Photo: Fraser Honey one of the five selected

Following the trial last Sunday at Keynsham RFC, five of the nine Cornish players involved have been selected for twenty-three man South West squad to face sides from London & SE, the North and the Midlands at Nottingham over the May bank holiday.

The players selected are lock Hugo Culverhouse (Wadebridge Camels), scrum-half Noah Nash (Brixham), fly-half Fraser Honey (Launceston), centre Declan Matthews (Redruth) and full back Toby Robinson (St. Austell).

Photo: Richard Brown who captained Cornwall to victory

Cornwall were forced to do it the hard way at Tiverton’s Bolham Road as they defended the Tamar Cup 33-17 against Devon despite playing the whole of the second half with just 14 men, reports Bill Hooper.

It was during time added on at the end of the first half that Cornwall centre Duncan Tout was shown a straight red for dangerous use of the boot at a ruck.

Fortunately Cornwall had built up a good lead by half-time 23-10 and no doubt the character they showed in the second half against a completely changed Devon XV will have pleased head coach Graham Dawe.

It was Devon who made the better start as Barnstaple’s Will Topps went over in the corner that score was converted by Tom Whelan.

Cornwall got on the board thanks to a penalty from full-back Rhys Brownfield, however Whelan kicked a second penalty for Devon to extend the green and whites lead with Cornwall losing flanker George Jones to the sin bin.

Undeterred Cornwall pulled back another penalty through Brownfield before Devon found themselves also down to 14 man as Whelan was signalled out for pulling down a maul.

Cornwall took the scrum option and when Devon went to the floor referee Nick Wood trotted under the posts for a penalty-try, Brownfield’s conversion putting the black and golds into a 13-10 lead.

Cornwall then scored two quick fire tries through winger Tom Notman, the Redruth flyer finished off a good break by Tout for the first and then ran in off an interception by Pirates Amateurs’ lock Everard Reid in the corner for 23-10.

Photo: Chris Fuca scored the try to make the game safe

Devon made their wholesale changes for the second forty, keeping on only Whelan and forward Jamie Tripcony, and looked to capitalise on their advantage.

They pulled a score back through Tom McGratton with Whelan adding the extras, however Camborne’s Dave Mankee nudged Cornwall back to a nine point advantage with a timely penalty.

Cornwall then defended for long periods doing well to keep Devon out before making the game safe in time added on when flanker Chris Fuca went over from a catch-and-drive, with Mankee adding the conversion to put the cream on top!

Both sides will meet again next month in the Bill Beaumont Cup in what will no doubt be a keenly contested game at Ivybridge.

Cornwall (Redruth, unless stated) R Brownfield (Camborne), T Notman, J Simmons(Camborne), D Tout (Rossendale & Bude), D Bonds, M Vague (Penryn), J Oulton;T Phillips, R Brown (capt), A Zacharovas (Camborne), E Reid (Pirates Ams) B Jenkins (Barnstaple), G Jones (Penryn), M Grubb, BJ Chapman.

Replacements: D Connor (Brixham), S Bartle (Camborne), R Dugard (Barnstaple), J Drew (Camborne), B Howe, C Fuca, G Randlesome (Penryn), J Murphy (Barnstaple), F Honey (Launceston), D Mankee (Camborne), R Kevern (Camborne), T Robinson (St. Austell).

Cornwall scores: Tries Penalty-try, Notman (2), Fuca, Conversions, Brownfield, Mankee, Penalties, Brownfield (2), Mankee

Yellow Card, Jones (15), Red Card, Tout (39)

Photo by Simon Bryant Iktisphoto. Cattle & Paver see Pirates’ play-off hopes evaporate in London haze

An exciting weekend of rugby that saw some promotion and relegation issues settled up and down the leagues.

Cornish Pirates were for the second time this season denied by Richmond as a late converted try sealed a 35-32 win for the London side.

That defeat now means that the Pirates cannot qualify for the end of season play-offs and they will play their final game this season on Easter Saturday against Bedford Blues 3pm.

It began brightly for the Pirates with early tries from Max Bodilly and Kyle Moyle both converted by Laurence May.

Despite Richmond pulling a couple of converted tried back, Toby May grabbed a third try for the Pirates before the break which Laurence May converted as well as a couple of penalties for a handy 27-14 half-time lead.

Having lost Alex Day to the bin prior to the break Pirates were up against it as Richmond roared back with two converted tries in the space of four minutes to lead 28-27.

A Brett Beukeboom try regained the initiative for the Pirates but they were undone as Richmond scored a fifth converted try to take the spoils.

Cornish Pirates coach Gavin Cattle was disappointed at the end. “The game was in our hands, we showed some great attacking intent but we seemed to get complacent with a lack of execution. A very frustrating end for us with a top four place to play for.”

A late try from scrum-half Jack Oulton converted by Brett Rule gave Redruth a share of the spoils at Taunton 33-33 in National League 2 South.

Redruth other tries came from Kyle Marriott, Lewis Vinnicombe, Chris Fuca and Richard Brown with Rule adding a further three conversions.

Reds remain fifth in the table a point behind Taunton with two games to play.

In National League 3 SW, Camborne completed their home fixtures with a 22-12 win against Lydney. It was Dave Roberts final home game for the Cherry and Whites he led the side out prior to kick-off.

The strong wind dictated play, Camborne having faced the elements playing up the slope were happy to turnaround 7-5 at half-time thanks to an Ashley Lawton try converted by Dave Mankee.

Despite being down to fourteen men with prop Jon Drew in the bin Town extended their lead thanks to a try from Richie Kevern converted by Mankee who also added a penalty. Centre Jack Simmons scored a third try for Camborne before the end.

The game ended on a sour note as a player from each side was red carded, after a bout of fisticuffs, Lawton being the Camborne player signalled out.

Launceston went down in the final home game of the season 19-12 to Cleve. The All Blacks’ tries came from Rueben Edwards and Ryan Westren with Fraser Honey adding a conversion.

In Western Counties West, Truro’s game against league champions Exeter University was ended five minutes early when the referee picked up an injury.

At the time Truro led 15-14 having fought back from 14-0 down. The result should stand and keeps Truro fourth with a shout at third place ahead of their final two fixtures at Torquay and Burnham.

Wadbeidge Camels defeated Devonport Services 27-20 and remain in fifth spot. Matt Ballard, Ben Hawken, Ben Humber and Dom Hawkey scored tries with James Grubb kicking two conversions and a penalty.

St. Ives rounded off their home league program with a 52-10 win against Crediton.

St. Austell defeated Wellington 28-14 a result that sees the Somerset side relegated.

Welly were caught up in the mayhem on the M5 heading to Cornwall so kick-off was delayed, Saints did enough for a bonus point win thanks to tries from Adam Kellow, Hugh Noot, Shane Johns and a penalty-try award. Liam Freeman converted all four scores.

Sadly Bude’s return to this level only lasted the season, their defeat at home to Cullompton 45-0 seals their return to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish had to come from behind to complete their league program unbeaten. They finally ran out winners at Twickenham 34-21, having trailed 18-0 at one stage. Ross Harper, Chris Kolapo-Ajala, Rich Stephens, Tim Homan and George Kimmins all scored tries with Kimmins adding three conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, champagne corks were finally popped at Falmouth as the Eagles ran riot under the sunshine defeating Cornwall 1 bound Bodmin 103-0. Falmouth ran in fifteen tries to celebrate their title in front of their home crowd.

Saltash were given a stiff test by the fast improving Lanner side before emerging winners 24-14. Phil Eatwell, Harrison Reburn and Shaun Crawford scored tries for the Ashes with Reburn kicking all three conversions and a penalty. For Lanner Bev Stone scored a try and Ben Prout kicked three penalties.

Paignton’s win at Plymstock 61-0 ensured their promotion leaving Saltash in third place.

Elsewhere, Penryn won 38-31 at Plymouth Argaum and Pirates Amateurs defeated visitors Withycombe 49-27 in an entertaining game.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Newquay Hornets finished runners up after defeating Roseland 58-10, though whether they will contest the play-off for promotion to the Cornwall & Devon League with the runner-up from Devon 1 Torrington is still unclear.

Liskeard-Looe finish in third place following their 45-3 win at home to Veor who ended up fourth.

St. Agnes defeated Helston 21-0.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, congratulations to Lankelly-Fowey who were confirmed champions prior to their game against Camelford. A friendly game was played between the clubs with Lankelly-Fowey winning 91-0.

Stithians had a walkover against Redruth Albany, whilst Illogan Park won 52-10 at St, Just.

With the completion of the league program in Cornwall 1&2, apart Camelford v Stithians due to be played Easter Saturday, attention for the rest of the season turns to cup rugby.

The Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup has been split into four competitions. The top four sides in Cornwall 1 will play for the Clubs cup the draw is;

Liskeard-Looe v Hayle

Newquay Hornets v Veor

To be played on Saturday 22^nd April.

The Tribute Clubs Plate will involve, Helston, St. Agnes, Roseland and Camborne School of Mines

The Tribute Clubs Bowl will involve Lankelly-Fowey, Illogan Park, Stithians and St. Just.

The Tribute Clubs Shield, (to be played as a round robin with top two in the final) Redruth Albany, Perranporth and Camelford.

At present the fixtures and dates for the last three competitions are unknown. The finals of all four competitions is scheduled to take place on Monday 1^st May.

Photo: TASC Chairman Phil Trevarton presenting the winning Launceston captain with the Premiership trophy

Officials and members of TASC were part of a 500 strong crowd at Polson Bridge, Launceston last Friday evening for the finals of this season’s Trelawny’s Army Colts League.

In the Championship final Newquay Hornets proved a little too strong for a plucky Liskeard-Looe side winning 41-13.

Photo: Newquay Hornets Colts with Championship trophy

In the Premiership final that followed a tense match saw Launceston Colts edge out St. Austell Saints Colts 10-8 thanks to tries from Jordan Cunningham and Chae Jenkins.

Photo: The jubilant Premiership Champions Launceston Colts

Congratulations to all four sides for making it to the finals.

Photo: TASC Hon Sec Ian Gordon makes cheque presentation to Tony Strawbridge Chairman Cornwall Youth U.18 Group

Photo: Head coach Graham Dawe, Tamar Cup crucial preparation

Cornwall have named eight Redruth players in their starting line up for Monday night’s Tamar Cup clash with Devon at Tiverton kick-off 7:30 pm.

Reds hooker Richard Brown, who recently made his 200^th appearance for the club, has been named as captain.

No players from Plymouth Albion have been named in the match day squad. There are eight players in the starting XV earning their first cap for Cornwall, prop Andruis Zacharovas, lock Brad Howe, half backs Jack Oulton and Mitch Vague, centre Jack Simmons and the back three of Alex Ducker, Dean Bonds and Rhys Brownfield.

Photo: Penryn’s Mitch Vague set to make Cornwall debut at fly-half

Whilst from the bench Dom Connor, Sam Bartle, Robbie Dugard, Everard Reid and Fraser Honey could all make their county debuts.

Head coach Graham Dawe said. “This game is crucial to allow us to observe players in the County shirt and how they perform under that additional pressure. We have away games against Surrey and Devon before we face Hertfordshire at home this season. There will certainly be pressure on everyone involved in this year’s squad.

He added. “Places for the championship games are up for grabs and players who perform well in the Tamar Cup, training and for their clubs, are in the mix for selection.”

Dawe will be joined this season by coaches Marek Churcher and Rhodri McAtee along with Strength & Conditioning coach Tristan Lark.

The Tamar Cup game comes slightly earlier than in recent seasons but is still a vital test prior to the Bill Beaumont Cup games.

Photo: Camborne’s Rhys Brownfield set for senior debut at full back

Chairman of selectors Terry Carter said the squad was continually evolving. “Our initial squad has changed slightly as other players come into contention whilst some others have left the squad through injuries and availability. We have again run our development squad this season and a number of guys have come into contention via this route”

He went on to say “Further players may be included at a later stage if injuries or form preclude selected players”.

Following the Tamar Cup game a number of training sessions have been programmed in for the build-up to the first game that takes place on Saturday 6 May.

Cornwall start their defence of the Cup with two games on the road at Richmond on May 6^th against Surrey and then seven days later at Ivybridge against Devon before playing their only home game at Camborne on 20^th May versus Hertfordshire.

Cornwall (Redruth, unless stated) R Brownfield (Camborne), D Bonds, J Simmons(Camborne), D Tout (Rossendale & Bude), A Ducker, M Vague (Penryn), J Oulton;T Phillips, R Brown (capt), A Zacharovas (Camborne), B Howe, B Jenkins (Barnstaple), G Jones (Penryn), M Grubb, BJ Chapman.

Replacements: D Connor (Brixham), S Bartle (Camborne), R Dugard (Barnstaple), J Drew (Camborne), C Fuca, G Randlesome (Penryn), E Reid (Pirates Amateurs), J Murphy (Barnstaple), F Honey (Launceston), R Kevern (Camborne), T Notman. T Robinson (St. Austell), R Friend (Okehampton).

Photo: London Cornish skipper Craig Chatley receives London 2 SW plaque from Middlesex RFU President Tom Brownsell

Redruth can thank the goal kicking of Brett Rule, who landed three of the Reds four conversions as the edged a game of two halves 33-29.

Both sides managed to score five tries in a thrilling National League 2 South encounter. The first half saw Redruth score four tries through Rule, Shaun Buzza (2) and Nielson Webber with Rule landing three conversions and Joel Matavesi the fourth to lead 28-5.

The second half saw Worthing exploit turnover ball in deadly fashion to score four ties of their own but crucially only convert two of them.

Dean Bonds scored Redruth’s fifth try, their sole points of the half.

The bonus point win moves Redruth one point closer to Taunton whom they face on Saturday, a game that will likely decide who finishes fourth in the final table.

Disappointing results for both our sides in National 3 SW, Launceston were cruelly denied at the end by Lydney as the home side stormed back from a 24-15 deficit to take the spoils 27-24. The result confirmed a second relegation in two seasons for the Cornish All Blacks, although the effect of London Welsh’s demise from the Championship has to be factored into the promotion/relegation shake up down the league pyramid.

Rikki Bentham, Harry Dawe and a penalty-try award plus the boot of Fraser Honey accounted for the All Blacks’ haul. Near the end Launceston lost prop Andy Knight to a red card.

Camborne’s play-off hopes took a terminal blow up at Brixham as they were comprehensively beaten 38-14. Ashley Lawton scored a late try and were awarded a penalty-try both converted by Dave Mankee.

Town need to win both their remaining games and hope that Dings Crusaders slip up to get back in the play-off spot.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro put their Cornwall Cup disappointment behind them with a 27 all draw at Devonport Services. Matt Symons (2), Daryl Riches Ollie Seagrove and Luke Trescothick scored tries, Alex Stuthridge with a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels returned home empty-handed from Cullompton after a 27-0 loss.

St. Austell enjoyed a fine win in South Devon winning 48-16 at Sidmouth, Adam Kellow, Chris Ashwin (2), Ian Venner, Charlie Nicholson, Max Duggan and Liam Freeman all crossed for tries. Freeman also landed five conversions and a penalty.

St. Ives had a good win at Wellington 48-5 scoring seven tries through Sean Stevens, Martyn Lawrence (2), Dan Rutter, Tom Nicholas and Jordan Gott (2). Gott added five conversions and a penalty.

Bude lost at Crediton 31-14, the result is not ideal for the North Cornwall side as they are now level with Burnham who have a game in hand. Adam Black and Will Kingdom scored tries for Bude both converted by Dan Pearce. With the bottom two going down Bude need to get wins but with a home game to play-off hopefuls Cullompton and a tricky trip to Devonport Services it will be a tall order.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish completed their home program with a 29-17 win against London Exiles. Tries were scored by Tom Ievers, Chris Kolapo-Ajala, Rich Stephens and Jake Slade with Paddy Dean landing three conversions and a penalty.

Post match Cornish were presented with the London 2 SW trophy and will look to complete an unbeaten league season away to Twickenham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League leaders Falmouth lost for only the second time this season in the league at Withycombe 17-14.

With the Eagles facing a points deduction for fielding an unregistered player, they will hope to be confirmed champions at home this Saturday when they face struggling Bodmin.

Owen Hambly and Tom Tonkin scored tries both converted by Justyn Irons.

Saltash were made to work hard by Honiton before overcoming the Lacemen 38-28.

Paignton were awarded the points against Plymouth Argaum, though a friendly was played. It means that Paignton are six points ahead of Saltash with two games to play. It looks like the Ashes will run out of games to claw back the second promotion spot.

Pirates Amateurs won 14-6 at Penryn. Jack Nicholas and Liam Lonsdale scored the Ams tries both bettered by Lonsdale . Matt Horton kicked a couple of penalties for Penryn.

Better news for Penryn is that recent Pirates’ signing Toby Freeman will be head coach at the Borough next season assisted by Ian Morgan, Dave Pascoe and Gareth Tedstone. Graham Dawe will still be available as coaching consultant.

Lanner’s current good form continued with a 38-6 win against Plymstock at St. Day. Bev Stone (2), Adam Harris, Ryan Latino and Nick Prout all crossed for tries with Prout kicking the other points.

Despite losing at home Bodmin 23-18 to Tavistock, the losing bonus point was enough to move Bodmin out of the drop zone for now.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Hayle completed their league program with a 28-5 win at Veor. Gareth Mankee scored three of their tries. They will now look to try and complete a league and cup double when they take on Liskeard-Looe in the semi-finals of the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup later this month.

Newquay Hornets remain in second spot after seeing off Camborne School of Mines 27-19.

Liskeard-Looe won 43-19 at Helston to remain in third place, whilst Roseland defeated St. Agnes 19-12.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Lankelly-Fowey won the battle of the top sides edging out Illogan Park 24-16. They go into the final game at home to Camelford knowing a win bonus point will crown them champions.

Redruth Albany defeated Perranporth 24-17, whilst the game between Camelford and Stithians was postponed.

Photo by Rodney Parrish, TASC ball presentation to Bude

On a glorious spring day the Cornish Pirates put on one of their best displays of the season in defeating last season’s defeated Championship finalists Doncaster Knights 34-17 to keep their play-off hopes alive with two rounds remaining of the league season.

First half tries courtesy of a penalty-try award and a couple of rapier thrusts from Max Bodilly and Kyle Moyle with Laurence May bettering tow of the three tries left the Pirates with a healthy 19-10 lead at half-time.

That was soon improved on when Moyle scored his second try and ensure the bonus point. May then added a penalty before rounding off the scoring by converting his own try.

The only disappointing aspect was the dislocated shoulder picked up hooker Jack Innard which will now curtail his season. Fortunately Tom Channon is due back from injury and will feature against Richmond on April 8^th.

In National League 2 South, Redruth made the long trip to leaders Bishop’s Stortford and returned back to Cornwall empty-handed suffering a 32-7.

Jack Oulton scored a consolation try near the end converted by Brett Rule.

With Taunton winning, Redruth slip to fifth place in the table with four games to play.

In National League 3 SW, Camborne kept the pressure on Dings Crusaders for the play-off place with 22-21 win against Bracknell.

Town’s tries came from Josh Semmens, Ashley Lawton, Dave Mankee and Rhys Brownfield with Brownfield kicking a conversion in the tricky wind.

Launceston’s hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt a cruel blow as Brixham scored a converted try in time added on to win 18-17.

The Cornish All Blacks scored tries through Martin Kneebone, Lloyd Duke and Chris Macdonald with Fraser Honey adding a conversion.

It leaves Launceston seven points adrift of Lydney and safety prior to the All Blacks trip to Regentsholm on Saturday.

Truro’s faint hopes of making the play-off in Tribute Western Counties West are all but extinguished following their 24-15 defeat at home to Cullompton.

Truro fielded a changed line up faced with a Cornwall Cup semi-final the next day at Wadebridge Camels.

Ethan Tyler and Matt Cross scored tries for the home side with “Eggy” Williams kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Wadebridge Camels were much in the same boat as they lost at home to Crediton 27-20.

Camels tries came from Rhys Bright, Jack Scott and Christian Cotton with James Grubb kicking a penalty and conversion.

Photo by Rodney Parrish, TASC ball presentation to the Hakes

Bude did their hopes of avoiding a swift return to the Cornwall & Devon League some good with a bonus point win at home against St. Ives 35-22.

Dan Pearce scored three of his side’s tries with Ryan Vincent and Olly Mounce scoring the others. Pearce also kicked tow penalties and a couple of conversions.

For St. Ives, Tom Chandler, Archie Mackay and Jordan Gott all crossed for tries with Gott adding two conversions and a penalty.

St. Austell had a resounding win 62-5 at home to Torquay Athletic scoring ten tries. Toby Robinson and Miles Davey each scored a brace with Adam Kellow, Hugh Noot, Ian Venner, George Knowles, Shane Johns and Mark Martin all joining in the scoring. Andy Ashwin kicked six conversions.

In London 2 SW, a fine defensive performance underpinned another bonus point win for Champions London Cornish, five tries on the road enough to see off mid table Winchester by 32-5. Tries were scored by Rich Stephens, George Kimmins with two, Mark Osei-Tutu and Matt Hakes, Kimmins adding two conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, it looks like that despite a fine 67-14 win at Tavistock Falmouth cannot yet pop the champagne corks and celebrate the league title.

Despite losing AJ Geach to a red card mid-way through the first half when the Eagles led 26-7, the visitors were in no mood to buckle and pressed their foot on the pedal even harder.

In the end Seb Firth (3), Tom Edmonds (2), Tom Simmons, Dan Hubble, Tom Spiller, Mark Lea, David Jones and Hugo Page scored the tries with Justyn Irons slotting six conversions.

Pirates Amateurs couldn’t do Saltash any favours as they went down 44-15 at the Mennaye to second place Paignton. The Amateurs scored three good tries through Steve Evans, Hitchens and Lonsdale.

Saltash kept the pressure on Paignton with a 62-17 win over relegated Topsham, Dom Mulberry, Steve Hillman, Phil Eatwell (2), Nick Blake (2), Ryan Cruickshanks, Kieran Down, Simon Nance and Ben Stean all crossed form tries with Harrison Reburn (4), Blake and Down kicking six conversions.

Penryn boosted their morale with a 31-27 win at Withycombe. Borough’s tries came via Grant Randlesome, James Salisbury (2) and Will Gibson, all converted by Mitch Vague who also landed a penalty.

Lanner pulled off another fine win this time at Plymouth Argaum 22-16. Adam Kevern, Adam Harris and Dave Hewitt scored tries with Nick Prout kicking the other points.

Bottom of the table Tamar Saracens 12-9 win over Bodmin did the Cornish side no favours and sees them slip into the bottom three.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Hayle clinched the title in style defeating Helston 82-7 scoring twelve tries. Congratulations to the Lions who have bounced back into the Cornwall & Devon League at the first attempt.

Newquay Hornets remain in second after their 31-7 win in the North Coast derby at St. Agnes.

Liskeard-Looe are just two points behind Hornets following their win 44-17 over Roseland.

Camborne School of Mines defeated Veor 44-17 to put paid to the visitor’s outside hopes of a play-off place.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, leaders Illogan Park were given a fright at Stithians before emerging 22-20 winners.

They remain four points ahead of Lankelly-Fowey who beat St. Just 48-24.

Lankelly-Fowey travel to Illogan Park this Saturday, for what looks set to be a title decider and looking to repeat their 34-16 win earlier in the season.

Perranporth had a walkover against Camelford.

On Sunday the second Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-final was played at Wadebridge and it was the Camels that came through against Truro 42-31 thanks to tries from Matt Ballard (2), Adam Blackmore (2), Joe Pretty, Mike Rawlings and Harry Smith. James Grubb kicking the other seven points.

Well done to the Camels who will now face St. Austell in the final on Easter Monday at Redruth RFC.