BILL BEAUMONT CUP

KENT 34 – 33 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall came up short against a well-organised Kent side who are now on course to return to Twickenham next month to defend their title.

The Black & Golds must have thought they would boss the game when Kent’s hooker Oliver Walliker was shown a red card for foul play on 33 minutes but a tenacious Kent side and some sloppy play from the visitors tipped the result in the home side’s favour.

A crowd of some 300 saw Cornwall take an early lead when Josh Semmens scored after just 3 minutes, Fraser Honey adding the conversion.

Kent came right back into the game, full back Bryan Hotson kicked penalty and then added a couple of conversions to a brace of tries from Andrew Denham to put the holders 17-7 up.

Cornwall needed a score before half-time and they got when prop Tommy-Lee Southworth went over with Honey again adding the extras.

Cornwall were guilty of too many unforced errors and giving away a number of penalties. On the plus side Harry Larkins at full back put in some big tackles.

Hotson kicked an early penalty before adding the extras to an interception try when Leo Fielding latched on to a loose pass as Cornwall attacked in the Kent twenty-two, suddenly Cornwall had it all to do again.

Cornwall hauled their way back thanks to tries from skipper Ben Priddey and  Semmens for his second of the game, Honey added a conversion to leave Cornwall trailing by a single point 27-26.

Both sides lost players to the sin-bin as the game moved into the final quarter. Kent had momentum when centre Barney Stone made ground before slipping a pass to prop Archie Holland who scored under the posts, Hotson’s conversion putting Kent 34-26 up

With minutes to go Cornwall pulled back a score when Priddey bagged his second try off a Southworth pass, Honey added the extras to set up a grand finale.

Cornwall threw everything at Kent looking to set up a drop goal attempt for Honey but the hosts held on to their advantage, the final whistle left the Cornish lads crestfallen.

Cornwall must now re-group and look to put in a good finish at Redruth on Saturday when they take on Hampshire.

After the game head coach Graham Dawe said. “It’s disappointing and I feel for the boys who have worked hard in the short time we have been together. They put their bodies on the line and did the shirt proud. We will look to go again next week against Hampshire at Redruth.”

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Dan Tyrrell (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Rams), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey (Capt), Jon Drew (all Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion), Sam Stevens (Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).

Replacements: Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Launceston), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (both Camborne), Rhys Williams (Redruth), Will Hennessey (Truro).

Cornwall Scores: Tries Semmens 3, 63, Southworth 37, Priddey 60, 79, Cons, Honey 4, 38, 61, 80

Cornwall have named their side to play Kent on Saturday. The side sees a few changes to that which played Surrey at Esher last Saturday. Kick-off at Charlton Park RFC is 2 pm.

In the backs, Harry Larkins comes in for Matt Shepherd, who is unavailable, whilst Lewis Thomas starts in place of Jack Statton who is at the Under 20 SW trials.

Josh Semmens comes in for Sam James in the centre. In the pack, Edd Pascoe moves into the second row, with Hugo Culverhouse dropping to the bench. At no.8 Mark Bright starts with Brad Howe moving across to flanker.

On the bench, Ethan Pearce-Cowley comes in as do Rhys Williams and Will Hennessey

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Dan Tyrrell (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Rams), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey (Capt), Jon Drew (all Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion), Sam Stevens (Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).

Replacements: Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Launceston), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (both Camborne), Rhys Williams (Redruth), Will Hennessey (Truro).

Travelling Reserves: Albert Horne (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne)

8 Cornwall U20’s selected for the SW trials.

Following the 3 pools games the SW selectors have announced the squad for the
SW trials. The SW coaching staff and selectors attend every pool game in the region
to assess players and invite them to the SW trials which will be held on Sunday 26th
May at Hartpury College Gloucestershire.

It is somewhat ironic that after a 17-hour day when Gloucestershire decided to take
Cornwall to Stow on the Wold RFC on a bank holiday weekend that the trails are
again held some 200 miles away for the Cornwall players again on a bank holiday
weekend. Why a more central location can not be used is a cause of much
disappointment and concern. The SW selectors / coaching squad have been told
how to you expect to get the best out of them when they must leave home at 0530
and face a 4 – 41/2-hour journey!

The 8 selected players are-
Angus Willams Prop representing Penryn.
Pete Harris Hooker representing St Austell.
Will Perkin Lock representing St Ives.
Ben Smith Flanker representing Redruth.
Jacob Chapple Scrum Half representing Redruth.
Idris Logan Scrum Half representing Helston.
Jack Statton Centre representing Launceston.
Jack Keogh Wing representing St Just.
Congratulations to all 8 players and best wishes for the trials on Sunday 26th May.

The selected players and the Cornwall U20 section thank both the CRFU and
Trelawny’s Army for their support for those players attending the SW trials.

Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN 5 – 42 CORNWALL WOMEN

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women put in a tremendous performance at a blustery Tabard to keep their hopes of progress in this season’s competition alive until the final round of matches next Sunday.

It was Herts Women who scored first when a stray kick into the Herts half was fielded by their wing Lydia Edwards, she showed a great turn of speed to out flank the Cornish cover and score under the sticks, the conversion however was missed, but Cornwall had been given a warning regarding any loose kicks.’It was Herts Women who scored first when a stray kick into the Herts half was fielded by their wing Lydia Edwards, she showed a great turn of speed to out flank the Cornish cover and score under the sticks, the conversion however was missed, but Cornwall had been given a warning regarding any loose kicks.

Cornwall levelled matters following great work from skipper Amy Bunt, Millie Chaston  and Emily Kneale before Kim Upcott powered over.

Gradually Cornwall began to get the upper hand through the forwards, the breakdown was much improved from the Hampshire game with good ball secured creating attacking platforms.

Kneale and Upcott kept carrying the ball to good effect, whilst the centre pairing of Lily Relton and Tia Larson were full of running. Lisa Allin at scrum-half was industrious, probing and sniping around the fringes with same again when Amy Warman came on during the second half.

Cornwall took the lead from a tap penalty which saw Megan Okey score by the posts, she also converted her own try.

Herts pressed in the Cornwall twenty-two, the play broke down, quick as a flash, Amy Bunt was on her way charging some 60 meters, evading tackles to score a memorable try.

Just before half-time, Allin got her due reward when she spotted a gap near the line to bag the bonus point try for a 22-5 advantage.

Georgia Hall came on after half-time as Cornwall were forced to reorganise the backs and she immediately got on the score-sheet to extend the lead.

Larson put in several of her trademark charges, almost getting her just reward, Okey completed her brace of tries before Joey Sandercock completed the scoring with her own couple of tries to seal a resounding victory.

After the game coach Jo Holden was understandably very pleased. “We have built on the Hampshire game and today we have seen the fruits of the hard work the girls have put in. We will enjoy the trip home and then back to training and preparation for the trip to Somerset. There is still a job to be done, we will roll the dice up at Taunton and see how they land after 80 minutes.”

Cornwall Women travel to Somerset next Sunday knowing that a win could give them a potential semi-final place depending on results elsewhere.

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston),Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Emily Kneale (Launceston)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Abigail Smith (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn),  Amy Warman, Rachel Hicks (both Launceston),

Cornwall scores: Tries Upcott 12, Okey 22, 59, Bunt 28, Allin 36, Hall 44, Sandercock 66, 79, Cons, Okey 23

The Cornwall selectors have picked the following team to play Surrey in the first game of this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup at Esher RFC, kick-off 2 pm.

Saturday 18 May @ Esher RFC 1400 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

By Bill Hooper

Following the physical battle against Hampshire Women on Sunday Cornwall Women have been forced to make a few changes ahead of the game at Tabard RFC this Sunday, kick-off 2:30 pm.

In the backs, Joey Sandercock starts on the wing in place of the unavailable Beccy Bennett, whilst at scrum-half Amy Warman drops to the bench with Lisa Allin starting.

In the forwards Roberta Smith-Scotland moves to flanker in place of Elizabeth Langton, who picked up an injury, with Emily Kneale moving from the bench to No.8.

On the bench, prop Caitlin Eddy (Helston) gets a call up whilst the Penryn’s Georgia Hall and Launceston’s Rachel Hicks come onto the bench.

Coach Jo Holden reports that the squad were full of confidence and eager to go against Herts on Sunday following Tuesday’s squad training session.  “There is a huge buzz from last Sunday in the squad, we as leaders will manage that this week ,but our girls are keen to go again.

“A couple of enforced changes but I have confidence in the squad as whole to do their job and play to the patterns we have set out.”

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Emily Kneale (Launceston)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Abigail Smith (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman, Rachel Hicks (both Launceston).

Travelling Reserve: Steph Nicholas (Camborne)

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 10 – 24 HAMPSHIRE WOMEN

By Bill Hooper at St Clements Hill Truro

Cornwall Women gave reigning Division 2 Champions Hampshire Women a far tougher game than perhaps they envisaged as they made their way down to Truro on the coach.

Against a side that was made up of players predominately from Havant and Trojans clubs, the Cornwall side played their hearts out.

Captain Amy Bunt proudly led her side out through a guard of honour made up of the children of past and current Cornwall Women players.

The early stages of the game saw both defences tested with Cornwall putting in some crunching tackles.

Eventually the visitors got a chance when Abi Pearson slipped a great pass to Becky Fenn who scored in the corner an unconverted try.

Hampshire looked to press home their advantage, but the Cornish defence was equal to them with Bunt putting in a crunching tackle typifying their spirit.

Despite losing a player to a yellow card Cornwall held out, clearing their lines and it remained 5-0 to Hampshire at half-time.

Early in the second half Cornwall slipped off a tackle allowing the speedy Pearson to dot down Hampshire’s second try, Rose Brown added the conversion.

To keep in the hunt Cornwall needed the next score and it came following great work from forwards and backs, notably Kim Upcott and Becky Bennett before Jenna Arnold cleverly scored an unconverted try to huge cheers from the crowd.

Cornwall backs were looking hungry, both centres Tia Larson and Lilly Relton put in some good breaks, but it was Hampshire who went further ahead when Kesha Drain went over from close range, Brown again adding the extras.

With the game now in the final 10 minutes Cornwall pressed for another score, Upcott was again involved in the build-up as were Relton and Joey Sandercock, the ball was fired out to Larson, her power beat the tackle to dot down Cornwall’s second try to even more rousing cheers.

With the final play of the game Hampshire, to their huge relief, scored a fourth try through Cerys Ralph to ensure the bonus point win, the drained look on their faces testimony they had been in a battle.

Coach Jo Holden was full of praise for her side’s performance. “We’ve come a long way from last season’s score line, 0-38. The girls have taken on board everything we asked of them. Hampshire were shall we say surprised by our play today, they didn’t expect that and it rattled them.

“They put their bodies on the line tackling everything that moved, then showing tremendous guts to fight back and get those two scores, never say die attitude. I couldn’t be prouder of them all.

“We will build on today going into next Sunday’s game against Hertfordshire.”

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Ivybridge), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Jenna Arnold (both Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston),Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Joey Sandercock, Abigail Smith (both Launceston)

Hampshire Women: Abi Pearson, Nina Hoadley (both Havant), Rose Brown (Trojans), Jay Sime (Havant), Rebecca Fenn, Hannah Wilson (both Trojans), Lauren Gillingham (Havant); Kesha Drain, Thea Kilby, Ashleigh Robertson (all Trojans), Carol Tennant, Tessa Gale, Eloise Shrimpton (all Havant), Hannah Blount (Trojans) Natasha Bullock (Havant).

Replacements: Katie Casey, Lucy King (both Havant), Ciera Forry, Georgie Harris (both Portsmouth), Cerys Ralph (Havant), Jenna Berretta (Trojans), Ella Spacey (Winchester)

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

TASC committee member and CRFU official Bill Hooper made the presentation of the match ball to both Amy Bunt and Megan Arnold ahead of their opening Gill Burns Cup match against Hampshire Women at Truro RFC.