CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Semi-final.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 continues as they take on Lancashire in the semi-final of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 17 April. The team face a 750-mile round trip and play the hosts Lancashire at Wigan RUFC at Wingates Road Wigan.

CRFU President John Sumnall said “Following a tremendous performance in the quarter-final v Hertfordshire, Cornwall must travel on Easter weekend to Lancashire. I would like to record my thanks for the effort that the coaches, medics, backroom staff have put in throughout the season which has brought about this semi-final appearance. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented over the season, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”

Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarterfinal. The quarterfinals were played at Camborne RFC with a home win 36 -17 which sees Cornwall earn an away semi-final.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We are now one of only four teams left in this competition for this year, and you do not get any second chances, so the guys must perform. Following the win against Hertfordshire we have had a few training sessions and the guys need to be ready from the off for this important game. We know that northern teams normally have big packs and will try to intimidate us, but the guys know what they are up against and must go out there and perform.  All the remaining teams have won or been runners up in there qualifying pools as well as won their quarterfinals, so there are no easy games. Everybody involved would also like to record our thanks to the CRFU management board for their continued support to enable us to progress within this competition”

The winner of this game will play the winners of Kent v Yorkshire, a date, location, or time has not been released yet by the RFU!!

Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “We’re aware as a team of the pressure that we’ll face in this semi-final. That’s just a given considering the competitiveness in the last 4. But I don’t have any doubt that our team is ready to dig in away from home and do what’s required. We’re a strong team and regardless of the home or away turf I’m confident about the ability in our team.’’

Lancashire won their away pool game v Cheshire 17 – 29, their home game against Yorkshire was not played and they therefore had an away quarterfinal v East Midlands which they won again 17 – 29 to take them into the semi-finals.

The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The competition this year has had some challenges for the CRFU as the RFU have cut funding for the pool stages and have initially said there will be no additional funding to assist in travelling or hotels costs. Therefore, the CRFU management board have had to look very closely at all expenditure, with the rising fuel costs and the game being played on Easter Sunday and with an away draw in the semi-final has certainly added to the pressures we face”

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance. 

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com

Mob – 07967725368

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

13/04/22

Gate entry at Wigan on Sunday is adults £4 with programme, Under 16’s £1.

                            Lancashire U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 17 April @ Wigan RUFC 1315 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

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

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Sam West + Neville Curnow

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

Cornwall have named their squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup matches. They have also released their fixtures, venues and kick-off times for these games. Your support for our Women’s XV is very much appreciated.

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20s, 36 – 17 HERTFORDSHIRE U.20s

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Camborne

A superb dominant performance from the Cornish pack saw them book their place in the last four of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup.

A strong wind blew down the Camborne pitch with Cornwall electing to face the elements during the first half.

Early territorial advantage for the visitors saw them take the lead through a penalty from fly-half Tom Wilton.

However, Cornwall showed their intent with a couple of powerful runs from fly-half Sam Walker and wing Lewis Bostock.

Having kicked to the Herts twenty-two, Cornwall stormed towards the Herts line with both flanker Freddie Trewin and centre Jamie Stanlake making ground before fellow back row Jack King powered over for try converted by Walker.

Cornwall struck again almost immediately, following a barnstorming run from skipper Ethan Pearce-Cowley it was left to wing George Hutchinson to dive over for the second Cornish try.

Herts, to their credit replied instantly with a good score from wing Joe Radley following an arching run by centre Louis Suarez, Wilton adding the extras.

Cornwall looked to re-establish their lead and it came from another powerful maul with No.8 Archie Pilcher crashing over for an unconverted try.

The young black and golds weren’t done yet as they bagged a fourth try before the break through the forwards with prop Archie Rolls dotting down for a 24-10 lead at the break, as Herts went down to 14 men following a yellow card.

Herts made another fast start to the second period with an excellent try from the flying Finley Sutherland as the visitors went the length of the field. Wilton added the conversion.

Cornwall, using the wind, pinned Herts back in their twenty-two for long periods and the Cornish scrum really upped the ante with Pearce-Cowley giving the Herts tight-head a right old time.

Replacement hooker Matt Pritchard scored Cornwall’s fifth try from short-range before King bagged his second try of the game which Walker bettered to complete the scoring.

Joint coaches Richie Kevern and Tyler Gendall were delighted with the result and the performance. Kevern said. “It was a tough one today given the conditions , funnily enough we seemed to play better during the first half into the wind. Second half we were a little bit slow off the mark but we came good in the end. Gendall added. “We came good in the final quarter with a powerful forward performance, we were able to dictate field position and have a platform to work from.

Kevern also added. “It was good to see the hard work we have put in during training pay off with both the backs and forwards combining so well.”

Cornwall now face an away trip in the semi-finals when they must face Lancashire U.20s who defeated East Midlands on Sunday.

CornwallU.20: Larkins (Camborne), Bostock (Truro), Andrewartha (Redruth), Stanlake (Cardiff Met), Hutchinson (St. Austell), Walker (Exeter Uni), Anderson (Truro); Pearce-Cowley (Capt, Cinderford), Dower (Camborne), Rolls (St. Austell), Walton (Penryn), Osborne (Pirates Ams), King (Camborne), Trewin (Helston), Pilcher (Pirates Ams).

Replacements: Pritchard (Falmouth), Lawrence (Falmouth), Triggs (Truro), Newton (Wadebridge Camels), Hall (Redruth), Tanswell (Penryn), Davis (Camborne).

 Scores: Tries, King (2), Hutchinson, Pilcher, Rolls, Pritchard, Cons, Walker (3)

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Quarter-final.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 enters the knockout stage of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 20 March. The team host Hertfordshire who was runners up in their pool. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President John Sumnall said “Following the pool stages in which Cornwall topped their pool we welcome visitors Hertfordshire who have travelled for this quarter-final match. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”

Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarter-final.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We are now in the knockout stage of this year’s competition and from now on you do not get any second chances, so the guys must perform. Following the win at Dorset and Wilts we have had a few training sessions and they need to be ready from the off for this important game. All the teams in the quarter-finals are pool winners or runners up so there are no easy games and having played Hertfordshire before we know they will be up for a keenly fought competition”

The winner of this game will have a semi-final which will be played on Easter Sunday 17 April.

Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “We’re aware as a team of the pressure that comes with playing in the knockout stages. But we’re ready to take on that pressure and deliver a quality performance on the day. The team is looking in good shape and I have full confidence we’re ready to take on the challenge. We’re unbeaten in this competition and that’s how we plan to keep it.”

Hertfordshire competed in pool 3 winning their first game 26 – 27 away to Surrey, they lost their second game at home to Kent 19 – 56 and therefore emerged as runners up in their pool.

The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. This year due to Covid we have lost 2 years’ worth of experience and knowledge. As the U18’s season has finished we have invited players who are over the age of 18 to come to the last few training sessions as part of that transition. So, although this is the quarter-final the coaches are already looking ahead to the 2022 / 2023 season. We have also had a few new players join the squad who we have identified and or been nominated from their clubs around the county”

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

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance. 

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com

Mob – 07967725368

                             Cornwall U20 v Hertfordshire U20

Sunday 20 March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

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

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

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

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

12 Cornwall U20’s in Southwest trials

During the pool stages of the Jason Leonard U20 competition coaches from both sides select and agree a “team of the day” which is also reviewed by the SW selectors if in attendance, or by watching the match footage.

Following the completion of the pool stages the SW selectors have announced a squad to be invited to the trials held on Sunday 10 April at Keynsham RFC.

Cornwall RFU are delighted to announce the following 12 players have been selected.

Ethan Pearce-Cowley – Cinderford

Declan Prowse – Camborne

Pat Walton – Penryn

Toby Osborne – Pirates Ams        

Jack King – Camborne

Archie Pilcher – Pirates Ams

Dillon Newton – Wadebridge Camels

Matt Pritchard – Falmouth

Joss Pascoe – Truro

Harry Andrewartha – Redruth

Harry Larkins – Camborne

Lewis Bostock – Truro

Congratulations to all players on their well-deserved selection.

If you want to see these players in action, don’t forget Cornwall V Hertfordshire in the quarterfinal of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 20 March at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

Colin Hatch – U20 Team Manager

A few words from Up The Borough

We’re raising £10,000 to help underprivileged young people in the Falmouth and Penryn area to access life changing opportunities.
Dave ‘Benji’ Thomas was a terrific influence on many people’s life and his lasting legacy will be to keep on helping others. Fifty brave souls will attempt the Benji Memorial Walk on 30th April 2022, a thirty five mile challenge from Lizard Point to Pendennis Point – not for the faint hearted!!
Monies raised will go directly to helping disadvantaged young people in the Falmouth and Penryn area to access life changing opportunities. A cause very close to Benji’s heart and in the weeks before his sad passing a repeated determination that some action be taken.
Benji’s expertise and ability to “drench” you with enthusiasm will have touched thousands and they in turn will have modelled to many others . The Benji Memorial Walk typifies such legacy and so it goes on….

Go Funding Page

Very sad news this morning, “Benji” Thomas who coached Cornwall to the 1991 ADT County Championship in 1991 passed away at his home in Penryn this morning following a short illness.

“Benji” often referred to Trelawny’s Army as Cornwall’s 16th man

We offer our sincerest condolences to Valerie and his daughter Helen at this sad time.

JASON LEONARD CUP

Dorset & Wilts U.20, 7 – 64 Cornwall U.20

By Bill Hooper, Photos Simon Bryant

Cornwall took on Dorset & Wilts in their second pool game at Dorchester RFC looking to confirm a place in this season’s quarter-finals.

The Black and Golds made a couple of changes to the side that started against Devon with Harry Andrewartha (Redruth) coming in for the injured Charlie Levick at centre, whilst in the back row Jack King (Camborne) replaced Eli Williams.

On the bench Matt Pritchard (Falmouth), Dillon Newton (Wadebridge Camels) and Adam Hall (Redruth) all came in.

Any nerves that the Cornish lads may have had were quickly dispelled as they took the game by the scruff-of-the-neck from the off building a 45-0 lead by half-time.

Truro wing Lewis Bostock got the try feast going as he bagged the first of his brace, with fly-half Joe McCarthy, Camborne School of Mines kicking the first of his five conversions. McCarthy was on the money soon after with a successful penalty.

The forwards then got amongst the try-scoring with the Camborne pair Tyler Dower and Declan Prowse crossing whilst Pirates Amateurs No.8 Archie Pilcher scored his second try in two games.

The backs got back into the scoring with vice-captain Joss Pascoe scoring with his centre partner Redruth’s Harry Andrewartha also dotting down just before half-time.

In the second half Cornwall looked to the bench to give all the lads a run. Skipper Ethan Pearce-Cowley completed the front-row try scoring, whilst McCarthy bagged a try to give him an eighteen point haul for the game. Hall added the extras as he did for the final try scored by Pritchard, in between Bostock got his second.   

Dorset & Wilts did cross for a converted try near the end but it was no more than a consolation.

Coach Richie Kevern was delighted with the win. “We couldn’t of asked more from the lads today, they played their hearts out and got their reward of a home tie in the last eight. We will be back training next weekend preparing for that game.”

The win confirms Cornwall as group winners and they can now look forward to a home quarter-final against either Hertfordshire or Kent on Sunday March 20^th

Cornwall U.20: Larkins, Bostock, Andrewartha, Pascoe, Surridge, McCarthy, Anderson; Pearce-Cowley (Capt), Dower, Prowse, Walton, Osborne, King, Trewin, Pilcher.

Replacements: Pritchard, Leigh, Newton, Triggs, Hall, Tanswell, Davies

Cornwall scores: Tries, Bostock 2, Dower, Prowse, Pilcher, Pascoe, Andrewartha, Pearce-Cowley, McCarthy, Pritchard, Cons: McCarthy 5, Hall 2, Pen, McCarthy