Amy Bunt has been named as this season’s captain of the Cornwall Women’s side ahead of their Gill Burns Division 2 campaign.

Amy, who currently plays for Ivybridge Women, came through the junior ranks at Liskeard-Looe, and played at full-back in last season’s Championship winning Gill Burns Division 3 side.

She scored two tries in the final against Notts Lincs & Derbyshire at the Richmond Athletic Ground amongst the five tries she touched down during the campaign.

Last season she was also named Trelawny’s Army Women’s Player of the Year following her stellar performances in the black and gold.

Amy was also Cornwall RFU Volunteer of the Year in 2019 for the hard work she put in helping girls rugby, which saw attend a black tie function at Twickenham.

Speaking of the appointment Cornwall Women’s Coach Jo Holden said. “Amy is a fantastic choice. She is “Kernow” through and through and one of our most exciting and passionate players.

“She always leads from the front and we are excited with how she will lead the team this year.”

 Amy had this to say about her appointment. “I am feeling very honoured to pull the Cornwall shirt on again this year! But then to top it all off being asked to Captain the squad this season is such an honour.

“I couldn’t be prouder to lead this incredible group of ladies out for the first time in our game against Oxfordshire Women on the 7^th May.

“Speaking on behalf of the whole team, we really look forward to seeing a big crowd at Polson Bridge to cheer us on and support our Kernow Ladies.”

Cornwall Women have two pool matches this season, should they top the group they will then play a semi-final on Sunday May 28^th.

Cornwall Women Fixtures;

Sunday 7^th May v Oxfordshire Women @ Launceston RC 2 pm

Sunday 21^st May v Somerset Women @ Taunton RFC 3 pm

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 The Jason Leonard Cup. 

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2023 continues with their third fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team host Somerset U20’s in the final pool game of this year’s competition on Sunday 23rd April. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President John Sumnall said. “Irrespective of the result on Sunday, this will be the last home game that the U20’s plays this season, so it would be fantastic to get a great crowd there to support and cheer them on. We thank Camborne RFC for hosting us once again along with their volunteers who make playing the game possible. The thanks must also go to our fabulous sponsors, kit suppliers O’Neills, Kelsall Steele Investment Services LTD, Booths Print of Penryn, and of course Trelawny’s Army supporters club for the match ball sponsorship and their attendance at all the games”.

Cornwall narrowly lost their first game away to Devon 35 – 29 but came away with 2 losing bonus points. The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 38 – 28 victory over Gloucestershire whilst denying them a losing bonus point. Cornwall have been forced to make 2 changes in the back row due to injuries, and of course the County finals, colts finals and Papa John cup games all take place on the Saturday prior to our game.

The team sees skipper Joss Pascoe switch back from fly-half to outside centre, with Nat Dart returning at fly-half.

In the pack, there are enforced changes in the back row. Wes Eddy comes in for the injured Gideon Blacklock, whilst Ben Jones, who came off the bench against Gloucestershire, starts for the unavailable Freddy Trewin.

Coach Rich Kevern said. “We know Somerset have lost their first two games; we must not be complacent as they will be fighting all the way to avenge those defeats. We put in a far better performance against Gloucestershire but there are still many areas where we need to tighten up and improve are game management. It is and all to play for in this next round with Devon, Gloucestershire, and Cornwall all in contention to top the pool and earn a quarter-final place”.

Entry on the day will be £5 which includes a programme with U16 gaining free admission.

Cornwall Captain Joss Pascoe said. “After the Devon game we came away and did a lot of soul searching, licked our wounds and needed to put in a performance against Gloucestershire. I’m proud to say the boys did just that and stood up to a very physical team and came out on top. We now not only have to match but improve that performance to give us every chance of progressing in this year’s competition. I know how the guys have trained, and what they are capable of, and we need that performance on Sunday”.

This season’s competition has changed and only the pool winners go through to the quarter-finals. The winner of our group will travel to play Dorset and Wilts at a venue yet to be confirmed on Sunday May 7th.

The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said. “This will be the last home game for some of these guys in an U20 shirt and I know they will want to go out in style. 12 of last week’s 22 will not be eligible for next season’s competition however that means 10 guys will carry forward a massive amount of experience next season. A big thank you to the coaches, medics, and backroom staff for all the effort and time they put into developing these players for not only the County but their home clubs as well”.

Cornwall U20 v Somerset U20

Sunday 23^rd April @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Brad Howe

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Neville Curnow + Graham Ashton

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

CORNWALL SQUAD FOR THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP

Cornwall Championship Squad 2023

Coaches and selectors have announced a thirty-five man squad for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign, which will kick-off on Saturday May 6^th against Somerset at Redruth RFC, kick-off 3 pm.

The squad is comprised of twenty forwards and fifteen backs. This season Redruth’s fly-half Fraser Honey has been appointed to captain the side.

It should be noted that Plymouth Albion did not release their players to play in this season’s competition.

As expected a number of Redruth players form the majority of the squad. However, both Camborne and St. Austell see a number of their players selected following promotion winning seasons. The squad also has a number of players who have in the past played for the Cornish Pirates and bring that level of experience to the table.

As always there are always one or two players who are surprise selections, with Bude’s lock Freddie Stevenson and Pirates Amateurs centre Josh Semmens, who had a fine game in the Tamar Cup against Devon. Back rowers Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels) and Brandon Rowley (Launceston) also get deserved call ups.

There is also place for players from last season’s successful Under 20s with Declan Prowse (Camborne), Sam Walker (Exeter Uni), Charlie Levick (Penryn) & Joe Tanswell (Redruth) all included.

Chairman of Selectors Kevin Thomas was pleased with the balance of the squad. He said. “I’d like to thank my fellow selectors for the hard work they have done since the beginning of the season in looking at players all around Cornwall. The breadth of the squad shows that, no matter where you play, you are in with a chance if good enough.

“Our first training session is on the 26^th April at Redruth and we will look to select our match day 23 for the first game on May 6^th from that session. The players are excited to be a part of the squad and looking forward to putting on the black and gold shirt.”

“I am sure the Cornish fans will turn out a support the lads, that first game is so important as it will set the tone for the campaign, so please do come along on May 6^th and get behind the lads.”

FORWARDS (20)

Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels),Ben Fox (Redruth), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Ben Priddey (Camborne), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Craig Williams (Redruth), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Jack Hazelton (Camborne), Jess Tompsett (Redruth), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Luke Barnes (Redruth), Mackenzie Oliver (Redruth), Richard Brown (Redruth), Sam Stevens (Redruth), Toby Freeman (Tonbridge Juddians), Tom Duncan (Truro),Tommy Phillips (Redruth), Tommy Lee Southworth (Camborne).

BACKS (15)

Charlie Levick (Penryn), CJ Boyce (St. Austell), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Fraser Honey (Redruth), Jack Kessell (Camborne),Jack Simmons (Redruth), Joe Tanswell (Redruth), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Konnor Ewudzi (St. Austell), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Mike Austin (Cinderford), Nicolas De Battista (Camborne), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Sam Walker (Exeter Uni)

Cornwall’s matches all kick-off at 3 pm;

May 6^th v Somerset (Redruth)

May 13^th v Hampshire (Havant)

May 20^th v Kent (Camborne)

Home games Entry on gate £10. Under 16s free.

Committee member Bill Hooper made the presentation to Cornwall Under 20 Captain Joss Pascoe and Vice-Captain Freddie Trewin at Camborne RFC ahead of their game against Gloucestershire Under 20s on Sunday.

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 38 – 28 GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Camborne

In front of a good size crowd Cornwall put in a much better display in defeating Gloucestershire to give them a chance of making the knockout stage of this year’s Jason Leonard Cup competition.

When the visitors lost their back row forward Ben Kindred to a yellow card on 31minutes Cornwall took advantage scoring three tries before half-time.

Gloucestershire kicked off with a stiff breeze at their backs, however they failed to make proper use of the elements, which also cost them dearly.

A couple of early penalties from their fly-half Will Hammonds gave the visitors a 6-0 lead. But when Kindred was sent to the sin-bin Cornwall turned on the pressure.

Truro No.8 Connor Triggs scored the opening try following some good play from the forwards, Falmouth full-back Harvey Penhallurick added the extras, the first of his five successful conversions, in a faultless kicking display.

Penhallurick then bamboozled the Gloucestershire defence with a dazzling run to score by the posts.

Moments later hooker Matt Pritchard seized on an interception to gallop in under the posts.

Penryn’s Freddie Trewin had another big game for Cornwall, always a handful at the breakdown and putting in some big tackles on the heavy Gloucestershire forwards.

Just before half-time Gloucestershire scored from a catch-and-drive with hooker Harry Legg credited with the score. Hammonds adding the conversion for a score of 21-13 to Cornwall at the break.

Almost immediately after half-time Cornwall secured the bonus point score following further good forward play with Pritchard showing good strength to bag his second try.

Kindred made up for his earlier misdemeanour when he scored for the visitors from a catch and drive.

It was Cornwall’s turn to find themselves down to fourteen men when the excellent Pritchard was shown a yellow card.

Wing Owen Notley went in at the corner to cut the deficit to just five points, but that was as close as Gloucestershire would get.

Fresh off the bench St. Austell’s Peter Harris scored Cornwall’s fifth try and when Penhallurick kicked a penalty late on, Cornwall led by 15 points.

Gloucestershire had the final say scoring a 4^th try at the death through skipper Lloyd Thomas to secure a try-scoring bonus point, which may prove useful in the final shake up.

Cornwall had the win they needed to have a chance of qualifying when they play Somerset in two weeks time, but they will also require Gloucestershire to beat Devon.

Coach Richie Kevern was pleased with his side’s performance. He said. “I thought that was a controlled performance from us, and we took our opportunities well. We kept our discipline during the first half but in the second we were guilty of giving away too many penalties. But all credit to the boys they deserved the win and know they have a chance in two weeks time to progress if results go our way.”

Cornwall U.20: H Penhallurick (Falmouth), L Bostock (Truro), J Statton (Launceston), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), J Pascoe (Truro,Capt), J Walker (Falmouth); M Cardwell (Pirates Ams), M Pritchard (Falmouth), M Boothby, J Maunder (both St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives), G Blacklock (Newquay Hornets), F Trewin (Penryn), C Triggs (Truro).

Replacements: P Harris (St. Austell), A Harris (St. Just), R Lawrence (Falmouth), B Jones (Perranporth), B Rosevear, F Deavin (both Falmouth), W Eddy (Pirates Ams).  

Cornwall scores: Tries, Triggs, Penhallurick, Pritchard  2, Harris, Cons, Penhallurick 5, Pen, Penhallurick

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2023 gets underway with their second fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team host Gloucestershire U20’s for their second pool game of the competition on Sunday 9th April. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

Cornwall narrowly lost their first game away to Devon 35 – 29 but came away with 2 losing bonus points. Gloucestershire had an emphatic win away to Somerset 17 – 61 to top the table. Entry on the day will be £5 which includes a programme with U16 gaining free admission.

This Sunday Cornwall will be looking for the win that will keep their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of this season’s competition alive.

The coaches have made a number of changes to the side to face Gloucestershire.

In the pack, there is one change with Connor Triggs of Truro starting at No.8 in place of Jowan Peck.

There is a shake up in the backline, whilst the back three remain unchanged, skipper Joss Pascoe moves from centre to fly-half with Joe Walker at scrum-half to forming a new half-back partnership. The mid-field combination sees Launceston’s Jack Statton step up from the bench to pair up with Jamie Stanlake, who started against Devon last time out.

Onto the bench come Peter Harris (St. Austell), Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth) and Ben Jones (Perranporth).

Coach Rich Kevern said. “We know that any Gloucestershire side will be a strong test, and after their result against Somerset they will be full of confidence. We did not play to our strengths on the last outing and have had to come away licking our wounds. It is now up to the guys to go out and perform against Gloucestershire if they want to proceed in this year’s competition”.

Cornwall Captain Joss Pascoe said, – “After the Devon game we came away and did a lot of soul searching! That was not the way we had trained, or been expected to play, and we owe it to the travelling supporters of Trelawny’s Army to put that right. The players know what is expected, what is needed, and we must as a group perform to progress within this year’s competition. For some guys this is their second year and have previously tasted success, for others this is their first and only year of being eligible and we need to put in a performance”.

Cornwall’s last pool game will be against Somerset at Camborne RFC on Sunday April 23rd with a 1400 kick off time. This season only the winners of the pool go through to the quarterfinal which is another change from last season.

The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said. “The team need to learn from their mistakes and move forward. We as a county know that they have trained hard and as last year proved Cornwall guys can and will give 110% to wear that Black and Gold shirt, this year’s set of players are no different.”

Cornwall U.20: H Penhallurick (Falmouth), L Bostock (Truro), J Statton (Launceston), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), J Pascoe (Truro,Capt), J Walker (Falmouth); M Cardwell (Pirates Ams), M Pritchard (Falmouth), M Boothby, J Maunder (both St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives), G Blacklock (Newquay Hornets), F Trewin (Penryn), C Triggs (Truro).

Replacements: P Harris (St. Austell), A Harris (St. Just), R Lawrence (Falmouth), B Jones (Perranporth), B Rosevear, F Deavin (both Falmouth), W Eddy (Pirates Ams).   

The selectors and coaches have announced their squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup Division 2 campaign.

Last season Cornwall Women won the Division 3 title defeating Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire in a thrilling final at the Richmond Athletic Ground 36-17.

Twelve players from that side are in the squad for this season’s campaign.

Last season’s captain Verity Holden has retired from playing but is now part of the coaching squad. This season’s captain is yet to be named.

Cornwall RFU Chairman Dave Saunter in congratulating the selected players said. “Exciting times ahead for our Ladies XV, who have been promoted to the Gill Burns Div 2 Cup after winning the Division 3 at the first time of asking. 

“The coaches have been casting an eye over the potential squad on Friday nights at Bodmin RFC and now have selected the 30 who will carry the hopes of Cornish Ladies rugby. 

“The squad have 2 qualifying matches one at home at Launceston so it’s a short intense program with a potential final at the end of the journey.

“I wish Ronan O’Neil, Jo and new coach Verity best luck, knowing the way they work I know our ladies will be prepared to face the challenge”.

Whilst coach Jo Holden added. “Open training sessions were amazing this year, we had 30/40 women for each session, lots of new faces making selection super competitive. We are also fortunate to be able to add our Cornish Winning Captain Verity Holden to the coaching team this year. She has added a new dimension and whole lot more passion about putting Cornwall on the map. Ronan and I are more determined than ever to continue the good work from last year and keep the momentum going”. 

The Cornwall Women squad of 30 is as follows;

Amy Bunt (Ivybridge), Amy Warman (Launceston), Annie McKelvey (Penryn), Bobby Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Bryher Freight (Truro), Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Claire Thompson (Truro), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Jo Roberts (Plymstock), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Josie Ninnis (Penryn), Katherine Wherry (Ivybridge), Kim Upcott (Launceston), Laura Outten (Camborne), Lisa Allin (Bude), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth), Makindi Carter (Helston), Megan Arnold (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Mel Ruby (Launceston), Nicola Rowland (Ivybridge), Oz Brazier (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Truro), Rhiannon Thomas (Launceston), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Sam Whitefield (Truro), Shannon Foster (Plymstock), Sian Westgarth (Truro).

Cornwall Women’s games this season in the Gill Burns Cup are;

Sunday 7^th May Cornwall Women v Oxfordshire Women @ Launceston RC 2 pm

Sunday 21^st May Somerset Women v Cornwall @ Taunton RFC 3 pm

Semi-final fixtures will be advised at a later date.

Entry to the game at Launceston is £5 on gate, Under 16s free.

Redruth’s fly-half Fraser Honey has been appointed Cornwall Captain for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign which kicks off at Redruth on Saturday May 6^th against Somerset.

Honey, who played for Launceston at one stage in his career, made his first County Championship appearance for Cornwall in 2018 in the 15-all draw against Surrey at Camborne. He became a permanent fixture in the Cornwall side the following season and has twice won the Bill Beaumont Cup with Cornwall at Twickenham in 2019 and 2022.

Kevin Thomas, the Chairman of Selectors, and a former Twickenham winner himself with Cornwall in 1991, was pleased to announce the appointment of Honey. He said. “I am delighted that Fraser has accepted the invitation to Captain the Cornwall Senior squad for 2023 Championship season. Fraser has a fantastic rugby pedigree and a heap of Championship experience. He will set high standards throughout the squad and he will lead by example. I look forward to working with him over the coming weeks and wish him and his squad the very best for the Championship matches.”

Honey spoke of his appointment. “I’m truly honoured and extremely proud to have been appointed Cornwall captain for the 2023 County Championship Campaign. Playing for Cornwall means a huge amount to me and to get the opportunity to captain Cornwall in such a prestigious competition is a huge privilege. I’m itching to get started with this group of boys and to be back playing in front of Trelawny’s Army once again in our quest to keep the Bill Beaumont Trophy in Cornwall for another year’

Cornwall RFU Chairman Dave Saunter had this to say about Honey.  “This is great news, I have followed Fraser’s career from his colts days. He is a quality player who leads off the front foot. This appointment is the next step on his rugby journey which I know he will relish. I wish both Fraser and all the players pulling on the Black and Gold this season every success and hopefully we can look forward to another trip to Twickenham at the end of May”.

Cornwall’s Bill Beaumont Cup games;

May 6^th Cornwall v Somerset @ Redruth RFC 3 pm

May 13^th Hampshire v Cornwall @ Havant RFC 3 pm

May 20^th Cornwall v Kent @ Camborne RFC 3 pm

JASON LEONARD CUP

DEVON U20, 35 – 29 CORNWALL U20

By Bill Hooper at Brickfields

Cornwall came up just short in their opening Under 20 County Championship game against Devon, despite outscoring the hosts on the try front. The difference came down to kicking with Devon’s fly-half Giles Clarke kicking 17 points.

The win also saw the Brunel Cup wrested from Cornish hands, Cornwall having been inaugural winners last season at Camborne.

Ideal playing conditions saw Devon kick-off and earn an immediate penalty on the twenty-two which fly-half Clarke pushed wide of the sticks.

Cornwall got into the game, good lineout ball from Lock Joe Maunder set up a good Cornish move culminating in scrum-half Ben Rosevear scoring. Nat Dart added the extras.

A loose kick from Cornwall gave Devon full-back Fraser Felton the chance to run from deep, Cornwall dropped off the tackles allowing the play to be carried on by the Devon backs before flanker Jacob Gaskin finished off the move for an unconverted try.

Gaskin was catching the eye for Devon and proved a handful at the breakdown, whilst for Cornwall Falmouth’s Matt Pritchard at hooker had a fine game notably in the loose.

A penalty by Clarke on the half-hour mark nudged Devon ahead, before a strong finish to the half saw Devon go through the phases before lock Liam Bayley crashed over. Clarke’s conversion giving the hosts a 15-7 half-time lead.

Spectators had barely time to take their seats after the break when Cornwall wing Lewis Bostock seized on a ball and hared down the touchline to score in the corner for an unconverted try.

Cornwall continued their purple patch Pritchard, charged forward before slipping a pass to wing Lachlan Surridge to dive in at the corner.

The seesaw nature of the game continued, another penalty from Clarke regained the lead for Devon, before Cornwall’s skipper Joss Pascoe sliced through to dot down a score converted by Dart.

Cornwall should have looked to control the game, instead they allowed Devon back when Elliot Fielding scored with Clarke again on the money with the extras.

Surridge went over for Cornwall’s fifth try to snatch back the lead, it proved short-lived as Devon prop Harvey Courtis powered over from short-range for their fourth try.

Clarke added the conversion and then a final penalty near the end to confirm Devon’s win.

After the match coach Richie Kevern was naturally disappointed. “We left too many chances out there today. I thought we should have been ahead at half-time on the balance of play. Unfortunately we didn’t take them and we were punished for that.

“I cannot fault our effort, in the second half we fought back and showed spirit, today was a big learning lesson on taking chances and then controlling the game.

“A couple of poor kick chases from us and Devon have run them back and scored is  a coach killer, but we will learn and look to make amends against Gloucestershire.”

Cornwall will look to re-group against Gloucestershire at Camborne, on Sunday 9^th April.

Cornwall U.20: (Falmouth, unless stated): H Penhallurick, L Bostock (Truro), J Pascoe (Truro), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), N Dart (Camborne), B Rosevear; M Cardwell (Pirate Ams) M Pritchard, M Boothby (St. Austell), J Maunder (St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives), G Blacklock (Newquay Hornets), F Trewin (Penryn), J Peck.

Replacements: W Eddy (Pirate Ams), A Williams (Penryn),  A Harris (St. Just), R O’Regan, J Statton (Launceston), J Walker, F Deavin.   

Cornwall scores: Tries, Rosevear 6, Bostock 41, Surridge 48, 67, Pascoe 54, Cons, Dart 7, 55.