Photo; Tom Duncan powers on

Cornish Pirates 53   Hartpury RFC 17

By Phil Westren

Responding to their hefty defeat suffered at London Irish the previous Sunday, the Cornish Pirates recorded this convincing home win against Hartpury RFC, outscoring their opponents by seven tries to two. Indeed, it might have more had the game not been amicably cut short by seven minutes after Cornish Pirates’ hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie was injured.

This Round 3 encounter was clearly one the Pirates were keen to win, however at the same time not taking anything for granted against a Hartpury team that has lost its opening two games – 35-7 at home to London Irish and 43-14 away to Bedford Blues.

Changes in the Cornish Pirates starting line-up from the team that ran out against ‘Irish’ saw returns in the backs for full-back Kyle Moyle, wing Robin Wedlake, centre Callum Patterson, and scrum-half Alex Day, whilst in the forwards Josh Caulfield partnered Danny Cutmore in the second-row.

On all but a perfect November’s afternoon for playing rugby, after initial sparring it was the visitors who opened the scoring when hooker Luke Stratford kicked and chased to the deliver the required downward pressure at the scoreboard corner. Fly-half Luke Cozens followed up with a fine conversion.

The Pirates looked to respond, with their cause helped when Hartpury centre Tom Seabrook was yellow-carded for foul play. It was certainly no bonus to the player concerned, however for 10 minutes he at least enjoyed first time comport in one of the brand new, Biffa-sponsored sin bins installed at the ‘Mennaye’. At the same time the Pirates also registered three points from a resulting penalty kicked by fly-half Javier Rojas Alvarez.

A second successful penalty strike by Rojas Alvarez midway through the first half narrowed the deficit to just one point, but the benefit was soon cancelled out when Cozens was similarly on target with an opportunity that came his way.

On 29 minutes, after Hartpury wing Ed Sheldon had also been directed to the sin bin, the Pirates pack gathered as one at the Newlyn gate corner to nudge themselves ahead thanks to a converted try scored by flanker Matt Bolwell.

This was game where occurring errors at least made it one entertaining for loyal supporters, and of no surprise both sides would score again as play opened up. Wing Alex O’Meara took off on a trademark run to touchdown for the Pirates at the Newlyn posts, and Hartpury responded with a fine try of their own finished off by wing Aquile Smith. Then, to all but conclude first half proceedings. Pirates’ full -back Kyle Moyle was identified as a try-scorer. All three efforts were converted, for the scoreline to read 27-17.

A bonus-point-providing try scored by scrum-half Alex Day, again converted by man-of-the-match Rojas Alvarez, saw the Pirates off to a good second forty.

Another man in fine form was Moyle, whose silky run ended almost effortlessly with his second try, and then there was a converted score for centre Callum Patterson after he charged the ball down. A short time after he became the third player to fall foul of referee Mr. Chivers, as another yellow card was shown.

The final try of the afternoon, with the floodlights now on, was a hat-trick score for Moyle which took the Pirates past the 50-mark. The conversion by Rojas Alvarez also gave him a personal tally of 18 points.

There was still time for further scores, however with both on and off field concern for the injured Tom Cowan-Dickie, during careful attention given him the decision was made to end the game, which everyone present respected and fully understood, the thoughts all focused fully on player welfare. (Update:   Due precaution was taken with what potentially appeared a serious neck injury – welcome good news confirmed later that Tom was okay).

Ego-wise the Pirates had taken a bit of a dent when losing heavily (64-17) against London Irish, so this was a result to at least restore confidence for inevitable challenges, both in the Cup and in the League, that lie ahead.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Rory Parata (Dan Koster 63), 12 Callum Patterson, 11 Robin Wedlake, 10 Javier Rojas Alvarez (Will Cargill 63), 9 Alex Day (Alex Schwarz 54); 1 Jack Andrew (Marlen Walker h/t),2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (Jack Andrew 73), 3 Jack Owlett (Tyler Gendall 47), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Danny Cutmore, 6 Matt Bolwell (John Stevens 51), 7 Dan Lee, 8 Tom Duncan (c – James McRae 51).                                                                                                                  Yellow card:   Patterson.

 Hartpury RFC:   15 Sam Leeming, 14 Ed Sheldon, 13 Tom Seabrook, 12 Connor Edwards, 11 Aquile Smith, 10 Luke Cozens (22 Luke Scully h/t), 9 Charlie Chapman (Richard Bolt 54); 1 Mike Flook (Des Merrey 54), 2 Luke Stratford (Jordan Liney 51), 3 Nick English (Wayne Thompson 61), 4 Joe Quinn, 5 James Scott, 6 James Stephenson (Max Clementson 47), 7 Mat Gilbert, 8 Tom Pashley (c). Replacement (not used):   Simon Linsell.

Yellow cards:   Seabrook, Sheldon, Scully.

Scorers:   Cornish Pirates – tries: Moyle (3), Bolwell, O’Meara, Day, Patterson; cons: Rojas Alvarez (6); pens: Rojas Alvarez (2). Hartpury RFC – tries: Stratford, Smith; cons: Cozens (2); pen: Cozens.

Referee:   Neil Chivers (RFU)

Attendance:   815

St. Austell Brewery’s Man-of-the-Match:   Javier Rojas Alvarez

Trelawny’s army were delighted to welcome Chris Hailey to our recent committee meeting. Chris deals with sponsorship for the Cornwall Rugby Referees Society and we were delighted to help the CRRS with a donation of £250 towards the cost of O’Neil long coats and rechargeable batteries and radio belts for their referee advisors.

Chris was delighted with the donation from TASC and said it would help make a big difference to the CRRS and thanked the Army for their generosity.     

Photo Barbara Hocking: TASC Treasurer Viv Broadhurst presents cheque to Chris Hailey CRRS.

Photo Phil Trevarton: TASC Merchandise Secretary Marina Trevarton pictured with Paul Thirlby at a recent game at Lankelly-Fowey.

Photo: Tom Cowan-Dickie on the charge

Cornish Pirates 22   Bedford Blues 20                                     

Although not a classic, this contest was nonetheless entertaining between these two proud teams. Importantly, for the Cornish Pirates, it also delivered a win to kick off their campaign in this season’s new Championship Cup competition, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye Field.

The Blues were making a quick return to the Mennaye Field where three weeks previously they were narrow 30-29 winners in the Greene King IPA Championship. As per this contest, though, there were changes in personnel for both teams, fresh legs welcoming an opportunity to display their ability.

In the absence of Cornish Pirates’ skipper Brett Beukeboom, who is one of four players away on international duty, Tom Duncan led a home side that included a fit again Dan Lee. The back-rower was making his first appearance of the season, whilst also selected at full-back was Maliq Holden, keen to make a first competitive match appearance in a Pirates shirt. Player-coach Chris Morgan was named on the bench.

As just part of the Cornish Pirates commemoration to mark 100 years since the end of World War 1, a minute’s silence held just before kick-off was impeccably observed by players, officials and expectant supporters. Match then soon underway, the home team was quickly on the front foot and, following due pressure applied, fly-half Javier Rojas Alvarez slotted a penalty on offer.

Rojas Alvarez was luckless with second penalty attempt, however the Argentine international was spot on target to convert wing Harry Strong’s eleventh minute scoreboard corner try.

It was a good start for the Pirates, whereas Bedford Blues were taking a little time to find their feet. There was no shortage of endeavour, however errors hindered hopes. Their scrum looked reasonably solid and there was also an awareness that they held threats out wide in wingmen Ryan Hutler and Dean Adamson.

Approaching the half-hour mark the Blues at last built play to conjure up their first points of the afternoon, scrum-half Alex Gliksten’s try converted by his half-back partner Ed Coulson.

From the restart the Blues fell foul of the referee, enabling Rojas Alvarez to kick his second penalty but it was soon cancelled out when Coulson was similarly on target, Rojas Alvarez, however, kicked another three points just before the break, giving the Pirates a deserved 16-10 half-time lead.

On the resumption of play, despite the visitors looking most purposeful it looked as if they would go further behind when Pirates centre Callum Patterson made yardage into enemy territory. The home crowd was roaring in anticipation only for the Blues to be gifted back possession, and it leading to Adamson blasting off to score an unconverted try to the right of the Penzance posts.

Play was evenly contested for a spell before two more penalties from Rojas Alvarez settled home nerves, just a little.

With eleven minutes left there was still time for Bedford to hit back, and they did. Gifted space, young Hutler displayed his lethal finishing to score at the clubhouse corner. If the conversion was landed then it would be 22-all, but Coulson’s effort stayed to the right of the posts.

There would be no further scores, leaving the Pirates simply pleased to win this Cup match opener ahead of their second pool game to be played away to London Irish next Sunday.

And what of the pre-advertised Championship Cup tackle height trial introduced for the competition? Well, to an average eye there appeared nothing obvious to pick up – credit perhaps to the officials and players.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Maliq Holden, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Dan Koster, 12 Callum Patterson (Rory Parata 57), 11 Harry Strong, 10 Javier Rojas Alvarez, 9 Alex Schwarz; 1 Jack Andrew (Tyler Gendall 28), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie, 3 Jack Owlett (Marlen Walker 28), 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Danny Cutmore, 6 James McRae, 7 Dan Lee, 8 Tom Duncan (captain, Matt Bolwell 64).

Replacements (not used):   Chris Morgan, Will Cargill, Jake Ashby.

Bedford Blues:   15 Harry Davies, 14 Ryan Hutler, 13 Lewis Robling, 12 Chris Czekaj (Rich Lane 60), 11 Dean Adamson, 10 Ed Coulson, 9 Alex Gliksten (James Lennon 57); 1 Hayden King (Toby Trinder 45), 2 Tadgh McElroy (Charlie Clare 45), 3 Ben Cooper (Alex Penny 51), 4 Ed Taylor (captain), 5 Will Carrick Smith, 6 Oli Curry, 7 Jack Nay (Jarad Williams 51), 8 Huw Worthington (Justin Blanchet 49).

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – try Strong; con: Rojas Alvarez; pens: Rojas Alvarez (5). Bedford Blues – tries: Gliksten, Adamson, Hutler; cons: Coulson; pen: Coulson.

Referee:   Dean Richards (RFU)

Attendance:   1185

St. Austell Brewery Man-of-the-Match:   Tom Cowan-Dickie

No game for the Cornish Pirates this week, they return to action on Armistice Day with their opening game in the new Championship Cup against Bedford Blues at the Mennaye.

Redruth travelled to Old Albanian in National League 2 but couldn’t put a stop to their mini run of defeats losing for the third game running this time by 27-10.

Ill discipline again cost the Reds dear with three players getting yellow-carded.

The Redruth points came from a Richie Kevern penalty and conversion of Tom Notman’s second half try.

Reds have a week off to try and re-gather ahead of their next league game at home to Bury St Edmonds.

No luck either for Camborne at Weston-super-Mare as the Cherry & Whites slipped to a 34-20 defeat. Rhodri McAtee, Alex Ducker and Jordan Rose scored tries for Town.

In South West 1 West, Launceston increased their lead at the top of the pile with 29-8 win at Cullompton. Sam Snell, Ryan Westren, Dan Pearce and Brendon Riley scored the tries with Glenn Coles kicking two conversions and a penalty and Pearce slotting a third conversion.

St. Ives did Launceston a favour beating Okehampton 27-21 at Alexandra Road. Dan Magee kicked four first half penalties for the Hakes before skipper Tom Nicholas, Jamie Hoskin and Rob Elloway scored un-converted tries in the second half.

In London 1 South, another difficult afternoon for London Cornish as they slipped to another defeat on the road 29-12 at Chichester. Sam Vaughan bagged both tries with Dan Phoenix adding a conversion.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell tripped up at bottom-of-the-table Bideford 23-20. Mark Martin, Kyle Marriott and CJ Boyce scored tries for the Saints with Cam Boyer kicking the other points.

Wadebridge Camels won the derby against Truro 24-13. Gary Gynn, Dom Hawkey and Jared Wheatman scored the Camels’ tries with Danny Thomas kicking two conversions and a penalty and Shawn Hartley a further conversion.

For Truro, Danny Dunstan and Sam Rhodes scored tries with Owen Davey kicking a penalty.

Falmouth had a good win at the Rec against Paignton 20-7. Alex Tachie, Ashley Searle and Tom Spiller scored the tries with Tom Edmonds kicking a penalty and conversion.

Saltash went down 19-8 at Crediton. Harrison Reburn scored the try and Kieran Down banged over a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude got the better of Penryn 27-19 to move up to second. Ed Hilliam-Cooke, Adam Black, Joel Troke and Joe Wilson scored the tries for the North Cornwall side with Olly Denford kicking the rest of the points.

For Penryn Andy Seviour crossed twice and James Salisbury got a third with Paul Sabberton adding two conversions.

Leaders Plymstock were given a tough game at Lanner before winning 16-6. Nick Prout with two penalties for the Falcons.

Hayle got their first league win of the season with a 47-21 win at home to Plymouth Argaum.

Pirates Amateurs slipped to defeat at Honiton 75-10.

Liskeard-Looe got the win at Withycombe 20-17.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, there were wins for Newquay Hornets, Bodmin, Illogan Park and Veor.

On Sunday Cornwall Under 18s defeated Devon 34-8 at Ivybridge, warm-up game ahead of their SW County Championship fixtures.

Congratulations to former Launceston player Aron Struminski who won his first cap for Poland on Saturday evening in their 33-0 win against Lithuania in Lodz.

Next Saturday there will be three Tribute Cornwall Cup Quarter-final ties, holders St. Ives face Launceston, Penryn play St. Austell and Wadebridge Camels take on Truro for the second week running.

There is also one outstanding 1^st round tie between Lanner and Hayle with the winner set to face Saltash on Saturday 22^nd December.

There is also on Saturday the final of the Cornwall Area RFU Junior Vase between Newquay Hornets and Bodmin at St. Agnes RFC kick-off 2 pm. The winner will represent Cornwall in the main draw.

Photo Brian Tempest: Matt Bolwell and Robin Wedlake make the tackle with Toby Freeman in support

London Irish 38   Cornish Pirates 29

Trailing 26-8 at half-time few would have given a chance of the Cornish Pirates winning this one, however with a display of character mixed with skill they near the end genuinely came close to creating an upset, reports Phil Westren from the Madjeski Stadium.

This game was clearly always going to be another tough challenge for the Pirates versus a team they faced and lost four times against in 2016/2017. Their opponents, with former Ireland coach Declan Kidney and Les Kiss at the helm, are also understandably favourites to bounce back into the Premiership from which they were relegated at the end of last season.

For the visit to the Madejski Stadium, Callum Patterson returned to the Cornish Pirates side at inside centre and Harry Strong was named on the left wing. Just one change in the forwards saw Tom Cowan-Dickie selected at hooker. Listed on the bench was prop Marlen Walker who, having recovered from injury, was naturally keen to make a first appearance of the season.

After the Cornish Pirates ran out onto the field, London Irish followed. Given deserved applause as their first man out was former England wing Topsy Ojo – about to become the most capped ‘Exile’ of all time, the one club man and record try-scorer set to make his 291^st appearance.

Following an early scrum penalty given away by the Pirates, their opponents were quick to take advantage, a touch kick providing a position from where their immediately effective catch-and drive worked to perfection, with skipper Josh McNally the identified try-scorer. Fly-half Ben Meehan kicked the conversion.

From the restart the Pirates got stuck into ‘Irish’. Prop Jack Owlett and Number 8 Tom Duncan were to the fore, and after showing promise and applying pressure the reward was a penalty kicked by fly-half Will Cargill.

Quick points on the board were just what the Cornish side needed, with the three then added to on 14 minutes with a superbly taken try. After London Irish looked to kick the ball clear of danger there was sense that if Robin Wedlake could gather safely, then despite being some 35 metres out a try could be ‘on’ – and that is how it worked. Instinctively assessing space to work in, the wingman took off. Was it an easy run to the line? No, but he made it look so and dived over in the right corner for an unconverted score.

For the remainder of the half the home side looked to keep possession and play to their strengths, which they did well. A second potent catch-and drive ended with Samoan international lock Teofilo Paulo scoring a try to regain the lead, and after a period of building phases the ball was ultimately released to 19-year-old left wing Ollie Hassell-Collins, who scored on his debut. Meehan converted as he did the home team’s final try of the half, scored by prop Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi. A potent driving maul had delivered again, for the scoreboard to read 26-8.

Th Pirates had played well in parts in the first half, however occasional errors let them down as was the case right at the start of the second period when an attacking line-out opportunity ended with London Irish gifted back possession. Then, as if to rub salt in a wound, scrum-half Brendan McKibbin took advantage of poor Pirates defending to score a converted try at the posts.

Now was once again a test for the visiting team, which for all but the remainder of the half they passed.

A quick tap penalty by scrum-half Alex Day was given prompt support by flanker James McRae, replacement prop Marlen Walker played a role and full-back Kyle Moyle suddenly appeared and left defenders grasping air as he made it over the line. Cargill added the conversion.

The Pirates now had a look of increased confidence, which was added to after referee Ian Tempest  firstly yellow-carded home centre Bryce Campbell for a high tackle on Dan Koster and then subsequently awarded a penalty try after the Pirates had driven strongly to the line, But there was still more to heighten interest levels, as Mr Tempest went immediately again to his pocket, to also send former ‘Pirate’ Blair Cowan to the sin bin.

Home supporters, along with Messrs Kidney and Kiss, were now showing more than a tad of concern, but as it worked out the Pirates were unable to take advantage playing against 13 men. Fair play then to Irish.

But, in time remaining, the defiant Cornish team still held onto the dream of upsetting the odds, and after maintaining a solid defence close to their line were soon taking play to halfway. Locks Brett Beukeboom and Toby Freeman, who have been so industrious this season, made sure the advance continued into enemy territory, and how.

Inter-play with replacement Javier Rojas Alvarez again making an impact saw play taken into the opposition ‘22’, with Wedlake given not quite enough room to add to his try collection in the right corner. No worries, maintaining possession the ball was worked left where that man ‘Moyler’ again appeared to score his second impressive try of the afternoon. Cargill again converted.

If the score stayed at 33-29 then two points would be a good return for the Pirates. However, to sneak a win and secure five was also now a real possibility, and it would have been deserved. Sadly, it was not to be, as after Beukeboom saw his afternoon ended with a yellow card before he departs to fight a cause for Canada in November, McNally scored his second try of the afternoon to conclude proceedings. It had been a real battle of a game, played during Halloween time, and the Pirates had given their opponents a real scare.

Cornish Pirates’ co-coach Gavin Cattle was proud of his squad’s effort, saying:

”Knowing overall we are not the finished article and there are areas to work on, I am pleased with the boys who can take much from the game in terms of belief. There were some big performances out there and we created some fantastic tries.

“London Irish have the strongest set piece in the league and they were happy to play tight rugby for obvious reasons, but, as ever, we again showed a lot of character and at the end there was natural disappointment because I feel we deserved to get two points out of the match.

“After a few days off we will regroup, review the game and then look to push on.”

London Irish: 15 Luke McLean, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Brendan Macken (22 Ciaran Hearn, 74), 12 Bryce Campbell, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Ben Meehan, 9 Brendan McKibbin (21 Stephen Myler, 70); 1 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (18 Patric Silliers, 50), 2 Motu Matu’u (16 Dave Porecki, 64), 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Josh McNally (c), 5 Teofilo Paulo (19 Barney Maddision, 70), 6 Jake Schatz (20 Conor Gilsenan, 58), 7 Blair Cowan, 8 Matt Rogerson.                                                                                                     Replacement (not used):   17 Manasa Saulo     Yellow cards:   12 Bryce Campbell (57), 7 Blair Cowan (58)

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Dan Koster (22 Alex O’Meara, 70), 12 Callum Patterson (21 Javier Rojas Alvarez, 64), 11 Harry Strong, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day (20 Alex Schwarz, 70); 1 Jack Andrew (17 Marlen Walker, 48), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (16 Sam Matavesi, 55), 3 Jack Owlett (18 Tyler Gendall, 63), 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Brett Beukeboom (captain), 6 James McRae, 7 Matt Bolwell, 8 Tom Duncan.                                                                                                              Replacement (not used):  19 Danny Cutmore   Yellow card:  5 Brett Beukeboom (77)

Scorers: London Irish – tries: 4 Josh McNally (5, 79),  5 Teofilo Paulo (20), 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins (28), 1 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (36), 9 Brendan McKibbin (45); 10 Ben Meehan (6, 29, 37, 46). Cornish Pirates – tries: 14 Robin Wedlake (14), 15 Kyle Moyle (50, 71), Penalty Try (58); cons: 10 Will Cargill (51, 72); pen: 10 Will Cargill (10).

Referee:   Ian Tempest (RFU)

Assistants:   Ian Bibey & Nigel Carrick

Official 4:   Andrew MacNeaney

Attendance:   4624

In National League 2 South, Redruth travelled to bottom-of-the-table London Irish Wild Geese for a 5 pm kick-off.

Despite leading 21-7 at half-time, the Reds were clawed back by the Wild Geese who at the final whistle had secured their first win of the season 33-28.

Redruth travelled back with a couple of bonus points thanks to tries from Dean Bonds (2), Ben Fox and Tom Notman, whilst Aaron Simmonds put over all four conversions.

The result sees the Reds slip to 4^th place ahead of their clash with Henley Hawks (3^rd) on Saturday at the Rec 3 pm.

In the South West Premier, Camborne returned to action after a week off but they were unable to return back from Bracknell with anything to show following a 38-21 defeat.

Jordan Rose scored a couple of tries with Jordan Nicholls getting their other try. Dave Mankee converted all three.

In Tribute South West 1 West, it was a day for high scoring in both games involving Cornish clubs. Launceston had a tremendous result at Bridgwater & Albion defeating the home side by 60-33.

The Cornish All Blacks scored nine tries with both Torin Clarke and Will Morton bagging hat-tricks. Their other scores came from Andy Knight, Martin Kneebone and Chae Jenkins with Glenn Coles adding six conversions and a penalty, sum day out!

That result puts Launceston top of the table two points ahead of Okehampton.

At Alexandra Road, St. Ives had an equally fruitful day defeating Newent 50-43!

The Hakes scored eight tries with Martyn Lawrence, Pete Mabbott, Rob Elloway and Tom Nicholas all getting a brace each, Dan Magee adding five conversions.

In London 1 South, another tough afternoon for London Cornish as they lost at home to Havant  24-45.

It was the Hampshire side’s first league win of the season and for the exiles a fifth defeat from the opening seven games played.

Joe Donnelly, James La Broy and Dan Phoenix all scored tries with George Kimmins adding the conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell won a well-contested derby at Wadebridge Camels 17-11.

George Tregilgas, Rob Jeffs and Ian Venner scored the Saint’s tries with Liam Freeman kicking a conversion.

For the Camels Jacob Johns scored an unconverted try with both Danny Thomas and Shawn Hartley kicking a penalty each.

Truro picked up another good win at home to Tiverton 20-14. Luke Tidball and Luke Trescothick scored tries with Owen Davey kicking both conversions and a couple of penalties.

Falmouth won 25-18 at Winscombe, with a fine defensive performance, which sees them up to 5^th place.

Saltash followed up their Cornwall Cup 1^st round win last weekend with a first league win of the season at Bideford 13-10. The try for Ashes was scored by Joe Ryder with Kieran Down converting and adding two penalties.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn picked up a big win at bottom side Hayle 50-0. That result keeps Borough in second place just a point behind Plymstock.

Bude are third following their 78-3 win at Withycombe.

Lanner won a cracking game at Mount Ambrose defeating Pirates Amateurs 37-33.

Liskeard-Looe found Honiton in good form as the “Lacemen” won 66-14 on their Allhallows patch.

Both Tribute Cornwall 1 & 2 kicked off last weekend, with Newquay Hornets and Stithians topping the tables after round 1.

Photo Brian Tempest: Kyle Moyle scores at the Newlyn End.                                                                                 

Cornish Pirates 29   Bedford Blues 30

Report by Phil Westren

Arriving at Round 8 in the Greene King IPA Championship, this third versus fourth-placed contest was always going to be closely fought, and so it proved. Games between the two teams are also often entertaining, which in part this one was, however both sides made mistakes but with the visitors arguably just about deserving their narrow victory.

Changes in the Cornish Pirates side from the team that lost away to Jersey Reds the previous weekend saw Harry Strong and Dan Koster named as the centre pairing.

Hooker Sam Matavesi, who has been selected in the Flying Fijians squad for their forthcoming autumn tour of Europe, returned to a front-row that also included prop Jack Owlett in the starting line-up. In the back-row, James McRae was selected at blind-side flanker.

Among the replacements, having recovered from an injury suffered in pre-season, Argentine international Javier Rojas Alvarez was poised to make his debut off the bench.

On a glorious October’s afternoon, after the Blues opened the scoring in the sixth minute thanks to a penalty successfully struck by fly-half Will Hooley, the Pirates responded immediately to score the game’s opening try. It was a super effort, a swift passage of play instigated by Strong on halfway and impressively finished off by Matavesi at the Penzance posts. It was his sixth Championship try of the season to which fly-half Will Cargill added the extras.

Midway through the first half Hooley slotted his second penalty, so could the Pirates respond again? Yes/no, would be the answer, as although the efforts of Koster and full-back Kyle Moyle raised hopes, the Blues not only cleared the danger but also through a kick-chase conjured up a converted try of their own scored by full-back Rich Lane.

In general, the game thus far had provided frustration for the Pirates, not helped by a couple of poor kicks out of hand and a line-out that wasn’t now functioning. To inflict a little extra pain, the Bedford side further increased their lead when centre Lewis Robling fired over a long-range penalty attempt.

Near the end of the half, an attack started by wing Robin Wedlake again saw Moyle go close, before in the last-minute Cargill wisely opted for penalty kick at goal that was suitably landed to make it 10-16 at the break.

With a developing breeze on their backs, early into the second period the Pirates were at first luckless when a penalty attempt by Cargill was narrowly off target. However, following a bullocking run by skipper Brett Beukeboom, territory was acquired to ‘do the business’. Without hesitation Moyle chose his course to the line, his movement spotted by scrum-half Alex Day who deftly delivered the try-scoring pass.

It was an encouraging start to the second half, with there a feeling that if the Pirates could cut out errors and build phases then home advantage should likely count. It was a fair assumption, but one tested when Bedford wing Ryan Hutler scored a converted try.

The arrival though of Javier Rojas Alvarez all but immediately reinvigorated home hopes, and for good measure a second fine try scored by Moyle and converted by Cargill added to the sudden feeling. Indeed, the Pirates were in full and confident flow, only for their efforts to be punished when a loose pass enabled the Blues to break away for a converted try scored by wing Dean Adamson.

There was still time for the Pirates to get back into the match, which they did when replacement scrum-half Alex Schwarz showed determination to score near the Newlyn posts – his first try in Pirates colours. Replacement fly-half Harvey Skinner kicked the conversion to make it 29-30, and with eleven minutes on the clock a tense finish was guaranteed.

As it worked out, there would be no more scores for either side, but the gaming ending with the Pirates at least acquiring two bonus points They are also still placed third in the league table.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Dan Koster, 12 Harry Strong, 11 Matt Evans (Javier Rojas Alvarez 61), 10 Will Cargill (Harvey Skinner 68), 9 Alex Day (Alex Schwarz 64); 1 Jack Andrew (Billy Keast 68), 2 Sam Matavesi (Tom Cowan-Dickie 64), 3 Jack Owlett (Tyler Gendall 68) 4 Toby Freeman (Danny Cutmore 68), 5 Brett Beukeboom (captain), 6 James McRae, 7 Matt Bolwell, 8 Tom Duncan.

Bedford Blues:   15 Rich Lane, 14 Ryan Hutler, 13 James Elliott, 12 Lewis Robling (Fraser Strachan 68), 11 Dean Adamson, 10 Will Hooley, 9 James Lennon (Alex Gliksten 54); 1 Sean McCarthy, 2 Jacob Fields (Jarad Williams 62), 3 Alex Penny (Ben Cooper 64), 4 Will Carrick Smith, 5 Mark Flanagan, 6 Ollie Curry, 7 Josh Buggea (Gerard Ellis 62), 8 Huw Worthington (Jack Nay 54).  Replacement (not used): Hayden King.

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – tries: Moyle (2), Matavesi, Schwarz; cons: Cargill (2), Skinner; pen: Cargill.                                                                                                          Bedford Blues – tries: Lane, Hutler, Adamson; cons: Hooley (3); pens: Hooley (2), Robling.

Referee:   Michael Hudson (RFU)

St. Austell Brewery’s Man-of-the-Match:   Matt Bolwell

Attendance:   1,707

REDRUTH 14 – 10 CANTERBURY

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground.

Redruth left it late to stage a final quarter revival to overturn a 10-0 half-time deficit playing down the slope into the teeth of a gale.

Canterbury made a strong start with the wind at their backs with their big heavy forwards making good ground into the Redruth twenty-two.

They were rewarded with an opening try scored by centre Tom Best following good work by by Mackintosh on the wing, who did well to keep the ball alive.

Goal-kicking was to prove difficult in the conditions with Canterbury’s fly-half Harvey Young having no luck, whilst Redruth’s young full-back Aaron Simmonds coolly converted both tries which proved decisive.

Photo: Simmonds’ kicks proved decisive

Redruth tackled like demons throughout as the waves of huge Canterbury forwards looked to storm their line just as Storm “Callum” was pounding the Cornish coast.

The Reds finally gone some territory in the opposing twenty-two but sadly chances went begging as they became too eager near the line.

Instead Canterbury increased their advantage with a second unconverted try scored just after the half-hour by full-back Aiden Moss following good forward pressure near the Redruth line. It remained 10-0 to the visitors at half-time.

Despite good possession Redruth found the Canterbury defence equally stout and tough to break down.

The breakthrough for Redruth had an element of good fortune, a kick ahead by Simmonds appeared to rebound off a Canterbury player and into the arms of centre Jack Simmons who ran thirty meters to the line, tackled just short he managed to stretch and score. Simmonds added the extras to make it game on.

Good play from scum-half Jack Oulton set up the move that eventually led to a powerful forward drive from Redruth that saw replacement prop Jack Hodge driven over, Simmonds once more on the money with the extras.

The drama didn’t end there, Canterbury with two players in the bin could have struggled as Redruth looked to make the game safe, however Canterbury went back to basics camping under the Redruth posts for an age but couldn’t get over despite the twelve minutes of time added on.

The final whistle was greeted with huge cheers as Redruth made it six wins from seven starts and moved up to second place in the league table behind leaders Redingensians.

REDRUTH: Simmonds, Janes, Simmons, Gilbert, Cornish (Bonds 55), Tucker (Kevern 41), Oulton, Concu, Brown (Capt) (Gidlow 57), Williams (Hodge 55), Pascoe, Clemson (Howe 57), Grubb, Stevens, Fox.

CANTERBURY: Moss, Mackintosh, Sterling, Best T, Grimes, Young (Murray 64), Braithwaite (Smart 55), Cooper (Green 67), Otto (Edwards 64), Kenny (Wake-Smith 55), Cadman, Corker (Capt), Whetton, King, Stevens.

Referee: Ben Russell (RFU)

Crowd: 485

Redruth-man-of-the-match: Jack Oulton

Redruth scores

Tries, Simmons 61, Hodge 69, Cons, Simmonds 62, 70

Canterbury scores

Tries, Best 12, Moss 32.

 PHOTO Brian Tempest: Sam Matavesi scored in Jersey prior to Fiji call up

Jersey Reds 33   Cornish Pirates 10

Playing what was inevitably always going to be a tough challenge away to Jersey Reds, the Cornish Pirates suffered their second loss of the season against a dominant home side, writes Phil Westren

Having played one less game than the Pirates this season, Jersey Reds arrived at this stage sixth in the Greene King IPA Championship table. They were also, inevitably, not only keen to once again frustrate their opponents – remembering that the Pirates sole Championship win on the island was back in 2012 – but to also knock them off their perch at the top of the league table.

The selection by the Pirates showed just two changes in the starting XV from the previous week. A fit again Robin Wedlake, who arrived at this Round 7 stage as the Championship’s top try-scorer this season, returned to the right-wing berth, whilst in the forwards Matt Bolwell slotted into the back-row in place of the injured John Stevens.

In dry, sunny and warm conditions, with the wind much kinder than that experienced in other places about, the Pirates kicked this game off in front of a large crowd gathered at the Stade Santander International, St. Peter, ground.

The Pirates went through the phases well at the beginning, hoping to conjure up an early score. Points would be delivered, but when a first real chance in the game arose, it was the Reds who scored first.  Wing Leroy Van Dam had initially gone close, however following a scrum turnover it was the choice firstly of his line taken and then personal pace that led to centre James Newey making it over the whitewash for a try converted by a former ‘Pirate’, fly-half Aaron Penberthy.

So, first blood to the home side but with the teams appearing evenly matched in the opening period. As the half developed, however, despite the Pirates enjoying spells of possession it was the Reds who increasingly looked a potently powerful force. Indeed, following a penalty and an inevitable catch and drive, which the Pirates were unable to repel, a second home try was scored, this time by hooker Charlie Maddison. Penberthy again converted

On a day when there was still enough wind about for kicking to be a little bit tricky, a penalty strike from Pirates fly-half Will Cargill drifted wide. The weather element was also one where advantage though could be taken, which is how it looked when Penberthy made it 17-0 through landing a penalty kick taken from inside his own half.

Despite the best efforts of scrum-half Alex Day and back-rowers Tom Duncan and Matt Bolwell, there was zilch joy for the Pirates before in the 40th minute Cargill was successful with a second penalty attempt. The award came following a series of strong pick-go-drive plays that led to the Jersey team being penalised by the sticks.

17-3 at the break, it would be important for the Pirates to hopefully score again early in the second half, and in the process quell an atmosphere already pumped up by home supporters, including noise generated by cow bells.

If a good start materialised, it could perhaps cast doubts in Jersey minds. Unfortunately, however, when an early penalty was conceded, Penberthy happily stepped forward to re-open a 17 points gap.

Such was the general dominance displayed by the home side, it already in reality felt that they would be likely winners and as the minutes ticked away there appeared simply no way back for the Pirates. Reds’ lock Charlie Beckett had gone close and another run from Van Dam had also sent alarm bells, let alone the cow variety, ringing. A third penalty from Penberthy also cemented the general view.

The Pirates had acquired bonus points in all games played during the season but it just wasn’t happening for them, with credit also of course to the solid home defence.

Nearing the end of the match brought a flurry of points. Penberthy added to his repertoire with a drop goal, a converted try for the Pirates scored by replacement hooker Sam Matavesi brought scant consolation, and then a third Jersey try, a fine converted effort scored by wing Koch Marx, brought the game to a conclusion.

Yes, the Pirates toiled away, but this was an afternoon when a Championship victory on the island eluded them once more, remembering that their one such recorded win was back in 2012.

Jersey Reds had deservedly taken the spoils. Their front-five had been dominant, providing a platform for the rest of their able team to take advantage.

Cornish Pirates’ coach Gavin Cattle was honest in his assessment after the game, commenting:

“We knew it was going to be tough and prepped for the set piece but ultimately it came down to theirs being superior. Also, when we did have possession we weren’t building pressure and our skill execution and accuracy let us down.

 “They dominated and it’s up to us now to reflect on that and see where we can put the wrongs right, although I thought the replacements who came on helped stabilise us, including the performance of prop Jack Owlett who showed promise,

 “Ultimately, however, it was one of those games when you have to tip the hat to the opposition and say well done, and give credit to Jersey for a very comprehensive performance.”

Jersey Reds:   15   Auguy Slowik, 14 Koch Marx, 13 James Newey, 12 Mark Best (22 Brett Herron, 74), 11 Leroy Van Dam, 10 Aaron Penberthy, 9 Will Homer (21 Calum Waters, 60); 1 Harry Morley (17 Cameron Holstein, 69), 2 Charlie Maddison (16 Nick Selway, 60), 3 Leeroy Atalifo (18 Sam Rodman, 59), 4 Jerry Sexton, 5 Charlie Beckett (19 Dave McKern, 62) 6 Max Argyle, 7 Jake Upfield (20 Rory Bartle, 54), 8 Janco Venter.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Rory Parata, 12 Callum Patterson (22 Harvey Skinner, 54), 11 Matt Evans, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day (21 Alex Schwarz, 60); 1 Jack Andrew (17 Billy Keast, 55), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (16 Sam Matavesi, 51), 3 Tyler Gendall (18 Jack Owlett, 36), 4 Toby Freeman (19 Danny Cutmore, 55), 5 Brett Beukeboom (captain), 6 Josh Caulfield (20 James McRae, 61), 7 Matt Bolwell, 8 Tom Duncan.

Scorers: Jersey Reds – tries:   13 James Newey, 2 Charlie Maddison, 14 Koch Marx; cons: 10 Aaron Penberthy (11, 23, 78); pens: 10 Aaron Penberthy (36, 44, 58); drop goal: 10 Aaron Penberthy (72). Cornish Pirates – try: 16 Sam Matavesi (74); con: 10 Will Cargill (74); pen: 10 Will Cargill (40).

Referee:   Neil Chivers (RFU)

Attendance:   1660