Trelawny’s Army again sponsored this season’s CRFU Colts Cup Finals Day at Hayle RFC.

Four terrific finals that saw some fine rugby played.

The main final was between Wadebridge Camels (pictured above) and Penryn/Perranporth, with the Camels winning it at the death.

Other winners on the day were Launceston, Bude & Camborne.

With the TASC trade stand present at Penryn RFC last Saturday on the occasion of the Cornwall Women’s Cup, a presentation was made to Cornwall Women’s head coach Jo Holden of match balls ahead of this season’s Gill Burns Division 2 campaign.

TASC Merchandise Secretary Jackie Thomas is seen presenting a ball to Jo.

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 32 – 22 GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Camborne

A try by Rosko Troughton in the dying moments of the game foiled any hopes Gloucestershire harboured of a miraculous comeback.

It also ensured Cornwall had an opening day bonus point win ahead of their trip to Tiverton next month to take on Devon.

The result, if not always the manner, pleased head coach Richie Kevern. He said post-match. “I am happy to get the campaign off to a winning start and with the bonus point. We stuck at it and showed grit when Gloucestershire had momentum . I thought our defence at times was top draw we knocked their big forwards back time and again.

“We created some very good chances but we failed to finish them off and that almost allowed Gloucestershire back into it. We will need to be more clinical in our next games. We did show that we have some serious gas out wide if we can get it right we will cause sides problems.

Thoughts will now turn to the Devon game on April 27^th at Tiverton in what is likely to be a group decider. “Devon’s win today against Somerset sets up a great encounter next month. We will be working hard between now and then to make sure we go into that game well prepared.”

Cornwall took the lead with a routine penalty from fly-half Jowan Kerry. That lead proved short lived when the visitors kicked for the corner and the rumbling Gloucestershire pack put Reuben Millward over for the try.

Both Billy Jordan and Ben Roskilly went close to scoring before Leo Armstrong-Lever went over from a maul to put Cornwall back in the lead, Kerry adding the extras.

The black and gold back three showed plenty of pace throughout the game.

The Cornish back row of Freddie Jordan, Will Symons and skipper Jack Jenkin ruled at the breakdown as Cornish pressure built. 

Armstrong-Lever then crossed again as Cornwall dominated play before wing Rhys Bowery sped in at the corner with Kerry again on the money with the conversion.

Cornwall’s concentration switched off just before the break when Millward bagged his second fo the visitors to leave Cornwall 22-10 up.

The second half proved cagey, Cornwall took the points from a penalty in front of the posts from Kerry to stretch their lead.

Gloucestershire pressed and were rewarded when Zac Mountfield crossed with Ollie French adding the conversion and when Omar Ly scored his side’s fourth try Cornish nerves jangled as the lead was cut to just three points.

Cornwall redoubled their efforts. A tremendous forward drive in the final moments gave Troughton his chance to score following several phases with Kerry adding the extras to ensure the win. 

Cornwall U.20 (Helston, unless stated): Barney Lewis (Newquay), Ayden Earnshaw, Ben Roskilly, Bill Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Jarvis Lee (Truro); Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Leo Armstrong-Lever, Olly Derry (Wadebridge), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Oli Wells (Redruth), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge), Jack Jenkin (Capt)

Replacements: Jalal Bennett (Truro), Rosko Troughton, Joe Court, Ben Smith (both Camborne).Luke Young (Redruth), Callum Phillips, Lewis Wiltshire (both Wadebridge), Harry Rigg.

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Armstrong –Lever 27, 32, Bowery 38, Troughton 78, Cons, Kerry 28, 39, 79, Pens, Kerry 4, 58

Cornwall Star Man: Rhys Bowery

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2025 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts Gloucestershire for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 30^th March. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s competition off with a tie against Gloucestershire. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.

Cornwall have named Jack Jenkin (Helston, pictured above) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another new player this season, Ted Kullich from Camborne, who is the vice-captain.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Gloucestershire is never easy, playing Gloucestershire in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.

Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Camborne player Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich.  There is also a change in the team management with LJ Collick from Helston taking over as Team Manager. LJ has many years of experience and has been involved with the U18’s and the Southwest sides.

Cornwall Captain Jack Jenkin said, – “It is an honour to be asked to captain the side for this season. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 30th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Devon away on Sunday 27th April at Tiverton RFC with a 1400 kick off time and then finally Somerset at Redruth RFC on Sunday 11^th May again with a 1400 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. There are a number of these players who will be around for the next 2 seasons, and we are always on the lookout at new talent who can come into the squad and join them over the coming seasons. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. Or tickets can be pre purchased on the CRFU website Fan Base link. https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9772 

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance. 

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

24/03/2024
                             Cornwall U20 v Gloucestershire U20

Sunday 30th March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Sam West

Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop

Cornwall U20 v Cornwall Clubs XV

Wednesday 26 February @ St Austell RFC with a 1930 kick off time.

As part of the build up to the U20 County Championship campaign they play their second and final warmup game v a Cornwall Clubs XV on Wednesday 26 February at St Austell RFC.

Coaches Rich Kevern have used the opportunity to look at a few new players in the squad after their first warm up game against a competitive Camborne School of Mines side in January. A few new players have joined the squad transitioning from the U18 age group, along with players identified at club level.

The squad of 25 player includes players from 12 different clubs across Cornwall which is a great advert for this age group and club rugby.

Head coach Rich Kevern said: – This will be a stern test for these young guys facing a Clubs XV who will bring experience and game hardness with them. We want this to be that kind of test as in a few weeks’ time we will be facing other tough county sides in the championship.

Team Manager LJ Collick said; – We have had good numbers at training and over 70 in the enlarged squad. We cannot give everyone game time in two matches and, build for the championship. We have observed other players in club matches, and certainly all players are in contention for a spot come the championship games.

Jack Jenkin (Helston) has been named as Captain with Ted Kullich (Camborne) being named as Vice-Captain of the 25-player squad.

Entry on the evening is £2 with under 16 gaining free entry. So come along and support the future Cornwall players along with those representing several of their own clubs in the Clubs XV side.

Cornwall U20 Team

1. Dan Bennett                         St Austell
2. Jalal Bennett                         Truro
3. Olly Derry                              Wadebridge Camels
4. Charlie Knight                      Saltash
5. Oli Wells                                Redruth
6. Freddy Jordan                      Penryn
7. Will Symons                          Wadebridge Camels
8. Jack Jenkin (Capt)               Helston
9. Callum Phillips                     Wadebridge Camels
10.  Jowan Kerry                         Perranporth
11.  Harry Rigg                            Helston
12.  Billy Jordan                          Penryn
13.  Ted Kullich (V Capt)           Camborne
14.  Rhys Bowery                       Newquay Hornets
15.  Ayden Earnshaw                Helston
16.  Leo Armstrong Lever          Helston
17.  Telio Jenkins                       St Ives
18.  Will Luscombe                     Redruth
19.  Rosko Troughton                Helston
20.  Ben Smith                            Camborne
21.  Jarvis Lee                             Truro
22.  Barney Lewis                       Newquay Hornets
23.  Josh Blyth                            Hayle
24.  Luke Young                         Redruth
25.  Lewis Wiltshire                    Wadebridge Camels

Coaches   – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager – LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical Cover – Hen Gard, Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Match recording David Burrows, Photographer Simon Bryant, Multi-media Kevin Bishop

Next Wednesday at St. Austell RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm

Entry on the gate £2 adults, under 16 free.

Advance tickets available via Fanbase https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9151

On Wednesday night the Cornwall u20’s had their first run out of the season at Hayle RFC in a friendly v Camborne School of Mines. Cornwall ran out easy winners in the end with a score of 45 – 15. A crowd of over 200 enjoyed an entertaining game with both teams willing to run the ball with emphasis on attack. Cornwall had a full squad of 26 players so coaches Ritchie Kevern and Brad Howe were able to cast their eyes over a good number of players with all of them taking the field for part of the game.

The first half started with both teams making mistakes and giving away silly penalties. Cornwall opened the scoring after 5 minutes with an unconverted try scored by no 8, Jenkin. (Captain).15 minutes later CSM drew level with an unconverted try. Cornwall again took the lead with a try from a forward drive, converted by full back Williams. CSM hit back with an unconverted try, but almost on half time second row Dash crossed the line and the try was again converted by Williams. The referee, Mr Thurgood, then blew for half time with the score at 19 – 10.

CSM scored almost from the start of the second half to make it 19 -15, but this would prove to be their last score of the match. Throughout the remainder of the half the coaches made changes, some positional, and there was then a steady flow of tries from a number of players, bringing the final score to 45 -15. Both teams defended stoutly throughout the game, and coaches Kevern and Howe learning a lot about the players. All in all it was a satisfying performance.

Training will resume on Sunday morning with the next friendly taking place at St Austell on Wednesday 19 February v Cornwall Clubs XV, 7.30 KO.

Report by Terry Williams

Result – Cornwall U20’s, 45 – 15 Camborne School of Mines

Hayle RFC Wednesday 5 February  1930 Kick off time

Cornwall U20’s has their first warm up game of the season v Camborne School of Mines at Hayle RFC with a 1930 kick-off time. 

Cornwall will use this opportunity to prepare for their upcoming County Championship campaign, CSM will use it in preparation for their upcoming “Bottle Match” v London School of Mines. 

Cornwall has selected players from 12 different clubs across the county from Saltash to St Just. There will also be potential U20 players who will be representing CSM on the night. 

Cornwall have another warmup game at St Austell RFC on Wednesday 26 February where other players will have the opportunity to pull on the black and gold shirt when they play a Cornwall Clubs XV. 

LJ Collick, the new Cornwall U20 team manager, said; – It has been pleasing to see the number of players that have attended training from all over the County. We appreciate that most will have played for their clubs on Saturday and then give up 2 hours on a Sunday to come to our sessions. We have players who are transitioning from U18 into adult representative rugby along with players who are in their last eligible year at this age grade.  

Head Coach Rich Kevern said – The guys have only had 2 training sessions due to the weather conditions, and so this will be a good test and also give them the opportunity to play together as a team for the first time.  Other players will be given their opportunity of a runout when we play Cornwall Clubs XV at the end of the month. 

Entry will be £2 on the gate with U16’s having free access. 

Cornwall U20’s Team to Face Camborne School of Mines

This match has now been re-arranged for Wednesday 5th February at Hayle RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm.