Bill
Cornwall Under 20s take on Devon Under 20s in their opening Jason Leonard Cup match this Sunday at Camborne RFC, kick-off 2 pm.
Admission is by programme, £5, with Under 16s free.
Team news will be released later in the week. Meanwhile we look forward to your support for our young players.
The game will also see both sides contest the Brunel Cup.
CORNWALL 26 – 26 ROYAL NAVY
By Bill Hooper, Tregorrick Park, St. Austell
Cornwall began their preparations for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign in an exciting match against a very lively Royal Navy side which ended all square on the night.
After a cagy opening it was the Navy who landed the first salvo when their wing Kane Teear-Bourge plucked a Cornish pass as the Black & Golds looked to play out of their twenty-two, to fly in under the posts. Full back Ben Chambers adding the simple conversion.
Roared on by the one thousand plus Tregorrick Park crowd, flanker Adam Hughes steamed up to the Navy twenty-two, the ball was re-cycled quickly by the forwards who went through a couple of phases before the ball got to wing Harry Larkins, via a Josh Matavesi pass, darting into the corner to score, full back Matt Shepherd judging the conversion to perfection.
Cornwall kept the momentum going when hooker Luis Powell finished off a great phase of play for the Black & Gold’s second try, which went unconverted.
The nip and tuck of the game continued as Navy skipper Kye Beasley made good ground into the Cornwall twenty-two, from an ensuing maul the Navy got over the line with hooker Jack Wright credited with the score.
Teear-Bourge time and again showed his pace out wide keeping the Cornwall defence on it’s toes.
Just before half-time Wright got his second try, again from a powerful Navy maul, with Chambers adding the extras, Navy turned around at the break 19-12 up.
Shepherd, fly-half Will Hennessy and flanker Cam Taylor had caught the eye for Cornwall in the opening period.
Kickable penalties were ignored by both sides as they looked to their set-piece. From a kick to the corner Cornwall got the drive on for Powell to score his second try of the game, Shepherd adding the extras to tie the scores.
With the game well into the final quarter and both sides emptying their benches, Cornwall’s No.8 Brandon Rowley cut a fine line to dot down a fourth try for the Black & Golds, Shepherd judging his third conversion to perfection.
Navy had a final broadside up their sleeves; a chip over the Cornwall defence was seized upon by Teear-Bourge who steamed in unopposed under the sticks for Danny Ronald to tie the game with his conversion.
Both sides had chances to win it, but a draw was a fair result at the final whistle.
After the final whistle, Cornwall head coach was satisfied with the result. He said. “Credit to the boys, they played for the shirt tonight, we can look back and perhaps if one or two lineouts had gone our way we could have made more of it. Our scrum went well, thought the reserve front row went well when they came on, overall we missed some chances in that second half.
“Hopefully the lads will go away and train hard, improve their fitness and look to fight their way into the squad come May.”
Cornwall (Launceston unless stated): Shepherd (St. Austell), Thomas (Redruth), Semmens (Pirates Ams), Matavesi (Capt,), Larkins (both Camborne, Hennessy (Truro), Boyce (St. Austell); Pearce-Cowley, Powell (Truro), Prowse (Camborne), Horne, Goldsmith, Hughes (Camborne), Taylor (St. Austell), Rowley.
Replacements: Harris (St. Austell), Strick (Penryn), Lambourn (Pirates Ams), Vian (St. Austell), Fuca (Camborne), Powell (Liskeard/Looe), Tanswell (Camborne), Davies (Devonport Services), Fogden, Bryant.
Tries; Larkins 15, Powell 23, 54, Rowley 67, Cons, Shepherd 16, 55, 68
Royal Navy: Chambers, Teear-Bourge, King, Lowe, Dobson, Rutter, Toogoog; Beasley, Wright, Cleverley, MacAdams, Scott, Wagstaff, Mallet, Mills.
Replacements: Turgood, Orr-Burns, Wright, Lindsay, Sutton, Hussell, Williams, Hume, Ronald, Ryder, Briggs, Hall, Duncan.
Tries: Teeor-Bourge 9, 88, Wright 28, 39, Cons, Chambers 10, 40, Ronald 89
Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock
Bill
Due to the Met Office weather warning and an already saturated pitch, tomorrow night’s game has been called off.
Cornwall U20 Team v Cornwall Clubs XV
Cornwall U20 Team v Cornwall Clubs XV
Wednesday 21 February 2024 – Match OFF
1. Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth)
2. Pete Harris (St Austell)
25. Angus Williams (Penryn)
4. Charlie Knight (Saltash)
5. Will Perkin Captain (St Ives)
6. Finn Lister (Penryn)
7. Dom Ellery (Newquay Hornets)
8. Jowan Peck (Falmouth)
9. James Marsden (St Ives)
10. Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth)
11. Jack Keogh (St Just)
12. Alfie Hammersley (Falmouth)
13. Ben Roskilly (Penryn)
14. Ayden Earnshaw (Penryn)
15. Harvey Penhallurick Vice Captain (Falmouth)
16. Dan Pope (Camborne School of Mines)
3. Alex Watkins (Camborne School of Mines)
17. Kane Ikete (Camborne School of Mines)
18. George Oakley (St Austell)
19. Giddy Blacklock (Falmouth)
20. Will Symons (Wadebridge Camels)
21. Ieuan Evans (Wadebridge Camels)
22. Tom Hollyman (Saltash)
23. Amori Matanatabu (Helston)
24. Max Jenkin (Hayle)
Bill
Francis Edwards looks at an interesting event that almost led to a Rugby League Club in Cornwall in 1912.
Reading time: 40 minutes
…I have sat in my living-room with my mother and father at home and seen a rugby league representative take sheafs of pound notes out of his pocket…but…I have never wanted to be paid for playing rugby…
~ Gareth Edwards, Gareth: An Autobiography, Stanley Paul & Co., 1978, p91. As Edwards makes clear in The Autobiography (Headline, 1999), his 1978 book professionalised him in the eyes of the WRU and he was barred from coaching.
…when I went, I said the right things in the Press…I ‘needed a new challenge’…that was bullshit…I needed security for my family…
~ Jonathan Davies, The Rugby Codebreakers, BBC documentary, 2018
Read more in the link below
Bill
Cornwall U.20, 48 – 7 Camborne School of Mines
Report by Terry Williams
Cornwall U20’s started off their 23/24 County Championship season with a fine win in a warm up game over the Camborne School of Mines XV, running out 48 – 7 winners. A large crowd of over 300 watched from the clubhouse touchline. The first half was scoreless, with both teams appearing to be nervous and the game was error strewn throughout. The Cornwall players seemed to be trying to force the game, which was the primary cause of the errors. Both teams had opportunities to cross the line, but both defences proved resolute.
Head coach Ritchie Kevern must have said something to fire the players up as the second half producing a much improved performance with the team scoring 8 tries, 4 of which were converted. A spirited CSM XV never gave up and their efforts were rewarded in the 74 minute with a converted try. They were well supported by a vociferous group of fellow students..
All the substitutes were used so the coaches had a good look at players and all are looking forward to the next warm up game v Cornwall Clubs at St Austell. There was a lot to take in from last night’s performance; a negative first half but a vastly improved second half. Four of the CSM XV are eligible for the County U20’s, so the coaches were able to cast their eyes over 29 players last night.
Cornwall U20 Team v Camborne School of Mines
Wednesday 31 January @ Hayle RFC with a 1930 ko
Bill
This Wednesday Cornwall Under 20s take on Camborne School of Mines in their first warm up game for this season’s Jason Leonard Cup campaign.
Kick-off 7:30 pm, £2 adults on the gate, U.16s free.
Cornwall U20 2024 Season
Cornwall U20 season commenced on Sunday 7th January with a team building day
kindly hosted by Truro RFC. Over 50 players attended the event, with the training
sessions taking part on the following two Sundays. In preparation for the Jason
Leonard Cup competition, 2 warm up games have been arranged, the first v
Camborne School of Mines at Hayle RFC on Wednesday 31st January with a 1930
kick off.
The second warm up game will be v a Cornwall Clubs XV and will be played at St
Austell RFC on Wednesday 21st February with a 1930 ko time.
The Championship games start with a home fixture v Devon on Sunday 10 March
and then two away fixtures where they take on Somerset on Sunday 21st April at
Taunton RFC, finally Gloucestershire at Cheltenham RFC on Sunday 5 th May.
Rich Kevern is again coaching the backs, with Steele Barker and ex U20 player and
current Cornish Pirate player coaching the forwards.
The game against the School of Mines will prove a test for these players, who will
represent many clubs within Cornwall who will have only had 2 training session
where the CSM team are playing weekly in the league.
Several potential players are unavailable for this fixture as they are away at
university or work commitments.
Entry at Hayle will be £2, with U16 gaining free entry. Please come along and lend
your support to the young “Black and Golds” as many start their journey into adult
representative rugby for the county.
A thank you to the clubs throughout the county who have nominated players for
consideration this season. A big thank you to Hayle RFC for hosting the fixture v
Camborne School of Mines this Wednesday.
Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager
Cornwall U20 Team v Camborne School of Mines
Wednesday 31 January @ Hayle RFC with a 19:30 ko
BillCAMBORNE 28 – 28 REDRUTH
By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground
Having fought out a 19 all draw at Redruth 10 days ago, once again the two teams could not be separated in this Boxing Day thriller.
It certainly proved to be a game of two halves. Camborne deservedly leading 28-0 at half-time and seemingly heading for a Rodda’s Milk Cup win, yet Redruth turned the tables during the second half mounting the mother of all comebacks to earn a share of the spoils.
A large crowd assembled with late arrivals still pouring through the gates after kick-off, I would estimate some 2,000, who were royally entertained.
Conditions were perfect. Playing down the slope Camborne were the quicker to settle into their stride. Quick ball from Liam Jolly set his backs into action.
Some lovely play from Harry Larkins down the grandstand touchline put Jordan Nicholls into space, the flanker needed no bidding to charge to the line to the roar of the West Bank.
Aaron Simmonds added the first of his four conversions.
Redruth thought they had scored through centre Sam James but Mr Milliner adjudged a double movement as he stretched for the line.
Instead it was the West Bank again roaring it’s approval as the excellent George Edson weaved some magic down the touchline to feed inside to Larkins who scampered over.
It was time for the Camborne forwards to take charge. Twice before half-time they struck, both came from a catch and drive, firstly Tommy-Lee Southworth was driven over and then top try scorer for Town Ben Priddey.
The Camborne supporters cheered their favourites off at half-time 28-0 to the good.
Redruth made some changes at half-time, Tommy Phillips, Jack King, Dan Rutter and Nat Dart came on whilst shortly later Chris Rovery, a guest player who plays for Dings entered the fray.
The Reds set about their business. An early penalty was kicked to the corner from the catch and drive it was Sam Stevens who scored the first try of th second half, Rutter adding the extras.
Two minutes later thedeficit had been halved, Harry Hocking bamboozled th Town defence with Harry Andrewartha cutting back through the gap to dot down at the posts. Game on!
Redruth had their tails up as they continued to press in Camborne territory. From a scrum the ball went to James this time the try was good, Redruth were back to within a score.
The Redruth faithful who had made the short trip were in full cry as the clock ticked down.
Redruth piled on the pressure, eventually it told as the forwards drove over, was it Tyler Gendall or Phillips? Rutter’s conversion levelled the scores.
Camborne tried desperately to fashion another score but the Redruth defence held firm.
What a game!
Camborne will be disappointed to have let their half-time advantage slip and feel they should have won, however Redruth showed great courage to stage such a comeback.
The TASC Tony Pill Memorial Cup for the man-of-the-match went to Redruth’s Tommy Phillips
Camborne: A Simmonds, Larkins, Edson, Long, Vinnecombe, Simmonds, Jolly; Southworth, Priddey, Prowse, Fuca, Hughes, Sheppard, Nicholls, Rose (C).
Replacements: Drew, Dower, Looker, Hazelton, Harrison-Evans, Trengove, Brooksbank, Bone
Redruth: Bonds, Thomas, Andrewartha, James, Bowden, Brownfield, Tanswell; Barnes, Hocking, Gendall, Osborne, Pascoe, Fox (C), Stevens, Chapman.
Replacements: Pritchard, Phillips, King, Rovery, Allen, Dart, Rutter, Swan, Hall, Chapple.
Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock
BillBelow are the fixtures we are aware of. There maybe other fixtures which we can add to if notified.
Would advise you check with the home club regarding kick-off times.
BOXING DAY FIXTURES 2023 FRIENDLIES
CAMBORNE – REDRUTH 2 PM
BUDE – PRESIDENT’S XV 11 AM
PENRYN – FALMOUTH 2 PM
ST. IVES XV – GURNARDS XV 2:30 PM
NEWQUAY HORNETS – CHAIRMAN’S XV 11 AM
LAUNCESTON CLUB XV – HOLIDAY XV 11 AM
PERRANPORTH – CHAIRMAN’S XV 2 PM
FALMOUTH II – PENRYN II 11 AM
LANKELLY-FOWEY – ST. AUSTELL XV 11 AM
SALTASH – ST. BONIFACE OLD BOYS 11 AM
HARBOUR LIGHTS XV – ST. JUST 2 PM (MENNAYE FIELD)
REDRUTH II – CAMBORNE BARBARIANS XV 11 AM
HELSTON – EXILES 11:30 AM
ROSELAND – TRURO XV 1 PM
BillREDRUTH 19 – 19 CAMBORNE
By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground.
The much anticipated Cornish Derby ended with honours even in front of large festive crowd that filled all sides of this famous old ground.
A special day for both Redruth’s Dean Bonds playing his 200th game, and Camborne’s Tommy-Lee Southworth racking up his 150th game for the Cherry & Whites. Both deserved the applause they received as they entered the field.
After the game both coaches felt the result was fair, however each felt that their side could have won.
Redruth’s head coach Richie Kevern said. “I am very proud of my team, I asked for a big performance and they certainly delivered. We started so well and dominated the game during the first quarter, we got two early tries but we needed a third try before the break to put the pressure on Camborne, instead they pulled back a try and that gave them momentum going into the second half. We showed character to come back to draw the game.”
Camborne’s Director of Rugby Steve Larkins was equally pleased with Camborne’s performance. He said. “It was a fair result, however we felt we let slip a chance towards the end, the lads felt a little flat in the post match huddle. What a marvellous spectacle from both sides in front of another big crowd who got their monies worth today.”
What followed was high drama, the like of which a new generation of rugby followers had never seen from a Mining Division League Derby.
Both sides went at each other hammer & tong from the off, with crunching tackles that made you wince.
Bonds, on his special day, was playing like a man possessed popping up everywhere tackling every Cherry & White in sight.
It was the forwards that set up the opening try for the Reds with prop Tommy Phillips powering over after a series of pick & go’s. Fly-half Rhys Brownfield added the conversion.
Redruth domination continued as they pushed Camborne back towards their line with centre Jamin Hoffman slicing through the cover to dot down. The Redruth crowd roared their approval.
As expected centre Josh Matavesi started to influence the Camborne back play, whilst lock Adam Hughes started to punch holes in the Redruth defence.
Wing Harry Larkins bored down on Hellfire corner only to be denied by that man Bonds who dislodged the ball in the covering tackle.
Just before the break Camborne got their reward when flanker Jordan Nicholls went over following great play from Matavesi and fellow centre Nico De Battista, full back Aaron Simmonds adding the extras, for 12-7 at the turn. The Camborne faithful had something to cheer.
Camborne maintained their momentum, skipper Jordan Rose and Hughes made space for flanker Jago Sheppard out wide to score in the corner and tie the scores early doors second half. More excitement from the Camborne end with their flags waving hard, it was all to play for.
The Reds pushed hard but the Cherry & White defence held firm. Redruth had a player yellow carded and from a tap and go near the Red’s line top try-scorer hooker Ben Priddey was driven over with Simmonds converting. Cue Camborne Hill.
With time running out Redruth battled away in frenetic finale, it was Camborne’s turn to have a man in the bin. “Cometh the hour, cometh the man” as a well known former Cornish rugby reporter often said, the Red pack having the final word when prop Tyler Gendall was driven over under the sticks to huge cheers from a packed Hellfire corner. Brownfield tied the scores to make it a good Christmas for all, until Boxing Day!
REDRUTH: Beckerleg, Levick, Hoffman, James, Bonds, Brownfield, Tanswell, Phillips, Pritchard, Williams, Hattam, Pascoe, Fox, King, Wickham.
Replacements: Barnes, Gendall, Hocking, Stevens, Thomas.
CAMBORNE: Simmonds, Larkins, Gilbert, Matavesi, Ducker, De Battista, Jolly, Southworth, Priddey, Drew, Heazelton, Hughes, Sheppard, Nicholls, Rose.
Replacements: Rodman, Prowse, Fuca, Edson, Kessell.
Referee: Neil Sweeney (RFU)
Crowd: 2,850
Bill
Trelawny’s Army A.G.M. took place at the St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre, we thank our President Sean Jarvis and the Brewery for their kind and much appreciated hospitality.
Once the formal business had been completed we were able to get to the presentations.
First and foremost, Ian Gordon announced that Hugh Penna had been made a Life Member.
Thanks were also expressed to both David & Viv Broadhurst who have stepped down from the committee after many years service encompassing various roles.
A cheque for £100 was presented to Bill Hooper from the CRFU in favour of Mike’s Trust.
A cheque for £500 was presented to Lee Maher from CRFU in respect of our continuing sponsorship of Colts rugby in Cornwall.
The Bill Osborne Memorial Shield went to MATT SHEPHERD. This was the third time Matt had been awarded the player of the year award, matching the achievement of Richard Carroll. Sadly Matt could not be with us as he is currently under the weather. We wish Matt all the best , you were missed. The award was presented by CRFU President Andy Reed to Mr Stanlake on Matt’s behalf.
The Jess Humber Shield went to AMY BUNT. It is the second consecutive year that Amy has picked up this award. We were delighted that both Jo and Verity Holden part of the Women’s coaching team could be with us.
The Tony Mead Memorial Shield for the Under 20 player went to JAMIE STANLAKE. Congratulations to Jamie on his award.
The evening concluded with the singing of Trelawny and a pasty supper.
