too hot to handle. With five games played and five losses to their name they will hope to round off with a win in their final home match of the season against Périgueux on the 20th April. Another indication of the rise of rugby in Brittany is the fact that the French Rugby Federation (FFR) will be holding it’s annual conference this July 10th – 12th in Vannes. Conference details

Finally four great matches in this weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals leaving us with London Irish vs Stade toulousain at Twickenham on Saturday 26th April and Saracens vs. Munster on the Sunday at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Could it be a Toulouse vs Munster final in Cardiff? The whole place will rock!

Like a man sinking in quicksand whose hand is gripped at the last moment the Cornish All Blacks lived to fight another day with a thrilling 27-5 victory over the Newbury Blues at Polson on Saturday. The five-point haul lifted the Cornish side off the foot of the table five points away from Sedgley Park and safety.

It was one of the Cornish All Blacks’ recent loan signings from Worcester Warriors No8 Gavin Quinnell who was driven over for the opening try after only five minutes. Full-back Jon Fabian made up for his earlier conversion miss to stroke over a penalty after 15 mins. He was on target again on 32 mins as he converted centre Peter Fisher’s try after 32 mins , which left the home side 15-0 up at the break.

Just two minutes after the resumption it was the club’s top try-scorer this season winger Matt Jess who raced in for his side’s third try. Fabian was once more on target with the extras. Newbury briefly rallied scoring a try through winger Tom Tombleson. The bonus point try came courtesy of Jess who scored his 13th league try of the season to no-doubt rekindle the interest other sides are showing in the Heamor-Flyer.

After the brilliance of their win over Doncaster at Camborne last Sunday the Cornish Pirates found Rotherham Titans less to their taste as they surprisingly slumped to a 20-10 loss at Clifton Lane. All the Pirates points came from their Exeter Chiefs bound duo fly-half Gareth Steenson and flanker Chris Cracknell. Doncaster leap-frogged the Pirates once more into fourth place following their 11-3 win over Bedford.

In National League 2, Redruth gave the leaders Otley a mighty tussle only ceding in the 10th minute of time added on to an Otley penalty, which gave the Yorkshire side a 20-18 win. The losing bonus point earned together with Nuneaton’s win at Dry Leas over Henley Hawks ensures Redruth will once again be playing at this level next season. All action flanker Steve Wood scored a fine first half try, which fly-half Gareth Griffiths converted to add to an earlier penalty to leave the visitors 10-7 up at half-time. Griffiths kicked a second penalty and winger Rob Thirlby a try to put the Reds 18-17 up with time running out, Robin Kitching’s late late strike snatched the win away from the Cornishmen.

Mount’s Bay made the long journey to North Walsham’s Scottow ground a real pleasure as they recorded a 20-5 win, which now leaves them within touching distance of winning National League 3 South and promotion next season. Saturday week’s encounter at the Mennaye against Cinderford will in all likeliness be the decider and will no doubt draw a large crowd to see the Penzance based side make that final push. John Marlin, Darren Semmens and Tyron Child scored the tries with Lee Jarvis kicking a penalty and conversion. Belated congratulations to the Bay for their fine win on Easter Monday over a Cornish All Blacks XV in the final of the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Super Cup, the first leg of another double.

In Tribute South West 1, St. Ives long season at the foot of the table will soon be at an end as they lost for 18th time 28-10 at Coney Hill. Chinnor look to be heading back to National 3 South after their 39-17 win over 2nd place Bracknell who will play-off with the runner-up from London 1 for the remaining spot.

Tribute South West 2 West saw Camborne slip to another defeat 41-0 at Torquay Athletic, Western Counties West beckons for the “Town” next season, as they will look to re-build. Exmouth wrapped up the league title with Barnstaple in the play-off berth.
Tribute Western Counties West has seen some cracking performances from our North Cornwall clubs this season with two games to play Wadebridge and Bude lie in 3rd and 4th places a real credit to rugby in that part of the Duchy. However the big question in recent weeks has been Hayle’s fight against relegation. Twelve months ago the “Lions” were contemplating facing Barton Hill in the play-off for a spot in South West 2 West. Well Hayle played the side above them Withycombe last Saturday in a game they had to win, they did, 7-3. Adam Redgrave was the Hayle hero scoring and converting his try to give his side a lifeline.

Wadebridge Camels warmed up for their Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup final next Saturday with a 29-12 win over Ivybridge. Despite going 12-0 down the Camels gave their Devon opponents the hump scoring tries through Alasdair MacLennan, Gary Gynn, Ollie Hawkey, Jake McCarroll and Sam Stone.

Opponents next Saturday Bude warmed up with a good 26-3 win over Devonport Services. Dave Risdon, Ollie Denford and Rob Uglow (2) scored the tries with Paul Williams kicking a couple of conversions.

Penryn travelled to table toppers Paignton and found the South Devon side to hot to handle as they lost 72-3. Paignton remain top one point ahead of local rivals Sidmouth.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish slumped to a 20-10 defeat at home to Tottonians in what Director of Rugby Dickon Moon described as “a very poor performance”. Dickon’s report is available in the link.

The champagne corks can’t pop just yet but Newquay Hornets are also in touch of a second successive promotion, only Tavistock who have a game in-hand can spoil the party but they will have to take maximum points and the Hornets none to upset the promotion party. Newquay ran up a big score at bottom of the league Teignmouth in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon league encounter winning 64-5. Cullompton who are one point ahead of Newquay are defiantly up.

Truro enjoyed a good win at Honiton winning 24-5 with tries from Owen Hambly, Luke Trescothick, Ross Martin and Scott Martin. Falmouth got no joy from their longest trip of the season to Wellington losing 10-3.

This Saturday as has already been mentioned see’s the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup Final when two former winners of the Junior Cup meet for the first time in the senior final Wadebridge Camels taking on Bude at St. Austell RFC with a 5pm kick-off. In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup that precedes it Saltash play Newquay Hornets, kick-off 2pm.

This coming Friday, March 28th marks the centenary of arguably the greatest Cornish sporting achievement, the winning of the County Championship in 1908 at a packed (17,000) Recreation Ground in Redruth.

It was all the more remarkable as it was the only national competition held in that era. It was the pathway to the England team so the very best players competed.

It was the first time that Cornwall had topped the competative South West group having beaten Somerset in their opening fixture 25-6, Cornwall lost to joint reigning champions Devon 17-8 before defeating Gloucestershire 34-10. As per the rules of the period teams level on points had to play-off, so Cornwall faced Devon again this time at Redruth defeating them 21-3. They then travelled to Gloucester to face the mighty Gloucestershire side winning 15-3. That win put them in the semi-final where they faced Middlesex at Redruth beating the London side 19-3.

So to the final against the other co-holders of the title Durham. Victory was hard fought but earned against the northerners by 17-3, with Redruth’s Bert Solomon scoring two tries, “Maffer” Davey, Barrie Bennetts and Nick Tregurtha also crossing the opponents try line.

The final whistle brought great excitement as the crowd acclaimed their heros.

One Hundred Years on Cornwall salutes it’s heros from that famous day in grateful remembrance;

Cornwall: E. J. Jackett (capt, Leicester), B. Bennetts (Devon Albion), B. Solomon (Redruth), F. Dean (Devon Albion), J. Jose (Devon Albion), T.G. Wedge (St. Ives), J. Davey (Redruth); J. G. Milton (Camborne School of Mines), A. J. Milton (Camborne School of Mines), F. Jackson (Leicester), R. Jackett (Falmouth), A.J. Thomas (Devon Albion), R. Davey (Redruth), T. Lawry (Redruth), N. R. Tregurtha (St. Ives).

Redruth’s fine win on Saturday against an already relegated Halifax side puts them 17 points clear of Henley Hawks the nearest side in the relegation zone with a maximum 20 points to play for. Following the disappointment of their trip to Westcombe Park the Reds owed it to themselves and their supporters to put in a strong performance. Six tries scores in a 38-3 win sent the crowd homeward bound in a happy mood. Tries came through the Thirlby brothers Rob and Paul scoring one a-piece with No 8 Mark Bright claiming a brace, PJ Gidlow and a penalty try award. Returning fly-half Gareth Griffiths kicked four conversions to complete the scoring.

Head coach Nigel Hambly gave starts to some of his squad players, with Ben Fox and Steve Wood starting in the backrow and Simon Peters in the centre. Wood had a stand out game playing his heart out. The only cloud was the injury to lock Damien Cook who went off with a knee injury after 16 mins.

Down the road at the Mennaye, Mount’s Bay played what is likely to be their penultimate home game of the season (assuming of course that they gain automatic promotion and are not involved in the play-off), scoring ten tries in a 64 – 12 win over Luton. The tries flowed like champagne with Ben Hilton (2), Tyron Child (2), Adam Nicholls (2), Jon Marlin, Tim Mosey (2) and Andrew Cheung-Fook all scoring. Lee Jarvis kicked seven conversions. With just three games left to play Bay are now 8 points clear of Cinderford who they play at the Mennaye on April 12th.

The only other league game concerning a Cornish club was Camborne who at the third time of asking completed their fixture at St. Mary’s Old Boys. Camborne were unable to build on their success from last week going down 15-8, Rob Floyd scored the try and Josh Matavesi dropped the goal.

On Sunday at Launceston, Cornwall reclaimed the Tamar Cup in a tight match by 10-7 over old rivals Devon. Cornwall’s try was scored by Cornish All Blacks’ Sam Hocking with Camborne’s David Mankee kicking the conversion and a penalty.

According to the Australian RFU website it appears that the Wallabies match against the Barbarians due to be played at Wembley Stadium to commerate their winning the 1908 Rugby gold medal at the London Olympics of that year against Cornwall will take place on Wednesday 3rd December, with an evening kick-off. It’s going to be very difficult for a large Cornish present to be there but I hope that as many as possible can go along to the game, to remember the achievement of that Cornish side 100 years ago. It is very much a part of our local rugby folklore.

Saturday’s fine win at Lydney by 30-6, and let’s face it any win at Regentsholme is an achievement, sees Mount’s Bay five points clear of second place Cinderford in National League 3 South with just four more matches to play Bay scored two tries in each half to secure the all-important bonus point. Lee Jarvis scored Bay’s opening try after 25 mins before hooker Jamie Semmens grabbed the second just before half-time to leave the visitors 10-6 up at the turn. After the break Tyrone Child claimed a third try following a charge down before lock Richard Carroll, on a try-scoring burst at the moment scored the fourth try 7 mins from time. Jarvis converted both second half tires as well as a couple of second half penalties.

Sunday afternoon saw the Cornish Pirates secure a six-try win over struggling Sedgley Park by 36-10 a result, which also helps the Cornish All Blacks in their desperate fight to avoid the drop after just one season in National League 1. Despite trailing to an early Park penalty the Cornish Pirates upped the pace to score their opening try after 19 mins through winger Vunga Lilo. Four minutes later it was Cornishman Adryan Winnan who raced in for the Pirates second try of the afternoon. Centre Steve Winn scored the third try for the home side after 34 mins. Fly-half Olly Thomas had difficulty his kicking in the first half but no problems in the second as he converted flanker Chris Cracknell’s try as well as the final two tries. Replacement hooker Darren Dawiduik scored a fifth try shortly after coming on for Rob Elloway. The last Pirates’ try was scored by Jimmy Moore. Park battled away to the end and were rewarded with a converted try scored by Chris Biers.

On Saturday the Cornish All Blacks played their third match in seven days when they lost 62-0 at Exeter Chiefs. Launceston did well to contain the Chiefs to just 15-0 at half-time but in the second half Exeter ran riot scoring a further seven tries.

In Tribute South West 1, relegated St. Ives gave a good account losing 29-7 at home to Old Patesians. The Hakes led at half-time 7-5 thanks to a converted try by Matt Thomas, sadly they couldn’t build on the lead during the second half.

In Tribute South West 2 West, Camborne notched up their first win of the season with a home win over visitors Barton Hill. Camborne won by 20-3, hooker Sam Bartle and a second half penalty try award made up Town’s two tries. David Mankee converted both scores adding a penalty as well. Young Josh Matavesi dropped a goal to complete the scoring.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels remain in third place despite their reversal at Minehead Barbarians 20-8. Gary Gynn scored the Camels’ try with Matt Bailey kicking a penalty.

In winning 8-7 at Hayle, Bude consolidated their mid-table position leaving their hosts in a precarious position second bottom in the league. It was a game of two halves as Bude scored all their points in the first half. Matt Trewin kicked a penalty before Ollie Denford scored Bude’s try after 20 mins. In the second half and despite tremendous pressure Hayle could only score one converted try through Adam Keverne with Ben Eddy adding the extras. Withycombe’s win over Kingsbridge 13-7 didn’t help Hayle’s cause either.
Already relegated Penryn put up a tremendous fight at home to promotion chasing Sidmouth before going down 10-6 to their visitors. Alex Suthridge kicked a penalty and dropped a goal for the Borough.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish battled out a 9-9 draw at Effingham & Leatherhead, DoR Dickon Moon has a comprehensive match report in the forums.
Outside of Mount’s Bay, Newquay Hornets look like Cornwall’s only other promotion bet this season in the leagues outside of Cornwall. Hornets who came up from Cornwall 1 last season cemented their top spot in the Cornwall & Devon league with a 21-0 home win over Wellington. Ashley Mann scored a couple of tries with Rob Johns scoring their third try as well as kicking all three conversions.

Falmouth beat Crediton 17-7 at the Recreation Ground with Darren Pellow scoring a brace of tries with Tim Gay grabbing a third, James Instance kicked a conversion.

Spoils were shared at St. Clements where Truro drew 10-10 with Okehampton. Truro scored two tries through Matt Trevail and Joe Williamson.

On Sunday after Cornwall U.20’s played their second match in this season U.20’s County Championship at North Petherton against Somerset U.20’s. Unfortunately Cornwall lost their second game in this season’s championship 20-11 a result, which ends Cornwall’s hopes for this season.

In the RBS 6 Nations tournament, Wales secured the Triple Crown with a fine 16-12 win at Croke Park over Ireland. Scotland surprised England with an easy win over the auld enemy 15-9 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup. On Sunday France playing in glimpses won against plucky Italy 25-13.

So to the final round of matches next weekend. Scotland will find it tough in Rome, though I think they can win 20-14. England will want to give their fans something to cheer about against Ireland, I think they will win 18 – 12 in a tense match. Finally I expect Wales to complete the Grand Slam against France, but I do think France will give them a fright on the way, 22 – 18!

News that the Barbarians are looking to play Australia in match at Wembley Stadium to celebrate the Olympic ruby final of 1908 on Saturday December 6th 2008 will be welcome news to all Cornish rugby fans. Those that know their rugby history will be aware that the side the Wallabies defeated to win the goal medal were the English County champions that season, Cornwall by 32-3 at the now long gone White City Stadium in London. Let’s all hope that this match comes about.

Speaking of Cornwall a Development XV took on Redruth Development XV at the Recreation Ground on Sunday afternoon with the Reds running out winners 38-12. The Reds scored five tries through Josh Morgan, Steve Wood, Brett Rule, Ben Fox and Nick Simmons with Grant Thirlby kicking all five conversions and a penalty. For Cornwall Ollie Faulkner (Mount’s Bay) and Dan Prout (Cornish All Blacks) scored tries with David Mankee (Camborne) kicking a conversion.

It wasn’t a happy weekend for our National League clubs as all four lost. On Sunday the Cornish Pirates played Nottingham who had defeated them earlier in the season at Camborne by one point. Despite their best endeavours the Pirates were unable to get revenge as they slipped to a 24-17 defeat at Meadow Lane. Ed Fairhurst and Brian Tuohy scored the Pirates’ tries with Gareth Steenson kicking both conversions and a penalty. Talking of the Pirates mention must be made to congratulate Robin Turner on his election as club President in succession to Dicky Evans last Monday evening along with the confirmation that Mark Hewitt had been given a 2-year contract as head coach.

The Cornish All Blacks suffered a 29-17 reversal at Polson Bridge against Coventry on Saturday. The defeat was compounded with the news that they have lost their fly-half Scott Ireland for the rest of the season as he suffered a broken tibia and fibia. Trailing 19-5 at half-time the All Blacks were always up against it. The home side scored three tries all through the forwards through Josh Lord, on-loan Gavin Quinnell and Neil Clark. Jon Fabian converted the final try.

Redruth had an away trip, which they will want to forget quickly losing 40-14 at Westcombe Park in National League 2, a performance that left coach Nigel Hambly fuming, looks like it’s going to be a tough couple of weeks for the Reds on the training park before their next league game at home to Halifax. The Reds shipped six tries and only managed to score one in reply through Mark Bright. Luke Cozens kicked three penalties.

Mount’s Bay lost at home for the first time in the league this season when Ealing Trailfinders won 15-13 at the Mennaye. Lee Jarvis, who announced this week that he will be leaving the club at the end of this season to take up a post with Cardiff RFC, missed with a conversion attempt, which would have tied the scores. Richard Carroll and Ben Hilton scored the tries for Bay with Jarvis kicking a penalty. Cinderford could only draw with Dings Crusaders so Bay are still top four points clear.

St. Ives suffered another heavy defeat in South West 1 this time at Reading by 79-5, Dean Rainey scoring the Hakes only try in the second half. The end of the season can’t come quick enough for them. We all hope they can regroup next season and come back.

South West 2 West basement side Camborne got no joy on their trip to Barnstaple losing 38-0 in North Devon

The picture is a little rosier thankfully in Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels ran in nine tries against poor old doomed Penryn running out 56-0 winners. Dan Briskham (2), Gary Gynn (2), Ben May (2), Matt Angwin, Jamie Kneale and Shaun Hawkey scored the Camels’ tries with Jake McCarroll kicking the other points. The win lifts the Camels to third just outside the promotion/play-off spot.

Bude had a feisty old affair at Bencoolen Meadow against Ivybridge winning 7-3, Paul Williams scored and converted his own try for all of Bude’s points.

Hayle lost 26-0 at Kingsbridge to remain in the bottom two.

Up in London in London 3 SW, London Cornish enjoyed a fine 35-11 win over Winchester. Once again you can read Dickon Moon’s report in the forums.

In the Cornwall & Devon League Newquay Hornets maintain their one point lead at the top over Cullompton following their 25-9 win at Crediton. Ashley Mann (2), James Ingle and Luke Bazeley scored the Hornets’ tries, Ryan Johns kicked a penalty and conversion to complete the score for the Hornets. Truro had a good win at bottom side Teignmouth by 49-3 whilst Falmouth lost on the road up at Bideford by 23-15, Justin Doney and Andy Knight got the Chiefs’ tries with James Instance kicking the points.

As it was T.A.S.C.’s presentation day on Saturday at Cornwall 1 clubs, I took in the Stithians against Perranporth league game were the homeside ran out worthy winners by 50-19, Lewis Vague (3), Andrew Creeden (2), Ben Waters, and Ben Keay scored the tries for Stithians with Martin Strick kicking six conversions and a penalty. For Perranporth Paul Martin, Ben Parker and Chas Buscombe scored tries with Addy Matthews and Johnny Smeedon kicking conversions.

Round Four of the RBS 6 Nations takes place this weekend, on Saturday in the first match at Croke Park I expect Wales to complete the Triple Crown with a 25-20 win over Ireland. Up at Murrayfield in the Calcutta Cup match I think England will prove too strong for Scotland and I take them to win 27-12. Finally on Sunday in the all Latin encounter at Stade de France, France are likely to run Italy off their feet and I think they will win 49-7. We shall no doubt see!!

REDRUTH 25 – 14 BLAYDON (HT 8-7)

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Redruth.

A disciplined performance as called for by head coach Nigel Hambly during the week helped Redruth win this crucial encounter with fellow strugglers Blaydon at the Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon. The Reds were unlucky not to claim the try scoring bonus point, however they will be satisfied that their opponents got nothing points wise from the match.

The major talking point in the crowd prior to kick-off was the presence of former Cornish Pirates head coach Jim McKay who will be assisting the Reds’coaching set-up until the end of the season “Jim is a great friend and I thank him for making himself available to the Reds until the end of the season” declared Hambly.

Redruth made a couple of changes from the defeat at Wharfedale skipper Craig Bonds missed the game being replaced by Paul Thirlby whilst elder brother Rob came back in pace of young Sam Parsons on the wing. The captain’s armband passing to talismatic Kiwi No8 Mark Bright.

Blaydon flew down on the morning of the match their side strengthened in recent weeks by the arrival of several players from Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Redruth kicked off playing up the slope, fly-half Luke Cozens spurned an early penalty chance for the home side. Blaydon looked sharp as they looked to spin the ball wide with scrum-half Hall Charlton catching the eye, in response Cozens kicking getting good field position for the Reds. The opening score came after 18 mins, Lewis Vinnicombe fielded a clearance kick sending out a long pass to Rob Thirlby who flew off at speed towards the Blaydon 22, a brilliant step brought him that extra metre to take the move deep into the 22 before feeding inside to centre Rudy Meredith who scored in the Strawberry Lane corner of the ground. Cozens was un-successful with the conversion but made amends after 25 mins with a penalty. They should have had another penalty just before that following a dangerous looking tackle by former Pirates’ second row Dave Whitehead on Meredith. Skipper Bright was leading by example getting through a tremendous amount of work around the park. Redruth began to take the upper hand but couldn’t turn their possession into points, almost on the stroke of half-time Blaydon scored a well worked try through winger Andrew Fenby in the Piggy Lane corner, which was converted by Daniel Kyle.

Blaydon put the Reds under tremendous pressure early in the second half, stout defence kept their line intact. After 47 mins Cozens increased the Reds’ lead with a second penalty. A second try for Redruth came soon after, prop Darren Jacques feed scrum-half Mark Richards, whose break took him up to the Blaydon 22, Vinnicombe, who picked up the Reds’ man-of-the-match award was on hand to finish off the move in Hell Fire corner, Cozens added the conversion.

Rob Thirlby looked to have scored a third try but lost control of the ball as he crossed the line. Further pressure did bring that third try through hooker Glenn Cooper from a forward drive following a line-out on 65 mins, Cozens conversion took the Reds to 25-7. Redruth continued to search in vain for the elusive fourth try, instead it was the visitors who had the final say when they scored a second try through centre Adam Dehaty, Kyle again adding the conversion.

After the match Hambly was full of praise for his players, “I am relieved, we had the jitters at half-time when they scored to make it 8-7, the boys really responded well during the second half with a big performance. Hopefully we can take it on to next weekend at Westcombe Park.”

The last eight days have been anything but plain sailing up at Polson Bridge. After the euphoria surronding the loan deal that brought Shane Drahm to East Cornwall, the loss at London Welsh, the controversy all week about the switching off the CAB’s vs. Northampton Saints game to Franklins’ Gardens, the swift return of Drahm to Worcester and then finally the humiliating 71-3 defeat at Meadow Lane against Nottingham in the EDF-Energy National Trophy made it all in all a week that everyone connected with the club will want to forget.

My initial reaction to the switching of the home match against the Saints to Northampton’s home ground so that it could be played mid-week was one of dis-belief and horror, the thought of such a game being taken away from the Cornish rugby public was simply not on. The flak was certainly flying in on the message boards not only in the Duchy but also further afield!

What this sorry epiosde again highlights is the continuing lack of modern sporting facilities in Cornwall and the threat of Health & Safety regulations crashing down on you should you be un-lucky enough to fall foul. Bearing in mind that all league matches must be completed by April 26th, the Cornish All Blacks look to have taken the only real option open to them. It’s not popular and I do feel a certain amount of sympathy towards them as this will never be seen as a popular decision.

Tonight at Penzance sees the EGM, to elect a new President and also discussion about the Cornish Pirates’ future plans and the way forward. Hopefully steps can be taken tonight to move the dreams of former President Dicky Evans forward including the much need stadium in Cornwall.

The Cornish All Blacks’ defeat at Nottingham marked the end of Cornish club participation in the National Cups for this season.

Redruth did their hopes of staying in National 2 the power of good with a 25-14 win over fellow relegation candidates Blaydon on Saturday. Tries from Rudy Meredith, Lewis Vinnicombe and Glenn Cooper helped to see the Reds home. The other big news at the Recreation Ground is that former head coach at the Pirates Jim McKay will lending a hand untill the end of the season.

Mount’s Bay stay five points clear at the top of National League 3 South following their 35-18 win at London Scottish, Richard Carroll scored a couple of tries for the Bay with other touchdowns coming from Adam Nicholls and Jamie Semmens. London Cornish DOR Dickon Moon enjoyed a week off from London 3 SW rugby to file a report on the forms from the Bay match.

Cornwall & Devon league leaders Newquay Hornets played Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-final 1st leg tie at the Sports Centre against Helston winning 27-0 to take an option on reaching the final.

Penryn’s Memorial Ground staged “Bottle Match” between Camborne School of Mines and the Royal School of Mines. Camborne were unable to follow up last year’s win in London their first for many years in this series losing 13-10, so the “bottle” heads back to the capital after a short sojurn in Cornwall.

Sunday saw Cornwall’s U.20 campaign kick-off at Penzance when they entertained Gloucestershire U.20’s. Pre-match their had been plenty of positive talk about Cornwall’s chances in this competition this season. Sadly it’s not going to be as the Cornish side were given a sharp lesson by their bigger more powerful opponents losing 33-8. In the other game in the group Devon beat Somerset at Cullompton 22-0.

Round 3 of the RBS 6 Nations saw England confound the pundits and critics to win at the Stade de France 24-13. Whilst their opening try had it’s fair share of good fortune, Noon’s arm clearly knocked the ball on when he tackled Heymans, before Sackey scored, it was the pack who once again laid the solid foundations of victory plus of course the value of a recognised goal kicker in Jonny Wilkinson. Wigglesworth also gave England an edge they have been lacking.

Wales continue their quest for the Grand Slam with a third win thanks to a storming second half to beat Italy 47-8. Wales will travel to Croke Park hoping to clinch the Triple Crown in Dublin on March 8th.

Ireland will not give up their hold on the Triple Crown when they play Wales following their 34-13 win over Scotland who have along with Italy lost all three of their games to date.

A last gasp touchline conversion by Ollie Thomas saw the Cornish Pirates home in their National League 1 encounter at Goldington Road against the Bedford Blues 17-15. The Pirates had to battle hard for the points reduced at one point to thirteen men with back row players Chris Cracknell and Iva Motusaga sitting in the sin bin. To their credit they rode the storm and struck at the death to maintain their fine form. A couple of James Pritchard penalties nudged the Blues into a six-point lead before Motusaga scored the first try of the match on 38 mins. Fly-half Gareth Steenson kicked the conversion and then added a penalty just before half-time, Cracknell making his way to the bin in the company of Bedford’s hooker Karl Dickson.

Early in the second half a rush of blood saw Motusaga binned for coming in at the side once too often, Pritchard’s third penalty cutting the Pirates lead to a point 10-9. Under tremendous pressure during the final quarter the Pirates conceded a couple of penalties, which Pritchard kicked to give the Blues a 15-10 advantage. The late late show from the Pirates came well into stoppage time as the ball was worked back across the field from the initial run by Jimmy Moore, with Nathan Kemp, Rhodri McAtee and Adryan Winnan all involved, Winnan managed to off-load to centre Steve Winn the Welshman squeezing in to the right-hand corner. Thomas completed the win with his fine kick.

At Old Deer Park, the Cornish All Blacks’ fine recent run was brought to an emphatic halt 38-0 by a London Welsh side that had benefited from coaching this week from the former National Team coach Gareth Jenkins. The Cornish All Blacks’ switch their attention once again this Saturday when they play Nottingham in the last eight of the EDF-Energy National Trophy in an evening kick-off.

Coach Nigel Hambly was far from pleased with his side’s 17-10 defeat at Wharfedale in National League 2 a result, which once again pulls the Reds back into the relegation dogfight at the bottom of the table. Winger Simon Horsfall scored an un-converted try after only 5 mins for the home side. Andy Baggett added a couple of penalties either side of half-time to extend the home side’s advantage before the Reds struck back with a penalty from Luke Cozens before winger Lewis Vinnicombe, making a welcome return following injury, followed up a kick through by centre PJ Gidlow to score in the corner, Cozen’s conversion brought the Reds back to within a point on the scoreboard. Two further penalties from Baggett sealed the win for Wharfedale with the last penalty award also seeing Reds scrum-half Mark Richards getting a red card. The Reds will have to focus immediately on Saturday’s up coming fixture against an in-form Blaydon side who beat second place Stourbridge.

Mount’s Bay successfully overcame their potentially difficult trip to Canterbury with a 16-15 win to remain top of National League 3 South. The game went to un-contested scrums during the final 20 minutes as the home side lost their complete front row to injuries during the game something the Bay coaching staff were not too happy about. Jon Marlin scored the Bay’s opening try before Canterbury hit back with a penalty and an un-converted try to lead 8-5. Bay hit back before half-time when Tyron Child scored their second try to turn around 10-8 up. Tim Mosey then kicked a couple of penalties to increase the visitor’s lead. Canterbury scored a second try through former Albion player Pat Sykes with De Kock’s conversion bringing his side to within appoint of Bay.

In South West 1, St. Ives managed to raise a side to play Redingensians but it was a familiar story as the Hakes slipped to a 40-5 loss at home to confirm their relegation to South West 2 West next season.

In South West 2 West, Camborne are not quite mathematically relegated but they are certain to play in Western Counties West next season. Camborne’s latest reversal came at Clevedon 38-5 with hooker Nathan Curnow getting Town’s only try.

Wadebridge Camels remain third in Western Counties West, but are now six points behind second place Sidmouth following their 13-13 draw at Tiverton. Hayle are second from bottom following their loss to leaders Paignton 29-12 at the Memorial Park. Trailing 21-0 during the first quarter the Lions fought back to 21-12 at half-time Adam Keverne scoring the first try converted by Paul Lello and James Jago grabbing the second. With five games to play Hayle will be targeting their home games against Withycombe also on 12 points and Penryn to get them out of jail. Bude lost 33-3 at Kingsbridge to remain fifth. Devonport Services eased their relegation fears with a 20-18 win at doomed Penryn.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish despite a brave first half performance holding leaders Cobham 3-3 on their own patch slipped to a second half defeat 29-3. (Dickon Moon’s report in the forums.)
In Cornwall & Devon League, Newquay Hornets remain top following their Cornish derby win over Falmouth at the Sports Centre 17-7. Truro defeated Wellington 13-5 at St. Clements to remain in fourth place.

This coming Sunday sees Cornwall U.20’s begin their County Championship campaign with a home fixture at the Mennaye Field, Penzance against Gloucestershire with a 2-30 kick-off.

The RBS 6 Nations is back on our screens this weekend as England are at the Stade de France on Saturday evening it’s appropriate to cast a quick glance at rugby in Brittany. On Sunday Vannes playing in only their second season in Fédérale 1 qualified for the first time for the second phase of Jean Prat championship following a 24-7 win over Poitiers to clinch the final qualifying spot (4th) in their pool. Two tries from full-back Julien Cazenave, a former teammate of Pirates’ full back Adryan Winnan whilst at Tarbes, helped the Breton side on their way. Vannes are now pitted against three sides from the deep south Lavaur, Lannemezan and Périgueux in a further pool to determine who progresses to the knock out stages.

So to next weekend’s matches, Wales v Italy, the Welsh are on a roll and I expect them to comfortably beat the Italians in Cardiff by 20 points 35 – 15.

Ireland v Scotland, the Irish showed glimpses of what they are capable of at St. Denis during the second half of their match against France, I think Ireland will beat Scotland by a score 21 – 14.

France v England an 8pm kick-off will not suit England, much depends on the selection of the England team. France will be looking for revenge for their defeat in the semi-final of the rugby world cup and I expect them to beat the English by a ten- point margin 25-15 with Vincent Clerc once again getting in on the scoring. It should be a cracker.