EXETER CHIEFS XV 38 – 14 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Despite this defeat Cornwall can take plenty of positives from the game ahead of the Bill Beaumont Cup games.

The young Exeter Chiefs side showed plenty of willingness to move the ball at speed and in fly-half Louie Sinclair the man-of-the-match.

Despite a bright start by Cornwall they soon found themselves 14 points down, first of all Chiefs countered from their own line with Campbell Ridl dotting down and then Olly Baston charged over, both scores bettered by Sinclair.

Cornwall needed a reply and it came through Aiden Brassington (pictured scoring) who fed off an inside pass from Josh Matavesi, Matt Shepherd adding the extras.

Whilst Cornwall bossed the scrums they lost their wrecking ball Matavesi in mid-field after 15 minutes.

The black and gold levelled matters when Jamie Prisk burrowed over for a try bettered by Shephard, but Chiefs had the last word of the half as Noah Fenton was put away by Sinclair for an unconverted try just as Cornwall were reduced to fourteen when Jordan Nicholls was sent to the sin-bin.

The second half saw both sides turn to the bench at regular intervals; understandably Cornwall found the pace of the game difficult in the warm conditions.

Sam James had a couple of good runs for Cornwall as they came close to adding to their tally, however it was Chiefs who added to the scoreboard as Cornwall again went down to fourteen men when Duncan Tout was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on as they scored three second half tries from Ollie Miall and in the final five minutes two scores with Sinclair finishing off from a Fenton pass.

A good workout for the Cornwall squad ahead of the game against Kent, having beaten Hampshire they will travel to Redruth looking to seal a place in the Twickenham final.

Cornwall: Matt Shephard (St. Austell, Capt), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge J), Jack Simmons (Redruth), Josh Matavesi (Camborne), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Dan Rutter (Redruth), Josh Pengilly (Brunel Uni); Kye Beasley (Camborne), Tom Cowan-Dickee (Redruth), Tyler Gendall (Redruth), Jamie Prisk (Redruth), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Adam Hughes (Camborne), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Aiden Brassington (Camborne).

Replacements: Luke Barnes (Redruth), Luis Powell (Truro), Charlie Short (Launceston), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Jack Hazelton (Camborne), Harry Larkins (Camborne), Will Hennessy (Camborne), CJ Boyce (Camborne), Sam James (Redruth), Cam Fogden (Launceston).

Cornwall scores: Tries Brassington 11, Prisk 34, Cons, Shepherd 12, 35

Crowd: 2,725

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 33 – 33 SOMERSET U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Redruth

A try by full-back Barney Lewis salvaged a draw for Cornwall Under 20’s against a very good Somerset side whom looked set for a rare win on Cornish soil.

Cornwall trailed their visitors for most of the game, at one point during the second half they found themselves seventeen points adrift as they struggled to get to grips.

That they “stuck at it” and pulled themselves back on the scoreboard has to be commended.

Cornwall kicked-off down the slope but it was Somerset who bagged the first points with a good try from wing Billy Coombes. Fly-half George Nuttycombe banged over a good conversion, the first of his seventeen point tally.

Cornwall struck back with a good try from flanker Will Symons, bettered by fly-half Jowan Kerry who had earlier missed a penalty chance.

Nuttycombe’s try and conversion nudged the visitors ahead before centre Alfie Hodge stretched their advantage further.

Cornwall needed a score before the break and it came through flanker Freddie Jordan by the posts with Kerry adding the extras.

The start of the second half saw Somerset increase their lead with tries from No.8 Aiden Cable and shortly after flanker Will Clapham.

Cornwall needed a quick response and it came thanks to a try scored by Ayden Earnshaw following a good backs move.

Cornwall started to empty the bench with Ola Phillips making some telling charges and putting his side on the front foot. Cornwall finally began to get some good ball which gave centre Billy Jordan the chance to score.

Trailing by just five points Cornwall threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Somerset and with the final play full back Barney Lewis jinked his way to the try line to tie the scores.

Cornwall had a chance to win it but the conversion sailed past the post with a draw being a fair result for both sides. 

Devon’s win against Gloucestershire sees them top the group and progress to the next round.

Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis (Newquay H), Ayden Earnshaw (Helston), Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw (Newquay H), Billy Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay H), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Callum Phillips (Wadebridge C); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Jalal Bennett (Truro), Olly Derry (Wadebridge C), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Jack Jenkin (Helston, Capt), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge C), Will Luscombe (Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Ola Phillips (Truro), Ethan Redondo-Barter (St. Ives), Luke Young (Redruth), Ethan Williams (Falmouth), Harry Rigg (Helston), Ted Kullich (Camborne).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Symons 11, F Jordan 39, Earnshaw 57, B Jordan 68, Lewis 79, Cons, Kerry 12, 40, 58, 69.

Cornwall Star Man: Ola Phillips

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20 V SOMERSET U.20

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall go into their final pool match in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup looking to end their campaign on a high following their defeat at Topsham against Devon Under 20’s last time out.

The match will be played on Sunday at Redruth RFC with a 2 pm kick-off.

CRFU Chairman Steve Murley had this to say. “Much of this season’s squad are only just out from our Under 18’s from last season and in many cases will be available for another two seasons at this level.

“They will have learned much from this season’s campaign that they can carry forward into next season’s.

“I have no doubt they will wish to finish their campaign with a win against Somerset and with the help of a good crowd on Sunday I feel confident they can achieve this.”

Cornwall selectors have made a few changes from the side that Devon, with a first start at centre for Camborne’s Ted Kullich who returns from injury. Skipper Jack Jenkin moves from No.8 into the second row.

Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis (Newquay H), Ayden Earnshaw (Helston), Ted Kullick (Camborne), Billy Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay H), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Callum Phillips (Wadebridge C); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Jalal Bennett (Truro), Olly Derry (Wadebridge C), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Jack Jenkin (Helston), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge C), Will Luscombe (Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Ola Phillips (Truro), Ben Smith (Camborne), Luke Young (Redruth), Ethan Williams (Falmouth), Harry Rigg (Helston), Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw (Newquay H).

JASON LEONARD CUP

DEVON U.20 46 – 21 CORNWALL U.20

By Bill Hooper, at the Bonfire Field, Topsham

Cornwall’s hopes of progressing from the pool stage were dealt a blow with this defeat at Topsham on Sunday against a well-drilled powerful Devon side who proved too clinical.

Coach Richie Kevern was understandably disappointed with the result. “We worked hard to get the score-line back to 20-14 at half-time and I thought we started the second period well but we were crucified when Devon scored four tries in the space of 12 minutes that put the game to bed.

“We will get back to the training paddock and look to put in a much better performance against Somerset in our final pool match on the 11^th May at Redruth.”

Cornwall fell behind in the first minute when they conceded a penalty that the Devon captain Matt Smale kicked.

Cornwall came back into it when centre Billy Jordan intercepted in his own half, he made it almost to the Devon line before being hauled down.

Cornwall recycled the ball went through several phases before skipper Jack Jenkin scored with fly-half Jowan Kerry adding the first of his three conversions.

Devon worked the spaces well allowing wing Kai Kidd to score, Smale again on the money with extras as he was shortly after with a penalty and conversion of Matt Whitlock’s try.

Full-back Barney Lewis pulled a try back for Cornwall to keep them in touch at the break.

Devon made a few changes at half-time and that seemed to give them a greater cutting edge.

Once they scored their bonus point try they turned the screw scoring two further tries to put the game out of reach.

Topsham wing Matt Hammond caught the eye with his strong running as did the Devon No.6 Finlay Crockett.

Cornwall had the final word when Lewis went over for his second try, however the Brunel Cup remains in Devon for another year.

Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis (Newquay H), Ayden Earnshaw, Ben Roskilly (both Helston), Billy Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay H), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Jarvis Lee (Truro); Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Olly Derry (Wadebridge C), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Olli Wells (Redruth), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge C), Jack Jenkin (Capt, Helston).

Replacements: Jalal Bennett (Truro), Rosko Troughton (Helston), Joe Court (Camborne), Will Luscombe, Luke Young (both Redruth), Callum Phillips (Wadebridge C), Harry Rigg (Helston), Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw (Newquay H).

Cornwall scores: Tries: Jenkin 8, Lewis 35, 79, Cons, Kerry, 9,36,80.

Cornwall Star Player: Barney Lewis

Thirty players have been named in this season’s Gill Burns Cup squad by the coaching team headed by Jo Holden.

Unsurprisingly there are 11 players from Launceston Ladies who this season have won promotion to Championship 2 next season.

Cornwall Women have a challenging pool to navigate commencing with a trips to Hampshire and Gloucestershire before their home game at Polson Bridge against Devon, which will also see a Women’s Tamar Cup competed for for the first time.

“Congratulations to the players who have come through the trials, now we get down to preparing that first game against Hampshire at Havant.”

Jo Holden had this to say. “Once again it’s been a difficult selection process with many players trialling to get into the squad. This shows the progress the Women’s game is making throughout the length and breadth of Cornwall. This will only grow with the Women’s World Cup this summer.

FIXTURES

Sun 18 May, Hampshire Women v Cornwall Women @ Havant RFC, 2 pm

Sat 24 May, Gloucestershire Women v Cornwall Women @ Kingsholm, Gloucester RFC 2 pm

Sun 01 Jun, Cornwall Women v Devon Women @ Launceston RC 2pm

PRESS RELEASE

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2025 continues when they play their second pool match in this season Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Topsham RFC where they will face Devon U20 with a 14:30 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “Following the first round of this year’s competition both the hosts and Cornwall won their opening fixture and so both will be out to try and continue in that manner. I know the players will not be sitting on their laurels after the victory over Gloucestershire and know they will face tough opposition across the border in Devon”.

Cornwall have named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another new player this season, Billy Jordan (Penryn) who is the vice-captain. Cornwall have made one change with Will Luscombe (Redruth) coming onto the bench in place of Ben Smith (Camborne)

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Gloucestershire side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Devon. Replace the errors that we made and take the opportunities that we create. Devon has home advantage, and they will be eager to put one over on us and so we must be ready for a tough 80 minutes”.

Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Camborne player Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich.

Cornwall Captain Jack Jenkin said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Gloucestershire and realise there are areas that we need to work on. We were a virtually new squad this season with 18 of the 23 players playing their first championship game and although we have trained together that was our first competitive game in this year’s championship. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Devon and we put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.

Cornwall won their first game against Gloucestershire 32 – 22 and Devon defeated Somerset 57 – 26, with all 4 teams scoring a 4 try bonus point. The other game in the Southwest pool sees Somerset host Gloucestershire. The final pool game of this season sees Cornwall face Somerset at home at Redruth RFC on Sunday 11 May with a 14:30 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” I know the coaches, players were happy but not over pleased with the performance v Gloucestershire and have been working on areas to correct some parts of their game plan and have worked hard in training to try and make amends when they face Devon. This game is not only for who heads the table, but also for the Brunel Cup, which Devon have held for the last 2 years, and I am sure the team would like to return it to the Duchy!”.

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

Email – ljc80@aol.com

Mob – 07967054826

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

21/04/2025

                            Devon U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 27 April @ Topsham RFC 14:30 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Ronnie Bartlett + Donna James

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

TAMAR CUP

CORNWALL 22 – 14 DEVON

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth

Roared on by a big Easter holiday crowd Cornwall wrested the Tamar Cup back from Devon in a pulsating encounter.

Cornwall were far from perfect but given the limited time the squad have had together they found a way to win which pleased backs coach Malcolm Roberts. He said. “Given our limited time to prepare I thought we put in a decent performance, pulling players together from various clubs you have to put in a structure and plan and I feel they did that.

Roberts was pleased with the performance from his backline. “I thought they looked sharp and put their tries away very well and that didn’t let up when we brought replacements on.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence impeccably observed to remember former county player Terry Barnes also former Devon Secretary and past President Treve Mitchell, who hailed from Camborne.

Devon kicked off playing down the slope, the visitors enjoyed early territory and possession but the Cornish defence held firm.

Scrum-half Liam Jolly made a good break into the Devon half but his kick forward came to nothing.

Props Dec Prowse and Mitch Hawken drove into the Devon twenty-two before Matt Shepherd launched his backs, good hand from Ben Plummer and Cam Fogden put wing Ryan Cruickshanks in at scoreboard corner, Shepherd adding a fine conversion for a 7-0 lead.

The St. Austell pair of Archie Bees and Dan Tyrrrell were full of running along with the influential Fogden in mid-field as Cornwall started to hit their strides and show their mettle.

A quickly taken tap by Jolly five meters out led to Cornwall’s second try quick ball out to Shepherd saw him release fellow Saint Ben Plummer to bulldoze through the Devon defence and dot down.

Cornwall maintained their pressure, just before half-time a fine run and kick ahead by Tyrrell led to Cornwall’s third try, the winger kicked the ball forward with Bude’s Ben Hancock winning the race for the touchdown. Half-time 17-0 to the black and gold.

Cornwall began the second half at pace and were unlucky not to get an early score.

They did add to their tally when Jack Counter, just off the bench tore down the top touchline to score in Piggy Lane Corner.

Chances came and went the clinical touch was just missing to polish off the chances that came.

Both sides began to empty their benches with the game becoming a little dis-jointed, however it played into Devon’s hand as both their tries came from replacements.

They pulled a first try back through Corey Jamieson to give them some hope but they couldn’t add to their tally until the dying moments when Leon Horn scored, both tries converted by Declan Hadley.

CORNWALL: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Ryan Cruickshanks (Saltash), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Dan Tyrrell, Matt Shepherd, (Capt, both St. Austell), Liam Jolly (Truro); Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels).

Replacements: Matt Boothby (St. Austell), Charlie Short (Launceston), Pete Harris, (St. Austell), Dan Head (Truro), Rory Jago (St. Austell), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne), Jack Counter (Wadebridge Camels), Declan Matthews (Truro), Jose Juarez (Launceston).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Cruickshanks 15, Plummer 35, Hancock 38, Counter 52

Con, Shepherd 16

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

Crowd: 1,732

Suez UK Man-of-the-match: Cam Fogden (Cornwall)

CORNWALL DETERMINED TO RECLAIM  TAMAR CUP

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall will go into Easter Saturday’s Tamar Cup fixture at Redruth RFC against Devon determined to win back the Cup in front of their fanatical supporters.

Having lost the Cup last season in wintery conditions at Ivybridge, Cornwall will hope that the kinder weather will allow them to play an expansive game.

With both Camborne and Redruth both still involved with their league programmes the squad has been picked chiefly from sides at level 5 down in the RFU leagues.

The sole exception are Camborne’s Declan Prowse and Will Tanswell who have been given the nod.

“We decided to have a slightly different approach to the Tamar Cup fixture this year”, said Chairman of Selectors Kevin Thomas.

He added. “Having lost our second Bill Beaumont Cup home game this season, we were able to team up with Redruth RFC who are having a big weekend over Easter to celebrate their 150^th anniversary. We are grateful to them for what should be a very competitive game.”

Chairman of the CRFU Steve Murley added, “The Tamar Cup gives the coaches and selectors the opportunity to look at current and potential Championship players from level 5 down as well as players just out of the Under 20 squad.

“With only two County Championship matches this seasons it was very important we had some quality fixtures in the build up to ensure we are match ready“

“Cornwall v Devon is always a great occasion and I have no doubt this Saturday will be no different.”

Kick-off is 2:30 pm, with the gates open from 12 pm, stand £12, ground £8 with under 16s free. The Falmouth Marine Band will be in attendance with a bucket collection on behalf of Wooden Spoon (Cornwall). Please note pre-reserved Blue Badge parking only at the ground.

Also please be aware there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off to remember former county player Terry Barnes (Falmouth) also former Devon RFU Hon. Secretary & past President Treve Mitchell, who was a proud Cornishman.

Cornwall squad (St. Austell unless stated), Forwards: Matt Boothby, Sam Carroll (Pirates Ams), Mark Grubb (Wadebridge), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Ben Hancock (Bude), Pete Harris, Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Dan Head (Truro), Roy Jago, Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell, Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Brandon Rowley, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Mark Vian.

Backs: Archie Bees, Jack Counter (Wadebridge), Ryan Cruickshanks, Greg Eatwell (both Saltash), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Liam Jolly (Truro), Jose Luis Juarez (Launceston), Ben Plummer, Matt Shepherd, Will Tanswell (Camborne), Dan Tyrrell.