Cornish dozen make SW trials

12 Cornwall U20’s selected for Southwest trials.

Following the completion of the SW pools 1 + 2 the SW selectors have invited several players from the 7 SW counties to attend the SW trials on Sunday 28 May.

At each game that is played in the 2 SW pools, a SW selector attends and at the end of the day agrees with both teams coaches a “team of the day”.

At the completion of the pool stages all the SW selectors meet and compile and invite players from those “teams of the day”.

Harvey Penhallurick (Falmouth) of Cornwall U20s skips out of the tackle. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 23/04/23, Cornwall U20s, Somerset U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

This season Cornwall have had 12 players invited to attend the trials which will be held at Bristol Grammar school on Sunday 28 May. Following the days trials a final SW team will be selected and go on to represent the SW region in the regional play-offs to be held in Coventry.

The 12 players are; –

Matt Pritchard – Falmouth

Matt Boothby – St Austell

Joe Maunder – St Austell

Will Perkin – St Ives

Wes Eddy – Pirates Ams

Giddy Blacklock- Newquay Hornets

Connor Triggs – Truro

Lachlan Surridge – Camborne

Lewis Bostock – Truro

Jack Statton – Launceston

Jamie Stanlake – St Austell

Harvey Penhallurick – Falmouth

Congratulation to all 12 players on their well-deserved selection. A massive thank you to Trelawny’s Army who once again have offered a bursary to the 12 players to assist in their travelling cost to the venue in Bristol.  All the players and those involved with the U20’s greatly appreciate the support that they give throughout the season and this bursary is another example of that support.

Colin Hatch

Cornwall U20 Team Manager

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall set up group decider v Kent

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

HAMPSHIRE  20 – 24 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper at Fraser Road, Havant RFC

“Cometh the hour, cometh the man.” For Cornwall the hour was time added on as they trailed 20—17, the man was replacement prop Tommy-Lee Southworth, he emerged from the melee of players clutching the ball having been driven over by the never say die Cornish pack.

It was a try that sent Trelawny’s Army into a wild chorus of celebration, whilst at the same time breaking Hampshire’s hearts. Theirs was a brave performance and on another day they may well of pulled off the win.

Cornwall’s win sets up a decider against Kent next Saturday at Camborne RFC, kick-off 2 pm.

On a beautiful Hampshire day Cornwall kicked off roared on by the black and gold supporters.

The early exchanges set the scene; this was a much improved Hampshire side from last season at Redruth.

Ben Fox (Redruth) of Cornwall catching the line-out ball. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 13/05/23, Cornwall, Hampshire, Bill Beaumont Cup, County Championship, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Havant, Hook Lane Ground, Hampshire,, England

Cornwall earned a couple of penalties down in the scoreboard corner, at the second attempt Ben Fox secured the lineout ball allowing Cornwall to drive for the line, with hooker Richard Brown as ever reliable with the try. Skipper Fraser Honey kicked a very good conversion to make it 7-0 to Cornwall.

Scrum half Mike Austin put in some good box-kicks inviting Cornwall to chase, however Cornwall were as last week sometimes a little too eager to force the play.

Sam Stevens (Redruth) of Cornwall is tackled by Toogi Long (Trojans) of Hampshire. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 13/05/23, Cornwall, Hampshire, Bill Beaumont Cup, County Championship, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Havant, Hook Lane Ground, Hampshire,, England

A very good 50/22 gave Hampshire good field position on their first visit to the Cornwall twenty-two. From that Hampshire set up a good play which saw Harry Carr go in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Cornwall responded well with Duncan Tout putting in some strong runs in mid-field.

Having missed with a conversion, Hampshire’s Robbie Searle again failed with a penalty attempt from long range. 

Cornwall lost wing Jack Kessell to a serious injury which will see him miss the rest of the campaign. Lewis Thomas coming on for his Championship debut.

Hampshire’s forwards were carrying well none more so than their skipper Liam Perkins.

Cornwall looked to have scored a second try as the pack went over the line but referee Howarth deemed a knock on.

Matt Shepherd (St Austell) of Cornwall makes a break across the field. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 13/05/23, Cornwall, Hampshire, Bill Beaumont Cup, County Championship, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Havant, Hook Lane Ground, Hampshire,, England

Instead, a swift counter from Hampshire gave them the lead, Perkins the instigator before full back Max Fletcher showed great pace to run in from 60 meters and dot down in the corner another unconverted try.

Just before half-time Cornwall earned a penalty in front of the sticks, which Honey snuck over to tie the scores at 10- all.

Cornwall needed a good start to the second half and they certainly provided it. A searing break from Matt Shepherd saw the full-back make good ground, he put in a grubber kick for his St. Austell team mate Konnor Ewudzi who collected and dived in at the corner, a great score.

As Honey stepped up to take the conversion, the ball toppled off its tee, calmly, Honey picked up the ball and drop-kicked the conversion from out wide, it was a sweet strike under pressure.

Both sides emptied their benches as the game moved into the final quarter. Ben Priddey and Jack King carried well as Cornwall looked for another score.

Jack Heazelton (Camborne) of Cornwall faces down Harry Dolbear (Tottonians) of Hampshire. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 13/05/23, Cornwall, Hampshire, Bill Beaumont Cup, County Championship, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Havant, Hook Lane Ground, Hampshire,, England

Instead, Searle found his kicking boots, cutting the deficit with a penalty to set up a nervous finale. Hampshire thought they had scored but the referee gave a goal-line clearance to Cornwall.

Cornwall then found themselves down to 14 men as Declan Prowse was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.  

A Cornwall lineout was secured on their twenty-two, the ball went to ground, the referee deemed the ball was playable and Perkins picked up the ball as Cornwall hesitated and ran in to score in the corner, Tom Fieldsend then kicked a very good conversion from the touchline to put Hampshire back in the lead with time running out.

Tommy Lee Southworth (Camborne) of Cornwall dives over for the winning try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 13/05/23, Cornwall, Hampshire, Bill Beaumont Cup, County Championship, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Havant, Hook Lane Ground, Hampshire,, England

There was still time, but Cornwall had to secure the re-start. A good hanging ball allowed Freddie Stevenson to challenge and Cornwall had the ball. A cool head was now required, and credit to Cornwall, they patiently went through the phases, worked their way towards the line driving over with Southworth the scorer. Shepherd knocked over the conversion, Cornwall led 24-20.

There was time for a re-start, Cornwall got a penalty which Shepherd booted happily off the pitch.   

Speaking after the game Cornwall Captain Fraser Honey was proud of the resilience shown by the side. He said. “The boys showed a lot of character at the end, having conceded that try we were determined to win that re-start and get that final try. We probably played our best rugby of the match in that period.

“Next Saturday will be a big game at Camborne and I hope that we will get a big crowd to cheer us on and hopefully book another visit to Twickenham.”    

Hampshire: Max Fletcher (Sandown & Shanklin), Harry Carr (Havant), Alex Young (Camberley), Toogi Long (Trojans), Chris Buckett (Havant), Robbie Searle, Harry Dolbear (both Tottonians); Dan Sargent (Worthing), Sean Shepherd (Havant), Nick Barry (Camberley), Craig Durnin (Tottonians), Ross Parkins, Will Brock (both Havant), Jack Coles (Winchester), Liam Perkins (Worthing, Capt).

Replacements: Alex Hibdige (Andover), Joe Tarrant (Tottonians), Ben Featherstone (Trojans), Sam Voight ( Camberley), Dylan Read (Colchester), Wes Dugan (Havant), Tom Fieldsend (Winchester).

Hampshire scores: Tries, Carr, Fieldsend, Perkins, Pen, Searle, Con, Searle

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Kessell (Camborne), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Konnor  Ewudzi (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes, Richard Brown, Jess Tompsett (both Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (both Redruth).

Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey, Declan Prowse (all Camborne), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Jack King, Lewis Thomas (both Redruth) Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams). 

Cornwall scores: Tries, Brown, Ewudzi, Southworth, Cons, Honey 2, Shepherd, Pen, Honey.

Referee: Nathan Howarth (RFU)

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall announce side to face Hampshire

CORNWALL NAME SIDE TO FACE HAMPSHIRE AT HAVANT

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall selectors have named the side to face Hampshire for Cornwall’s second group game.

The Black and Golds travel to Hampshire to take on a side that narrowly lost at Kent by 20-15 last Saturday.

Cornwall got their campaign off to a win with a 28-19 win against Somerset, but it was far from straightforward.

Last Saturday’s performance will have given the selectors some food for thought ahead of the trip to Havant.

In the pack Ben Hilton comes in for Freddie Stevenson , who reverts to the bench, to partner Jack Heazelton in the second row. In the back row Jordan Nicholls comes off the bench in place of Edd Pascoe who is playing for the Royal Navy.

In the backs Jack Simmons has had to withdraw due to injury, Sam Parsons moves from the wing to centre to partner Duncan Tout. Konnor Ewudzi comes off the bench into the starting XV on the wing, Jack Kessell remains on the other wing.

On the bench, prolific try-scorer this season Ben Priddey, Jack King, both I the forwards and back Lewis Thomas all come in for their first call up this season.

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Kessell (Camborne), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Konnor  Ewudzi (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes, Richard Brown, Jess Tompsett (both Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (both Redruth).

Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey, Declan Prowse (all Camborne), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Jack King, Lewis Thomas (both Redruth) Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams). 

Posted in Bill's Blog


Brave Cornwall come up short against Dorset & Wilts

Dorset and Wilts U.20, 27 – 23 Cornwall U.20


Cornwall U.20’s travelled to North Dorset RFC to face D+W in the quarter-final of the Jason
Leonard Cup.
A good crowd with lots of black and gold on display from Trelawny’s Army joined the players
in a minute’s silence at the start of the game to recognise the tragic events that occurred in
Bodmin earlier in the month.
Cornwall pegged the twin counties in their own half for the first 20 minutes and led 0 – 9 thanks to

3 Nat Dart penalties.

Nat Dart (Camborne) of Cornwall U20s kicks for the corner. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 07/05/23, Cornwall U20s, Dorset/Wilts U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Gillingham, Slaughtergate, North Dorset RFC, England

Just before the half hour mark D+W No 13 Fin Raworth broke the Cornwall defensive line and scored a try which was converted by their No 9 Connor Moore.


Five minutes later a powerful run by D+W No 5 Oliver Wills saw him pass to No. 6 Stan Vincent to
score their second try with again Connor Moore adding the conversion 14 – 9.

Matt Pritchard (Falmouth) Vice Captain of Cornwall U20s in the pink scrum cap drives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 07/05/23, Cornwall U20s, Dorset/Wilts U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Gillingham, Slaughtergate, North Dorset RFC, England


With the first half drawing to a close, D+W No 9 Moore was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes and Cornwall took advantage when Cornwall hooker Matt Pritchard charged through for a try which Nat Dart converted. Half-time Dorset & Wilts 14 – 16 Cornwall.


The second half commenced, and Cornwall were caught cold after 4 minutes when replacement No 20 Rhys Godling scored a try which was converted by No 10 Jamie Foskett.


D+W took charge for the next period and Cornwall gave away 2 penalties which D+W put over the crossbar to lead 27 – 16 with just over a quarter of the game to go.

Will Perkin (St Ives) Captain of Cornwall U20s catches the line-out ball. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 07/05/23, Cornwall U20s, Dorset/Wilts U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Gillingham, Slaughtergate, North Dorset RFC, England

Indiscretion again by D+W saw No 5 pick up a yellow card and Cornwall tried to get into the ascendancy.
Cornwall were dominating the lineouts. And set up several powerful driving mauls with D+W
trying to disrupt them. By strong defensive work and a bit of cunning play they held up Cornwall
over their line 4 times in 10 minutes. With 2 minutes to go Cornwall’s No 23 Joss Pascoe
crashed over the line which Nat Dart dropped kicked the conversion. 2 minutes left 4 points
behind, a cautious slow restart from D+W helped to run down the clock and when Cornwall
knocked on the referee from Somerset blew the final whistle to break Cornish hearts!

Peter Harris (St Austell) of Cornwall U20s drives for the try-line. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 07/05/23, Cornwall U20s, Dorset/Wilts U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Gillingham, Slaughtergate, North Dorset RFC, England


D+W were a big mobile side and now go on to represent the SW in the Southern final
against Hampshire on the 21 May.


For Cornwall U20’s the season is over, as in previous years we say goodbye to several the
players, but we look forward to welcoming new players’ next season. A massive thanks to
the CRFU and Trelawny’s Army for their support over the season. A big thanks to all the
players including those who have trained but not been selected along with the coaches,
medics, and back-room staff who all contribute to make the team and the season function.
Special thanks to Jo Holden, Kevin Bishop, Simon Bryant, and Dave Burrows for the
multimedia items.


Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager

Both sides line up to observe a minute’s silence regarding the tragic events in Bodmin the previous weekend.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Change of kick-off time Cornwall v Kent

To assist Kent RFU, the kick-off time for Cornwall v Kent at Camborne on Saturday May 20th is now 2 pm.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall Women book semi-final in impressive style

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 57 – 0 OXFORDSHIRE WOMEN

By Bill Hooper, at Polson Bridge

With Somerset Women having pulled out of the competition earlier this week, this game became a knock-out match with the winner guaranteed a place in the semi-finals.

Well Cornwall Women made sure it was they who are in the last four with this comprehensive win against Oxfordshire.

The visitors kicked off playing towards Devon and with less than a minute on the clock they were lining up under the posts. The ball was moved wide and when skipper Amy Bunt, pictured above receiving her county cap, got the ball there was simply no stopping her, she bounced off attempted tackles and surged imperiously to the try-line.

What a start, it really set the tone for the match. Fly-half Georgia Hall kicked the first of her six successful conversions.

Cornwall maintained pressure in the visitors half. From a kick to the corner the fired up pack drove Oxfordshire back with flanker Rosie Ninnis getting the unconverted try.

The mid-field of Jo Roberts and Megan Okey proved a constant threat, whilst in the forwards flanker Rhiannon Thomas and No.8 Katherine Wherry caught the eye.

A good break from wing Lydia Hawkins saw her hauled down near the line, Cornwall kept the ball alive and profited with a score from prop Josie Ninnis, to make it  family double.

Bunt again showed her strength and determination to bag her second try, before Okey sliced through the cover to put Cornwall 33-0 up at the break.

Cornwall Women again made an ideal start to the second half with a try from close-range from hard-working prop Mel Ruby.

With the game in the bag, Cornwall emptied the bench Bunt completed her hat-trick of tries before Lisa Allin came on to replace Amy Warman, another fine game from the Launceston 9,  at scrum-half and bag herself a brace of scores.

Oxfordshire to their credit never gave up and stuck to it and were a shade unlucky not to score, Cornwall Women did want their line crossed and they made sure of it. 

Cornwall coach Jo Holden was over the moon with her side’s performance. “You know what is the most satisfying is that they went through the plays we have been working on to the letter. It’s a great score today but there are some areas to work on ahead of our semi-final.

“The other pleasing aspect was when we brought on the bench, the level didn’t drop we maintained our physicality and our systems perfectly, great credit to the girls.” 

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth), Jo Roberts (Plymstock AO), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman (Launceston); Mel Ruby (Launceston), Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Josie Ninnis (Penryn), Megan Arnold (Launceston), Sian Westgarth (Truro), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Rhiannon Thomas (Launceston), Katherine Wherry (Ivybridge).

Replacements: Kim Upcott (Launceston), Lara Wallace (Camborne), Caitlin Milliken  (Camborne), Roberta Smith Scotland (Plymstock AO), Lisa Allin (Bude), Rebecca Bennett (Truro), Bryher Freight (Truro).

Cornwall Scores: Tries Bunt 3, R Ninnis, J Ninnis, Okey, Ruby, Allin 2, Cons Hall 6

Oxfordshire Women: Grace Chandler (Chinnor), Chelsea Round (Banbury), Charlie Groves, Shannon Loney (both Oxford Quins), Lucy Hardman(Oxford Brookes), Emily Dwyer (Banbury), Nicolle Guiliani (Chinnor);  Aisling Dulson-Ormsby (Chinnor), Daisy Hopkins, Imogen Coker, Katie Geary (all Oxford Quins), Poppy Thompson (Banbury) Jessie Jordan (Witney), Chloe Black (Oxford Quins), Hannah Hawthorne (Didcot)

Replacements: Izzy Baker, Sophie Rawlings (both Witney), Mollie Bourke (Chinnor), Gemma Rosati, Becci Matthews (both Oxford Brookes), Amy Johnson (Didcot), Elly Scane (Witney) .

Posted in Bill's Blog


Ian Gordon makes match ball presentation

Ian Gordon made the match ball presentation to Cornwall skipper Fraser Honey ahead of the Somerset game.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall battle to Somerset win

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

CORNWALL 28 – 19 SOMERSET

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground.

Cornwall got their campaign off to a winning start but it was a far from convincing performance as they were pushed all the way by a gutsy Somerset side.

Cornwall were their own worse enemies at times, compounding errors with penalties which undid much of their good work.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence to remember the tragic events in Bodmin last weekend. The National Anthem was then sung to mark Coronation Day.

Somerset kicked off playing down the slope and Cornwall immediately miss-judged the ball in a nervy start.

Despite the early error Cornwall looked to play with scrum-half Mike Austin looking sharp as did wing Jack Kessell who put in some strong runs throughout.

Mike Austin (Cinderford) of Cornwall dives between the posts for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 06/05/23.

Cornwall opened the scoring following a few phases near the Somerset line, the visitors infringed, quick thinking from Austin saw him tap and go to score near the posts. Skipper Fraser Honey added the extras.

Somerset again gave notice that they were not going to roll over. A kick into Hellfire corner gave the visitors the platform to launch a maul of their own which led to an unconverted try from prop Alec Chase.

There it remained, 7-5 to Cornwall at half-time.

Cornwall looked to the bench to freshen things up, with Ben Hilton adding his considerable experience to the fray. The pack sparked to life under Hilton’s impulse.

Cornwall’s rolling maul powers ahead. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 06/05/23.

Good play saw Kessell feed Austin for his second try in front of the massed ranks in Hellfire corner. Honey made sure of his kick to put Cornwall 14-5 up.

Further great play from the forwards saw Somerset bring down the maul illegally and referee Boscawen award the penalty try.

Still Somerset would not lie down. Tries from Leo Valentino and Kieran Ward, both converted by Jamie Elswood brought them right back into the match.

Sam Stevens (Redruth) of Cornwall dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 06/05/23.

Elsworth then saw a penalty attempt sail to the left of the posts as Cornwall looked a little rocky as the match entered it’s final moments.

Somerset had a scrum near their line, a tremendous Cornish push completely distabled their opponents allowing Sam Stevens to pick up and charge over for the winning score, Honey’s conversion completed the job.

After the game Cornwall skipper had this to say about the match. “That was a hard game. It was my first match back following injury and I did feel a little rusty. We made life hard for ourselves, we were lacking composure at times, trying to force the game which led to turnovers and then we compounded that on the penalty front.

“We will come together this week and look to put matters right and go into next Saturday’s match at Havant against Hampshire on the front foot.”

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Kessell (Camborne), Jack Simmons (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddian), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes, Richard Brown, Jess Tompsett (all Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (all Redruth).

Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Craig Williams (Redruth), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Sam Walker (Exeter Uni), Konnor Ewudzi (St. Austell), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams). 

Cornwall scores: Tries, Austin 2, Pen-try, Stevens, Cons, Honey 3

Somerset: Charlie Carter (Hornets), Huw Morgan (Clifton), Cam Maslen (Weston), Connor Vickery (Hornets), Matt Carr (Keynsham), Jamie Elswood, Dec Dorrington; Alec Chase, Kieren Ward (all Hornets), Joe Wright (Keynsham), Tommy Bailey (Hornets), Ed Nixon (Castle Cary), Leo Valentino (Old Reds), Sam Taylor (Capt, both Old Reds), AJ Hussell (Weston).

Replacements: Callum Lane (Hornets), Brad Hebbard (St Bernadettes OB), Hayden Tuttiet (Hornets), Andy Butler (Old Reds). 

Somerset scores: Tries, Chase, Valentino, Ward, Cons, Elswood 2

Referee: Veryan Boscawen (RFU)

Posted in Bill's Blog


Amy Bunt gives Q&A session with Dave Burrows

Amy Bunt Cornwall Women’s Captain
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Cornwall name team to face Somerset at Redruth

CORNWALL NAME SIDE FOR COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER

By Bill Hooper

The selectors have announced the Cornwall side to face Somerset on Saturday May 6th at Redruth, kick-off 3 pm.

The side shows 13 players from last year’s Cup winning squad, amongst them new captain Fraser Honey.

As expected Redruth players make up the bulk of the side, with healthy contributions from both Camborne and St. Austell.

Chairman of Selectors Kevin Thomas said. “Training sessions have gone well, players have looked sharp and have all given the selectors and coaches a range of choice with most positions.

“It’s a big ask for players to commit to almost another full month of competitive rugby off the back of a long hard season.

“Cornish rugby is special, that’s why our players are so keen to commit, they can add to the Cornish legacy and help write their own bit of history.

He went on to add. “It’s a bit of a challenge bringing together players from all over the Country. We have filmed the sessions and sent videos to some players that couldn’t get to all sessions.

“Representative rugby is very different to club rugby, a bunch of players selected from different clubs thrust together to play competition rugby. It’s about if you are willing to fit in as much as your raw talent.” 

Scrum-half Mike Austin, a product of Falmouth RFC, who scored the clinching try in last year’s final, makes the starting line up, whilst young Freddie Stevenson (Bude) comes in to partner Camborne’s Jack Heazelton in the second row.

Trelawny’s Army Player of the Year last season St. Austell’s Matt Shepherd, who has been in stellar form this season with the promotion winning Saints, starts at full-back.

The bench has experience; none more so than former captain Ben Hilton and Craig Williams. Sam Walker, another who began his playing with Falmouth and was pivotal in Cornwall Under 20’s Jason Leonard Cup win last season has a very good kicking game if required. Speed also from St. Austell wing Konnor Ewudzi, whilst Josh Semmens had a good outing in the Tamar Cup in March.

Ahead of Saturday’s game Honey had this to say. “Training has gone very well over the past couple of weeks and the boys are chomping to get out on the pitch and put into practice the moves we have been learning. Hopefully, that will put us in a great place going into the game.

“We don’t know too much about the Somerset side, that allows us to concentrate on our own game, if we implement that then we will be in a good place.

“The squad are buzzing to be playing at Redruth in front of our supporters; we hope there is a good crowd to give us that extra 16th man to drive the boys on.”

Cornwall travel to Havant next week to play Hampshire before rounding off their group games at Camborne against Kent on May 20th.

Entry on the gate is £10 with Under 16s free.

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Kessell (Camborne), Jack Simmons (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddian), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes, Richard Brown, Jess Tompsett (all Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (all Redruth).

Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Craig Williams (Redruth), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Sam Walker (Exeter Uni), Konnor Ewudzi (St. Austell), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams). 

Posted in Bill's Blog


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