JASON LEONARD CUP

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUARTER-FINAL

CORNWALL 18 – 8 KENT

By Bill Hooper at Tregorrick Park

In difficult conditions Cornwall wore down a spirited Kent side to earn a semi-final spot in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup.

Despite a few changes to the side from the previous week due to injuries and unavailability the Cornish lads put up a solid performance, notably when having to defend, constantly putting their bodies on the line.

Jack Hodge of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) powers his way over for a try – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

With driving rain coming in just before kick-off Cornwall played with the wind first half.

Despite good early territory Cornwall were a little too eager at times falling foul of referee Zerran Bell’s whistle.

Kent got into the game and surprised Cornwall with a well-worked opening try scored by their wing Jordan Thomas with a blind side move. Despite a good attempt by fly-half Sam Evans the try remained unconverted.

There were a couple of good runs from Cornwall’s fly-half James Tucker but sadly the support was a little slow arriving at times.

Flankers Will Gibson and Tian Clark combined well and looked threatening as did skipper Torin Clarke who led by example throughout.

Cornwall made a couple of changes after 24 minutes with both Jack Hodge at prop and Noah Nash scrum-half coming on.

Hodge’s presence was soon felt as he got stuck in at scrum time.

James Tucker of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) slips the tackle from Alfie Orris of Kent U20s (Medway)  Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall earned a penalty, which Tucker kicked to the corner from the catch and drive Cornwall drove for the Kent line after a couple of phases Hodge barged over for an unconverted try.

Cornwall struck twice just before half-time. Tucker kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to put the black and golds into the lead for the first time in the game. Tucker then converted his own try, that came about after a powerful break from tight-head prop Ollie Andrews from just inside the Kent half, the Falmouth player almost made the line himself but was hauled down under the posts just short, the ball was moved wide for Tucker to dot down for a 15-5 half-time lead.

In the worsening conditions Cornwall’s backs found it increasingly difficult as the pitch cut up, centres Connor Gilbert and Jake Penprase worked hard to create an opening but the Kent defence was tight.

The line out proved to be a lottery for both sides. Kent cut the deficit early in the second half when Evans kicked a penalty but that was as good as it was to get for the visitors.

Brandon Rowley of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) is tackled by Sam Evans of Kent U20s (Blackheath) and Thomas Petty of Kent U20s (Old Elthamians)- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Cornwall’s only points of the half came from a Tucker penalty after 61 minutes following a powerful Cornish scrum that shoved the Kent pack backwards at a rate of knots leaving their giant replacement prop Thomas Little, who’d proved a handful, crumpled on the ground.

Kent tried to salvage a score but the clock was against them and the Cornish were in no mood to yield.

The final whistle saw the Cornish lads leaping in the air and the Tregorrick crowd cheering them to the rafters.

After the game Cornwall coach Josh Lord was delighted with his side’s performance. He said. “I am really delighted they all put in a fantastic performance today. We ground out a victory in difficult conditions.

Lord also had huge praise for the players that had come in today. “Every player who took the field was fantastic today. The squad works, trains and plays together and that ethos showed today.

Jack Hodge of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) celebrates with Torin Clarke Captain of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) at the final whistle – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

There are always things to work on and Lord thought that his side had been a little to eager at times. “Especially during the first half we tried to force it a little too early when we need more control. We had a chat at half-time and I feel the boys controlled the game far better in the second forty.

Josh was also pleased with the way his side defended when called to do so. “Defences win games and we tackled our hearts out and didn’t give them the time or space to play. The boys have got a huge passion and desire to go as far as they can in the tournament.”

Josh, Matt Shepherd and the lads can now look forward to a home semi-final on -Sunday 15th April against Cheshire who beat North Midlands 17-12 at Dudley Kingswinford. The other semi-final sees Hertfordshire play Yorkshire.

Cornwall: E Tyler (Penryn), S Cornish (Penzance & Newlyn Colts), C Gilbert (Redruth), J Penprase (Bath Uni), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Tucker (Redruth), C Boyce (St. Austell); R Bentham (Launceston), H Lightfoot (Launceston), O Andrews (Falmouth), D Goldsmith (Launceston), B Rowley (Launceston), T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Met), T Clarke (Launceston, Capt)

Replacements: Q Cross (Wadebridge Camels), C Jenkins (Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), A Brassington (Redruth), S Firth (Falmouth), N Nash (Brixham), J Carr (St. Austell).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Hodge, Tucker, Con, Tucker, Pens, Tucker (2)

Kent: T Lennard (Cranbrook), A Orris (Medway), H Roberts (O. Elthamians, Capt), T Adamson (O Elthamians), J Thomas (O Elthamians), S Evans (Blackheath), W Luxford (O Elthmians); B Bratton (Tonbridge Juddian), T Petty (O Elthamians), T Simmons (Westcombe Park), C Dee (O Elthamians), A Keheli (Blackheath), L Remington (Ashford), K Clarke (Ashford), J Stubbington (Medway)

Replacements: J Simmons (Westcombe Park), T Little (Canterbury), K Wright (Thanet Wanderers), M Beard (Medway), L Hollidge (Medway), S Elllison (Sidcup), T Agu-Benson (Cranbrook)

Kent scores: Try Thomas, Pen, Evans

Referee: Z Bell (Devon RRS)

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Cornwall v Kent

Cornwall take on Kent in the last eight of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup at St. Austell RFC with a 1:30 PM kick-off on Easter Sunday.

Kent’s run to the last eight has been less than straight forward. Having lost their opening game at home to Hertfordshire 23-12, they were then held by Eastern Counties 21-all in their second pool match. They came in to the final round of pool games with just 2 points on the board and a daunting game at Farnham against Surrey. They put in their best performance thus far defeating Surrey emphatically 36-14 to snatch runners-up behind Hertfordshire.

There is a strong Old Elthamians’ presence to the squad captained by OE’s Huw Roberts in the centre.

Kent have made the quarter-finals in each of the last ten years and will not have happy memories of the last time they met Cornwall at this stage in 2015 when the black and golds won 25-18 at Charlton Park. For the record Cornwall’s tries that were scored by Todd Prisk, Locryn Williams and Dan Rutter, whilst Rhys Brownfield kicked two conversions and a penalty with Connor Swan adding another penalty.

Having won at Dorset & Wilts last Sunday, Cornwall have been obliged to make some changes to the squad for this match giving coaches Josh Lord and Matt Shepherd (pictured above) food for thought.

In the backs Reuben Edwards is unavailable for this game so in his place at fly-half comes Redruth’s  James Tucker. In the centre Declan Matthews, who will be involved with Camborne on Saturday, drops to the bench with Jake Penprase moving from the wing to centre.

Onto the wing comes Shae Cornish a colt with Penzance & Newlyn.

Up front Luke Barnes is also unavailable so Harry Lightfoot starts at hooker. Ollie Andrews (Falmouth) starts at tight-head with Kyle Gratrix one of three possible prop replacements for the 18 shirt dropping to the bench along with Penryn’s Callum Degenhardt and Redruth’s Jack Hodge.

In the second row Brandon Rowley comes in to partner Dan Goldsmith in a pack containing no less than five Cornish All Blacks.

In the back row Will Gibson who missed the game last week returns to partner Tiaan Clark and skipper Torin Clarke. Aden Brassington reverts to the bench.

On the bench Chae Jenkins returns having missed the Dorset & Wilts game, Camels’ Quinn Cross comes in as hooker cover.

STOP PRESS : Declan Matthews hasn’t passed fitness so Seb Firth comes onto the bench, whilst Jack Hodge is named as prop cover on the bench.

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Dr Tanya Lindsay, Sam West, Lauren Albury, Miles Corbett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

KICK-OFF IS NOW 1:30 PM ON SUNDAY.

Trelawny’s Army officials will be present at Moorlands on Saturday when Saltash take on Old Cranleighan.

We are delighted to be sponsoring the match ball for this game and hope that as many “Army” members from SE Cornwall can get to the game to support the “Ashes”.

Following the Vase semi-final a Saltash XV will play Buzancais from France at 4 pm.

Please note the following;

Programmes : these will be on sale at the entrance to MoorlandsL on Saturday @£5 . This is the minimum set by the RFU, the proceeds to be shared by the participating clubs. The programmes will be sold by our younger players wearing high viz tops. Please cooperate. All over 16 will be asked to pay. Within the terms of our lease the Club has permission to ask for an entrance fee on match days. This has never been enforced and nobody will be turned away but bear this in mind and act accordingly in the best spirit of the occasion.

JASON LEONARD CUP

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 4

DORSET & WILTS 22 – 34 CORNWALL

Photo: Camborne’s Declan Matthews scores for Cornwall. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Despite an early start compounded with the clocks going forward one hour Cornwall put in a big shift to score six tries to defeat their hosts and top the group, reports Bill Hooper

Cornwall’s reward is a home quarterfinal this Sunday (Easter Day) against Kent at St. Austell’s Tregorrick Park, kick-off 1 pm.

Cornwall got down to business from the kick-off and before long were rewarded when Camborne centre Declan Matthews went over for an unconverted try.

The twin counties replied soon after with a converted try and then another score not long after to lead 12-5.

The Cornish youngsters pulled a try back before the end of the first quarter when winger Jake Penprase got over for the second game running.

Cornwall then re-took the lead with their third try scored by Falmouth prop Ollie Andrews, fly-half Reuben Edwards added the conversion for a 17-12 advantage.

Photo: Cornwall skipper Torin Clarke secures the line out. Photo Simon Bryant Iktis photo

The ding-dong nature of the game continued as Dorset & Wilts hit back approaching half-time to score a converted try to lead by two points.

There was still time for Cornwall to add to their tally and it came through Camborne flanker Tiaan Clark who scored the black and gold’s fourth try for a 22-19 half-time lead.

Early in the second half Dorset & Wilts tied the scores with a penalty kick, but that was as good as it got for the home side as Cornwall finally took command after 60 minutes when Redruth’s Connor Gilbert scored a fifth Cornish try, that his club mate James Tucker converted.

Photo: Jake Penprase scoring for Cornwall. Photo Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Launceston replacement prop Brandon Rowley completed the scoring with ten minutes to go when he got over for try number six.

News soon filtered through that Kent had caused a surprise beating Surrey at Farnham 36-14 to clinch runners-up spot in pool 3 behind Hertfordshire, who surprisingly lost to Eastern Counties 22-15 in what proved to be a very tight group. Hertfordshire will be at home to Gloucestershire, who overcame Hampshire 13-12 at Havent.

Photo: Redruth’s Aden Brassington: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo-

In the Northern half of the competition, Yorkshire came out on top of their pool and will face East Midlands in the last eight, whilst North Midlands topped the other pool and they will face Cheshire.

Cornwall (Launceston unless stated): E Tyler (Penryn), J Penprase (Bath Uni), C Gilbert (Redruth) D Matthews (Camborne), D Hubble (Falmouth), R Edwards, C Boyce (St. Austell); R Bentham, L Barnes (Camborne), K Gratrix (Penryn), D Goldsmith, N Stanier-Smith (St. Agnes), T Clark (Camborne), A Brassington (Redruth), T Clarke (Capt).

Replacements: H Lightfoot, C Degenhardt (Penryn), O Andrews (Falmouth), B Rowley, J Tucker (Redruth), N Nash (Brixham), K Bradley (Penryn).

Photo by Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Cornwall Under 20s scored six tries as they beat Dorset & Wilts Under 20s 34-22 at Weymouth on Sunday.

They finish top of their pool and will be at home next Sunday to Kent in the last eight.

The game will be played at St. Austell RFC kick-off 1 pm.

Gate £5 with Under 16 free entry.

Report to follow

TASC Hon Sec. Ian Gordon presenting the Cornwall Colts Cup to St. Austell last season

Trelawny’s Army are once again proud to sponsor the Cornwall Colts Cup Final Day at St. Austell RFC on Saturday April 14th.

There will be four games with the first game kicking-off at 11 am. Entry is free with bar and BBQ facilities provided.

Come along and glimpse and support the future of Cornish rugby.

Cornwall’s postponed game against Dorset & Wilts has been re-arranged for this Sunday, 25th March.

The match will be played at Weymouth & Portland RFC’s ground kick-off 2:00 pm BST

Cornwall’s squad shows one change from last week, Redruth’s Aden Brassington comes in for the unavailable Will Gibson in the back row.

Ollie Andrews (Falmouth) comes onto the bench.

In the travelling reserves, Matt Blee is unavailable so Launceston colt Leion Cole is called up as back three cover.

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Emma Eddy, Rob Durant

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Photo: Liam Chapple delighted with Camborne’s fine win against Ding’s

The Beast from the East Part 2 had an effect on local rugby over the weekend notably putting paid to Cornwall’s Under 20s game at Weymouth against Dorset & Wilts.

It’s likely that both sides will have another go this Sunday as the quarter-finals are programmed for Easter Sunday.

On the Saturday there was a limited program as sides looked to catch up on postponed games.

The Cornish Pirates returned to action in the Championship after a week off completing a clean sweep of games against Hartpury College this season winning 45-20 at the Gillman’s Ground.

Pirates scored seven tries through Alex O’Meara, Matt Evans, Sam Matavesi, Josh Caulfield, John Stevens and Tom Duncan who got a brace, Laurence May banged over five conversions.

In National League 2 South, Redruth travelled to London Irish Wild Geese and looked set for a good result but two late tries condemned them to a 39-32 defeat.

They travelled back to Cornwall with a couple of bonus points ahead of this Saturday’s game at Chinnor.

Loma Kivalu, Edd Pascoe, Jack Simmons and Dean Bonds all scored tries for the Reds with Richie Kevern kicking the other points.

In the South West Premier, Camborne did the double over champions elect Dings Crusaders 28-16 at the Rec.

Damien Cook, Jake Champion, Phil Hinchley and Declan Matthews scored the tries with Dave Mankee adding all four conversions.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a solid 14-5 win at Bridgwater & Albion keeps Launceston in third place.

In London 1 South, London Cornish drew with Chichester 20-all. DoR Dickon Moon said on the club’s website. “Another late penalty by Skip George Kimmins landed London Cornish a 20 all draw with 4th placed Chichester in London 1 South, on a freezing day at the REMPF. The 78th minute pen added to another early in the 2nd half by Kimmins, and 2 conversions in the opening period of tries by Oli Low and the in-form wing Tom Jeffery.The draw was a fair result on the balance of play, and consolidates Cornish in 7th spot.

In the Tribute Western Counties West St. Austell lost a chance to put a bit more daylight between themselves and Services when they lost 24-17 at Crediton.

Saints scored three tries through George Knowles, George Tregilgas and Miles Davey with Liam Freeman kicking a conversion.

Falmouth lost 36-0 at Kingsbridge and are back in the dog-fight in the relegation zone.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Penryn put poor old Wessex to the sword as the Borough won 116-0 to maintain their challenge for a promotion spot.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Newquay Hornets are provisionally top, however Liskeard-Looe have four games in-hand on the leaders as their game was again victim of the weather.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Helston defeated last season’s champions Lankelly-Fowey 26-7 to virtually assure them of the title this time.

Congratulations to Saltash who have once again made the semi-final of the Senior Vase having defeated Slough 73-22. They will play Old Cranleighan at home on Easter Saturday with a Twickenham visit up for grabs.

Due to the forecast snow, today’s game in the Jason Leonard Cup at Weymouth RFC has been postponed. We will advise when new date is confirmed.