The action last weekend began on Friday night when the Cornish Pirates took on Nottingham at Lady Bay in the Championship.

Sadly for the Pirates, a game they looked set to win, was snatched away with the final kick of the game as Nottingham sneaked the win 18-17 leaving the Cornish side frustrated.

Jimmy Stevens, a Cornishman and former Hake, had a fine game for Notts scoring their second try, but it was Tiff Eden’s penalty that did for the Pirates.

Nicolas De Battista and Matt Evans scored tries both converted by Will Cargill who also added a penalty.

In National League 2 South, Redruth had a right old battle with Henley Hawks as the defence manuals were cast aside. The Reds prevailed by seven tries to six to record a 49-38 win.

Alex Ducker made an instant hit on his return to the Rec scoring three tries, with skipper Richard Brown (2), AJ Cant and Rob Coote also crossing. Richie Kevern kept up his fine form kicking all seven conversions.

In the South West Premier, another vital win on the road for Camborne as they won 32-30 up at Cleve.

Town’s tries were scored by Rhodri McAtee, Declan Matthews, Harvey Bell and Tommy-Lee Southworth with Dave Mankee kicking three conversions and three penalties.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston were held at Polson Bridge 15-all by Bideford. The game marked skipper Lloyd Duke’s 150^th for the Cornish All Blacks.

In London 1 South, London Cornish travelled down to Brighton but returned from the coast empty-handed as the Blues ran out 29-20 winners.

Cornish scored tries through Rich Stephens and Alex Gee both converted by George Kimmins who also kicked two penalties.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, good day for our clubs. Leaders St. Ives racked up another big win defeating Torquay 57-10. Chris Quick, Cameron Bone, Pete Mabbott (2), Tom Nicholas, Rob Elloway, Jacob Ninnes, Sean Stevens and Grant Thirlby all scored tries with Rhys Brownfield slotting six conversions.

St. Austell keep up the pressure on the Hakes after defeating Chard 47-20 at Tregorrick Park. George Tregilgas (2), Cam Boyer, Liam Freeman, George Knowles, Ben Chenoweth and Adam Kellow all crossed for the Saints with Freeman landing six conversions.

Falmouth caused an upset beating Devonport Services at the Rec 12-8. Mark Lea and AJ Geach scored tries with Justyn Irons kicking a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels beat Crediton 28-18 at the Molesworth Field. Tries were scored by Adam Blackmore James Grubb and Jack Scott with Danny Thomas kicking the other points.

Truro drew at 31-all at Paignton having trailed 20-0 at one stage. Truro’s tries came through Luke Tidball, Ian Rowe, James Martin, Alex Sutheridge and Sam Teasdale with Eggy Williams landing three conversions.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn stay top for the moment after their 59-3 win at home to Lanner. The Borough scored nine tries with Viv Wilmott and Andy Seviour both getting two.

Saltash defeated Withycombe 41-27 in a game that also counted for the RFU Senior Vase.

Pirates Amateurs lost at home to Honiton 31-21 as did Hayle at Plymouth Argaum 33-16, however Bude won 29-10 at Plymstock.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe look modds on for the title after winning 26-8 at Newquay Hornets. Bodmin defeated Illogan Park 63-5, St. Agnes won at Roseland 29-26 and Camborne School of Mines warmed up for the Bottle Match defeating Veor 42-30 on their old ground in Camborne.

The following ladies have been picked for the Cornwall Ladies squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup County Championship.

Squad: Zeta Penrose, Jess Howell, Oriel Brazier, Claire Matthews, Steph Trapp, Ro Gomez, Jess Humber, Claire Thompson, Imogen Miller, Martha Simons (all Penryn Ladies), Hannah Pickard, Lydia Furse, Rachel Shakleton, Nicole Rowland, Frankie Perry, Emma Stefanottie, Claire Onions (all Bude Ladies), Jo Holden, Alex Smith, Verity Waters, Helen Mitchell, Chloe Dawe (all Albion Ladies), Megan Belts, Cozette Shrosbree (both Pirates Girls & Ladies), Louise Snelson (St. Austell Angels).

Also during the week Camborne’s Michella Roberts, now playing her rugby at Bristol Ladies, played for the England Ladies Under 20s against the Army coming off the bench to score their final try in a 44-0 win.

Good luck to Michella for the forthcoming games against France Ladies Under 20s in Lille and Basingstoke.

Noah Nash of Cornwall U20s (Brixham) dives over for a try during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Jason Leonard U20 County Championship

Cornwall U20 V Hampshire U20

The Cornwall U20 team play their second pool game on Sunday 25th February at St Austell RFC with a 13:00 kick off time.

Cornwall’s opponents on the day will be Hampshire who, like Cornwall, won their first pool game by defeating Dorset & Wilts 24 – 7.

Cornwall had a difficult first game travelling to the Forest of Dean to play a strong Gloucestershire team. Cornwall secured a four try bonus point win by defeating Gloucestershire 15 – 24 at Cinderford RFC on Sunday 11th February. Kyle Gratrix (Penryn) scoring two tries, with Noah Nash (Brixham) and Jake Penprase (Bath Uni) scoring one try each.

The Cornwall team is selected from players who were born after 31 August 1998, were born or reside in Cornwall, or are registered as a player with a Cornish club.

The squad of over fifty players have been training since the start of the year and are coached by Matt Shepherd and Josh Lord, both of whom have played senior rugby for Cornwall and are RFU qualified coaches. The squad consists of 18, 19 and 20 year old players and forms part of the CRFU’s progression and development of young players.

The CRFU, and U20 section would like to thank everybody from St Austell RFC for their work in putting on the fixture, along with our kit suppliers O’Neills, shirt sponsor Kelsall Steele Investment Services Ltd and programme sponsors Booths Print.

The gates open at St Austell on the 25th February at 1200. Entry will cost £5, including a match programme, with accompanied U16’s having free entry. Please come along and support the young “Black and Golds” in the potential pool decider.

Some background information to the Cornwall changes:

Jack Osborne had got a job overseas so Dan Reed (Wadebridge Camels) comes into start at second row. Ethan Tyler (Penryn) moves from the bench to start at full-back, with Callum Boyce (St. Austell) dropping to the bench to cover scrum half and full back with Liam Jolly (St. Ives) dropping out of the squad. Kyle Bradley (Penryn) comes onto the bench in place of Tom Osborne (Swansea Uni), Jack Hodge (Redruth) picked up a knock against Henley and has been rested for this game.

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Dr John Garman, Peter Berriman, Sam West, Emma Eddy

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Travel note: Tregorrick Park – PL26 7AG – Please avoid approaching the ground via Pentewan Road and Tregorrick Village as it can cause congestion. Please use Porthpean Road access route if possible.

Photo Simon Bryant Iktis: Richie Kevern in fine form for Reds

Slightly late with the blog this week, which is better than none the previous week! I must be slipping.

Sadly the rain again got the better of the Mennaye enforcing a postponement of Pirates’ game against Yorkshire Carnegie. This has now been re-scheduled for Sunday Feb 25^th.

In National League 2 South, were there was a full program, Redruth got a bonus point win at Clifton 26-6. Richard Brown, Todd Prisk, Richie Kevern and Shaun Buzza got the tries, whilst the ever-improving Kevern added three conversions.

A fine win to back the success at home the previous week against Canterbury. Reds are home this week to Henley Hawks.

It was catch up otherwise in the leagues, in Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell returned to Torquay to play their abandoned game from three weeks ago. It proved another tight encounter but Saints prevailed 10-7 thanks to a try from Ian Venner converted by Liam Freeman who also kicked a penalty.

Truro got a vital win at Falmouth, despite having four yellow cards and playing with just thirteen men at one stage.

Ben Teasdale got a couple of tries for the Goats on his return with Ethan Pattison getting the third whilst a penalty-try accounted for the other. Eggy Williams banged over three conversions.

For the Eagles, Tom Simmons and Mike Austin scored tries both converted by Justyn Irons.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Lanner defeated Wessex 30-20. The Falcons tries were scored by Rob Kessell (2), Adam Harris and Steve Jones with Nick Prout kicking the other ten points.

Saltash’s league/vase game against Withycombe was called off and will be played this Saturday, whilst the Mennaye also scuppered Pirates Amateurs v Wellington.

There was a full program in Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe defeated Bodmin 23-0 to stay top, this Saturday they face nearest rivals Newquay Hornets at the Sportscentre.

Helston remain unbeaten in Tribute Cornwall League 2 following their 36-0 win at home against St. Just.

In the Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-final, Wadebridge Camels defeated Launceston 22-13. Camels scored four tries through Matt Ballard, James Grubb, Will Pengelly and Matt Humber, with Danny Thomas kicking a conversion.

For the All Blacks, Zac Cinnamond scored a try converted by Dan Pearce who also kicked two penalties.

Camels will play the winners of St. Austell v St. Ives in the final.

Well done to Cornwall Under 20s on their fine win 24-15 at Cinderford. Any win away to Gloucestershire is to be savoured. See previous blog post for report on game.

Hopefully there will be a big crowd at St. Austell for their second game against Hampshire on Sunday 25^th Feb, kick-off 1 pm.

Well done to all the ladies who played for Cornwall on Sunday at Newton Abbot.

Last Monday saw the Cornwall squad come together for their greet and meet session at St. Austell Brewery. As ever some new faces in the potential squad. The plotting for Twickenham is underway.

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP POOL D

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 15 -24 CORNWALL

Cornwall got their campaign off to a great start with a gutsy win at Cinderford against a tough Gloucestershire outfit.

The black and golds got off to a perfect start with an early unconverted try from Penryn tight-head prop Kyle Gatrix.

Kyle Gatrix of Cornwall U20s (Penryn) takes on Carl Guest of Gloucestershire U20s (Drybrook) during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Gloucestershire’s response arrived with a try scored by lock Chris McCann and a Ben Cole penalty to lead 8-5 after 20 minutes.

Cornwall’s defence was outstanding during the whole game and they took the game by the scruff of the neck just before half-time with a couple of tries through Brixham scrum-half Noah Nash and Camborne flanker Tiann Clark, both scores were converted by Launceston fly-half Reuben Edwards for a 19-8 advantage.

Noah Nash of Cornwall U20s (Brixham) dives over for a try during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship match between Gloucestershire U20s and Cornwall U20s at the Dockham Road on February 11th 2018, Cinderford Gloucestershire- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall worked hard during the second half to protect their advantage but eventually Gloucestershire reduced their arrears when winger Ben McIlwraith sped in, with Cole adding the conversion.

Cornwall battled away bravely to protect their four point advantage and were rewarded late on when Gratrix powered over for his second try of the game to give Cornwall the bonus point win.

Next up for Cornwall will be a tough encounter with Hampshire, who won their opening fixture against Dorset & Wilts 24-7 at Overton, the match takes place at St. Austell on Sunday 25^th February with a 1 pm kick-off.

Cornwall: C Boyce (St. Austell), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Penprase, C Gilbert (Redruth), M Blee (Camborne), R Edwards (Launceston), N Nash (Brixham); R Bentham (Launceston), L Barnes (Camborne), K Gratrix (Penryn), D Goldsmith (Launceston), J Osborne, T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Uni), T Clark (Launceston, Capt).

Replacements: H Lightfoot, C Jenkins (both Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), D Reed (Wadebridge Camels), D Matthews (Camborne), L Jolly (St. Ives), J Carr (St. Austell), E Tyler (Penryn)

Cornwall selectors have announced their squad to take on Gloucestershire on Sunday in the first Jason Leonard Cup game this season.

The Cornish All Blacks have the largest club representation in the squad, testimony to their excellent youth policy at Polson Bridge.

No.8 Torin Clark captains the side.

The game will be played at Cinderford RFC on Sunday 11th February with a 1 pm kick-off.

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Lauren Albury, Sam West

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Photo: Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Redruth’s 31-19 success against Canterbury lifts them above Henley Hawks in the league table to 5^th place. The two sides meet in two weeks time at the Recreation Ground, but before that there is the game at Clifton and that fixture occupies the thoughts of head coach Pale Nonu. He said. “Next Saturday’s game at Clifton will be vital for both clubs, Clifton need the points in their bid to avoid slipping into the bottom three, whilst we really need to back up today’s performance with a win on the road.

“If we can get into the right mind set then I think we can get a good result up there, we will certainly be working on that this week in training.

Looking back at the Canterbury game Nonu was pleased with his side’s performance on the day. “Conditions were tough, the pitch was heavy and there was a stiff wind. Credit to both sides they adapted well and both played some excellent rugby at times.

One factor that disappointed Nonu was conceding Canterbury’s second try right on half time. “That was poor defending from us, we left the door open on the blindside and they took the gift. It put a different slant on the half-time chat, the boys knew they had work to do and to their credit they went about putting it right in the second half. I thought our game management in the second half was good with Richie Kevern putting us in position, his game seems to improve every week which is really pleasing, he works hard at training and stays on to do extra work so it’s paying dividends now.

Equally satisfied with the Redruth performance was forwards coach Gareth Tedstone. “I am pleased to get that bonus point win, I feel we didn’t do ourselves justice at Bury, hopefully we can go into the Clifton game with some momentum.

“Today I was pleased with the work rate and carrying from the forwards against a big heavy pack, we had to win the game another way, we couldn’t rely on out-muscling them up front, so I am really pleased with the way our lads went about it.

Brad Howe at number 8 certainly showed up well for the Reds. “Brad put in a big performance, pity he didn’t have the legs to make the line in the second half but it was tremendous effort he might have made it playing down hill but going up the slope was a hard ask.

Another forward who caught the eye was young prop Jack Hodge. “Jack’s had a fine game, he’s a very promising prospect, versatile also he can play across the front row and at only 19 has a bright future. He is learning from experienced players like Craig Williams. We will have to manage him a bit now as he will be involved with the county under 20s, by all accounts he’s made a big impression with the county coaches and is likely to feature in the group games starting next week.

Cornish Pirates 41   Hartpury RFC 0  

Reports Phil Westren

Playing this important ‘home’ tie ‘away’ in the British & Irish Cup, which followed an announcement on Friday that the ground at the Mennaye Field was unlikely to be playable, the Cornish Pirates displayed wholly admirable stoicism to qualify for the quarter-finals stage.

For this rescheduled final Pool 5 encounter, which had initially been postponed two weeks earlier, lock Chris Morgan was the named skipper, whilst included on the bench were fit again returnees Tom Cowan-Dickie and Matt Evans.

On a cold and breezy late afternoon at Hartpury’s Gillman’s Ground – the kick-off was at 4pm – conditions were at least very good, and especially so when considering that this game was the third match to be played there in just four days.

The Pirates travelled, of course, in the knowledge that they needed a bonus point win to proceed in the competition, so losing prop Jack Andrew with an apparent face injury early on was a little worrying.

Hartpury’s side was a strong one, including former Bristol and Newcastle Falcons centre Luke Eves, son of Derek. Along with colleagues he showed the danger posed, however it was the fully focused Pirates who overall looked the most purposeful.

Approaching midway through the first half it was time for the visitors to open the scoring, and they did. The pack rumbled close to the opposition line and signalled a penalty the opportunity was taken to suddenly get the ball wide. Wing Alex O’Meara, a former Hartpury student, did the honours to score the game’s opening try but fly-half Will Cargill’s conversion attempt narrowly missed.

The Pirates continued to dominate and on the half-hour mark would score again. Full-back Kyle Moyle made the initial thrust and following a telling burst from flanker Alex Cheesman it was scrum-half Alex Day who crossed for a second unconverted try.

A set back for the hosts saw them lose the services of their Plymouth-born skipper, former Wales back-rower Rhys Oakley, before the break – which arrived with Pirates looking ‘good value’ for their 10-0 lead.

At the start of the second half it was Day who went close to scoring once more, with hooker Sam Matavesi again showing what a threat he can pose with ball in hand.

It was a little too early to be fully confident that the Pirates would deliver the win sought, however after No. 8 Tom Duncan scored a converted try number three, and the lively Day then deservedly notched the bonus point score, tensions were undoubtedly easing.

With an hour on the clock, feelings of relief heightened to elation, when wing Nic Coronel powered over. Cargill’s conversion made it 29-0 but there was better yet to come. It was also a time for the Pirates to empty their bench, with another ex-Hartpury man in Matt Evans making an immediate impact.

As the game approached its conclusion, with sweeping raindrops glistening in the floodlights, the Pirates crossed Hartpury’s line twice more. Replacement hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie wasted no time in scoring his seventh try of the season, converted now by Laurence May, and there was a second in the match for Duncan.

Having to switch the fixture to Hartpury under the instruction of the RFU had naturally been frustrating and disappointing for both the Pirates team and their supporters, but no better reaction could have been asked for.

Speaking after the game, co-coach Alan Paver commented:

“We are over the moon with the performance, considering some of the mental torment we have been through as a side.

“Besides having to seek a bonus point win, the fixture reversal provided an extra challenge, but we found ourselves in the right place emotionally and it showed in our performance.

“Against a decent side, in the first forty we played with a good mix of pragmatism and endeavour, so at half-time it was a case of just keeping the guys in the right frame of mind. Everyone contributed to the cause and it was great to see certain players involved who have been making their way back from injury.”

Alan added:

“As Graham Dawe once told me, ‘One snow flake doesn’t make a winter’, but our performance today was a little bit special. To get to the quarter-final it means so much to the club and our supporters – and we really did it the hard way!”

Cornish Pirates:  15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Alex O’Meara (22 Matt Evans, 60), 13 Dan Koster, 12 Nicolas De Battista, 11 Nico Coronel, 10 Will Cargill (21 Laurence May, 65), 9 Alex Day (20 Mike Pope, 62); 1 Jack Andrew (17 Billy Keast, 10), 2 Sam Matavesi (16 Tom Cowan-Dickie, 62), 3 Christian Judge, 4 Chris Morgan (capt; 18 Toby Freeman, 60), 5 Josh Caulfield, 6 Dan Lee, 7 Alex Cheesman (19 John Stevens, 62), 8 Tom Duncan.

Hartpury RFC:   15 Ed Coulson, 14 George Perkins, 13 George Boulton, 12 Luke Eves, 11 Ed Sheldon, 10 James Williams (22 Jacob Perry, 40), 9 Ewan Fenley (21 Harry Cochrane, 40); 1 Mike Flook, 2 Will Tanner (16 Will Crane, 55), 3 Rupert Harden (18 Tom Heard, 47), 4 Ben So’oialo-Chan, 5 Joe Quinn, 6 BJ Edwards, 7 Rhys Oakley (capt; 19 Tom Everard, 33; 20 Vince Everitt, 55), 8 Darrell Dyer.

Replacement (not used): 17 Dan Murphy,

Scorers:

Cornish Pirates – tries: 14 Alex O’Meara (18), 9 Alex Day (30, 53), 8 Tom Duncan (47, 77), 11 Nico Coronel (59), 16 Tom Cowan-Dickie (71); cons: 10 Will Cargill (48, 60), Laurence May (72).

Referee:   Aled Evans (WRU)

Attendance:  275

The British & Irish Cup Quarter-Final Draw, matches to be played on the weekend 30/31 March/1 April, is confirmed now as follows:

QF 1 – Ealing Trailfinders v Cornish Pirates

QF 2 – Jersey Reds v Doncaster Knights

QF 3 – Leinster A v Munster A

QF 4 – Bedford Blues v Ulster A

The Semi-Finals, to be played on the weekend 20/21/22 April will see the winner of QF 1 play the winner of QF 4, and the winner of QF 2 play the winner of QF 3.

The Final is scheduled to take place on the weekend 11/12/13 May – Venue to be confirmed.

It proved not to be a happy return for Pirates’ coach Alan Paver to his home town of Rotherham on Saturday as a late Caolan Ryan penalty gave the Titans a first Championship win of the season and leave the Pirates high and dry.

The 27-24 defeat came on top of a disappointing week for Pirate supporters with the news that the Stadium consortium are looking for £6 million of public funds to make the project happen. As a well known politician in Europe has said; “The clock is ticking!”

Obviously players and coaches can only control what goes happens on the field, but it’s hard not to believe that the latest twist in this sorry on-going saga must have an effect on players and their morale!

Having reached half-time trailing 21-10, Nicolas De Battista with the try converted by Will Cargill who also kicked a penalty, Pirates mounted a good comeback to lead 24-21 with less than 10 minutes to play.

Tom Duncan and Chris Morgan muscled their way over the line for tries both bettered by Cargill to put them back into the lead, sadly late penalties from Lee Millar and Ryan did for the Pirates.

In National League 2 South, Redruth returned empty handed from Bury St. Edmunds after going down to a 27-14 defeat. Kyle Marriott and Chris Fuca scored a try in each half both converted by Richie Kevern.

In the South West Premier League a welcome win for Camborne 29-7, against fellow strugglers Weston-super-Mare.

James Goldsworthy (2), Ben Kemp and Harvey Bill scored the tries with Dave Mankee converting twice and kicking a penalty.

A good cross-border derby at Polson Bridge in Tribute South West 1 West as Launceston took on Okehampton winning 34-13 to maintain their 3^rd spot.

Dan Pearce was the star of the show with a total of 29 points, with two tries, five penalties and two conversions. Lloyd Duke scored the other try.

In London 1 South, disappointment for London Cornish as they lost 20-21 to Chobham. The game was switched from the exiles usual home ground to Imber Court, home of Metropolitan Police. Cornish missed far too many chances and gave away too many penalties. Tries were scored by George Kimmins, Matt Hakes and Rich Stephens, with Kimmins landing a penalty and a conversion.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Ives keep hauling in the results to stay top of the pile. Kingsbridge were the latest side to travel to Alexandra Road and come away with nought following the Hakes 27-14 win.

Tries from player-coach Paul Thirlby, Rhys Brownfield, Martyn Lawrence and a penalty-try ensured the bonus point, Brownfield kicked the other points.

St. Austell overcame Truro in a turgid battle at Tregorrick Park 18-13. Truro led 13-8 at one stage thanks to Luke Tidball try converted by “Eggy” Williams who also bagged a couple of penalties. Saints had a Mark Martin try and a Liam Freeman penalty to show for their efforts up to that point.

Max Duggan’s try converted by Freeman edged Saints back into the lead before a second Freeman penalty ensured the win.

There was a big win for Wadebridge Camels against basement side Burnham 57-5. Camels mustered nine tries with Dom Hawkey (2), Ben Humber (2), Will Pengelly, Adam Collings, James Grubb, Gary Gynn and Jack Scott all making hay. Danny Thomas (4) and Grubb (2) kicked the extras.

A good win for resurgent Falmouth as they continue their climb up the table following their 29-15 win over Chard. Tom Edmonds helped himself to three tries with Tom Spiller getting the other. Justyn Irons banged over the other points. Video below courtesy of Kevin Bishop.

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In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, fixtures were badly hit again with the weather with just one game surviving Penryn defeating Hayle 49-0. The win puts the Borough back at the top of the table, whilst for Hayle they are now 12 points adrift of safety and seem likely to return to the Cornwall Leagues next season.

Sam Hitchens (2), Mitch Vague (2), Vivian Wilmott (2), Josh Chambers and Grant Randlesome all crossed for Penryn with Vague kicking another nine points.

Liskeard-Looe remain top of Tribute Cornwall 1 despite not playing as their game against Camborne School of Mines was postponed.

On Sunday Cornwall Under 20s played Devon in their final warm up game ahead of this season’s Under 20 County Championship and won 26-10 at Ivybridge.

The black and golds scored four tries through Jack Osborne, Chae Jenkins, Jack Hodge and Will Gibson with Reuben Edwards kicking three conversions.

A pleasing result for coaches Josh Lord and Matt Shepherd ahead of their opening Championship fixture against Gloucestershire on Sunday 11^th February at Cinderford.

The Nat West 6 Nations starts this weekend with Jack Nowell in the squad for the opening fixture against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

There were plenty of smiling faces at the Recreation Ground after the final whistle on Saturday following Camborne’s 29-7 win against Weston-super-Mare.

Two tries from No.8 James Goldsworthy and further touchdowns by Ben Kemp and Harvey Bell along with points from the boot of Dave Mankee did the business for Town.

Biggest smile of all was on the face of Liam Chapple, back for another stint at Camborne having been appointed as Director of Senior Rugby last Sunday so to get a bonus point win was just the start he wished for. “I am really pleased with that result, from the first training session to game day the boys have brought in to what I want to do. I am not going to get above myself after today, there is still a huge job to do but this result was just what the club needed at this moment.

Another bonus for the club was that for the first time this season they were able to field two recognised second rows. “It was very important to finally get Damian Cook and Ben Kemp back today, they both have a lot of experience and that showed out there today. Kempy has been out for twelve months and to play seventy minutes on your return was a big ask but he acquitted himself really well.

“All the lads played well and showed character when it mattered, near the end we were down to fourteen men after Cooky’s yellow card but we dug in and showed spirit to keep them out, that to me was very telling.

Chapple now wants his side to replicate home form on the road and with their next game at Newbury Blues who are also in the relegation mix, Chapple knows that a good result in Berkshire could go a long way in defining Camborne’s season. “Today’s result is done and dusted, we move on to plan for next Saturday, a big game at Newbury, we have a job to do up there, if we can replicate the spirit and endeavour we showed today then we will have a chance.

Chapple was full of praise for his No.8 James Goldsworthy. “He’s a class act he’s shown why the county selectors look at him, for a young man he’s played a lot of rugby and I felt he fully deserved his man-of-the-match award today.

Chapple also had words of praise for some of his new backs that he has not coached before. “I’ve only met some of these lads last Tuesday at training and been impressed. Harvey Bell looks a very, very good player, whilst Declan Matthews in the centre carried very strongly, the conditions out there today were horrendous but I thought the handling and skill level was impressive, they tried things, always looked to attack. That’s the style of play I want us do, it’s not good going through games and just going through phases, you have got to look to attack and score and build a lead.

I asked Chapple how vital it was for Camborne to stay at this level. “It’s vital for the club not just on the pitch but off it as well. Everybody has worked so hard over the years to get back to this level and move the club forward. The right attitude and commitment we will stay up, we will have a positive mind set going forward, it’s in our hands.”