‘Meet the Players’ Event Again Proves Popular

Photo Brian Tempest: Brett Beukeboom new club captain

The Cornish Pirates annual ‘Meet the Players’ event, held at the Mennaye Field on Tuesday, once again proved popular, reports Phil Westren. Also, during the evening, the name of Cornish Pirates’ Canadian international lock forward Brett Beukeboom was announced as club captain for the coming season.

PA announcer Phil Westren welcomed all present and following a brief but competitive training game against the Pirates Amateurs the Cornish Pirates squad then lined up in front of the main grandstand where ten new faces were introduced. They comprised signings Jake Ashby, Nodar Cheishvili, Danny Cutmore, Maliq Holden, Rory Parata, Callum Patterson, Jordan Payne, Javier Rojas Alvarez, Alex Schwarz, and Robin Wedlake. Added to this group, seven players to be dual-registered with Exeter Chiefs were also announced. They were Josh Caulfield, Jake Clemson, Luke Flack, Billy Keast, James McRae, Harvey Skinner, and Harry Strong.

Photo Brian Tempest: Cornish Pirates in friendly action against Pirates Amateurs

On behalf of the coaches Alan Paver then addressed the crowd, firstly thanking the Pirates Amateurs and wishing them a good season and next speaking about the Cornish Pirates. He mentioned that new signings are bedding in well, plus spoke of hopes for the season ahead, where an aim will be to have a “foot on the pedal right from the start” and “to go one better than last season” – the Pirates finished fourth.

As everyone then gathered in the clubhouse to mingle and meet informally, the tone of the evening was very much positive, with recent good news about the stadium also providing an obvious boost.

Photo by Brian Tempest. Coach Alan Paver

The Cornish Pirates are in buoyant mood ahead of the 2018/19 season, and for good reason, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye.

For the team and its supporters there is much to look forward to as they approach a new campaign with an already gifted squad boosted still further by the arrival of quality new signings.

August will be busy with, following a ‘Meet the Players’ night scheduled for Tuesday 7^th August, three pre-season fixtures lined up. Included is the one much anticipated home encounter against Exeter Chiefs, to be played on Friday 17th August (ko 7.30pm).

As for the Greene King IPA Championship, the Cornish Pirates get underway with two home games. First up, on Sunday 2^nd September, will be Doncaster Knights, whilst former old rivals Coventry – ambitious and returning to the level as last season’s Champions of National One – visit on the 9^th September. Both matches kick-off at 2.30pm.

Having finished an impressive 4^th in the Greene King IPA Championship last season, with their strengthened squad the Cornish Pirates will be keen to perform well and get their league season off to an encouraging start. There is also a new Championship Cup competition that replaces the British & Irish Cup.

Considering the above, and not forgetting the planned Stadium for Cornwall – ‘Sportva Kernow’ – during next season and beyond there clearly is much to whet the sporting appetite in Cornwall.

Commenting first on pre-season training, Cornish Pirates’ coach Alan Paver has said:

“We have had to battle with the extreme weather but it has gone very well, helped by having decent numbers right from the start. It is also felt we are much further on than where we were last year and considerably further forward than we were two years ago.”

“With the squad bolstered and the guys coming in nice and early, everyone has bedded in and integrated well. Our very good signings will give us more scope when inevitable injuries hit, and we also feel that the new arrivals will give value both on the pitch and as good men off it. Already, once again, a good team spirit has developed.”

Alan added:

“For the immediate future and moving forward these are exciting times. The stadium is now on the horizon and will be a great facility for the county and our squad reflect that ambition.

“As for the forthcoming campaign, we understand the rigours of a tough league, with nothing a ‘given’. Everyone is ambitious, however with our excellent support we will look to hit the ground running and make a push to try and finish at least as high as last season.

“There will always be tricky waters to at times negotiate, but we will navigate through them and make sure that we continue to get stronger. The club and Dicky Evans have provided us with a foundation to do that and our eye is very much on the future and gaining momentum.”

Also looking to the future with a mix of confidence and excitement, the club’s COO, Robin James, has commented:

”It’s an exciting time to be part of the Cornish Pirates, on and off the field, seeing all the players and coaches’ meticulous preparation into pre-season training has been inspiring to observe and this effort will not go without its rewards.

“We have also had excellent engagement with all our sponsors and we thank them for their continued support and loyalty, without them we wouldn’t have a team on the pitch.

Photo by Brian Tempest. Robin James Chief Operating Officer

Speaking with reference to the Stadium for Cornwall, Robin said:

“It has been very encouraging to see all the progress we have made with the new stadium.

“Tim Wood our stadium project manager is working well with all parties and with the site investigation due to start shortly we are looking for significant progress on the project. Once the site investigation is complete, Arup the civil works consultants can finalise the earthworks design and cut and fill requirements for the foundations.

 “Our sincere thanks are expressed to all involved for progressing matters, with the business plan submitted on time to the Government and with ongoing meetings with Cornwall County Council and all the various stakeholders dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

“Complex projects like this take time and never move as fast as everyone would like, but I have no doubt we are on track for there is a commitment and determination from all concerned to get this over the line as quickly as we can.”

JOHN “CHEYENNE” BLACKBURN

Photo: John Blackburn at front of the lineout for Penryn against London Welsh 1973

John Blackburn, who sadly passed away this week aged 79, was in his heyday one of the most renowned lock forwards playing in Cornwall during the sixties and early seventies, forming a a second row partnership with Colin “Knocker” Kneebone

He looked the part of “Cheyenne”, a nickname taken from the cowboy TV character of the time Cheyenne Bodie with his long hair and headband and hands like shovels. He played in a mighty Penryn side that dominated south west rugby during that period and featured in Penryn’s great run in the National Knock Out Cup, notably against Coventry and London Welsh against whom he captained the Borough.

Exeter were dispatched on that run to the last eight in 1972 before Penryn lost to a David Duckham inspired Coventry 28-4 at a muddy Memorial Ground, whilst the following year London Welsh, boasting several British Lions from 1971 won 19-6 at the same stage. Both games were played to a capacity gate of some 5,000.

John also featured in some prestigious games at Penryn notably against the 1971 British Lions, Public School Wanderers International XV and a memorable win against the famed Harlequins.

John played 20 times for Cornwall, making his debut in a friendly game against Oxfordshire at Falmouth, which Cornwall won 22-5. His County Championship debut came at Redruth in October 1969 against Gloucestershire in a game lost 9-12.

He did feature in both games played against the French that season, the 11- all draw in Clermont Ferrand against a French Selection and the narrow 13-14 defeat to France B at Redruth.

Former Penryn No.8 Tim Nicholls said of his former team-mate “John was a physically powerful force and gave his all for Penryn over many seasons, including as captain. A tough, uncompromising figure on the field, and a true character off it, John was always supported by his wife Pat and our thoughts and most sincere condolences to her and the family at this time. The word legend can truly be used for “Cheyenne”. His friends at the Borough and elsewhere will raise a glass in his memory at this sad time. ‘

John’s funeral will be held at St. Mylor Church (Mylor Dockyard) on Friday 27th July @ 3:30 p.m.

Afterwards at Penryn R.F.C.

Redruth and Royal Navy lock Edd Pascoe is the only Cornish player to have been selected for this year’s England Counties tour to Romania.

Well done to Edd.

Edd Pascoe of Cornwall (Redruth) on the attack during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Cornwall and Devon at the Recreation Ground on May 4th 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Full England Counties squad in the link

Congratulations to Josh Matavesi who has been called up to the Barbarians squad to face England on Sunday. The Camborne socks are on the way!

There were plenty of Chris’ former and current team-mates on show Saturday for Fucs’ farewell game at Redruth.

Just a few photos by Dan Barbary to give you a flavour of the day.

Cheers Fucs.

Jack Simmons breaks away having avoided Sam Heard’s tackle. Copyright Dan Barbary

Brad Howe lining up Mark Bright! Copyright Dan Barbary

Shaun Buzza about to be jumped by Lewis Vinnicombe. Copyright Dan Barbary

Sum bleddy boys mind! Copyright Dan Barbary

BILL BEAUMONT CUP – COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

HERTFORDSHIRE 50–0 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall selectors rang the changes ahead of county side’s final fixture for this season with a view to looking at players ahead of next season’s campaign; however they were also hit by some late withdrawals which meant Cornwall fielding a side with not one Redruth player in the match day squad!

Sadly, for Cornwall the gulf in the playing standard showed with Cornwall suffering their biggest defeat for many years, a result that will shock many but in reality others feared.

Adrius Zacharovas of Cornwall (Camborne) hands off Sam Barnes of Hertfordshire (Tring) during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Hertfordshire and Cornwall at Silver Leys on May 19th 2018, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Huge credit to those players who came in at the last minute to wear the shirt, indeed to the whole side for never giving up playing until the final whistle.

Cornwall ended the campaign bottom of their group but as relegation is considered over two seasons, the 15 points they amassed in 2017 saved their skins, however in 2019 they will start another 2 year cycle of results. Surrey appear to be the unlucky side to drop having been deducted points for fielding an ineligible player against Cornwall.

Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) kicks for the corner during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Hertfordshire and Cornwall at Silver Leys on May 19th 2018, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall’s skipper Jake Murphy was philosophical in defeat. “Credit to our lads for turning out today, it’s not been easy putting a side together this week. To a man they gave their all but sadly the gulf was evident today when you are up against National League 1 & 2 players. I shall think over my own situation over the summer as to whether I should carry on next season, maybe it’s time for the youngsters to step up now and take Cornwall on a new adventure.”

As in their previous two games Cornwall conceded an early try from a catch-and-drive when Herts hooker Steff Jones snuck over from the drive, fly-half Sean Taylor kicked the conversion and the home side were up and running.

Cornwall then lost lock Jack Heazelton to injury giving Penryn’s Adam Hughes an early chance to impress.

Cornwall enjoyed good possession for large parts of the first half but sadly committed too many errors. Skipper Jake Murphy and fellow centre Jon Dawe caught the eye in mid-field as did forwards Jon Drew and George Jones with their drives.

George Jones of Cornwall (Penryn) is tackled by Nick Stevens of Hertfordshire (Old Albanians) and Rob Conquest of Hertfordshire (Cambridge) during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Hertfordshire and Cornwall at Silver Leys on May 19th 2018, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Hertfordshire made the most of their field position when it came scoring two tries in the final ten minutes of the first half through lock Harry Green and right on the half-time whistle through No.8 Chris West, Taylor converted the former for a 19-0 half-time advantage to Hertfordshire.

In the second half Cornwall again had good periods but sadly they couldn’t capitalise as the big Hertfordshire pack took charge allied to the greater fitness of National League players.

Saltash’s Lewis Wells looked lively, whilst lock Ben Hilton was a nuisance in the rucks and mauls.

Lewis Wells of Cornwall (Saltash) makes a break during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Hertfordshire and Cornwall at Silver Leys on May 19th 2018, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Hertfordshire’s bonus point try came from a forward drive replacement hooker Ollie Walker getting the try with the excellent Taylor again adding the extras.

Tries came at regular intervals as the final quarter wore on through scrum-half Ben Creasey centre James Rea, replacement wing Luke Barber, flanker Nick Radley bringing up the eight tries. Taylor added a further couple of conversions to complete the scoring in an emphatic win, which coupled with Surrey’s win over Gloucestershire sees the men in green at Twickenham next Sunday to face Lancashire in the final.

Cornwall will be bitterly disappointed not to have got a score, whilst the coaches and selectors will have much to ponder on how to turn Cornwall’s fortunes around next season.

HERTFORDSHIRE: S Taylor (Hertford), E Byfield (Tring), J Rea (Bishop’s Stortford), R Streets (Hertford), S Barnes (Tring), D Watt (Old Albanian), T Banks (Bishop’s Stortford, capt); L Castiglione, S Jones (both Hertford), K Garside (Amptill), R Conquest (Cambridge), H Green, N Radley, N Stevens (all Tring), C West (Old Albanian).

Replacements: O Walker (Old Albanian), T McCrone (Bishop’s Stortford), D Archer, J Elston, B Creasey (all Hertford), J Scantlebury (Bishop’s Stortford), L Barber (Harpenden).

Hertfordshire scores: Tries, Jones, Green, West, Walker, Rea, Creasey, Barber, Radley, Cons, Taylor (5)

CORNWALL: M Vague (Penryn), W Morton (Saltash), S Hitchens (Penryn), J Dawe, D Pearce (both Launceston), J Murphy (Barnstaple, capt), T Peacock (Camborne); A Zacharovs (Camborne), M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), J Drew (Camborne), B Hilton (Barnstaple), J Heazelton (Truro), L Wells (Saltash), G Jones (Penryn), L Duke (Launceston).

Replacements: T-L Southworth, (Camborne),  Z Cinnamond (Launceston), A Hodges (Bude), O Seagrove (Truro), A Hughes (Penryn), N Nash (Brixham), R McAtee (Camborne).

REFEREE: Alex Thomas (RFU)

Crowd: 610

Photo: Ben Hilton returns to Cornwall’s boiler house

By Bill Hooper

Due to unavailability and other circumstances, Cornwall’s selectors have picked a largely experimental side to face Hertfordshire at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday 3 pm.

There are nine changes in the starting XV from the side that played against Devon at Camborne last week and just four players in the squad that faced Hertfordshire at Camborne last season. The big surprise is the omission of Matt Shepherd who would have been available this week, but sadly is another unavailable player.

In the backs, Will Morton (Saltash) comes in for the unavailable Tom Notman, whilst Richie Kevern comes off the bench into centre in place of the injured Duncan Tout.

Dave Mankee forms a club partnership at half back with Taron Peacock as he did last week when coming on for the injured Fraser Honey.

The forwards see a major shake-up, Jess Tompsett starts alongside Matt Ballard and Jon Drew, whilst in the second row there is a new partnership as former county captain Ben Hilton teams up with Truro’s Jack Heazelton in place of the Redruth duo of Edd Pascoe and Luke Hattam.

In the back row, a second Saltash player comes in Lewis Wells replacing BJ Chapman, whilst Launceston skipper Lloyd Duke comes in for Grant Randlesome at No.8.

Both Andrius Zacharovas and Tommy-Lee Southworth drop to the bench with a raft of new names coming in Zac Cinnamond, Angus Hodges, Adam Hughes, Sam Hitchens and Dan Pearce

CORNWALL TEAM

15 Mitch Vague (Penryn)

14 Will Morton (Saltash)

13 Jake Murphy [Capt.] (Barnstaple)

12 Richard Kevern (Redruth)

11 Jon Dawe (Launceston)

10 David Mankee (Camborne)

  9 Taron Peacock (Camborne)

  1 Jess Tompsett (Redruth)

  2 Matt Ballard (Wadebridge Camels)

  3 Jon Drew (Camborne)

  4 Ben Hilton (Barnstaple)

  5 Jack Heazelton (Truro)

  6 Lewis Wells (Saltash)

  7 George Jones (Penryn)

  8 Lloyd Duke Launceston)

Replacements

16 Tommy Lee Southworth (Camborne)

17 Andrius Zacharovas (Camborne)

18 Zac Cinnamond (Launceston)

19 Angus Hodges (Bude)

20 Sam Hitchens (Penryn)

21 Adam Hughes (Penryn)

22 Dan Pearce (Launceston)

Head Coach: Graham Dawe

Assistant Coaches: Marek Churcher & Rhodri McAtee

Game will also be live on BBC Radio Cornwall with John Martin and David Jenkins.

Photo Colin Hatch: Players l-r Jake Penprase, Luke Barnes, James Tucker, Declan Matthews & Torin Clarke.

Five Cornwall U.20 players took place in the inter-divisional games at Derby last weekend. The South West played the Midlands and lost, however Declan Matthews scored a try for the South West. Sadly Torin Clarke was injured verry early in the game. A sixth player selected Jack Hodge was unable to attend the weekend.

At the conclusion of the two games, the North played London and South East, the touring squad to Georgia was selected, sadly none of our lads made the cut, but congratulations for getting so far.

Photo Marina Trevarton: Cornwall Ladies on the attack

On Sunday, Cornwall Ladies completed their program in this season’s Gill Burns Cup Division 2 when they went down at Polson Bridge to Hertfordshire Ladies 48-10. Well done to all the squad as this was their first season competing in the competition.