Cornwall name side for Under 20’s clash against Dorset & Wilts

JASON LEONARD CUP U.20S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

DORSET & WILTS V CORNWALL

Cornwall head to Weymouth on Sunday knowing that a win will guarantee a home quarter-final tie on Easter Sunday, probably at St. Austell’s Tregorrick Park against either Surrey or Hertfordshire.

Photo: Coaches Josh Lord & Matt Shepherd will be looking for continued improvement

There are just a few changes to the side on Sunday. In the backs Dan Hubble moves up from the bench to start on the wing with Jake Carr reverting to the replacements. At scrum-half Noah Nash is on the bench with Callum Boyce promoted to the starting XV from the bench.

In the pack St. Agnes’ Noah Stanier-Smith gets promoted to the squad and partners Dan Goldsmith in the second row.

Two other new faces appear on the bench Redruth’s James Tucker and Aden Brassington

Skipper Torin Clarke is fit to go despite missing Launceston’s game last Saturday.

Dorset & Wilts have former Cornwall player Scott Hobson as their forwards coach. Scott is currently rugby coach at Bryanston School.

 

Cornwall Squad

1 Rikki Bentham Launceston RC
2 Luke Barnes Camborne RFC
3 Kyle Gratrix Penryn RFC
4 Dan Goldsmith Launceston RC
5 Noah Stanier-Smith St Agnes RFC
6 Tiaan Clark Camborne RFC
7 Will Gibson Cardiff Met
8 Torin Clarke (Captain) Launceston RC
9 Callum Boyce St Austell RFC
10 Reuben Edwards Launceston RC
11 Dan Hubble Falmouth RFC
12 Declan Matthews Camborne RFC
13 Connor Gilbert Redruth RFC
14 Jake Penprase Bath Uni
15 Ethan Tyler Penryn RFC
16 Harry Lightfoot Launceston RC
17 Chae Jenkins Launceston RC
18 Aden Brassington Redruth RFC
19 Brandon Rowley Launceston RC
20 James Tucker Redruth RFC
21 Noah Nash Brixham RFC
22 Kyle Bradley Penryn RFC
Travelling reserves
23
24 Jake Carr St Austell RFC
25 Dan Reed Wadebridge Camels RFC
26 Seb Firth Falmouth RFC
27 Matt Blee Exeter Uni

 

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover –Emma Eddy, Rob Durant

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall Under 20s

CHANGE OF VENUE & KICK-OFF TIME

We will now be playing at Weymouth RFC, Monmouth Avenue, Weymouth, DT3 5HZ and at our request now a 1300  kick off time.

Team news to follow.

Posted in Bill's Blog


County news round up

Photo: Josh Lord & Matt Shepherd Cornwall Under 20 coaches

It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks, having an enforced week with no scheduled games and then the following Saturday almost wiped out by the snow and ice.

At least the Cornish Pirates have been able to make hay beating both Yorkshire Carnegie and Doncaster Knights on successive Sundays.

The match reports are detailed in the blog. Cornish Pirates are off again this coming weekend as no matches are programmed in the Championship!

Cornwall Under 20s have qualified for the national quarter-finals following their thrilling 23-20 win at St. Austell against Hampshire last Sunday. If they can defeat Dorset & Wilts in their final game at Dorchester then they will have a home tie.

The Intermediate Cup saw St. Austell travel to high-flyers Coney Hill from Western Counties North, sadly the Saints were soundly beaten 65-17 thus exiting the competition.

On a more happy note last season’s defeated semi-finalist in the Senior Vase, Saltash, are back on the hunt following their fine 32-21 win at Gordano. They now host  Slough in the next round on March 17th.

St. Austell are of course still involved in the County Cup and were due to host St. Ives on Saturday March 17th. With the fixture backlog Saints will be at Crediton on that date, so it now seems likely that their semi-final in the county cup will be played on Easter Saturday, with the county final now possibly taking place on Monday 7th May. This is all subject to confirmation from the CRFU.

The other tricky topic on cups is whether the Cornwall clubs cup will be held this season as sides in both Cornwall 1 & 2 struggle to complete their league fixtures.

St. Ives are looking a shoe-in for the Tribute Western Counties title with just five games left to play. In one of the few games played last Saturday they won at Truro 38-13.

Hakes scored six tries through Pete Mabbott (2), Martyn Lawrence, Rob Elloway, Joe Parma and Tom Nicholas with Rhys Brownfield landing four conversions.

Jack Tidball pulled a try back for Truro converted by brother Luke whilst “Eggy” Williams kicked two conversions.

Wadebridge Camels travelled to Devonport Services but sadly lost 28-20. It looks like either Services or St. Austell for the play-off spot behind St. Ives. Both sides meet this Saturday at Tregorrick.

For the record Shaun Hartley and Adam Blackmore scored tries both bettered by James Grubb who also landed two penalties.

It was good to learn that Penryn’s Aaron Simmonds (pictured below) has been named in this season England Counties U.18 squad.

Following a selection weekend at Stourbridge RFC Aaron, the only representative from Cornwall in the squad, sadly both Mike Austin (Falmouth) and Fraser Nottle (St. Austell) missed out, will be in the squad for matches against Ireland on 4th and 7th April. Both games will take place at HMS Temeraire. Prior to those games, the England Counties side will play a warm-up match against Ealing Trailfinders Academy on 10th March.

Simmonds has played three times for the first team this season, scoring a try and two conversions in the process.

Speaking about the fantastic news, Penryn coach Ian Morgan said: “Aaron came to us after the Colts at Newquay Hornets had folded. He was quick to adapt and showed huge potential straight away. He was a key part of our early league success and we are really pleased for him. He deserves everything that he has achieved, he works hard at his game, and he is always looking to improve. We can’t wait to see where he goes from here. Hopefully we will see him in a Borough shirt again, but I am sure doors will open for him now.”

Aaron will be in good company as the side will once again be managed by former Redruth DoR, Dave Penberthy.

Other good news from the Borough Penryn U18 Girls prop Mia Abbott-Smith (pictured below)  recently attended the U18 Centre of Excellence assessment at the Bristol Centre Of Excellence and the club are incredibly excited to announce that she has been offered a place on the program, the only girl from Cornwall to be selected. This news means that Mia is officially now an elite rugby player with a clear player pathway through to represent England Women.

 

With Mia still being only fifteen this is a massive achievement for her age category but not a surprising one as Mia is a talented rugby player who has the skill and attitude to succeed. She has completed a successful season for Cornwall and has more games to come for Penryn.

She is a pleasure to coach and has excelled at ‘Playing the Borough Way’, taking on board advice and working hard, at training and on her own initiative, on areas of her game which has seen her develop quickly. As a girls section we are very proud of her where she serves as a role model to other talented, up and coming Rugby players and we will now work closely with the centre of excellence to ensure she continues to thrive.

The Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) are delighted to announce that their chosen charity for 2018 will be the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (RCHT), Children’s Unit, play room and sensory rooms.

Photo Iktis photo: Cornwall squad members learning about the work of RCHT Children’s Unit play room and sensory rooms.

Over the past few years people involved with the CRFU have nominated a local charity to support. This support comes with some fund raising, but mainly giving the charity the opportunity to do a match day collection at our home games in the Bill Beaumont County Championship. Please give as generously as you can when the collectors come around.

This year, there are two home games, on Saturday 5 May and Saturday 12 May, where our opponents will be Surrey and Devon respectively.

The CRFU hope that the funds raised will assist, not only the charity, but the young people who will use the services that the charity provides.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Lawday try topples Knights

 

 

Cornish Pirates 22   Doncaster Knights 19

This opening game in March saw flanker Tom Lawday’s last minute try topple the Knights, as in the process the Cornish Pirates secured a season’s double against their strong opponents, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye Field.

Matches between the teams are invariably entertaining, and for home supporters the end of this one most certainly was. However, for much of the contest it was a case of conditions dictating play. The ‘Beast from the East’ weather phenomenon had by now quickly passed, but its consequence, aided by showers during the afternoon, inevitably made it difficult for both teams.

The one change in the Pirates starting line-up from the team beat Yorkshire Carnegie seven days earlier saw Josh Caulfield named to partner Brett Beukeboom in the second-row, with club captain Chris Morgan dropping to the bench. Also listed among the replacements was Dan Frost, who was ready if needed to make an appearance since returning to the club on loan from Taunton.

Ahead of kick-off for Doncaster’s first fixture following the sudden death last week of their 27-year-old tight-head prop forward Ian Williams, a minute’s silence was respectfully held.

Into the match action it was the Knights who started brightly, with scrum-half Tom James influential in taking play towards the old Western National corner. A drive to the line then followed, ending with hooker Ben Hunter scoring an unconverted try.

There were though setbacks for the visitors, as in the space of just three minutes they lost both full-back Paul Jarvis and Hunter to injury.

Fly-half Will Cargill had an opportunity to open the scoring for the Pirates, but he was luckless with a penalty attempt.

The Pirates certainly created chances to score in the first period but ,on a day when handling was always going to be difficult, almost inevitable errors thwarted times of promise. Then, to deliver what appeared a real blow, on the stroke of half-time the visitors scored again, with replacement hooker David Nelson’s try, this time converted by fly-half Simon Humberstone, giving them a 12-0 lead.

To get back into this match the Pirates needed an early second half lift, and it soon materialised. The ball fell loose some 40 metres out, which was immediately hoofed forward by flanker John Stevens, and then with momentum maintained it was man-of-the-match wing Alex O’Meara who pounced to score. Replacement fly-half Laurence May lined up the conversion, but on striking the ball he slipped.

Encouragement provided, it did not last long, as a swift response by the Knights saw their No 8 Josh Tyrell cross at the Penzance posts, his converted try opening up a 14 points gap. In the context of the game, the Pirates were left with a seemingly uphill task. We couldn’t feel confident then, but we know now that it is one they faced – and ultimately conquered.

Into the last quarter it was a try from No 8 Tom Duncan, converted this time by May, that narrowed the deficit to seven points. The score drew a musical response with the tune ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’, when on the day the wording ‘The Good, The Bad & The Muddy’ would have been more appropriate!

The Pirates were suddenly appearing more energised, and a momentum shift was without taking place.

Doncaster personnel answered to calls for fresh legs to appear off the bench, and they did, but it mattered not.

A display of ball retention by the Pirates was mightily impressive, with replacements making an impact and a penalty kicked by May the reward for pressure applied.

Doncaster looked to keep matters close and hold out for victory as the clock ticked down, but two further penalties were suddenly awarded the Pirates by referee Sara Cox. It was a chance to deliver a killer blow, with backs joining forwards in drives to the line. From the second potent advance the ball was slipped to flanker Tom Lawday, who kept strong to make it over for the match-winning score. After May added the conversion it was all over, and the Mennaye duly erupted.

At the end, one could not help but feel for the Knights, whose efforts in this match were commendable. However, the Pirates have succumbed to their fair share of late disappointments this season, so it was unashamedly pleasing to witness a result go their way.

Speaking after the game. Cornish Pirates coach Gavin Cattle said:

“Doncaster came down with a pretty good game plan but we stuck in the fight and the attitude was outstanding, especially in the difficult conditions.

“Our kicking from hand was good and although our line-out didn’t go to plan in the first half we did very well to nail down two in the red zone at the end.

“Defensively our effort was also pleasing. In recent weeks we have worked to notch up our line-speed, and we are winning those collisions to enable us to then be more dominant. It comes down to physicality and mindset, so credit to the boys for that.”

Cornish Pirates:  15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Dan Koster, 12 Nicolas De Battista (capt), 11 Harry Strong, 10 Will Cargill (Laurence May 20-30, h/t), 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker (Billy Keast 54), 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Christian Judge, 4 Josh Caulfield (Chris Morgan 50), 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Tom Lawday, 7 John Stevens (Dan Lee 54), 8 Tom Duncan.

Replacements (not used):   Dan Frost, Alan Paver, Mike Pope.

Doncaster Knights:  15 Paul Jarvis (Charlie Foley 8), 14 Curtis Wilson, 13 Lesley Klim (Jake Pope 73), 12 Mat Clark, 11 Andy Bulumakau, 10 Simon Humberstone, 9 Tom James (Michael Heaney 73); 1 Richard List (Jack Bergmanas 62), 2 Ben Hunter (David Nelson 11), 3 (wearing 23) Joe Proston, 4 Matt Challinor (Adam Batt 73), 5 Tom Hicks, 6 Jack Ram (Alex Shaw 62), 7 Michael Hills (capt), 8 Josh Tyrell.

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – tries O’Meara, Duncan, Lawday; cons: May (2); pen: May    Doncaster Knights – tries: Hunter, Nelson, Tyrell; cons: Humberstone (2).

Referee:   Sara Cox (RFU)

Attendance:   1,166

St. Austell Brewery’s Man-of-the-Match:   Alex O’Meara

Posted in Bill's Blog


Pirates earn welcome win

Cornish Pirates 22   Yorkshire Carnegie 12

After weeks of incessant rain in West Cornwall, with two fixtures postponed and not having played a match at home since New Year’s Eve, the Cornish Pirates celebrated their return to Mennaye action with this welcome win, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye Field.

Changes in the Cornish Pirates starting line-up from the one that faced Nottingham Rugby the previous week saw Alex O’Meara and Harry Strong named as the wing pairing for this ninth versus third clash in the Greene King IPA Championship. Chris Morgan was selected alongside Brett Beukeboom in the second-row, and John Stevens at open-side flanker. Included among the replacements were player/coach Alan Paver and Toby May.

After a minute’s silence, firstly in respect of Doncaster Knights player Ian Williams who so sadly died during the week, and to the memory John Uren who featured for the Pirates in the club’s historic first ever match played in 1945, the match kicked off in bitterly cold but also sunny conditions.

With an easterly wind to contend with, and on a pitch that had recovered well, the Pirates opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute. They had to initially show mettle defensively, however following a counter attack from full-back Kyle Moyle, and then a possession steal and run from No. 8 Tom Duncan, it was centre Nicolas De Battista who crossed at the scoreboard corner. Kicking on such a breezy day was always going to be something of a lottery, and it was of no surprise to see fly-half Will Cargill’s conversion attempt held up short by the elements.

Yorkshire Carnegie responded by creating an impressive driving maul, and one which ended with replacement scrum-half Will Homer scoring a try near the Newlyn posts. He too, was also unable to add an extra two points.

If the afternoon was cold, the on-field exchanges were anything but, as matters heated up and at times became somewhat feisty. Perhaps it was because the Pirates were now applying immense pressure on their opponents, particularly at scrum time. Indeed, following a series of penalty awards, after visiting loose-head prop Marc Thomas was yellow-carded a penalty try was signalled.

Two minutes later, having created a sudden attack close to the left touchline the Pirates managed to extend their lead. Man-of-the-match hooker Sam Matavesi made the telling yardage, with a then clever pass snapped up by the try-scoring Harry Strong. Glancing to the scoreboard,17-5 made pleasant reading for faithful Pirates supporters, and that is how it stayed until the break.

During the third quarter of the game both teams lost a player to the sin bin. Hooker Joe Buckle from Yorkshire Carnegie was the first to walk, and then it was the turn of Chris Morgan from the Pirates, who were suddenly giving too many penalties away.

There was a little concern when the Yorkshire side came back into the game through a converted try scored by their skipper Richard Mayhew, but there was no need to worry as the Pirates proceeded to have the last meaningful say. Attacking towards the old Western National corner flanker Tom Lawday provided the go forward, and after the ball was worked right it was a case of well executed passing creating the space for wing Alex O’Meara to score. It was also, extra pleasingly, a bonus-point-providing effort.

Speaking after the game, Cornish Pirates’ co-coach Gavin Cattle commented:

“The physicality displayed by our boys was commendable, and on a day when the wind was difficult for both teams our game management was also pretty pleasing.

“Yorkshire Carnegie pride themselves on their set piece, so our obvious dominance in the scrum gave us a massive foothold in the game, although they did manage a bit of parity in the second half.

“It was difficult to pick a man-of-the-match but Sam Matavesi has been a godsend to us around the pitch and in the set piece he has got up to speed quickly. Nicolas De Battista had another fine game, as did John Stevens who has been chomping at the bit for match action following his lengthy spell out.”

Gavin added:

“Overall, we are very happy with the result – it a good win for us against a strong Yorkshire side.”

Victory for the Pirates also saw them move two places up the league table to seventh.

Cornish Pirates:  15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Dan Koster, 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11 Harry Strong, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker (Billy Keast 71), 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Christian Judge (Alan Paver 72), 4 Chris Morgan (Toby Freeman 69), 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Tom Lawday, 7 John Stevens, 8 Tom Duncan (Dan Lee 16-25,79).

Replacements (not used):   Mike Pope, Laurence May, Toby May.

Yellow Card:   Morgan.

Yorkshire Carnegie:   15 Stevie McColl, 14 George Watkins, 13 Andy Forsyth, 12 Tom Casson (Callum Irvine 33), 11 Louis Brown (Charlie Capps 25-35, Mike Mayhew 53, Joe Buckle 79), 10 Pete Lucock, 9 Alex Davies (Will Homer 6); 1 Marc Thomas, 2 Joe Buckle (Louis Brown 61), 3 Kevin Bryce (James Thraves 22-31, h/t), 4 Jack Whetton (Matt Smith 72), 5 Mike Myerscough, 6 Ben West (Trystan Lloyd 72), 7 Richard Mayhew (c), 8. Richard Beck.

Yellow cards:  Thomas, Buckle, Mike Mayhew.

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – tries: De Battista, Strong, Penalty Try, O’Meara.

Yorkshire Carnegie – tries: Homer, Richard Mayhew; con: Homer.

Referee:   Simon Harding (RFU)                        Attendance:   1,112

St. Austell Brewery’s Cornish Pirates Man-of-the-Match:   Sam Matavesi

Posted in Bill's Blog


Edwards’ kick steers Cornwall home

Photo Graham Walker: Declan Matthews on the break

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 4

CORNWALL 25 – 22 HAMPSHIRE (HT 12-5)

By Bill Hooper at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell

Time added on proved dramatic indeed as Hampshire scored a fourth try to level a pulsating game, the conversion was missed after the ball toppled over and the Hampshire player was forced to make a drop attempt into a biting easterly wind.

There was still time, from the re-start, Cornwall managed to win a penalty allowing fly-half Reuben Edwards to split the posts and keep Cornwall on track for the quarter-finals with a 25-22 win.

Speaking after the game joint Cornwall coaches Matt Shepherd and Josh Lord were happy with the result. Shepherd said. “I was pretty happy with our first half performance we played the game in the right areas of the pitch, we went in having played into the wind 12-5 up. I thought we could go on and dominate the second forty but it didn’t quite work out that way which was a little disappointing.

“We encourage the lads to play an expansive game, sometimes you have to be more street-wise with what’s in front of you. Heads could have dropped when they levelled it near the end but all credit to the boys for working to get that final penalty to get the win.

Josh Lord was pleased with the way his forwards played. “I thought our pack looked good and went well, we dominated in the set-piece, although at times the line out was a bit of a lottery in the wind. It’s a young side these guys are still learning the game. There are still things to work on but I can’t fault the lads’ commitment.

“Torin Clarke played well for us today, as did the whole of the back row, we have got some great talent there and he leads by example. The whole squad works hard not just those in the match day twenty-two but those who turn up for training and are knocking on the door.”

Despite the bitterly cold weather there was a good crowd at Tregorrick Park as both sides took to the field. Interestingly last season’s Trelawny’s Army Cornwall Under 20 player of the year Will Gilder was an assistant referee, part of the trio of officials from Gloucestershire, Will now studying at Hartpury.

 

Photo credit Graham Walker: TASC Chairman Phil Trevarton presenting match ball to Matt Shepherd assisted by Bernie Shepherd & players of St. Austell Angels RFC

Cornwall began well making some good early breaks and with barely two minutes on the clock one such break by centre Connor Gilbert almost saw the Redruth player make the line, however winger Jake Penprase was in support to score in the corner an unconverted try.

It was just the start Cornwall would have hoped for, however despite dominating the first quarter they couldn’t add to the score.

Hampshire came more into it, from a penalty kicked to the corner by fly-half Harry Johnstone from the resulting line out drive, skipper Josh Moore crossed to level matters.

Cornwall certainly looked the better side during the first half with the forwards driving well and the backs looking very threatening.

Their endeavours were rewarded before half-time when skipper Torin Clarke drove over after a series of pick and goes near the Hampshire line, Edwards adding the extras for a 12-5 half-time lead.

The second half began much as the first as Penprase intercepted a pass running hard for the line cutting inside the last defender to score nearer the posts allowing Edwards to convert for a handy 19-5 lead.

Hampshire replied almost immediately when following a kick chase by centre Russell Bennett fellow centre Eddie Jenkinson scored a try converted by Johnstone to bring them back into it.

Despite losing prop George Cotterell to a yellow card Hampshire maintained their pressure when following a good burst from No.8 Pita Koroi led eventually to an unconverted try scored by lock Rob Cuffe from close-range, leaving Hampshire only two points adrift.

Cornwall got back downfield to earn a penalty in front of the posts, Edwards making no mistake with his kick with some 18 minutes to play.

Hampshire threw everything at Cornwall, as the game moved into time added on, Johnstone made a fine break eluding tackles to score in the corner and tie the scores.

However, Edwards second penalty of the half made the game safe for Cornwall much to the relief of the Tregorrick crowd.

Onwards to Dorchester and Dorset & Wilts on March 18th. See Kevin Bishop’s video highlights

Cornwall U.20: E Tyler (Penryn), J Penprase (Bath Uni), C Gilbert (Redruth), D Matthews (Camborne), J Carr (St. Austell), R Edwards (Launceston), N Nash (Brixham); R Bentham (Launceston), L Barnes (Camborne), K Gratrix (Penryn), D Goldsmith (Launceston), D Reed (Wadebridge Camels), T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Met), T Clarke (Launceston,capt).

Replacements: H Lightfoot, C Jenkins, R Cinnamond, B Rowley (all Launceston), D Hubble (Falmouth), C Boyce (St. Austell), K Bradley (Penryn)

Cornwall scores; tries, Penprase (2), Clarke, cons Edwards (2), pens, Edwards (2)

Hampshire U.20: T Jennings (Portsmouth Uni), A Gooch (Chobham), E Jenkinson (Birmingham Uni), R Bennett (Wild Geese), J Rudder (Havant), H Johnstone (Cardiff Met), J Prior (Wimborne); M Gorry (Oxford Uni), S North (Hartpury Uni), G Cotterell (Bracknell), R Cuffe (Havant), T Warburton (London Scots), M Whitehead (Havant), J Moore (Swansea Uni, capt), P Koroi (London Scots)

Replacements: A Hankins (Portsmouth Uni), A Warner (Wild Geese), W Owen (Havant), S Rai (Camberley), O Cook (Winchester), S Bloomer (St. Mary’s Uni), C McGuigan (Havant)

Hampshire scores: Tries, Moore, Jenkinson, Cuffe, Johnstone, Con, Johnstone

Yellow Card: Cotterell (51)

Referee: Astie Bolton (Gloucs RRS)

Match balls sponsored by Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornish weekly round up plus Cornwall Ladies squad announced

The action last weekend began on Friday night when the Cornish Pirates took on Nottingham at Lady Bay in the Championship.

Sadly for the Pirates, a game they looked set to win, was snatched away with the final kick of the game as Nottingham sneaked the win 18-17 leaving the Cornish side frustrated.

Jimmy Stevens, a Cornishman and former Hake, had a fine game for Notts scoring their second try, but it was Tiff Eden’s penalty that did for the Pirates.

Nicolas De Battista and Matt Evans scored tries both converted by Will Cargill who also added a penalty.

In National League 2 South, Redruth had a right old battle with Henley Hawks as the defence manuals were cast aside. The Reds prevailed by seven tries to six to record a 49-38 win.

Alex Ducker made an instant hit on his return to the Rec scoring three tries, with skipper Richard Brown (2), AJ Cant and Rob Coote also crossing. Richie Kevern kept up his fine form kicking all seven conversions.

In the South West Premier, another vital win on the road for Camborne as they won 32-30 up at Cleve.

Town’s tries were scored by Rhodri McAtee, Declan Matthews, Harvey Bell and Tommy-Lee Southworth with Dave Mankee kicking three conversions and three penalties.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston were held at Polson Bridge 15-all by Bideford. The game marked skipper Lloyd Duke’s 150th for the Cornish All Blacks.

In London 1 South, London Cornish travelled down to Brighton but returned from the coast empty-handed as the Blues ran out 29-20 winners.

Cornish scored tries through Rich Stephens and Alex Gee both converted by George Kimmins who also kicked two penalties.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, good day for our clubs. Leaders St. Ives racked up another big win defeating Torquay 57-10. Chris Quick, Cameron Bone, Pete Mabbott (2), Tom Nicholas, Rob Elloway, Jacob Ninnes, Sean Stevens and Grant Thirlby all scored tries with Rhys Brownfield slotting six conversions.

St. Austell keep up the pressure on the Hakes after defeating Chard 47-20 at Tregorrick Park. George Tregilgas (2), Cam Boyer, Liam Freeman, George Knowles, Ben Chenoweth and Adam Kellow all crossed for the Saints with Freeman landing six conversions.

Falmouth caused an upset beating Devonport Services at the Rec 12-8. Mark Lea and AJ Geach scored tries with Justyn Irons kicking a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels beat Crediton 28-18 at the Molesworth Field. Tries were scored by Adam Blackmore James Grubb and Jack Scott with Danny Thomas kicking the other points.

Truro drew at 31-all at Paignton having trailed 20-0 at one stage. Truro’s tries came through Luke Tidball, Ian Rowe, James Martin, Alex Sutheridge and Sam Teasdale with Eggy Williams landing three conversions.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn stay top for the moment after their 59-3 win at home to Lanner. The Borough scored nine tries with Viv Wilmott and Andy Seviour both getting two.

Saltash defeated Withycombe 41-27 in a game that also counted for the RFU Senior Vase.

Pirates Amateurs lost at home to Honiton 31-21 as did Hayle at Plymouth Argaum 33-16, however Bude won 29-10 at Plymstock.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe look modds on for the title after winning 26-8 at Newquay Hornets. Bodmin defeated Illogan Park 63-5, St. Agnes won at Roseland 29-26 and Camborne School of Mines warmed up for the Bottle Match defeating Veor 42-30 on their old ground in Camborne.

The following ladies have been picked for the Cornwall Ladies squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup County Championship.

Squad: Zeta Penrose, Jess Howell, Oriel Brazier, Claire Matthews, Steph Trapp, Ro Gomez, Jess Humber, Claire Thompson, Imogen Miller, Martha Simons (all Penryn Ladies), Hannah Pickard, Lydia Furse, Rachel Shakleton, Nicole Rowland, Frankie Perry, Emma Stefanottie, Claire Onions (all Bude Ladies), Jo Holden, Alex Smith, Verity Waters, Helen Mitchell, Chloe Dawe (all Albion Ladies), Megan Belts, Cozette Shrosbree (both Pirates Girls & Ladies), Louise Snelson (St. Austell Angels).

Also during the week Camborne’s Michella Roberts, now playing her rugby at Bristol Ladies, played for the England Ladies Under 20s against the Army coming off the bench to score their final try in a 44-0 win.

Good luck to Michella for the forthcoming games against France Ladies Under 20s in Lille and Basingstoke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall name side to face Hampshire this Sunday

Noah Nash of Cornwall U20s (Brixham) dives over for a try during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Jason Leonard U20 County Championship

Cornwall U20 V Hampshire U20

The Cornwall U20 team play their second pool game on Sunday 25th February at St Austell RFC with a 13:00 kick off time.

Cornwall’s opponents on the day will be Hampshire who, like Cornwall, won their first pool game by defeating Dorset & Wilts 24 – 7.

Cornwall had a difficult first game travelling to the Forest of Dean to play a strong Gloucestershire team. Cornwall secured a four try bonus point win by defeating Gloucestershire 15 – 24 at Cinderford RFC on Sunday 11th February. Kyle Gratrix (Penryn) scoring two tries, with Noah Nash (Brixham) and Jake Penprase (Bath Uni) scoring one try each.

The Cornwall team is selected from players who were born after 31 August 1998, were born or reside in Cornwall, or are registered as a player with a Cornish club.

The squad of over fifty players have been training since the start of the year and are coached by Matt Shepherd and Josh Lord, both of whom have played senior rugby for Cornwall and are RFU qualified coaches. The squad consists of 18, 19 and 20 year old players and forms part of the CRFU’s progression and development of young players.

The CRFU, and U20 section would like to thank everybody from St Austell RFC for their work in putting on the fixture, along with our kit suppliers O’Neills, shirt sponsor Kelsall Steele Investment Services Ltd and programme sponsors Booths Print.

The gates open at St Austell on the 25th February at 1200. Entry will cost £5, including a match programme, with accompanied U16’s having free entry. Please come along and support the young “Black and Golds” in the potential pool decider.

Some background information to the Cornwall changes:

Jack Osborne had got a job overseas so Dan Reed (Wadebridge Camels) comes into start at second row. Ethan Tyler (Penryn) moves from the bench to start at full-back, with Callum Boyce (St. Austell) dropping to the bench to cover scrum half and full back with Liam Jolly (St. Ives) dropping out of the squad. Kyle Bradley (Penryn) comes onto the bench in place of Tom Osborne (Swansea Uni), Jack Hodge (Redruth) picked up a knock against Henley and has been rested for this game.

Cornwall Squad

1 Rikki Bentham Launceston RC
2 Luke Barnes Camborne RFC
3 Kyle Gratrix Penryn RFC
4 Dan Goldsmith Launceston RC
5 Dan Reed Wadebridge Camels RFC
6 Tiaan Clark Camborne RFC
7 Will Gibson Cardiff Uni
8 Torin Clark (Captain) Launceston RC
9 Noah Nash Brixham RFC
10 Reuben Edwards Launceston RC
11 Jake Carr St Austell RFC
12 Declan Matthews Camborne RFC
13 Connor Gilbert Redruth RFC
14 Jake Penprase Bath Uni
15 Ethan Tyler Penryn RFC
Replacements
16 Harry Lightfoot Launceston RC
17 Chae Jenkins Launceston RC
18 Rory Cinnamond Launceston RC
19 Brandon Rowley Launceston RC
20 Dan Hubble Falmouth RFC
21 Callum Boyce St Austell RFC
22 Kyle Bradley Penryn RFC
Travelling reserves
23 Aden Brassington Redruth RFC
24 Noah Stanier-Smith St Agnes RFC
25 Tom Osborne Swansea Uni
26 Seb Firth Falmouth RFC

 

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Dr John Garman, Peter Berriman, Sam West, Emma Eddy

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Travel note: Tregorrick Park – PL26 7AG – Please avoid approaching the ground via Pentewan Road and Tregorrick Village as it can cause congestion. Please use Porthpean Road access route if possible.

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


Reds pick up win on the road, whilst Camels earn Cup final place

Photo Simon Bryant Iktis: Richie Kevern in fine form for Reds

Slightly late with the blog this week, which is better than none the previous week! I must be slipping.

Sadly the rain again got the better of the Mennaye enforcing a postponement of Pirates’ game against Yorkshire Carnegie. This has now been re-scheduled for Sunday Feb 25th.

In National League 2 South, were there was a full program, Redruth got a bonus point win at Clifton 26-6. Richard Brown, Todd Prisk, Richie Kevern and Shaun Buzza got the tries, whilst the ever-improving Kevern added three conversions.

A fine win to back the success at home the previous week against Canterbury. Reds are home this week to Henley Hawks.

It was catch up otherwise in the leagues, in Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell returned to Torquay to play their abandoned game from three weeks ago. It proved another tight encounter but Saints prevailed 10-7 thanks to a try from Ian Venner converted by Liam Freeman who also kicked a penalty.

Truro got a vital win at Falmouth, despite having four yellow cards and playing with just thirteen men at one stage.

Ben Teasdale got a couple of tries for the Goats on his return with Ethan Pattison getting the third whilst a penalty-try accounted for the other. Eggy Williams banged over three conversions.

For the Eagles, Tom Simmons and Mike Austin scored tries both converted by Justyn Irons.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Lanner defeated Wessex 30-20. The Falcons tries were scored by Rob Kessell (2), Adam Harris and Steve Jones with Nick Prout kicking the other ten points.

Saltash’s league/vase game against Withycombe was called off and will be played this Saturday, whilst the Mennaye also scuppered Pirates Amateurs v Wellington.

There was a full program in Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe defeated Bodmin 23-0 to stay top, this Saturday they face nearest rivals Newquay Hornets at the Sportscentre.

Helston remain unbeaten in Tribute Cornwall League 2 following their 36-0 win at home against St. Just.

In the Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-final, Wadebridge Camels defeated Launceston 22-13. Camels scored four tries through Matt Ballard, James Grubb, Will Pengelly and Matt Humber, with Danny Thomas kicking a conversion.

For the All Blacks, Zac Cinnamond scored a try converted by Dan Pearce who also kicked two penalties.

Camels will play the winners of St. Austell v St. Ives in the final.

Well done to Cornwall Under 20s on their fine win 24-15 at Cinderford. Any win away to Gloucestershire is to be savoured. See previous blog post for report on game.

Hopefully there will be a big crowd at St. Austell for their second game against Hampshire on Sunday 25th Feb, kick-off 1 pm.

Well done to all the ladies who played for Cornwall on Sunday at Newton Abbot.

Last Monday saw the Cornwall squad come together for their greet and meet session at St. Austell Brewery. As ever some new faces in the potential squad. The plotting for Twickenham is underway.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Winning start for Cornwall Under 20s

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP POOL D

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 15 -24 CORNWALL

Cornwall got their campaign off to a great start with a gutsy win at Cinderford against a tough Gloucestershire outfit.

The black and golds got off to a perfect start with an early unconverted try from Penryn tight-head prop Kyle Gatrix.

 

Kyle Gatrix of Cornwall U20s (Penryn) takes on Carl Guest of Gloucestershire U20s (Drybrook) during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Gloucestershire’s response arrived with a try scored by lock Chris McCann and a Ben Cole penalty to lead 8-5 after 20 minutes.

Cornwall’s defence was outstanding during the whole game and they took the game by the scruff of the neck just before half-time with a couple of tries through Brixham scrum-half Noah Nash and Camborne flanker Tiann Clark, both scores were converted by Launceston fly-half Reuben Edwards for a 19-8 advantage.

 

Noah Nash of Cornwall U20s (Brixham) dives over for a try during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall worked hard during the second half to protect their advantage but eventually Gloucestershire reduced their arrears when winger Ben McIlwraith sped in, with Cole adding the conversion.

Cornwall battled away bravely to protect their four point advantage and were rewarded late on when Gratrix powered over for his second try of the game to give Cornwall the bonus point win.

Next up for Cornwall will be a tough encounter with Hampshire, who won their opening fixture against Dorset & Wilts 24-7 at Overton, the match takes place at St. Austell on Sunday 25th February with a 1 pm kick-off.

Cornwall: C Boyce (St. Austell), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Penprase, C Gilbert (Redruth), M Blee (Camborne), R Edwards (Launceston), N Nash (Brixham); R Bentham (Launceston), L Barnes (Camborne), K Gratrix (Penryn), D Goldsmith (Launceston), J Osborne, T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Uni), T Clark (Launceston, Capt).

Replacements: H Lightfoot, C Jenkins (both Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), D Reed (Wadebridge Camels), D Matthews (Camborne), L Jolly (St. Ives), J Carr (St. Austell), E Tyler (Penryn)

Posted in Bill's Blog


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