Photo: Liam Chapple delighted with Camborne’s fine win against Ding’s
The Beast from the East Part 2 had an effect on local rugby over the weekend notably putting paid to Cornwall’s Under 20s game at Weymouth against Dorset & Wilts.
It’s likely that both sides will have another go this Sunday as the quarter-finals are programmed for Easter Sunday.
On the Saturday there was a limited program as sides looked to catch up on postponed games.
The Cornish Pirates returned to action in the Championship after a week off completing a clean sweep of games against Hartpury College this season winning 45-20 at the Gillman’s Ground.
Pirates scored seven tries through Alex O’Meara, Matt Evans, Sam Matavesi, Josh Caulfield, John Stevens and Tom Duncan who got a brace, Laurence May banged over five conversions.
In National League 2 South, Redruth travelled to London Irish Wild Geese and looked set for a good result but two late tries condemned them to a 39-32 defeat.
They travelled back to Cornwall with a couple of bonus points ahead of this Saturday’s game at Chinnor.
Loma Kivalu, Edd Pascoe, Jack Simmons and Dean Bonds all scored tries for the Reds with Richie Kevern kicking the other points.
In the South West Premier, Camborne did the double over champions elect Dings Crusaders 28-16 at the Rec.
Damien Cook, Jake Champion, Phil Hinchley and Declan Matthews scored the tries with Dave Mankee adding all four conversions.
In Tribute South West 1 West, a solid 14-5 win at Bridgwater & Albion keeps Launceston in third place.
In London 1 South, London Cornish drew with Chichester 20-all. DoR Dickon Moon said on the club’s website. “Another late penalty by Skip George Kimmins landed London Cornish a 20 all draw with 4th placed Chichester in London 1 South, on a freezing day at the REMPF. The 78th minute pen added to another early in the 2nd half by Kimmins, and 2 conversions in the opening period of tries by Oli Low and the in-form wing Tom Jeffery.The draw was a fair result on the balance of play, and consolidates Cornish in 7th spot.
In the Tribute Western Counties West St. Austell lost a chance to put a bit more daylight between themselves and Services when they lost 24-17 at Crediton.
Saints scored three tries through George Knowles, George Tregilgas and Miles Davey with Liam Freeman kicking a conversion.
Falmouth lost 36-0 at Kingsbridge and are back in the dog-fight in the relegation zone.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Penryn put poor old Wessex to the sword as the Borough won 116-0 to maintain their challenge for a promotion spot.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Newquay Hornets are provisionally top, however Liskeard-Looe have four games in-hand on the leaders as their game was again victim of the weather.
In Tribute Cornwall 2, Helston defeated last season’s champions Lankelly-Fowey 26-7 to virtually assure them of the title this time.
Congratulations to Saltash who have once again made the semi-final of the Senior Vase having defeated Slough 73-22. They will play Old Cranleighan at home on Easter Saturday with a Twickenham visit up for grabs.
Photo: St. Ives Paul Thirlby happy with Hakes’ progress
Redruth maintained their fine recent form with a 25-19 win against Redingensians in National League 2 South.
The Berkshire side have certainly proved to be tough opponents this season meriting their current third place standing.
Despite being under pressure, especially during the first half, Redruth showed character scoring tries through Sam Parsons, Ben Fox, Connor Gilbert and Jake Clemson whilst Richie Kevern landed a conversion and penalty in tricky conditions for kickers.
Reds have four away games in their last six fixtures starting this Saturday with a re-arranged trip to Wild Geese.
Camborne’s game at Exmouth was postponed in the South West Premier due to a water-logged pitch.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston had another fine home win this time over Clevedon 49-12.
The Cornish All Blacks ran in seven tries through skipper Lloyd Duke, Zac Cinnamond (2), Jake Crabb, Ben Hawke, Marc Williams and Brandon Rowley with Hawke landing seven conversions.
The result keeps Launceston on course for a third place finish in the table.
In London 1 South, London Cornish ended a four match losing streak with a last-gasp 18-15 win at Maidstone thanks to George Kimmins penalty.
Kimmins also added a conversion and another penalty, whilst wing Tom Jeffery bagged both the exiles’ tries. The win keeps Cornish in 7th spot in the table.
In the Tribute Western Counties West, St. Ives took another firm step to promotion as they defeated Burnham-on-Sea 52-24. Try scores for the Hakes were Pete Mabbott (2), Paul Thirlby, Martyn Lawrence (2), Jamie Prisk, and Tom Nicholas, whilst Rhys Brownfield knocked over seven conversions.
St. Austell beat fellow play-off hopefuls Devonport Services 37-28 at Tregorrick. George Knowles scored a couple of tries with other scores coming from George Tregilgas, Miles Davey, Liam Freeman and a penalty-try. Freeman kicked the other points.
Quite a game at the Molesworth Field as Wadebridge Camels beat Falmouth 48-35.
Joe Pretty, Will Pengelly, Matt Ballard and Ben Humber all scored a brace each whilst Danny Thomas landed four conversions.
Truro lost up at Tiverton 25-21. Luke Tidball and Ian Rowe scored tries with “Eggy” Williams kicking the rest of the points.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League it was a double weekend for Saltash as they played catch up Two big wins 87-17 against Hayle on Saturday and then 84-3 v Torrington on Sunday sees the Ashes level top with Wellington.
Penryn have slipped back to third despite their 50-7 at the Mennaye against Pirates Amateurs.
Ben Birkett and Kyle Bradley scored two tries a-piece, with Grant Randlesome, James Salisbury and Adam Hughes also crossing. Mitch Vague kicked the other points.
Ryan Forrester scored a try for Ams in the first half.
Lanner won 18-13 at Argaum. Adam Harris scored a try and Nick Prout kicked two penalties plus they had a penalty-try.
Bude had a good win at Tavistock 24-15.
Despite having their game postponed in Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe have it all in their hands. They have been joined on 31 points by Newquay Hornets but they have played three games more.
In Cornwall 2, Helston look well in command six points clear of defending champions Lankelly-Fowey.
Congratulations to both Redruth 2nds and Wadebridge Camels 2nds who both qualified for the final of the Duchy Cup final. Reds beat last season’s finalists St. Austell 27-24 at Tregorrick, whilst holders Wadebridge Camels defeated Bodmin 2nds 53-3. The final will be played on Monday 7th May along with the Cornwall Cup final and the Duchy Plate final at a venue to be decided.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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