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

Cornish Pirates Sam Matavesi has been called up by Fiji for their autumn tour in Europe.

The Fijians have a tough program with tests against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 10th, Uruguay at Hartpury on November 17th and finally France in the stade de France on November 24th.

Sam, who’s home club is very much Camborne, has had previous caps for Fiji.

Photo: Simon Bryant- Sam scores for Cornwall against Hertfordshire

Photo: Kyle Moyle dives in for a spectacular try

Cornish Pirates 36   Nottingham Rugby 28

By Phil Westren

Playing this Greene King IPA Championship Round 6 fixture conditions, the Cornish Pirates impressed mightily in acquiring a 36-0 lead with just 37 minutes on the clock. Amazingly, they did not score again, however it was ultimately enough to secure yet another bonus point win to keep them top of the league table, with considerable credit also due the visitors for their response to get back into the match.

The Pirates were rightly expecting another tough challenge against potentially very difficult opponents, remembering that they lost twice to Nottingham Rugby last season, 34-31 at home and 18-17 away.

Robin Wedlake, who at the end of Round 5 was comfortably the top try-scorer in the present Championship campaign, had picked up a slight injury, so Alex O’Meara filled the right-wing berth. The one other change in the backs from the selection that started away against Ealing Trailfinders the previous weekend saw a return on the left wing for Canadian international Matt Evans. As for the forwards, Number 8 Tom Duncan and hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie returned from injury, the latter making his first appearance of the season.

Listed among the replacements were prop Jack Owlett, recently announced as dual-registered with Exeter Chiefs, and Dan Koster who was another player making a welcome return from injury.

On a fine autumn’s afternoon, flanker Josh Caulfield led the team out for his 50^th appearance for the club and the Cornish Pirates were quick to get on the scoresheet. Duncan burrowed over for a try at the Penzance posts and fellow returnee Cowan-Dickie then crossed for a second. Fly-half Will Cargill converted both.

It was a terrific start by the home side, but one that would get even better with a flash of running brilliance from a roaming O’Meara, who also showed strength to score a converted try wide on the left.

Incredibly, the prospect of a bonus point-providing fourth try was already in sight and, after Nottingham had briefly threatened, Pirates’ full-back Kyle Moyle was the man to deliver. Receiving possession near to his own line, with just 18 minutes on the clock he ran nearly the length of the field for a score that made it 26-0. Okay, the Pirates have been playing well this season, but this still seemed somewhat unreal.

A penalty kicked by Cargill extended the lead before the Pirates powerful pack, with six of their number Cornish-bred, built phases to register a fifth try, this time scored by skipper Brett Beukeboom. Cargill converted on the previously mentioned 37 minutes mark, for what did indeed prove to be the Pirates last points in the game.

Nottingham, skippered by scrum-half Murray McConnell, must have wondered what had hit them, so a fine try scored by flanker Jordan Coghlan and converted right on half-time by fly-half Shane O’Leary, at least provided some encouragement.

Into the second half and it was the ‘Green & Whites’ who scored again in the 51^st minute, USA international lock Cameron Dolan celebrating a try on his debut and O’Leary converting.

Could the Pirates reassert themselves? The answer on this day would be no. Two more converted tries for the visitors scored by wing Billy Robinson and centre Will Millett not only earned Nottingham a deserved bonus point, but also led to a tense finish.

The Pirates, thankfully, held on. Yes, they had perhaps taken their foot off the pedal and perhaps also their flow had been broken by changes. However, a win was again theirs, and they still sit top of the table.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Rory Parata (Dan Koster 61), 12 Callum Patterson, 11 Matt Evans, 10 Will Cargill (Harvey Skinner 51), 9 Alex Day (Jake Ashby 63); 1 Jack Andrew (Billy Keast h/t), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (Sam Matavesi h/t), 3 Tyler Gendall (Jack Owlett h/t, Tyler Gendall 43, Jack Owlett 52), 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Brett Beukeboom (captain, Danny Cutmore 51), 6 Josh Caulfield, 7 John Stevens, 8 Tom Duncan.

Nottingham Rugby:   15 Sean Scanlon, 14 David Williams (Jack Spittle 56), 13 Will Millett, 12 Geared Lyons, 11 Billy Robinson, 10 Shane O’Leary, 9 Murray McConnell (captain, Darryl Veenendaal 50); 1 Aniseko Sio, 2 Jake Farnworth, 3. Mike Daniels (Oisin Heffernan 26), 4 Cameron Dolan, 5 Danny Qualter, 6 Shane Buckley, 7 Jordan Coghlan, 8. Josh Poullet (George Cox 52).

Replacements (not used): Luke Cole, Jamie Jack, Ben Davies-Moore.

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – tries: Duncan, Cowan-Dickie, O’Meara, Moyle, Beukeboom; cons: Cargill (4); pen: Cargill.

Nottingham Rugby – tries: Coghlan, Dolan, Robinson, Millett; cons: O’Leary (4).

Referee:   Sara Cox (RFU)

Attendance:   1639

St. Austell Brewery’s Man-of-the-Match:   John Stevens

In National League 2 South, Redruth renewed rivalries with Birmingham & Solihull chalking up a third win on the road already for this season 25-22.

The Reds had to battle hard for the win withstanding a final onslaught from the home side before the final whistle sounded.

Tries for Redruth were scored by flankers Sam Stevens and Mark Grubb, with centre Jack Simmons score sandwiched between the backrowers efforts.

Full back Aaron Simmonds, who continues to impress with each outing kicked two conversions and a couple of penalties.

The result sees Redruth move up to third place in the league ahead of Saturday’s home game against Canterbury (3pm).

In the South West Premier league, Camborne’s lengthy injury list finally caught up with them as they were mercilessly exposed by league leaders Bournemouth 65-7.

The game was wrapped up for the visitors by half-time, the only good thing to take away from the game was replacement Phil Hinchley’s try converted by Dave Mankee.

A week’s rest to help the injury crises couldn’t have come too soon.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston return to the top of the table following their 33-21 win at Polson Bridge against Teignmouth and Okehampton’s loss at Newent.

Brandon Rowley, Ryan Westren, Martin Kneebone (2) and Shaun Crawford all crossed for tries with Glenn Coles kicking four conversions.

St. Ives bounced back from their defeat last week to Launceston with a fine 34-30 win at Lydney. Despite being slightly depleted in numbers with just two players on the bench, the Hakes put in a tremendous performance with tries from Sam Bartle, Tom Nicholas (2) and Tug Wilson with Dan Magee kicking the rest of the points.

In London 1 South, London Cornish slipped to a narrow 12-9 defeat at home to Camberley. Skipper George Kimmins kicked their three penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, the big game was at Tregorrick Park as St. Austell entertained Truro. The Saints ran out winners by 31-7.

Ben Chenoweth, George Tregilgas, Rob Jeffs, Chris Ashwin scored tries plus the referee awarded a penalty try for St. Austell. Ashwin also kicked two conversions.

For Truro, Luke Tidball crossed with Davy adding the extras.

Falmouth drew 22 – all with Crediton at the Recreation Ground. Matt Horton, Jon Baglow, Mike Austin and Callum Perry scored tries for the Eagles with Austin adding a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels travelled to leaders Sidmouth but came away empty-handed losing 39-20.

Owen Wilson, Matt Ballard and Charlie Cotton scored tries for the Camels with Danny Thomas kicking a penalty and conversion.

Saltash lost for the sixth time this time at home to Wellington 26-6, Kieran Down with both penalties early in the game for a 6-0 lead.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn continue their march up the table with a powerful 73-14 win against Lanner.  Chris Hellier bagged a brace of tries with Kirky Oldfield, Ross Hancock, Viv Wilmot, Grant Randlesome, John Followell, Ben Trevaskis, George Jones and Paul Sabberton all crossing. Tomas Townsend kicked nine conversions.

Bude had a good win at home to Honiton 38-24. Angus Hodges (2), Kyle Speare, Olly Mounce, Matt Williams scored tries with a penalty-try thrown in for good measure. Olly Denford banged over three conversions.

Pirates Amateurs slipped to defeat at the Mennaye against Torquay Athletic 24-15. John Tyler and Charlie Goldsworthy scored tries for the home side with Steve Evans kicking a conversion and a penalty.

The battle of the Lions went the way of Liskeard-Looe who defeated Hayle 32-5.

This weekend coming there are no league fixtures below National League 2 South, apart from Lanner v Honiton in the Cornwall & Devon League as it’s the Cornwall Cup 1st round.

As the two long time partners in the Stadium for Cornwall project we would like to update all interested parties on the current situation.

Primarily the progress on the site development is on track with the recently completed site investigation revealing no surprises and in fact the ground conditions are better than expected so there will be no extra foundation works such as piling to support the west stand. Obviously, that means budgeted costs for earthworks below ground will not be exceeded.

In the meantime, we have interviewed potential local consultants to undertake the final construction design and contractual drawings for Civil works, M& E design as well as quantity surveying consultants. Appointments will follow shortly.

We hope to have all key tender documents including contract drawings and Bills of Quantities ready by December when we will go out to tender to approved pre – qualified local contractors.

The final legalities in connection with the land handover are at a very advanced stage and we are looking to have ownership of the site from the original developer by the end of October.

The private sector finances are in place from the two key partners (Cornish Pirates/ Truro & Penwith College) who can confirm that £6 million is available going forward.

Originally this was due to be £4 million (£2 million each) but over the last few weeks there has been doubt raised about the other £2 million coming through Helical to Truro City FC and onto the stadium.

Consequently, the original two partners have made arrangements to increase their contribution by at least £2 million to cover any possible shortfall arising from delays/ non-performance of Helical in assisting TCFC with their promised contribution. We will obviously accommodate TCFC to play at the Stadium when it is completed.

Should the money actually come through then that will be very helpful, but the project success is not dependent on this money at any stage. This is important as we need to keep to the programme of works.

In addition the contribution from the Government is due to be confirmed in the budget and we are liaising with the powers that be and supplying all information required by them.

In summary, therefore, we are fully on track to get the stadium funded and built as per programme by April 2020.

THE STADIUM PARTNERS (Cornish Pirates and Truro & Penwith College)

What is the future of County Representative Rugby?

As of the last week of September 2018 there were still no signs of fixtures and dates forthcoming from RFU competition managers despite several assurances they are on the way. This has been rectified in the first week of October.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union Management Board is most concerned about the management by the RFU towards the Bill Beaumont, Jason Leonard and Gill Burns County Championship seasons for players not in the professional game.

The lack of communication with Counties, that have placed great trust in the RFU, has not been reciprocated to the point where CRFU Management Board, clubs and players are uncertain of the future of the Championship and whether they can commit to the annual planning and organising that is required to remain in the top tier of Senior XV and U20 rugby and aspirations of playing in the top tier of the women’s game.

Locally there is concern that the apparent disregard by the RFU towards the County game is indicative that the traditional County Season is of little or no worth to the RFU and is therefore to be allowed to become redundant and lost to the traditions of our game.

Perhaps it is the RFU’s indifference to the amateur game, that appears to be the case, which is affecting the number of adult players and youth players that remain active within the game and the aspirations of players to play at Twickenham or represent their county is diminishing.

Eddie Jones at a recent Q&A evening at Twickenham was of the opinion that the ‘grassroots’ participation in our country is the best in the world. Clearly the legacy of the present RFU regime may not be able to make that claim in years to come unless the County Representative structure is maintained or boosted to retain the level of participation and interest that has been traditional.

In the week when the future of U15 and U16 County Representative Rugby has been put in doubt, as a very comprehensive document clearly pointed out that Developing Player Program (DPP) rugby is considered a more secure route for the RFU and professional academies to develop players. It appears more apparent that the abandonment of structured county competition and development rugby for amateur players beyond their clubs is inevitable.

To this end it is high time that the RFU presents a coherent response to the counties about future plans for this level of the game. Having been one of the counties considered to be fortunate to keep the three highly appreciated Rugby Development Officers there are signs that we have not been completely cut adrift. But what is their future if we are not to provide an aspirational and development structure for our players?

As the first month of the season draws to a close it is hoped that in October a positive response from RFU competition managers would be most helpful as would a positive response from the RFU about the future of the County game.

The CRFU Management Board has always been committed to the Championships and will continue to do so developing players who have the aspiration and desire to play for their county and proudly wear the black and gold.

Cornwall representative rugby u16 and u15 season  

Planning for the present u16 and u15 Cornish players is underway following the success of last season’s Cornwall representative youth rugby.

Fixtures against Devon, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset and Wilts provide opportunities for the best young players in our county to develop their skills and test themselves against the best in the South West.

During January through to March there are County training sessions and team organisation sessions on Friday nights followed by games on Sundays. Players aspiring to play for Cornwall and wear the ‘black and gold’ are invited along to the training sessions. Schools, clubs and Developing Player Program sessions identify players for selection. Last year there were plenty of players identified at county standard so that Cornwall were able to select sixty boys and field three teams at each age group on match days to travel to superb venues to show the strength of Cornish youth rugby.

The CRFU Management Board is committed to the future of youth rugby in Cornwall. Dave Saunter, Chair of Youth Rugby, is often proud of the players achievements. He states, ‘For some boys this is the pinnacle of their young rugby playing development. For other boys this is the launch of their rugby journey as many Cornish players have gone on and are established at Premier, Championship or National League level.’ He further added, ‘whatever level a player achieves the most important factor is that the local players enjoy their game and stay in the game and are proud to represent their county.’

‘Playing for Cornwall is an honour and selection at 15 or 16 years old is a marvellous moment for players, their families and their club and school’, says CRFU Chairman, Denis Preece. ‘It is a tradition that must continue as our young players go on to play for Cornwall u17s and u18s with many going on to play for the u20s and the Senior XV’.

‘Player identification is ongoing’, says Cornwall DPP Manager Richard Siveter.  ‘The first training session for u16s is Friday 4^th January and for u15s is Friday 1^st March. Players, Schools and Clubs who feel they may have been overlooked should contact me as we do not wish to miss any developing young player’.

The outlook for Cornwall and it’s development of young rugby players continues to look good.

CRFU Development Squad training commences

Chairman of Selectors Terry Carter has met with Cornwall RFU Selectors and Coaches ahead of the first training session at Perranporth RFC on Wednesday 10^th October.

Having cast their net far and wide, attending many grounds and games, the selectors have contacted a wider squad of 48 players ahead of the warm up game scheduled for November and then the Tamar cup and Championship season in the new year.

Photo: Chris Fuca Cornwall Team Manager

Team Manager, Chris Fuca, has been busy working alongside the selectors and coaches to ensure that everything is in place for Cornwall’s players to wear the black and gold and produce the results that ensure pride and honour in our games.

RFU Competitions Managers were expected to release the fixtures and dates to coincide with the training session at Perranporth and this will provide a focus for all concerned with the anticipated away fixtures with Kent and near neighbours across the Tamar, Devon. The one expected home fixture is at home to Hertfordshire. However whatever the actual fixtures and dates are, Coaches, Selectors and Players will be setting out to produce a winning Representative Rugby season.

Club coaches are welcome to come along to the touchline to see the training session which will be underway at 7.30pm.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Bill Beaumont Cup Fixtures 2019

Saturday 4th May KENT V CORNWALL

Saturday 11th May CORNWALL V HERTFORDSHIRE

Saturday 18th May DEVON V CORNWALL

Sunday 2nd June FINAL

Venues and kick-off time to be confirmed.

Photo : Dan Barbary – Ben Fox wins the lineout

REDRUTH 50 – 36 CLIFTON

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground.

Redruth took the spoils in a fourteen try thriller at a sunny Recreation Ground outscoring their opponents by eight tries to six.

It was just the performance the Redruth faithful were looking for following the big defeat at Worthing two weeks ago and the narrow win in Guernsey last Saturday.

Head coach Pale Nonu was pleased to get a big win under his belt. He said. “We expected a tough game, Clifton have got a strong physical pack, we adjusted our tactics after the opening period of play, we didn’t panic, we trusted our systems and worked our way back into it scoring some quality tries to end up worthy winners.”

Prior to kick-off Redruth were presented with their certificate for achieving RFU club accreditation by Cornwall RFU Chairman Denis Preece. This will enable the club to open up new avenues of grant funding.

Clifton made the better start playing down the slope with their big pack racing to a 17-5 lead after 15 minutes, thanks to tries from Mitch Spencer, Chris Rovery and David Hill, with Brad Barnes adding a conversion to an unconverted try for Redruth scored by wing Brad Janes.

Redruth were undaunted drawing level with two quick-fire scores from winger Shea Cornish, who scored the try of the game following a dazzling run that took him through the Clifton side from half-way to dot down at the posts, and then scrum-half Jack Oulton with his opener from distance made from a pass flipped up given by centre Jack Simmons, fly-half Richie Kevern adding the first of his four conversions.

Before half-time Redruth scored a further three tries through full-back Aaron Simmonds, off a long pass from Kevern, flanker Mark Grubb, following good work from fellow back rower Ben Fox, and Oulton, completing his brace, to turnaround 36-17 up at half-time.

The second half was barely a minute old when centre Connor Gilbert made a good break from half-way spinning out of a tackle to run hard into Hellfire corner and score Redruth’s seventh try of the afternoon to huge cheers.

There followed tit-for-tat scores as Alex Giltrow and Sam Stevens, set up from a powerful maul by the home pack, crossing for their respective sides, Simmonds adding the extras to Stevens’ try.

Redruth brought on prop Tom Concu and hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie, both on loan from the Cornish Pirates for this game, to freshen up the pack for the finale.

With the result in the bag Redruth relaxed allowing Clifton to claim two late tries from Ben Halpin and Aex Lambert, it mattered not as  the dye was already cast allowing  Redruth to record a fourth win from five starts to confirm their good start to the season.

The Reds are back on the road this Saturday with a visit to Birmingham with 2:30 pm kick-off.

Redruth: A Simmonds, B Janes, J Simmons (S Cornish 75), C Gilbert, S Cornish (T Notman 62), R Kevern (J Tucker 46), J Oulton; J Hodge, R Brown (Capt) (T Cowan-Dickie 51), C Williams (T Concu 51), L Hattam (B Howe 56), T Prisk, M Grubb, S Stevens, B Fox.

Redruth scores: Tries, Janes, Cornish, Oulton (2), Simmonds, Grubb, Gilbert, Stevens, Cons, Kevern (4), Simmonds.

Yellow Card: Concu (75)

Clifton: T Francis, B Halpin, S Harrison, H Campbell, A Lambert, B Barnes, M Spencer (D Openshaw 34); C Simpson, D Wheeler (B Edwards 20), A Giltrow (M Roberts 49), H Harper, David Hill, A Chesters (C Rovery 29), C Rovery (B Sullivan 23), Daniel Hill (S Taylor 56).

Clifton scores: Tries, Spencer, Rovery, David Hill, Giltrow, Halpin, Lambert, Cons Barnes (3)

Yellow Card: Harrison (33)

Referee: Andrew Wigley (RFU)

Crowd: 645

Redruth man-of-the-match: Jack Oulton. A sparkling performance from the scrum-half, a constant thorn in Clifton’s side all afternoon, took his tries well

Ealing Trailfinders 41   Cornish Pirates 35

Report by Phil Westren, photos Brian Tempest

It was stated pre-match that this 2^nd versus 1^st Round 5 Greene King IPA Championship encounter would be a measuring stick for the Cornish Pirates and to a degree it was. Yes, there were problems at the set-piece, but the way the team fought back to acquire two bonus points was admirable. In the process they also stay top of the league table.

Changes in the Cornish Pirates starting XV from the one that faced Richmond the previous week saw Josh Caulfield selected at blind-side flanker, with Matt Bolwell moving to Number 8, whilst alongside them in the back-row John Stevens was making his 50^th appearance for the club. One other change was in the front-row, where Jack Andrew returned to the starting line-up at loose-head prop.

On a perfect late September’s afternoon the home side opened the scoring in just the seventh minute. Fly-half Craig Willis measured his cross-kick to the right and lanky centre Guy Armitage used height advantage to gather and make the touchdown. Willis added the extra two points.

Problems faced at scrum time led to the Pirates giving penalties away. However, after the Trailfinders missed touch it gave an opportunity for full-back Kyle Moyle to counter, the momentum providing a position from where Caulfield scored an unconverted try.

The Pirates were back on track but with better still to come. Centre Callum Patterson used initial power midfield for the ball to then find wing Robin Wedlake (pictured above). Having scored five tries in the previous two games could he make it six in his first Championship season? The answer – yes, a mix of strength and pace seeing him run clear to the line. The conversion again missed

Ealing Trailfinders lost the services through injury of full-back David Johnston, his departure enabling former ‘Pirate’ Laurence May to enter the fray earlier than expected as a replacement.

The Pirates attacked strongly in search of a third try when a knock-on suddenly enabled their hosts to counter attack with vengeance. USA international flanker Andrew Durutalo led the charge upfield and ball moved right it was wing Seb Stegmann who scored.

A well-struck Cargill penalty nudged the Pirates back in front but things were about to go downhill for the visitors in time remaining before the break. The impressive Willis, a former Newcastle ‘Falcon’ and one of many new faces at Vallis Way, ran cleverly for a try that he also converted, and the Pirates then lost the services of prop Tyler Gendall to the sin bin. To make matters worse Willis also added the extras to a second try scored by Stegmann.

To go in at half-time 26-13 down was naturally disappointing for the Pirates but considering their problems at the scrum and in general giving too many penalties away, plus going a man down, it was no surprise.

A second try for Armitage at the start of the second half was quickly followed by a second penalty for the Pirates kicked by Cargill, and then a converted Durutalo try that surely put the result beyond doubt.

Even after Durutalo was soon after sin-binned there was no advantage to the Pirates, as a penalty from Willis made it 41-16.

The Pirates were in danger of staring at a really hefty defeat, so now really was the time to show accustomed character. They did. A fine pass from replacement Harvey Skinner saw Moyle latch onto it at pace to score a try to the right of the posts that Skinner converted.

Fresh legs were making an impact, including among them back-rower James McRae, with thoughts now focused on perhaps securing a bonus-point-providing fourth try.

In time remaining, the Pirates would go one better with two more tries scored by Wedlake. If his second, right near the end, could be converted, then a second bonus point was the prize. The kick to be taken was anything but easy, so credit to Skinner for slotting it so well. Suddenly, the final result gave considerable satisfaction – it almost felt like victory.

Commenting after the game, Cornish Pirates co-coach Alan Paver said. “The first hour was frustrating and our set-piece was disappointing, which we will be giving attention to, however we are an 80 minutes team – 90 minutes team if need be – and we again showed good resilience at the end.

“After the whole momentum of the game went away from us I am absolutely delighted with the character we showed to get back into the match.

“The guys looked at each other and said to themselves we have to dig in here and find a way, and with the bench then bringing a different type of energy they lit the game up a little bit and to get two points from the match is not to be sniffed at and we’ll take as a plus.”.

Ealing Trailfinders:   15 David Johnston (22 Laurence May, 22), 14 Seb Stegmann, 13 Guy Armitage, 12 Pat Howard, 11 James Cordy-Redden, 10 Craig Willis, 9 Luke Carter (21 Jordan Burns, 62); 1 Jack O’Connell (17 Jake Ellwood, 70), 2 Alun Walker (16 Matt Cornish 46), 3 Elliot Millar-Mills (18 Ben Betts 62), 4 Ben Landry, 5 Tom Denton (19 Ben West, 39), 6 Jordy Reid, 7 Andrew Durutalo (20 Ollie Stedman, 77), 8 Rayn Smid (captain).

Yellow card: Andrew Durutalo (52-62).

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Robin Wedlake, 13 Rory Parata (22 Alex O’Meara, 54), 12 Callum Patterson, 11 Harry Strong, 10 Will Cargill (21 Harvey Skinner, 54), 9 Alex Day (20 Jake Ashby, 70); 1 Jack Andrew, 2 Sam Matavesi (16 Dan Frost, 59), 3 Tyler Gendall (17 Billy Keast 54), 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Brett Beukeboom (captain-18 Danny Cutmore, 59), 6 Josh Caulfield, 7 John Stevens (blood-19 James McRae, 34-40) 8 Matt Bolwell (19 James McRae 54).

Yellow card:   Tyler Gendall (39-49).

Scorers: Ealing Trailfinders – tries: 13 Guy Armitage (07, 41), 14 Seb Stegman (31,40), 10 Craig Willis (37), 7 Andrew Durutalo (47); cons: 10 Craig Willis (8, 38, 40, 48); pen: 10 Craig Willis (57).

Cornish Pirates – tries: 6 Josh Caulfield (18), 14 Robin Wedlake (21, 67, 80), 15 Kyle Moyle (60); cons:21 Harvey Skinner (61, 80); pens: 10 Will Cargill (34, 43).

Referee:   John Meredith (RFU)

TRELAWNY’S ARMY ANNOUNCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Trelawny’s Army members have voted Cornwall captain Jake Murphy as their 2018 Cornwall Player of the Year.

Centre Murphy played in all of Cornwall’s senior fixtures last season captaining the side in what proved to be a turbulent Bill Beaumont Cup campaign.

Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) presented the Tamar Cup by Devon RFU President Treve Mitchell and Cornwall RFU Chairman Denis Preece during the Tamar Cup match between Cornwall and Devon at the Tregorrick Park on April 16th 2018, St Austell Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Murphy who is still playing his club rugby at Barnstaple this season, having previously played for many seasons at Launceston, will be presented with the Bill Osborne Memorial Shield at the club’s A.G.M. at St. Austell Brewery on Wednesday 26^th September.

The award for the Cornwall Under 20 Player of the Year went to Launceston’s No.8 Torin Clarke who led the Cornwall Under 20s to the Jason Leonard Cup final at Twickenham last season were they lost the final to Yorkshire.

Trelawny’s Army Hon Sec Ian Gordon presents Torin Clark Captain of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) with a traveling expenses contribution for the 13 players attending the South West Trials during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Clarke was also unlucky to suffer an injury during the trials for an England Counties Under 20 berth for the summer’s tour in June.

Clarke, who came through the youth system at St. Austell RFC, will be presented with the Tony Mead Memorial Shield the same evening.

Congratulations to both our winners.

The meeting is open to all members and commences at 7:45 pm. Pasties will be available.