BILL BEAUMONT CUP

CORNWALL 73 – 14 KENT

By Bill Hooper at Recreation Ground, Camborne

Cornwall took a giant step towards another county final with this comprehensive win against reigning champions Kent.

Nobody in the Cornwall camp will take anything for granted as there is still another 80 minutes to navigate next Saturday at Charlton Park in the return leg.

Sunshine and a large crowd bedecked in their black and gold colours greeted the Cornwall team led out by skipper Sam Matavesi on his home ground.

Despite a bright start by Kent, Cornwall were as clinical as the score suggests. It all began with a 50:22 by Josh Matavesi putting Cornwall on the front foot and from the ensuing catch and drive the ball went wide for Matavesi to finish what he’d started.

Kyle Moyle booted over the first of his nine conversions and Cornwall were on their way.

Next it was the turn of the forwards, good work from the mightily impressive Moyle and Shaun Buzza set up Kye Beasley for his try.

Moyle again was the provider when his strong run and final pass put the evergreen Matt Shepherd away to dot down in the corner.

The Cornish back row got through a huge amount of work with notably Herbie Stupple catching the eye with a man-of-the-match performance.

Tries came at regular intervals during the rest of the half with Tom Cowan-Dickie, Alex Ducker and Shepherd, again, putting Cornwall 45-0 up at the break.

Trelawny’s Army were already singing their heroes praises during half-time anticipating further scores in the second half, they were not disappointed.

Cornwall turned to the bench early in the second half, it didn’t diminish their performance. Two early tries from CJ Boyce kept the momentum going as they went for the jugular.

Kent, to their credit never gave up and were rewarded with a good try scored by skipper Sam Begbie, bettered by Jon Griffiths.

Into the final quarter Cornwall kept pushing with skipper Sam Matavesi wriggling over from close range.

Shepherd put in a try-saving tackle to keep Kent at bay, before Will Hennessy and Ducker scored either side of Lucas Hutton grabbing Kent’s second try to complete the scoring.

Speaking after the match Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe was satisfied with his side’s overall performance. He said. “I am pleased with the score-line, it’s more than we dared hope for. It wasn’t all perfect, we gave away more penalties than I would have liked at the breakdown and tackle area.

Asked what aspects of the match pleased him, “Well I thought our scrum performed well as did our driving maul. Our mid-field created some great opportunities for our back three, we didn’t always make the most of those chances on the day.

Asked about the return fixture. “It’s a strange one really, we have to go into the game thinking it’s nil-nil and treat it like any other game, we have to prepare to face potentially a stronger side and work on the areas we were penalised this week.”

Cornwall (Camborne, unless stated): Kyle Moyle, Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Max Bodilly (London Welsh), Josh Matavesi, Alex Ducker, Dean Wills (Redruth), CJ Boyce; Kye Beasley, Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Ben Watson, Mawgan Osborne, Edd Pascoe (both Redruth), Shaun Buzza, Sam Matavesi (Capt), Herbie Stupple.

Replacements: Archie Rolls, Pat Waton (Barnes), Sam Rodman, Ben Hancock (Launceston), Jordan Nicholls, Will Hennessy, Harry Larkins, Ben Priddey.

Referee: Holly Wood (RFU)

Cornwall scores: Tries: J Matavesi 5, Beasley 11, Shepherd 15, 38 Cowan Dickie 22, Ducker 33, 78, Boyce 43, 46, S Matavesi 62, Hennessy 72, Cons, Moyle 6,12,23,39,44,47,63,73,79.

Tribute man-of-the-match: Herbie Stupple (Cornwall)

Crowd: 2,568

Cornwall Women go into this Sunday’s Tamar Cup match against regining Gill Burns Division 2 Champions Devon Women having to make some changes to last Sunday’s squad.

The principal reason is the unavailability of players from Ivybridge who are involved in a RFU Cup Final at Twickenham against Old Albanian II. This will also have an impact on the Devon squad.

From the team that defeated Berkshire Women, skipper Amy Bunt, Hannah Mills, Elizabeth Langton and Jessie Humber are unavailable.

Rhiannon Thomas steps up from the bench to replace Langton in the backrow.

In the backs, Rachel Hicks moves from the wing to full back to replace Bunt, Abby Masquelier (Penryn) and Suz Franks come in on the wings to replace Mills and Hicks.

The bench sees Maddie Webber (Camborne), Heather Holmes (Penryn), Michelle Bauer (Camborne) all come in from the selected squad for the Championship.

Launceston’s Megan Arnold takes over as captain with Amy Warman again vice-captain.

A win for Cornwall will see them qualify for the semi-finals of this year’s competition.

Kick-off at North Tawton is 2 pm on Sunday.

For those unable to get to the game on Sunday full match coverage is available on BBC Radio Cornwall from 2 pm.

Cornwall selectors have picked a strong side to play reigning county champions Kent in the first leg of their southern play-off.

As expected Camborne provide the bulk of the side with no less than nine players in the starting XV.

There are four Redruth players and one each from St. Austell and London Welsh.

Tom Cowan-Dickie has recovered from his knock at Exeter Chiefs last Saturday.

There are a further six Camborne players on the bench, with Pat Walton and Ben Hancock the only non Cherry & Whites.

Kick-off is 2 pm at the Recreation Ground Camborne.

Ground Tickets available on the day at £10, Under 16s free entry.

Pre-match entertainment from Camborne Town Band.

Kent team is listed below.

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 86 – 0 BERKSHIRE WOMEN

By Bill Hooper at Polson Bridge

Cornwall Women laid down a marker with a fourteen try demolition of a young, valiant Berkshire team who did not let their heads drop.

Launceston’s Abby Smith, playing on her home pitch was the star of the show, not only did she score five scintillating tries but she also showed her tigerish tackling when called upon.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the match for the coaches at least, apart from not conceding any points, was that when the bench players came on there was no dip in intensity nor attacking intent. It was truly a 23 women’s team performance.

It had to be Smith who both opened and closed the try-scoring, her first came after 5 minutes as she cut a great angle to the line from a Tori Crutchley pass, who then added the first of her eight conversions.

The pace and provision of the Cornish Women was evident when skipper Amy Bunt finished off a fine move with Smith and Alex Hutchings involved.

Despite losing Caitlin Milliken to a yellow card, the forwards wanted their say. The ever willing Kim Upcott took a quick tap near the line powering forward before being brought down only for fellow prop Libbie Cole to finish the job.

The Cornwall back row were industrious, with Hutchings, Rosie Ninnis and the impressive Elizabeth Langton getting through the hard work.

The bonus point try was a thing of beauty, a break out from the Cornish twenty-two by Bunt saw her feed Hannah Mills who with 60 meters to go completely bamboozled the Berkshire cover to dot down.

Further tries from Upcott, Faith Rowe and Rachel Hicks saw Cornwall lead 43-0 at half-time.

Mindful of Devon’s win against Berkshire 50-0 the previous week, Cornwall knew thy had to press on during the second half.

A couple of early tries from Smith kept the momentum going. Smith and Mills then put Rowe away for her second try.

Cornwall began to empty the bench with Jessie Humber and Rhiannon Thomas bringing renewed power and Zeta Penrose and Jessica Varker more of the same in the front row.

Jenna Arnold made sure the forwards had a third try to celebrate before Rowe completed her hat-trick of tries and Smith rounded off the scoring with her final couple of tries.

Speaking after the match Abby Smith was quick to pay tribute to her team mates. “I couldn’t have scored those tries without them, they did the hard work to put me in with a chance, we are very much a family and we all work for each other.”

Cornwall’s head coach Jo Holden was delighted with her side’s performance. “I am really pleased, we kept going and put in a full eighty minutes never letting up, they stuck to the game plan and gave everything. I was pleased that the whole squad got game time and that the consistency did not drop off, it will be very hard picking the side for next Sunday with so many great performances today.”

The win puts Cornwall in charge of the group ahead of next Sunday’s Tamar Cup fixture against Devon Women at North Tawton RFC kick-off 2 pm.

Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Rachel Hicks, Abigail Smith, Tori Crutchley (Truro), Hannah Mills (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Truro), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Alex Hutchings, Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn).

Replacements: Jessica Swales (Truro), Jessica Varker (Helston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Rhiannon Thomas, Jessie Humber (Ivybridge), Evie Groves (Truro), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Sophia Bishop (Camborne).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Smith (5), Bunt, Cole, Mills, Upcott, Rowe (3), Hicks, J Arnold. Cons, Crutchley (8).

Referee: George Batty (Cornwall RRS)

EXETER CHIEFS XV, 36 – 33 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall put up a great performance against a youthful Chiefs XV before narrowly losing by just three points.

No doubt that many in the Cornwall side have put their hands up for selection next Saturday when Cornwall play Kent at Camborne in the Bill Beaumont Cup opener.

Chiefs got off to a brilliant start with a try in the first minute scored by Nick Lilley following a great run.

Cornwall came close to a reply when they drove over the line but were deemed held up.

Nic Allison then double Chief’s advantage as he went in out wide for a second unconverted try.

Cornwall’s patient play finally paid off when No.8 Shaun Buzza commenced and finished off a break from the scrum with Sam Bray playing his part. Jo Cummins added the extras.

It got better for the black and gold when Buzza passed to Max Bodilly, the former Chief cut back inside to accelerate to the posts and dot down, Cummins conversion putting Cornwall 14-10 up.

Chief’s Ollie Batson scored a third try to give the home side a 15-14 half-time lead.

Exeter got off to a great start in the second half when skipper Lewis Pearson scored with Ben Coen finally kicking a conversion.

Cornwall’s discipline was top draw as Exeter continued to fall foul of the referee. Buzza was again involved before putting Jack Stratton away for a great try in the corner.

The purple patch continued when Harry Larkins scored off a Sam James pass with Dean Wills adding the extras to put Cornwall ahead 26-22 as the final 10 minutes approached.

Hopes of a famous Cornish win were dashed when Batson and Josh Golden-Clarke bagged late tries, however Cornwall had the final say when Archie Rolls powered over, Wills’ second conversion being the final kick of the match.

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge J), Max Bodilly (London Welsh), Will Hennesy (Camborne), Jack Statton (Plymouth Albion), Jo Cummins (Redruth), George Hillson (Launceston); Kye Beasley (Camborne), Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Sam Rodman (Camborne),Mawgan Osborne (Redruth), Mark Vian (St. Austell), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock (both Launceston), Shaun Buzza (Camborne).

Replacements: Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Pete Harris (St. Austell), Archie Rolls (Camborne), Luke Hattam (Redruth), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Sam Bray, Sam James, Noah Clifford, Dean Wills, Dan Goldsmith (all Redruth), Mitchell Hawken (Launceston)

TAMAR SHIELD

CORNWALL CLUBS XV 59 – 5 DEVON CLUBS XV

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth

Cornish cream rose decidedly to the top on a bright sunny afternoon in Redruth as Cornwall Clubs comprehensively defeated their Devonian opponents in this inaugural Tamar Shield fixture for players from level 8 down.

Just twenty-four hours after the Flora Day celebrations it was the Helston boys who led Devon a merry dance as they scored between them seven of Cornwall’s nine tries with man-of-the-match Amori Matanatabu dotting down three spectacular scores.

Skipper Damien Cook proudly led out the side to the cheers of the good sized crowd as they eagerly awaited the cross-tamar clash.

Playing down the slope first half Cornwall soon got on the scoreboard. Devon infringed in their twenty-two, Cook took charge popping the ball in the corner himself. From the initial drive the ball went wide for Harry Walsh-Newton to send a cross kick out to Matanatabu to dot down an unconverted try.

Despite Devon losing a player to the sin-bin, for repeated high tackles, Cornwall didn’t add to their tally until the final ten minutes of the half. Tom Townsend, who kicked seven conversions during the match, put Matanatabu away for his second try of the match.

A 50:22 by Townsend gave Cornwall great field position in the twenty-two, the excellent Luke D’eath soared high to claim the ball allowing Walsh Newton to dart over for a try.

Cornwall still had time to score a fourth try when Liskeard-Looe lion Archie Doidge went over following another powerful maul by the forwards. Half-time Cornwall Clubs led 24-0.

Devon got the opening try of the half when Tavistock’s Vaughan Glover was driven over by the pack. That was as good as it would get for the visitors as Matanatabu gleefully collected another cross-field kick, side-stepping the cover to dot down his third try.

Jack Jenkins came off the bench to dot down a couple of tries before getting a yellow card with fellow Helstonian Heydon Dark bagging his try.

Cornwall’s final try came from Saints Dan Navas just before the final whistle to round off a stunning performance.

Cornwall Clubs XV (Helston, unless stated): Tom Townsend, Dan Navas (St. Austell II), Will Jenkin, Finn Deavin (Falmouth), Amori Matanatabu, Harry Walsh-Newton, Stevie Trenoweth; Andrius Zacharovas (Camborne II), Archie Doidge (Liskeard-Looe), Beau Danks (Newquay Hornets), Luke D’eath (Lankelly-Fowey), Damien Cook (Camborne II, Capt), George Smith (Newquay Hornets), Andy Rowe (Liskeard-Looe), Freddie Saxton (Bude).

Replacements: Finn Deveson (Newquay Hornets), Callum Looker (Camborne II), Hugh Noott (St. Austell II), Will Hockridge (Bude), Simon Bailey (Falmouth), Jamie Trewin, George Tregilgas (St. Austell II), Hayden Dark, Jack Jenkin, Luke Howe (Launceston II).

Cornwall Clubs scores: Tries, Matanatabu (3), Walsh-Newton, Doidge, J. Jenkin (2), Dark, Navas. Cons, Townsend (7)

Referee: Ben Sanders Crook (Cornwall RRS)

Cornwall RFU is proud to announce Sam Matavesi as our new Captain.

A proud Cornishman with deep Fijian roots, Sam leads with heart, humility, and the kind of presence that lifts everyone around him.

This season he helped drive Camborne RFC to a brilliant promotion to National League 1, showing exactly the belief and resilience that define Cornish rugby.

The captaincy was presented by Kevin Thomas, Chair of Representative Rugby and Selectors, who described Sam as “the perfect choice” to lead Cornwall forward.

A leader. A Cornishman. The right man to wear the black and gold.

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

CORNWALL U.20, 29 – 35 BERKSHIRE U.20

By Bill Hooper at Recreation Ground, Redruth

Cornwall Under 20’s run in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup was brought to an end by a very good Berkshire Under 20’s side whom it has to be conceded deserved to qualify for the semi-finals were they will next play Hertfordshire Under 20’s for a place in the Twickenham final.

Conditions proved treacherous with heavy showers both prior and during the match making the ball slippery.

Berkshire soon gave us a glimpse of their strength in the forwards, notably the back row of Charlie Burton, Aaron Preston and Olly Marsh, whilst at half-back Louis Roumignac and Will Hibberdeane marshalled their backs.

Cornwall had issues at lineout time which limited their attacking options, however they opened the scoring with a penalty from in front of the posts by Oli Roberts.

Berkshire stormed back taking the lead with a well-worked try by wing Ethan Bassett, converted by Hibberdeane.

Further pressure from the visitors on the half-hour mark saw Roumignac dart in from close range under the sticks, Hibberdeane on the money with the extras.

Cornwall needed a score and duly delivered following another good run from Barney Lewis set up field position which saw Dan Kent driven over with Roberts adding the conversion to leave it at the break 14-10 to Berkshire.

Playing down the slope, Berkshire again started the half strongly when Liam Thomas burrowed over for a converted try for a crucial first score of the half.

The mountain became even stepper when Ollie Ireland scored to put Berkshire more than two scores ahead.

Into the final quarter, Cornwall needed a break, it came when Lewis put Bracken Headland away the winger was denied by some foul play which led to the awarding of a penalty-try and saw the influential Hibberdeane yellow carded.

Cornwall tore back at Berkshire, a big hit dislodged the ball allowing Headland this time to finish off a flowing move to raise hopes.

The chaos suited Cornwall and shook the visitors, but the momentum was stopped dead when Cornwall playing out of their twenty-two gifted a pass to Bassett who ran in his second try, Hibberdean’s conversion kissed both uprights before going over to run salt into the wound.

Dan Kent’s second try for Cornwall converted by Tom Tanswell left Cornwall six points adrift at the final whistle.

Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Marley Johns, Robbie Paul (both Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum Johns (Launceston), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells, Joel Pryor, Fin Robinson (all Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes, Dan Bennett (both St. Austell), Jack Jenkin (Helston), Jake Walker (Camborne), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Sam Blake (Truro).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Kent (2), Penalty-try, Headland, Cons, Roberts, Tanswell, Pen, Roberts

PRESS RELEASE

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2026 continues as we enter the knockout stages of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall host Berkshire RFU who were the Southwest pool 1 winners. The game will take place on Sunday 3rd May with a 1400 kick off time at Redruth RFC.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “This is an opportunity for these guys to progress within this year’s competition. Last week the table showed us first after a fantastic victory over Somerset and
Southwest pool 2 winners. The guys had to work hard to overcome a first half deficit, showed real grit and determination to overcome a strong Somerset team to earn this home quarterfinal”.

Cornwall won their first game at home to Devon by 46 – 15 and more importantly denied Devon any points in what proved to be a tight pool.

The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 35 – 47 victory over Somerset who had also lost their first game against Devon.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We asked for a massive performance against Somerset and the boys certainly put in a great shift and produced a superb win after a shaky first 30 minutes. We now must prepare for Berkshire on Sunday who topped southwest pool 1 and need another massive performance. We are now into knockout rugby, win and we progress or lose and end of season”.

The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “Every game we play now iscrucial and we will not get another second chance. For several players including myself this is our last season with the U20 and so we must perform on the day. I know the boys are up for the challenge. At the end of the day, we will put out the best team
available to us and give 110% whilst wearing the black and gold shirt. As a group we really have appreciated the support at home and especially away last week at Burnham on Sea and hope the Black and Gold army will be out in force on Sunday to lift us and cheers us on”.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the Hertfordshire v Kent game and will be played on Sunday 17th May.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” Logistically this causes teams some headaches, with the senior women also playing on the Saturday at Falmouth RFC. These are challenges that the support
staff deal with to ensure both teams get the same level of support they need and deserve. As most leagues fixtures have now ended hopefully club v county dilemma will be avoided and a fully firing
team will be put out to face Berkshire. A big thank you to Redruth RFC, all our supporters and sponsors, the players, coaches, andbackroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support
all our teams”.

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 the CRFU in the first instance.
Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826

First weekend in May sees a double header for the Black & Gold.

On Saturday May 2nd, Cornwall Women play British Police Women in a friendly at Falmouth’s Recrecreation Ground at 3 pm.

On Sunday May 3rd, Cornwall Under 20s play Berkshire Under 20s in the Quarter-final of the Jason Leonard Cup at Redruth RFC kick-off 2 pm.

Bring the Black & Gold and the roar to both games.