With the Cornish Pirates B & I Cup match against Scarlets postponed until this evening due to heavy snow in South Wales, the spotlight fell on Redruth’s National League 2 encounter with newly promoted Tonbridge Juddian.

The Reds came into this game following three defeats against sides in the top four, happily for them a much better performance saw them get a much needed win as they defeated their opponents 45-11.

Nielson Webber (pictured) led the side out on his 101^st appearance for the club to earn his red blazer.

Redruth were in total command as they scored seven tries through AJ Cant (2), Shaun Buzza, Rob Coote, Kyle Marriott, Matt Bowden and a penalty-try award. Angus Taylor landed four conversions to boot.

A morale boosting result ahead of their trip to Broadstreet this Saturday before the visit of Barnstaple on the 23^rd December.

A good result for Camborne as they won at basement side Hornets 28-22 in the South West Premier.

The Cherry & Whites scored three tries through Jake Champion, Ben Tyler-Guy and Bradley Bawden with Champion kicking two conversions and three penalties.

Just the result Camborne needed after their recent losses. This Saturday they begin their return fixtures with a tasty game at home to Brixham.

In the Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston came close to upsetting leaders Exeter University at Polson Bridge who came back from 19-10 down to win 20-19.

Tom Sandercock, Ryan Westren and Jon Dawe scored tries for the Cornish All Blacks with Dan Pearce adding a couple of conversions.

In London 1 South, London Cornish drew with Tottonians 34-all.  The tries were scored by Skip George Kimmins, Claude Springer, James La Broy, Rich Stephens and a late effort from stand in centre Nick Goss, Kimmins adding three conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute Western Counties West, leaders St. Ives stat top following their 34-19 win at Alexandra Road against Devonport Services. The Hakes scored six tries through Grant Thirlby (2), Paul Thirlby, Pete Mabbott, Jamie Prisk and Martyn Lawrance, Rhys Brownfield added two conversions.

St. Austell kept up the pressure on the Hakes after their 24-12 win against Kingsbridge. Chris Ashwin, George Knowles, Miles Davey and Cav Boyer scored the tries with Liam Freeman adding tow conversions.

Wadebridge Camels went down to a big defeat at much-improved Sidmouth 49-7. Ben Humber with their only try converted by Danny Thomas.

Truro had a good win against Burnham 20-8 at St. Clements Hill. Josh Symons bagged a brace of tries with a penalty-try awarded as Truro dominated at a scrum near the Burnham line. Eggy Williams kicked a penalty.

Another disappointing result for Falmouth as they lost at Paignton 27-8. The result leaves the Eagles in the relegation places. Seb Firth scored a try and Justyn Irons kicked a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, the game at Moorlands between the top two went the way of Saltash as they defeated Penryn 30-14.

It was a tight affair until the hour mark after which the Ashes pulled away.

Saltash scores came through Phil Eatwell, Will Morton (2), Ollie Mulberry with the tries while Kieran Down kicked 10 points.

For the Borough Sam Hitchens scored a try converted by Mitch Vague near the end  to go along with their first half penalty-try.

There was a good win for Bude at Wessex 19-10. Otherwise it was a string of disappointing results, Lanner lost at Tavistock 36-0 in a game that was halted in the final quarter following an injury to a Lanner player.

Hayle conceded their game at Wellington, whilst Pirates Amateurs lost at Plymstock 27-15.

With just a couple of outstanding fixtures to be played this Saturday, the Tribute Cornwall League will be split for the New Year fixtures.

Liskeard-Looe, Bodmin, Newquay Hornets, Veor, St. Agnes, Camborne School of Mines, Illogan Park and Roseland will contest Tribute Cornwall 1.

Stithians, Lankelly-Fowey, Helston, St. Just, Camelford, Perranporth and Redruth Albany will play in Tribute Cornwall 2.

 Photo by Brian Tempest. Sam Matavesi signs for the Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates 24   Bedford Blues 17

Report by Phil Westren, Cornish Pirates Media Officer

Locking arms once more, matches between the Pirates and the Blues are invariably competitively entertaining affairs, as yet again proved the case. It was also, once more, a truly great advert for Championship rugby.

Third in the division, the Blues arrived in Penzance on the back of an impressive 33-7 win at home to Hartpury RFC. They also had an experienced line-up, including former Northampton Saints and England (18 caps) scrum-half Lee Dickson, and ex Cardiff Blues and Wales (9 caps) full-back Chris Czekaj.

For the Pirates, who were seventh in the league table, their selection included a Championship start for wing Nicolas Coronel, whilst in the forwards there were returns for Tom Lawday and Josh Caulfield. A present shortage of fully fit hookers also saw the arrival, on loan from Taunton, of former England under 18s player Dan Frost, with Danny Toolan again named among the replacements. Back from international duty with Canada there was also a place on the bench for Brett Beukeboom.

Reaching the halfway point in the Championship season, the visitors opened the scoring in the eleventh minute when good inter-play involving Dickson and former Pirates lock Will Carrick-Smith ended with a try scored by wing Dean Adamson. Wearing the number 11 shirt it was also an eleventh of the season for the league’s top try-scorer, to which fly-half Will Hooley added the extras.

The Blues continued to threaten, their running and passing impressive, with support always on hand. Credit to the Pirates, therefore, for matching the challenge and then applying the throttle to earn a well-deserved penalty. Playing the advantage fly-half Will Cargill almost dummied his way for a score, before settling to kick the three points on offer.

Supporters likely expected this particular contest to provide no shortage of thrilling rugby, and right from the restart a sample of expectation was confirmed – and how! Taking the ball on halfway, Lawday appeared to fill his lungs with energy required, to then blast a path that would see him score a quite superb try at the clubhouse corner. Cargill’s successful conversion from out wide wasn’t at all bad either.

Clink on link below to see Championship try highlights including Tom Lawday’s try v Bedford Blues.

https://play.buto.tv/86Mhm

Sparked into a response, further good play from Dickson and his skipper Michael Le Bourgeois led to a second try in the match for Bedford, this time one dotted down at the Newlyn gate corner by Bourgeois’ centre partner Richard Lane, who made two appearances for the Pirates back in 2014/15, when dual-registered with Bath Rugby.

Bedford’s score nudged them back in front, however it was the Pirates who would regain the lead come the break, their adjudged man-of-the-match, prop Jack Andrew, scoring a converted try to the right of the Penzance posts. 17-12.

Such a competitive game was inevitably a little feisty at times and, following a fracas early in the second half, referee Mr. Woodthorpe felt obliged to call both captains together. To take a little heat out of the moment, the tannoy system echoed the sound ‘Give Peace a Chance’.

Eleven minutes into the second period, another example of clinical finishing saw Bedford wingman Elliot Clements-Hill breeze in at the scoreboard corner, his effort drawing the scores level at 17-all.

Now was the time when both teams started to regularly introduce replacements into the action, but with there no drop off in intensity. In a match where there was no quarter given, the commitment from both sides was tremendous to witness, this yet another game too close to call.

Under the glow of the floodlights, as the Pirates strived for a strong finish, replacement centre Dan Koster tore into Bedford’s ‘22’, with Coronel also going close to scoring out wide on the left.

Sound scrummaging from the Blues rescued them on a couple of occasions, however the Pirates efforts to batter Bedford into submission were eventually rewarded. They had displayed admirable patience and control, aided by replacement Beukeboom’s experience, and it was debutant Frost who scored a final converted try to celebrate his first appearance in a Pirates shirt.

The win for the Cornish side sees them move up one more place in the league table to sixth, whilst Bedford stay third.

One man delighted with the performance and the result was Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver, who post-match commented:

“Gavin and I are absolutely over the moon, as the build-up in the week was tricky and we had put the guys through the mill to prepare to our best. Credit to young Dan Frost for stepping in at hooker and it was great that we all pulled together and showed such commitment and endeavour.

 “Seeing us push through at the end was just unbelievable, as Bedford are a fine side and are third in the table because they deserve it. Saying that, though, the Mennaye is our friend and we played a lot of field position in the second half and it told. Yes, there were perhaps a couple of chances we could have taken and didn’t, but the accumulative pressure was so pleasing, as was the emphasis we put on our discipline.”

Cornish Pirates:   15 Toby May, 14 Kyle Moyle, 13 Pete Laverick (22 Dan Koster, 22-32, 50), 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11 Nicolas Coronel, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day; 1 Jack Andrew, 2 Dan Frost, 3 Christian Judge (17 Billy Keast, 54), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman (19 Brett Beukeboom, 52), 6 Rupert Cooper, 7 Alex Cheesman (8 Tom Lawday, 78), 8 Tom Lawday (18 Tom Duncan, 60).

Replacements (not used):   16 Danny Toolan, 20 Mike Pope, 21 Laurence May.

Bedford Blues:   15 Chris Czekaj (22 Ollie Dodge, 50), 14 Elliot Clements-Hill, 13 Rich Lane, 12 Michael LeBourgeois (c), 11 Dean Adamson, 10 Will Hooley, 9 Lee Dickson (21 Jordan Burns, 58); 1 Sean McCarthy (17 Camilo Parilli-Ocampo, 60; 1 Sean McCarthy 78), 2 George Edgson (16 Tom Lindsay, 50), 3 Alex Penny (18 Dave Spelman, 60), 4 Ed Taylor (19 Jordan Onojaife, 50), 5 Will Carrick-Smith, 6 Alex Rae, 7 Josh Buggea (Paul Tupai – wore a blank shirt that should have been numbered 20, 73), 8 Jarad Williams.
Scorers:-           

Cornish Pirates –  tries: 8 Lawday (28), 3 Andrew (39), 2 Frost (70); cons: 10 Cargill (28, 39, 70); pen: 10 Cargill (27).

Bedford Blues – 11 Adamson (11), 13 Lane (32), 14 Clements-Hill (51); con; 10 Hooley (11).

Referee:   Anthony Woodthorpe (RFU)                 Attendance:   1,407

Photo Gav & Alan happy with winning return to the RAG

The Cornish Pirates had a good win at the Athletic Ground over Richmond 28-15.

It was a day to remember for Pirates Amateur hooker Danny Toolan called up on Thursday night for the trip to London. He came on late in the second half to make his Championship debut.

Camborne’s Kieran Westlake also made his Championship debut coming off the bench, whilst Redurth’s Chris Fuca started a Championship game for the first time. Well done to all three.

As for the game itself, Pirates scored tries through Tom Duncan, Marlen Walker and Alex O’Meara with Will Cargill kicking a couple of conversions and penalties each, whilst Laurence May kicked a third penalty.

Chinnor maintained their lead at the top of National League 2 as they won 20-13 at the Recreation Ground, consigning Redruth to their first home defeat of the season.

The visitors scored four tries with their first coming from former Pirate Alex Dancer.

For the Redruth, who salvaged a losing bonus point with the final play with a try from Loma Kivalu, other scores came from a Richard Brown try and a Nielson Webber penalty.

Lots of familiar faces in the Chinnor side with Jonny Bentley and Kieran Goss making it a triple of former Pirates on the field, whilst former Pirate and Redruth player Greg Goodfellow, not playing due to injury, also made the trip down to Cornwall.

It was also good to see Jack Nowell back at Redruth and he presented the Redruth man-of-the-match award to No.8 Brad Howe.

In the South West Premier, Camborne lost at Lydney 31-20. Town only trailed 5-3 at half-time but two tries early in the second half saw Lydney pull out a 19-3 lead.

Ashley Riches, James Goldsworthy and Rhodri McAtee scored Camborne’s tries with Dave Mankee kicking a conversion and a penalty.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston had Dan Pearce to thank as he scored all fourteen of the Cornish All Blacks’ points a try and three penalty goals in their 14-12 win over Cullompton at Polson Bridge.

In London 1 South, London Cornish put up a brave fight at Old Colfeians before losing 36-32. Cornish, despite a makeshift side, out-scored their hosts on the try front by 4-3, but they were penalised heavily especially during the second half.

Tries for Cornish were scored by Nick Goss, Matt Hakes, Tom Ievers and Sam Williams with George Kimmins kicking the rest of the points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Ives remain top after their big win at home against Chard 43-5. The Hakes scored seven tries through Jacob Ninnes (2), Ben Taylor, Pete Mabbott, Jamie Prisk, Kyle Beasley and a penalty-try. Rhys Brownfield added three conversions.

St. Austell had to come from behind at half-time to defeat a plucky Falmouth side 22-12. Ollie Andrews and Andrew Austin scored first half tries for the Eagles with Justyn Irons adding a conversion.

Cav Boyer replied with a penalty but Saints trailed 12-3 at the break.

St. Austell took control in the second half with tries from Pete Rowe, Boyer and CJ Boyce with Boyer adding a couple of conversions.

Despite trailing 17-7 at half-time at home to Kingsbridge, Wadebridge Camels scored 24 unanswered second half points to claim a bonus point win.

Will Pengelly got their first half try with second half scores coming from Pengelly  with his second, Dom Hawkey and Ben Humber. Danny Thomas kicked all four conversions and a penalty.

Truro powered to a win at Torquay Athletic 28-12. Ben Teasdale, Jack Hazelton and Rikki Brandon scored tries with James Martin kicking 13 points.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn continue to steam ahead at the top of the table after a 42-0 win at Plymouth Argaum.

Borough scored six tries through Adam Hughes (2), Kirky Oldfield, Kyle Bradley, James Salisbury and Grant Randlesome, all six converted by Mitch Vague.

Saltash remain hot on the heels of the Borough after their 39-22 win against Honiton. Ashes tries came from Sam Snell (2), Ryan Cruickshanks, Will Morton, Kyle Felton and Olly Mulberry. Kieran Down added three conversions and a penalty.

Lanner won at Plymstock 26-10. Dean Symons, Ryan Thomas, Levi Webster and Robbie Kessell scored tries for the Falcons with Bev Stone adding three conversions.

Hayle enjoyed a good win at Tavistock 19-5. Doug Wood (2) and Alan Daniels scored tries for the Lions with TJ Farrell kicking two conversions.

Pirates Amateurs saw off Withycombe 32-29 at the Mennaye Field. Steve Evans (2), Morgan Holman and Mike Roach scores the tries with Evans kicking three conversions and a couple of penalties.

Bude also had a fine win winning 38-12 at Torrington. Angus Hodges (3), Joe Wilson, Liam Cook and Tremaine Fry scored the tries for the Seasiders. Ollie Denford kicked four conversions.

Good to hear that Robin Wedlake is on the road to recovery after his pre-season injury, however the Trelawny’s Army Cornwall Player of the Year will miss the rest of the season following his knee reconstruction.

London Scottish 32   Cornish Pirates 26

Having last beaten London Scottish at the Richmond Athletic Ground back in September 2011, the Cornish Pirates travelled with a purpose to reverse that losing trend. Sadly, however, under the Friday night floodlights at the ‘RAG’ the effort fell a little way short of not just hope, but also likely expectation, reports Phil Westren.

As per the Pirates, their hosts have also had their injury woes, but their selection was still a strong one. Indeed, there was a feeling pre-match that their 11^th place in the league position could be deemed misleading, the personnel at their disposal providing an indicator that they could not be taken lightly. They also had two former Cornish Pirates in the shapes of wing Craig Holland and flanker Joe Atkinson who reported raring to go.  

The Cornish Pirates welcomed back from injury centre Nicolas De Battista, who also led the team. His inclusion in place of Nicolas Coronel was one of just two changes from the side that started against Hartpury RFC just five days earlier, the other being at tight-head prop where Christian Judge replaced Jack Andrew. Also signed back on loan with the Pirates was Redruth back-rower Chris Fuca, who took a seat on the bench.

Playing conditions for this Round 9 encounter in the Championship were just about perfect, and applying early pressure the Pirates were rewarded with two kick-at-goal penalty opportunities that were both comfortably slotted by fly-half Will Cargill.

So far, so good, but the Exiles side then settled and soon hit back with two quick-hit tries. Holland scored the first against his former opponents, followed then by one from ex England 7s man Matt Williams who followed a chip ahead and used his pace to cross in the corner. Fly-half Jake Sharp, a player/coach at London Scottish, was luckless with both conversion attempts.

It was felt pre-match that the home side had a dangerous looking back line, with a former Bristol Rugby try-scoring favourite, Ben Mosses, leading Scottish for the first time.

A fully competitive spell followed, with it appearing into the second quarter of the match that the Pirates were getting back on track. Tries scored by flankers Alex Cheesman and Rupert Cooper (his first in a Pirates shirt) – London Scottish lost the services of Namibian international lock Tjiuee Uanivi to the sin bin in between – were both converted by Cargill, and the Pirates suddenly held a 10 points advantage.

Heading towards the break, real encouragement had been provided both the team and their enthusiastic supporters, but then, after Uanivi’s immediate reappearance, it was the turn of Atkinson to inflict damage on former comrades when scoring an unconverted try from a line-out. The half-time whistle then followed, with the score line reading 15-20.

If at this stage the outcome of this one was still too close to predict, just 10 minutes into the second period painted a different picture, as the hosts regained the lead. Four minutes in, full-back Charlie Ingall scored a converted try, and a second in the match then followed from ‘Atko’. Clinical at line-out time was not for the first time the potent ingredient and Sharp once again added the extra two points.

A third penalty successfully kicked by Cargill kept the Pirates in touch, and a now trademark bullocking run from lock Josh Caulfield also raised spirits. However, London Scottish eased the pressure when their lively and experienced scrum-half, former Wales 7s man Alex Walker, was to the forefront, with good support also from his namesake, home club captain Chris Walker.

Into the last quarter, when a Sharp penalty opened up a nine points gap there was a fear that the Pirates could well be denied a losing bonus point. Thankfully that wasn’t the case, as in the last minute, replacement Laurence May kicked a penalty for the final score to read 32-26.

For London Scottish it was their first Championship victory since their Round 1 win against Yorkshire Carnegie at the start of September, and it was well deserved

As for the Pirates their four-game winning sequence, two in the Cup and two in the Championship, had come to a halt on a night when there was inevitable disappointment at the ‘RAG’, where they will reconvene again next weekend, hoping to return to winning ways against Richmond.

Speaking after the game against ‘Scottish’, coach Gavin Cattle said:

“We got off to a very good start and displayed plenty of energy, but ultimately our set piece fell short, our transition from attack into defence wasn’t as sharp as it has been and there were defensive errors that we will have to address this week.

“Our discipline also let us down to at times let them back into the game, however credit to London Scottish who looked dangerous with ball in hand and are blessed with a number of experienced players.”

Looking ahead to the Richmond game, Gavin also commented:

“For this coming week we’ll have to get back on the bike and prepare for what we expect to be a really tough battle against one of the most dogged teams in the league. Richmond possesses a never-say-die attitude, so we will have to up our game, especially in that contact area.”

London Scottish:   15 Charlie Ingall (22, Fraser Lyle 76), 14 Matt Williams 13 Ross Neal, 12 Ben Mosses (c), 11 Craig Holland, 10 Jake Sharp, 9 Alex Walker (21 Ed Hoadley 78); 1 Derrick Appiah (17, Ben Christie 72), 2 Isaac Miller (16, Dan George 68), 3 Phil Cringle (18, Ewan McQuillin 72), 4 Ed Milne (19, Matt Marley 74), 5 Tjiuee Uanivi, 6 Gregor Gillanders, 7 Chris Walker, 8 Joe Atkinson.

Replacement (not used):   20 Max Berry.    Yellow cards:   5 Tjiuee Uanivi (27), 17 Ben Christie (79).       .

Cornish Pirates:   15 Toby May, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Pete Laverick, 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11Kyle Moyle, 10 Will Cargill (21, Laurence May 68), 9 Alex Day (20, Mike Pope 68); 1 Billy Keast, 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (16, Marlen Walker 57), 3 Christian Judge (17, Jack Andrew 62), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman, 6 Rupert Cooper (18, Tom Duncan 51), 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 Tom Lawday.

Replacements (not used):   19 Chris Fuca, 22 Nicolas Coronel.

Yellow card:  14 Alex O’Meara (49).

Scorers:                                                                                                                        

London Scottish – tries: Atkinson (38, 50), Holland (13), Williams (15), Ingall (44); cons: Sharp (45, 51); pen: Sharp (67).

Cornish Pirates – tries: Cheesman (26), Cooper (33); cons: Cargill (27,34); pens: Cargill (5, 8, 56), L. May (80).

Referee:   Fergus Kirby (RFU)    Assistants:   Simon Harding & Clare Daniels

Attendance:  1,356

Cornwall Launch their new O’Neills Shirt at Polson Bridge

Cornwall RFU has officially launched their new County Championship shirt at Polson Bridge at Saturday’s   Launceston V Cornwall Development XV trial match, reports Chairman Phil Trevarton.

Photo: The new Cornwall shirt supplied by O’Neills

This season the Cornwall RFU have entered into an agreement with sports suppliers O’Neills to supply playing strip for the next three years. TASC Merchandise Secretary, Marina Trevarton, was at Polson Bridge and was able to meet O’Neills business manager, Cornishman, Peter Kennedy who has held several key coaching roles in English Rugby, including England Ladies Head Coach 1999-2002.

L to R Marina Trevarton (TASC), Roger Watson (CRFU Hon.Sec) Peter Kennedy (O’Neills) Colin Hatch MBE (CRFU)

There was also a mark of respect paid to Trelawny’s Army by the CRFU at Saturday’s game. The Development XV wearing O’Neills strip included a Trelawny’s Army branding on the shorts, so it is right to say that we are right behind the team this year.

Photo: Trelawny’s Army branded Cornwall playing shorts

The game was an excellent workout for players from both sides with the Cornwall XV winning 36-18 played in good spirit and energy. Coach Graham Dawe was full of praise for his young players after the game and it will be interesting to see who will come forward in the future to play for the senior squad.

Photo TASC’s Viv Broadhurst presenting training balls to Hayle RFC.

Camborne will wonder how they lost their South West Premier league game they appeared well in control of heading towards half-time with a 15-0 lead.

The game was littered with stoppages with Exmouth players taking some bangs to the head.

Crucially Exmouth scored an unconverted try right on half-time, much to the delight of their head coach Jon Hill, to give themselves a lifeline.

Jake Champion kicked an early penalty for the Cherry and Whites and then forced his way over after Town’s pack nicked a line-out ball in Exmouth’s 22.

Champion surprisingly missed the routine conversion.

Great play from Declan Mathews on the wing took play into the 22, James Goldsworthy provided the link for Sam Bartle to crash over for Champion to convert.

Watkins pulled a try back for Exmouth right on the break to leave Camborne 15-5 up.

Exmouth then came right back in it when lock Mike Richards powered over from close-range with George Meadows converting.

Crucially Town lost both Champion and flanker Jordan Rose, but they managed to score a third try when Andrius Zacharovas bulldozed over for an unconverted score.

Exmouth enjoyed a stroke of luck when defending near their line, an interception saw them run away to score near the sticks thanks to centre Henry Goldson, the score bettered by Meadows.

With their tails up, and roared on by the animated Hill, Exmouth got their chance to win the game when Meadows dropped a goal near the end for a 22-20 win.

In National League 2 South, Redruth’s run of three wins was brought to an end by Redingensians who prevailed 21-12.

The home side benefited from a couple of penalty-tries, a speciality for them this season.

The Reds had one or two regulars missing for various reasons and lost prop Craig Williams after 23 minutes.

Shaun Buzza and AJ Cant scored the tries for Redruth with Nielson Webber adding a conversion.

In the Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston picked up another win on the road winning 21-19 at Clevedon. Dan Pearce scored 16 points with two tries and three conversions, with lock Mark Williams bagging the other try.

In London 1 South, London Cornish defeated Maidstone 30-15 to close in on the sides above them. Dave Smith and Chris Kolapo-Ajala both scored two tries with George Kimmins kicking a couple of conversions and two penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell relinquished top spot for now as they lost to new leaders Devonport Services at the Rectory 27-12. Matt Davey got both tries for the Saints with Liam Freeman adding a conversion.

St. Ives went above St. Austell after their 22-20 win at Burnham. Hakes tries were scored by Treve Polglase, Tom Nicholas, Harry Parton and Liam Jolly with Rhys Brownfield adding a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels won 33-16 at Falmouth. Joe Pretty, Matt Ballard, Jake Grubb and Sam Chapman crossed for the Camels, whilst Danny Thomas kicked two conversions and three penalties.

In reply AJ Geach scored a try for the Eagles converted by Justyn Irons who also bagged three penalties.

Truro picked a useful win at home to Tiverton 29-25. Ben Teasdale, Ian Rowe, Darren Jacques and a penalty-try made up the try count for the Goats, whilst  “Eggy” Williams kicked three conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn maintain their top spot after battling past Pirates Amateurs 6-0 at the Memorial Ground thanks to a couple of Mitch Vague penalties.

Saltash picked up a good win at Hayle 26-10 to stay on the Borough’s heels. Steve Hillman scored a hat-trick of tries with Ollie Mulberry adding a fourth for the Ashes. Harrison Reburn added three conversions.

For the Lions, who were presented with a couple of training balls by TASC for winning Cornwall 1 last season, Damien Lines scored a try converted by TJ Farrell who also kicked a penalty.

Lanner defeated Plymouth Argaum 31-10 at St. Day. Michael Laity, Bevon Stone, Adam Harris, Jack Kessell and Ollie Reynolds scored the Falcons’ tries with Kessell kicking three conversions.

Bude beat Tavistock 24-0 thanks to tries scored by Alex Rakshami, Ollie Mounce, Angus Hodges and Will Kingdom. Ollie Denford kicked two conversions.

Phil Westren’s report on the Cornish Pirates Championship win against Hartpury College can be found in the previous blog entry.

See the results page for the scores from Tribute Cornwall League.

This week sees a break for most of the leagues with just the Pirates, Lanner and the Cornwall League with games.

Pirates Amateurs v The Coldstream Guards

This coming Saturday, the 18^th November, a special match will take place at the Mennaye Field, Penzance (ko 2.30pm), when the Pirates Amateurs play The Coldstream Guards. The game will honour the memory of Darren Hicks who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

Cornish Pirates 25   Hartpury College 13

 Recording this well-earned result, the Cornish Pirates also leapfrogged their Gloucestershire opponents to move up to seventh place in the Greene King IPA Championship, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye Field.

Number 8 Tom Lawday proudly took the skipper’s armband to lead the Pirates out just before kick-off, with a minute’s silence then respectfully observed on what was Remembrance Sunday.

The Pirates got off to an encouragingly bright start on the sunny but breezy afternoon, with fly-half Will Cargill successful with an early penalty attempt, and him then converting a try scored by hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie (his impressive sixth in all games), which followed a controlled build-up.

As Hartpury, who were making their first ever visit to the Mennaye Field, settled into the match, it was clear to see how they have been quick to find their feet competing in the Championship, after being promoted from National One at the end of last season. However, trying to breach a resolute home defence was proving a difficult task, and half-time arrived with the Pirates holding a deserved 10-nil lead.

Back to fitness, Tom Duncan was a welcome face on the bench who replaced an injured Lawday during the break. He also took over the captaincy role, and was clearly keen to make an impact, which he did with an early charge.

Hartpury scored their first points of the afternoon in the 51^st minute, thanks to fly-half Jacob Perry firing a penalty through the Newlyn posts, and Cargill then responded with his second successful three-pointer of the afternoon, following former Welsh international Rhys Oakley, who skippered the visitors, being yellow-carded.

A penalty from Hartpury replacement James Williams made it 13-6, however immense scrum power by the Pirates set them on the way to registering their next score, in the form of a penalty try awarded by referee Mr. Matthew O’Grady.

To their credit, Hartpury would score again, when another replacement in the shape of diminutive scrum-half Charlie Chapman showed a clean pair of heels to cross at the Newlyn gate corner. Williams was again on target, this time with a well-struck conversion.

Although, with ten minutes still to go, for home supporters a 20-13 score line caused just a tad of anxiety, the players thankfully maintained their focus – and confidence. With a bullocking run, and one full of brawn, man-of-the match lock Josh Caulfield tore into the heart of Hartpury’s defence, and when play went left Alex O’Meara provided the scoring pass to fellow wingman Kyle Moyle. Diving over the line it was Moyler’s eighth Championship try of the season, leaving Cargill to then convert and cement the team’s latest ‘W’. This victory for their Pirates was their fourth on the trot, following Cup wins away to Hartpury RFC and home to Ulster A, and then away to Doncaster Knights in the league.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Toby May, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Pete Laverick, 12 Nicolas Coronel, 11Kyle Moyle, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day (Mike Pope 72); 1 Billy Keast (Christian Judge 54), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie, 3 Jack Andrew (Marlen Walker), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman, 6 Rupert Cooper, 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 Tom Lawday (captain, Tom Duncan h/t).

Replacements (not used); Alan Paver, Laurence May, Harry Strong.

Hartpury RFC:   15 Mike Wilcox, 14 Ed Coulson, 13 George Boulton, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Ed Sheldon, 10 Jacob Perry (James Williams 57), 9 Harry Cochrane (Charlie Chapman 60); 1 Dan Murphy (Mike Flook 54, Dan Murphy 76), 2 Will Tanner (Henry Walker 57), 3. Rupert Harden (Tom Heard 69), 4 Joe Quinn (Joe Dancer 14), 5 Rhys Oakley (captain) 6 Rob Langley, 7 Matt Gilbert, 8 Darrel Dyer (Iain Grieve 58). Yellow card: Rhys Oakley.

Scorers: Cornish Pirates – tries: Cowan-Dickie, Penalty try, Moyle; con: Cargill; pens: Cargill (2).                                                                                                                    Hartpury RFC – try: Chapman; con: Williams; pens: Perry, Williams.

Referee:   Matthew O’Grady             Attendance:   1,432

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

With the Cornish Pirates having a week off it was Redruth who took centre stage last Saturday in their National League 2 South game against London Irish Wild Geese.

A hard fought entertaining game saw the Reds prevail 46-38 with the home side running in six of the ten tries scored.

Rob Coote scored the only Redruth try during the first half as the Reds turned around 17-13 down.

Tries from Ben Priddey (2), Sam Matavesi and Matt Bowden (2) saw Redruth home in the second half despite a late rally from Wild Geese which saw them gat a try bonus point. Ashley Hosking had another fine day with the boot landing five conversions and two penalties.

The win sees Redruth move up to fifth just a couple of points behind Redingensians whom they play this Saturday.

In the South West Premier League, Camborne upturned the form book winning 22-20 at previously unbeaten Dings Crusaders. Harvey Bell scored their try with Jake Champion kicking the other points.

In the Tribute South West 1 West league, Launceston got back to winning ways with a 19-13 win over Bridgwater & Albion at Polson Bridge.

Brandon Rowley, Ryan Westren and Jake Crabb scored their tries, Dan Pearce adding a couple of conversions. The win keeps Launceston in third place in the table.

In London 1 South, London Cornish produced a shock winning 43-23 at promotion chasing Chichester.

Cornish scored six tries through Toby Fletcher, Dave Funston, Chris Kolapo-Ajala (2), James La Broy and Harry Somers. George Kimmins booted over five conversions and a penalty. The win keep Cornish in fifth place in the league table, with DoR Dickon Moon saying it was their best performance of the season so far.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell are top thanks to a win at Tregorrick 19-5 against Crediton. The mid-Devon side took a 5-0 lead into half-time before Saints scored 19 unanswered points in the second half thanks to tries from forwards Hugh Noot and George Knowles (2), with Liam Freeman landing a couple of conversions.

St. Ives won the local derby against Truro 41-19. Pete Mabbott (3), Jamie Prisk, Martyn Lawrence (2) and Tom Nicholas all scored tries for the Hakes with Rhys Brownfield knocking over the conversions.

For Truro Josh Symons and Ian Rowe scored tries, with new-signing Nick Prout knocking over three penalties.

Wadebridge Camels drew at home against previous leaders Devonport Services 20-all. Jake Grubb, Jack Scott and Dom Hawkey scored tries for the Camels with Danny Thomas kicking a penalty and conversion.

Falmouth were always behind against Kingsbridge as the Devon side won 43-25 at the Rec. The Eagles put in a strong finish to pick up a try bonus point thanks to Mark Lea, Tom Simmons, Tom Job and Matt Brewer, whilst Justyn Irons kicked a penalty and a conversion.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn ran in ten tries to defeat Withycombe 66-5 at the Memorial Ground. Sam Hitchings ran in a hat-trick of tries and there were braces for Andy Seviour and Grant Randlesome. Other tries came from Nathan Strick, Josh Chambers and Adam Hughes. Mitch Vague kicked eight conversions.

Lanner piped Pirates Amateurs 33-31 down at the Mennaye. Both sides scored five tries, Mike Roach (2), Dan Lugg, Danny Tolan (2) for the Amateurs whilst Mike Laity (2), Adam Harris, Ryan Thomas and Jack Kessell crossed for the Falcons crucially Harris kicked four conversions for Lanner to Hall’s three.

Saltash won the other derby game against Bude 35-20 at Moorlands. Ollie Mulberry, Ryan Cruickshanks, Liall Honey and Will Morton scored tries for the Ashes with Harrison Reburn kicking the rest of the points.

Sean Andrew and Angus Hodges scored tries for Bude with a penalty-try also awarded for the North Cornwall side. Ollie Denford kicked a penalty.

Hayle lost at Plymstock 30-17. Rob Goodman and Doug Arnull scored tries for the Lions whilst TJ Farrell kicked a couple of conversions and a penalty.

Oxfordshire U18 Girls 53-5 Cornwall U18 Girls

Report by NIALL Devenish.

Cornwall U18 Girls made the very long trip up to Banbury RFC in Oxfordshire for their first game of the season against the home team.

A very well organised Oxfordshire side put Cornwall under pressure from the outset and despite some spirited defence by the Cornish side started to work a healthy lead.

In attack Cornwall could not seem to find the fluency required and even after long periods of attack were unable to make much of a mark on the score board.

Cornwall started the second half brightly showing greater purpose in attack, managing a sustained period of pressure in the opposition 22. Following a great line break by Cornwall, Oxfordshire were penalised for deliberately killing the ball on their five-metre line resulting in one of their players being sin binned.

Cornwall used the extra player well to break down a stubborn defence and score their only try of the game.

The final score of 53- 5 did not reflect the effort and spirit the Cornish Girls showed, they were beaten by a good and well organised side, but never gave up.

Head coach Niall Devenish

Assistant coach Karl Thomas

Team manager Teri Hughes

Team sheet.

Cornwall U.18 Girls

1.Chelsea Mitchell
2.Mia Abbott-Smith
3.Joanne Hocking
4.Megan Shroff
5. Beth Hampton
6.Nadine Vincent
7.Zelah Yuill
8. Leona Hughes (vice captain)
9.Roberta Scotland
10.Amy Bunt (Captain)
11.Megan Trevorrow
12.Sasha Friggens
13. Ellie Benyon
14.Lizzie Langton
15.Lizzie Peverley

Replacements

16.Chloe Tyrell
17.Keira Goddard
18.Sophie Hall
19.Zoe Pixton
20.Lucy Rendle
21.Adriana Barker
22.Chloe Graham