It’s hard to believe that on this very day 50 years ago I went to watch my very first rugby match.

As a 12 year old I went along to the game with other school mates, having first attended lesson that Saturday morning, yes at Truro Cathedral School we had lessons on a Saturday morning, and luckily having avoided detention that week.

I can remember we travelled to Redruth by coach, probably dear old Bobby Mitchell from Perranporth with our headmaster Mr Mischler leading the party, a former scrum-half who played at Oxford University but sadly didn’t get his Blue.

We all had our tickets, something like 2/6 to get in as a child and got our programs 2 bob.

Arriving at the ground we were swept along by a tide of people, it seemed as if the whole of Cornwall was present that day.

We eventually managed to get onto a bank (where the Tribute suite is situated today), squeezed in like lemons.

The huge roar that greeted the side as they came out was enormous with the North Bank a wall of humanity with the temporary stand erected at the top.

There were people spilling onto the pitch such was the crush, as well as spectators in the trees down the bottom end by Piggy lane.

I can remember supporters carrying an effigy of “Bonzo” Johns, which looked more like “Bertie” Bassett.

A that time Penryn were the force in Cornish rugby with players like Roger Harris, Colin Kneebone, Roger Hosken, Gerry McKeown, Vernon Parkin, Kenny Plummer and of course skipper Graham Bate

The game was special to me as my form teacher was Roger Harris (Sir!), Cornwall’s hooker that day, he was also married to my cousin Jenny, so part of the family. There was huge pride in this school boy as “Porky” Harris, his teachers nickname at school, kicked the first points for Cornwall with a penalty torpedo style.

Cornwall managed to reach half-time 9-3 up, thanks to a further penalty from Raymond George and a drop goal from David Chapman, having played up the slope, but they lost wing Derek Prout to injury, no replacements in those days, so had to play with fourteen men.

Lancashire came back to snatch the win 11-9, inspired by Dick Greenwood, Will’s father.

Cornwall had a penalty chance but as George ran up to kick the ball, the ball toppled over, and the kick went askew.

There was huge disappointment as the spectators trooped out after the game, but they acknowledged that the better side had won on the day.

For me I was bitten by the bug, so the day was a winner. Thanks guys.

Cornwall: G Bate (Penryn, capt), K Plummer (Bristol & Penryn), V Parkin (Bristol & Penryn), G Jones (US Portsmouth), D Prout (Northhampton & Redruth), T Palmer (Gloucester & Truro), D Chapman (Hayle); B Stevens (Penzance & Newlyn), R Harris (Penryn), C Johns (Redruth), B Ninnes (St. Ives), C Kneebone (Penryn), R George (Redruth), R Hosken (Harlequins & Penryn), G McKeown (Penryn).

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 Nottingham 20   Cornish Pirates 18

Report by Phil Westren, Cornish Pirates Media Officer. Photo Brian Tempest

Post their Sunday exit from the semi-final of the Championship Cup at Ealing, a short turnaround for the Cornish Pirates saw them return to Greene King IPA Championship action for this Friday night fixture at Nottingham’s Lady Bay Sportsground. For an at present ‘bare bones’ Cornish Pirates squad it was also always going to be a tough ask, however they at least departed with a losing bonus point.

The Pirates lost home and away to Nottingham last season but emerged 36-28 victors when the two teams met at the Mennaye Field in October. As for their respective league positions ahead of this Round 16 game, Nottingham were in sixth place and the Pirates in fifth.

With several players having picked up injuries against the Trailfinders, certain changes in personnel were inevitable. In the absence of Kyle Moyle, Maliq Holden was named at full-back for what was also his Championship debut, whilst Robin Wedlake switched from left to right wing in place of Alex O’Meara. The experienced Matt Evans was selected in the number ‘11’ shirt, a fit again Will Cargill returned to the starting line-up at fly-half and Javier Rojas Alvarez slotted in at inside centre. In the forwards, Tom Duncan was named to start at No. 8 and Dan Lee moved to the blind-side flank in place of the injured Matt Bolwell. One other change saw Josh Caulfield named to partner skipper Brett Beukeboom in the second-row.

On a February evening at ‘Lady Bay’ that was cool but also calm and dry, after Canadian international fly-half Shane O’Leary kicked the game off for the ‘Green & Whites’ it was not long before Holden was quickly into the action. Bravely taking a high ball, he was fouled in the process, resulting in a penalty awarded the Pirates. Cargill then kicked well to the corner, and after Caulfield provided clean line-out ball it was hooker Dan Frost who, for a second week running, was the first name on the scoresheet, his second minute try added to the opener he scored at Ealing. Cargill’s conversion went wide of the posts.

A period of play that followed saw the Pirates guilty of giving too many penalties away, enabling O’Leary to soon slot a successful kick at goal and scrum-half Murray McConnell to then score an unconverted try from a line-out close to the Pirates line.

Midway through the first half a Cargill penalty levelled matters at 8-all, however the home side soon regained the lead when their slick handling enabled wing David Williams to score another unconverted try, this time wide out on the right.

Unfortunately, 13-8 would soon change to 20-8 after Nottingham’s full-back Sean Scanlon ran all of 60 metres for a superb try this time converted by O’Leary.

As half-time approached the Pirates went through a considerable number of phases to fully test the home defence. They did extremely well to keep their composure and the just reward was their second try of the match, again scored by that man Frost. It left Cargill with a less than straightforward chance to reduce the deficit, but he did just that for the teams to return to the changing rooms with a scoreline reading 20-15.

The Pirates also started the second half in positive mode, Holden again a willing competitor and an early penalty opportunity also earned that was kicked by Cargill.

Further enterprise followed from the visitors, including a bout of clever passing with Rojas Alvarez and flanker Stevens to the fore. Discipline had at this stage improved, in a match that thus far was proving wholly entertaining.

When a next considered kickable penalty was awarded the Pirates, it was a long-range effort from Rojas Alvarez, that fell just short.

Considering their quick turnaround, into the last quarter would be an added test for the Pirates, who were grateful twice to Wedlake for tidy work at the back that prevented possible Nottingham scores.  

Time ticking away and with several fresh legs arriving off the bench a tense finale was likely expected, and likely more points, but it wasn’t to be. The penalty slot by Cargill on 43 minutes had surprisingly proved to be the last points of the match.

The Pirates were to be admired for their overall gritty effort, however Nottingham managed to hold territorial advantage and frustrate, and to ultimately secure their narrow victory.

At the end a losing bonus point was the least the Cornish team deserved, with a chance to now recharge batteries ahead of a welcome home game scheduled against Jersey Reds on Sunday 10^th March.

Speaking after the game against Nottingham, Cornish Pirates co-coach Gavin Cattle said. “We were playing a good Nottingham side and I am proud of the effort shown by our players, especially considering such a short turnaround. Their physicality was right up there.

“Sometimes in sport it’s more than just winning. We went close but it was the sheer effort witnessed that was deserving of praise.”

Nottingham: 15 Sean Scanlon, 14 David Williams, 13 Will Millett, 12 Luke Peters, 11 Billy Robinson, 10 Shane O’Leary, 9 Murray McConnell (22 Darryl Veenendaal, 49); 1 Owen Hills, 2 Luke Cole, 3 Oisin Heffernan (18 Billy Walker, 28), 4 Tom Holmes (c; 19 Llewelyn Jones, 58)), 5 Sam Lewis (16 Ben Brownlie, 63), 6 Shane Buckley, 7 Jordan Coghlan, 8 Josh Poullet (20 Will Owen, 40).

Replacements (not used): 17 George Thornton, 21 Gearoid Lyons.

CornishPirates: 15 Maliq Holden, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Rory Parata (22 Dan Koster, 68), 12 Javier Rojas Alvarez, 11 Matt Evans, 10 Will Cargill (21 Harvey Skinner, 74), 9 Alex Day (20 Alex Schwarz, 63); 1 Jack Andrew, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Tyler Gendall, 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Brett Beukeboom (c), 6 Dan Lee (19 James McRae, 57), 7 John Stevens (16 Sam Matavesi, 68), 8 Tom Duncan.

Replacements (not used): 17 Tom Concu, 18 Danny Cutmore.

Scorers. Nottingham – tries: 9 Murray McConnell (14), 14 David Williams (29), 15 Sean Scanlon (34); con: 19 Shane O’Leary (35); pen: 10 Shane O’Leary (8).

Cornish Pirates – tries: 2 Dan Frost (2, 40); con: 10 Will Cargill (40); pens: 10 Will Cargill (25, 43).

Referee: Andrew Jackson (RFU)         

Ealing Trailfinders 58   Cornish Pirates 26

Eight days after losing to Ealing Trailfinders at home in the league, travelling to West London to face the them away in the semi-final of the new Championship Cup competition was always going to be a big ask, and so it proved, reports Cornish Pirates’ Media Officer, Phil Westren.

To be beaten 58-26, after having held an early 21-5 points lead, was naturally frustrating, on what was a sunny and freakily warm February afternoon. Ultimately, however, there was also a certain reality about it, the Pirates aware in advance that to likely stand any chance of making the final they would need to be at the top of their game.

Two players back to full fitness, wing Robin Wedlake and flanker John Stevens returned to the Pirates starting line-up in a side that also saw Dan Lee selected at No. 8 and Dan Frost at hooker. Named among the replacements was a fit again Will Cargill. A late change saw prop Jack Andrew promoted off the bench to replace Marlen Walker, who failed a late fitness test.

Motivated having won the British & Irish Cup last year, the Trailfinders named a strong line-up including the return of club captain Sam Dickinson, however it was the Pirates who got off to a great start. Game underway they were quickly into their stride, Wedlake gaining yardage down the left flank and then Frost making an appearance to show an explosive turn of pace to score at the posts. Fly-half Harvey Skinner converted.

After the Ealing side looked to respond the Pirates not only held the threat but were then suddenly on the attack again, this time on the right flank. Full-back Kyle Moyle nudged the ball ahead and it was wingman Alex O’Meara who was on hand to dot down. Skinner also slotted his conversion attempt well from out wide.                

Endeavouring to again hit back, the home team were second time lucky, controlled play from wing James Cordy-Redden and flanker Kieran Murphy seeing scrum-half Jordan Burns then lend his support to score a try, adding to the two he registered in the league encounter at the Mennaye Field. Former Pirate Laurence May was luckless with the conversion.

As if not fazed, the Pirates would soon score their third try, it a fourteenth in all games this season for Wedlake. Skinner once again added the extras for the scoreboard to read 5-21 with there only seventeen minutes on the clock.

From midway through the first half of this contest, the temper of the game changed, that man Burns running in his second try and then there one for Cordy-Redden. Both efforts were converted by May to narrow the deficit to just two points.

Adding to Pirate woes, in time remaining to the break they lost both Skinner and Stevens to the sin bin, which now made it all something of an uphill task for the visitors. May landed a penalty to give his side the lead for the first time, and a second unconverted try from Cordy-Redden before the half-time whistle made it 27-21.

Still short of personnel to start the second period, the Pirates somehow needed to deny their opponents until their troops were all back in place. Not only was it a tough ask, but it was also not long before centre Harry Sloan crossed for a converted try. 

To their credit, the Pirates responded by scoring what would prove to be their last points of the game, captain Brett Beukeboom initially leading a charge and the ball next worked right by scrum-half Alex Day. Centre Rory Parata then timed his pass perfectly and it was speedster O’Meara who dived in for his ninth try of the season.

The rest of the match saw Ealing Trailfinders fully in charge, their bench a strong one to call upon and the Pirates cause not helped by injuries, including to Moyle and O’Meara. A big shout though to the propping pair of Tyler Gendall and Andrew in particular, who was always a willing ball carrier.

Further tries for the hosts came from centre David Johnston and influential skipper Rayn Smid, both converted by May, and then there were two unconverted efforts from Burns whose try-scoring exploits against the Pirates have been quite phenomenal.

Pre-match Gavin Cattle had said the game of rugby can at times be unforgiving, mentioning too that the Pirates would be facing a quality team. There was a hope of at least pushing the Trailfinders closer than the previous week, but it was not to be.

Speaking after the game, Cornish Pirates co-coach Alan Paver also gave an honest assessment, saying, “After a good start it was of course disappointing to not only lose personnel to yellow cards but to also lose the collision, the referee and later the set piece and we have no complaints about the score.

“Our decision making let us down at times, and pretty well beaten in every department it was also a bitter pill to swallow that we couldn’t keep in the fight to the end.

“Points were leaked through our own errors and we imploded, and although there is a reality that this late into the season we are running out of bodies, we have to keep going.”

EalingTrailfinders:   15 Will Harries, 14 Seb Stegmann, 13 David Johnston, 12 Harry Sloan, 11 James Cordy Redden (21 Ryan Foley, 76), 10 Laurence May (22, Craig Willis, 6) 9 Jordan Burns; 1 Alex Lundberg (17 Jordan Els, 57), 2 Matt Cornish (16 Alun Walker, 51), 3 Mark Tampin (18 Elliott Millar Mills, 66), 4 Sam Dickinson (20 Andrew Durutalo, 62), 5 Harry Casson (19 Jordan Onojaife, 66), 6 Kieran Murphy (5 Harry Casson, 76), 7 Rohan O’Regan, 8 Rayn Smid (c).

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle (20 Alex Schwarz, 57), 14 Alex O’Meara (22 Dan Koster, 48), 13 Rory Parata, 12 Callum Patterson, 11 Robin Wedlake, 10 Harvey Skinner (21 Will Cargill, 55), 9 Alex Day; 1 Tyler Gendall (17 Tom Concu, 62), 2 Dan Frost (16 Sam Matavesi, 55), 3 Jack Andrew (1 Tyler Gendall, 76), 4 Danny Cutmore, 5 Brett Beukeboom (c), 6 Matt Bolwell (19 Josh Caulfield, 32), 7 John Stevens, 8 Dan Lee (18 Tom Duncan, 55). 

Yellow cards:   10 Harvey Skinner (32), 7 John Stevens (37).

Scorers:

Ealing Trailfinders – tries: 9 Jordan Burns (9, 19, 65, 78), 11 James Cordy-Redden (26, 40), 12 Harry Sloan (43), 13 David Johnston (54), 8 Rayn Smid (61); cons: 10 Laurence May (20, 27, 44, 55, 62); pen: 10 Laurence May (33).

Cornish Pirates – tries: 14 Alex O’Meara (6, 46), 2 Dan Frost (2), 11 Robin Wedlake (16); cons: 10 Harvey Skinner (2, 6,17).

 Referee: Dean Richards (RFU)

Crowd: 350.

With London Irish having earlier in the afternoon won their home semi-final 22-8 against Yorkshire Carnegie, it will be an ‘Irish’ v ‘Trailfinders’ final to be played on the weekend 4^th May. The venue will be determined by the Tournament Organiser with regard to the best interests of the competing clubs.

REDRUTH 39 – 3 LONDON IRISH WILD GEESE

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground. Photo, Dan Barbary.

A stirring second half performance from Redruth saw them home to a comfortable bonus point win.

Director of Rugby Nigel Hambly was pleased with the win but felt his side could have played better. “It was good to get the win but we could have played better”, was his blunt assessment. “We didn’t bring a lot to the table in the first half regarding ambition or pace. In the first half we were a bit flat.

“In the second half we scored three quality tries from defensive positions allied to great work from the boys, that work-rate pleased me.”  

Wild Geese took an early lead with a penalty from fly-half Liam Prescott, but that proved to be as good as it was for the visitors.

Redruth stormed back with an excellent try from scrum-half Rob Coote beating several defenders to dot down near the posts.

Full-back Aaron Simmonds having missed the conversion, made up for it with a penalty soon after. The score stayed 8-3 until half-time as the game turned into a stop start affair, much to the annoyance of the crowd. 

From the start of the second half Redruth took the game by the scruff –of- the- neck, fly-half Richie Kevern charged down a Prescott kick and hacked his way to the try-line, then, moments later wing Matt Bowden snaffled a stray pass to hare in the under the posts. Both scores were bettered by Simmonds to give the Reds the breathing space needed

Simmonds then scored the fourth try himself following good work down the touch-line by No.8 Sam Stevens out of defence and then replacement wing Dean Bonds with the scoring pass.

The icing was put on the cake late on with further tries from centre Connor Gilbert, following good work from man-of-the-match Coote and then replacement Matt Gidlow as the forwards and Pale Nonu drove him over the line, Kevern adding the final conversion.

The final whistle brought huge cheers from the Redruth faithful, delighted with their team’s second half performance.

Redruth: A Simmonds, T Notman, C Gilbert, N Webber, M Bowden, R Kevern, R Coote; L Kivalu, R Brown (Capt), C Williams, T Prisk, J Heazelton, E Pascoe, M Grubb, S Stevens.

Replacements: J Tompsett, J Hodge, M Gidlow, D Bonds, P Nonu.

Redruth: Tries, Coote, Kevern , Bowden, Simmonds, Gilbert, Gidlow , Cons, Simmonds 2, Kevern , Pen, Simmonds. Wild Geese: Pen, Prescott.