CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Final.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 comes to a finale when they take on Kent in the final of the 2022 Jason Leonard Cup. The team travel to the home of premiership Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium on Sunday 1 May with a 1715 kick off time.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “These young guys had a 7-hour coach journey to play Lancashire in front of a very partisan home crowd at Wigan RUFC. Both teams gave their all in a pulsating match which saw Cornwall emerge as winners following the final whistle. I would like to record my thanks to all our sponsors, and for the effort that the coaches, medics, backroom staff have put in throughout the season which has brought about this appearance in the final. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented over the season, with 12 different clubs represented in the final team, 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. The quarter-finals were played at Camborne RFC with a home win 36 -17. The semi-final saw a 24 – 28 win over Lancashire which sees Cornwall earn their place in the final.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “This is the culmination of 6 months hard graft, and the boys deserve their place in the final. Following the win against Lancashire we have had one training sessions and the guys need to be ready from the off for this important game. Kent have had some impressive wins, and their semi-final victory over Yorkshire was on paper, an upset. We have played Kent a few times in the last few seasons, and we know they are a strong, well organised outfit. Over the season we have had a squad of between 50 / 60 players and unfortunately only 22 can be in the squad for the final. Everybody who has been involved has played a vital part in getting us to the final and although they will be disappointed, they should also be very proud to be part of an impressive squad. 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”
Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “It doesn’t get any bigger than this! Most players will never experience a county championship final yet here we are. As a team we have proved time and time again what we are capable of, and plan to approach the final in the same way we have done the whole campaign. Off the back of an away semi-final win, the team is looking in great form and I’m excited to see what we can deliver at Sixways. As usual I’m backing us, and have full confidence in the team to get this last job done’’
Kent won their away pool game v Hertfordshire 19 – 56 before a home victory v Sussex 36 – 12 to top their pool. Their home game in the quarter-final v Devon saw them emerge as 33 – 29 winners, before winning their home semi-final v Yorkshire 31 – 13 which they won to take them into final.
The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” This is a fantastic achievement for these guys to reach the final of this national RFU competition. It is a real shame they do not get the opportunity to run out at Twickenham, but it is still being held at a premiership ground. The work that goes into organising everything that goes into these competitions at a local level is immense, and although they have been in training since November, planning started back in July. Everybody involved are volunteers who give up their time to support the future rugby stars of Cornwall”
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.
A superb performance up at Wigan saw Cornwall Under 20s book their place in this season’s final of the Jason Leonard Cup where they will face Kent, who yesterday defeated holders Yorkshire 34-13 at Charlton Park.
Goal kicking, in a tricky wind, was to prove crucial in the final analysis and fly-half Sam Walker’s thirteen points from the boot provided a major contribution to Cornwall’s win.
Freddie Trewin Joe Tanswell & Rowan Lawrence, Photo: Colin Hatch
Cornwall got off to a flying start with full-back Harry Larkins flying in after just 5 minutes. Walker couldn’t add the conversion but he was on target soon after with a penalty.
Towards the end f the first quarter Lancashire finally got on the scoreboard with a try from Alex Carson bettered by fly-half Tom Lee.
That was as close Lancashire would get to Cornwall as the Cornish forwards took the game by the scruff-of-the-neck with prop Declan Prowse bagging Cornwall’s second try with Walker adding the extras. No.8 Archie Pilcher was a tower of strength in the back row and got through a lot of work all game.
Cornwall U.20’s post match group photo, Photo: Colin Hatch
Carson scored his second try of the game but the score was not converted and when Cornwall’s Pilcher went over for Cornwall’s third try before half-time with Walker once again on the money with the extras the young black and golds were sitting pretty at half-time 22-12 up.
Cornwall now had to face the wind and the reaction from Lancashire was not long coming after the break as wing Jago Ford nipped in for his side’s third try.
Cornwall pressed their opponents but couldn’t turn their advantage into a score until crucial penalties from Walker after 54 and 72 minutes edged Cornwall further ahead.
A frenetic last ten saw both sides lose a player to the sin-bin and Lancashire scoring a fourth try through Lee that full-back Tom Walker converted but it was too little too late for the home side despite a final flourish saw them knock on near the Cornish line.
The final whistle saw huge celebrations in the Cornish camp and Cornwall back in the final for the first time since 2018. This year’s final will be staged at Worcester Warriors Sixways Stadium on Sunday 1st May at 5:15pm, the final game of a number of age grade finals being held that day.
Joss Pascoe & Freddie Trewin Photo Colin Hatch
Coach Richie Kevern was delighted with his side’s performance. “To travel away and get a win up in Lancashire shows what a great group of players we have. They have worked so hard all season to get to the final and fully deserve a shot at the title on May 1st.”
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.
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.
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.
Replacements: Pritchard (Falmouth), Lawrence (Falmouth), Triggs (Truro), Newton (Wadebridge Camels), Hall (Redruth), Tanswell (Penryn), Davis (Camborne).
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.
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.
We have received a communication from the County Championship Organising Committee informing Counties of a change to this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup fixtures.
Due to an administrative error, Eastern Counties were originally placed in Division 1 South, when they wished to be in Division 2 South. They have been accommodated, the CCOC have therefore decided that as there are only 5 counties left in Division 1 South, that CB budgets are limited and stretched, that each county will play only two group fixtures, 1 home and 1 away.
Therefore, Cornwall’s opening fixture against Surrey due to have been played on Saturday May 7th has been CANCELLED.
Cornwall’s remaining fixtures are now;
Saturday 14th May Cornwall v Hampshire @ Redruth RFC 3 pm
Saturday 21st May Hertfordshire v Cornwall (Venue, kick-off tbc)
The other sides in the South Section are Kent and Surrey.
The team with the best overall record after two games will progress to the final.
The CCOC, stress that these arrangements are for this season only.
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….
We use cookies to help give you the best possible browsing experience. By using our site, you are accepting our use of cookies. OKReject
Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
