JASON LEONARD CUP
UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUARTER-FINAL
CORNWALL 18 – 8 KENT
By Bill Hooper at Tregorrick Park
In difficult conditions Cornwall wore down a spirited Kent side to earn a semi-final spot in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup.
Despite a few changes to the side from the previous week due to injuries and unavailability the Cornish lads put up a solid performance, notably when having to defend, constantly putting their bodies on the line.
Jack Hodge of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) powers his way over for a try – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –
With driving rain coming in just before kick-off Cornwall played with the wind first half.
Despite good early territory Cornwall were a little too eager at times falling foul of referee Zerran Bell’s whistle.
Kent got into the game and surprised Cornwall with a well-worked opening try scored by their wing Jordan Thomas with a blind side move. Despite a good attempt by fly-half Sam Evans the try remained unconverted.
There were a couple of good runs from Cornwall’s fly-half James Tucker but sadly the support was a little slow arriving at times.
Flankers Will Gibson and Tian Clark combined well and looked threatening as did skipper Torin Clarke who led by example throughout.
Cornwall made a couple of changes after 24 minutes with both Jack Hodge at prop and Noah Nash scrum-half coming on.
Hodge’s presence was soon felt as he got stuck in at scrum time.
James Tucker of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) slips the tackle from Alfie Orris of Kent U20s (Medway) Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –
Cornwall earned a penalty, which Tucker kicked to the corner from the catch and drive Cornwall drove for the Kent line after a couple of phases Hodge barged over for an unconverted try.
Cornwall struck twice just before half-time. Tucker kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to put the black and golds into the lead for the first time in the game. Tucker then converted his own try, that came about after a powerful break from tight-head prop Ollie Andrews from just inside the Kent half, the Falmouth player almost made the line himself but was hauled down under the posts just short, the ball was moved wide for Tucker to dot down for a 15-5 half-time lead.
In the worsening conditions Cornwall’s backs found it increasingly difficult as the pitch cut up, centres Connor Gilbert and Jake Penprase worked hard to create an opening but the Kent defence was tight.
The line out proved to be a lottery for both sides. Kent cut the deficit early in the second half when Evans kicked a penalty but that was as good as it was to get for the visitors.
Brandon Rowley of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) is tackled by Sam Evans of Kent U20s (Blackheath) and Thomas Petty of Kent U20s (Old Elthamians)- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo
Cornwall’s only points of the half came from a Tucker penalty after 61 minutes following a powerful Cornish scrum that shoved the Kent pack backwards at a rate of knots leaving their giant replacement prop Thomas Little, who’d proved a handful, crumpled on the ground.
Kent tried to salvage a score but the clock was against them and the Cornish were in no mood to yield.
The final whistle saw the Cornish lads leaping in the air and the Tregorrick crowd cheering them to the rafters.
After the game Cornwall coach Josh Lord was delighted with his side’s performance. He said. “I am really delighted they all put in a fantastic performance today. We ground out a victory in difficult conditions.
Lord also had huge praise for the players that had come in today. “Every player who took the field was fantastic today. The squad works, trains and plays together and that ethos showed today.
Jack Hodge of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) celebrates with Torin Clarke Captain of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) at the final whistle – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –
There are always things to work on and Lord thought that his side had been a little to eager at times. “Especially during the first half we tried to force it a little too early when we need more control. We had a chat at half-time and I feel the boys controlled the game far better in the second forty.
Josh was also pleased with the way his side defended when called to do so. “Defences win games and we tackled our hearts out and didn’t give them the time or space to play. The boys have got a huge passion and desire to go as far as they can in the tournament.”
Josh, Matt Shepherd and the lads can now look forward to a home semi-final on -Sunday 15th April against Cheshire who beat North Midlands 17-12 at Dudley Kingswinford. The other semi-final sees Hertfordshire play Yorkshire.
Cornwall: E Tyler (Penryn), S Cornish (Penzance & Newlyn Colts), C Gilbert (Redruth), J Penprase (Bath Uni), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Tucker (Redruth), C Boyce (St. Austell); R Bentham (Launceston), H Lightfoot (Launceston), O Andrews (Falmouth), D Goldsmith (Launceston), B Rowley (Launceston), T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Met), T Clarke (Launceston, Capt)
Replacements: Q Cross (Wadebridge Camels), C Jenkins (Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), A Brassington (Redruth), S Firth (Falmouth), N Nash (Brixham), J Carr (St. Austell).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Hodge, Tucker, Con, Tucker, Pens, Tucker (2)
Kent: T Lennard (Cranbrook), A Orris (Medway), H Roberts (O. Elthamians, Capt), T Adamson (O Elthamians), J Thomas (O Elthamians), S Evans (Blackheath), W Luxford (O Elthmians); B Bratton (Tonbridge Juddian), T Petty (O Elthamians), T Simmons (Westcombe Park), C Dee (O Elthamians), A Keheli (Blackheath), L Remington (Ashford), K Clarke (Ashford), J Stubbington (Medway)
Replacements: J Simmons (Westcombe Park), T Little (Canterbury), K Wright (Thanet Wanderers), M Beard (Medway), L Hollidge (Medway), S Elllison (Sidcup), T Agu-Benson (Cranbrook)
Kent scores: Try Thomas, Pen, Evans
Referee: Z Bell (Devon RRS)
