Photo Dan Barbary: Cornwall’s George Jones, Ben Humber & Jess Tompsett

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

CORNWALL 15 – 15 SURREY (HT 5-15)

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Redruth

A new look Cornwall side battled to a creditable draw against Surrey at Redruth on the opening day of this season’s County Championship.

Speaking after the game Cornwall’s backs coach Marek Churcher felt it was a fair result. “Both sides had their moments so a draw is probably a fair result. I think we showed a lot of character to come back after our poor start.

“We have a much-changed side this season, so it’s very much a learning curve for our boys, hats off to Surrey they are a very good side with players playing a much higher level of rugby than many of our lads this season, so huge credit to our boys who raised their game today.”

Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) is tackled by Joe Touma of Surrey (London Irish Wild Geese) during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Cornwall and Surrey at the Recreation Ground on May 4th 2018, Redruth Cornwall – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Surrey had a dream start, a mix up at Cornwall line out saw the ball moved wide with former Redruth player, full back Ed Carne carving his way to the line with barely a minute on the clock, fly-half Alex Seers added the extras to leave the packed ranks of Trelawny’s Army in shock.

Cornwall had a chance of points soon after but full back Mitch Vague missed, one of three first half penalties eschewed by Cornwall in the first half, all from different kickers!

Instead, Cornwall were penalised at the breakdown and Seers made no mistake from 25 meters out.

Cornwall continued to make far too many mistakes, so it was no surprise when wing George Owen finished off a fine move in the Piggy lane corner for an unconverted try.

Jess Tompsett of Cornwall (Redruth) on the attack with Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) in support during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Cornwall and Surrey at the Recreation Ground on May 4th 2018, Redruth Cornwall – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall used the bench and it made an immediate impact following good play from the forwards, Penryn’s George Jones looked very sharp for Cornwall when he came on, the ball was moved wide with Vague feeding Jon Dawe to score in the corner an unconverted try.

Surrey contrived to lose two players to the bin just prior to half-time but Cornwall couldn’t ram home the advantage.

Cornwall came much more into the game during the second half, Honey reduced the deficit with a penalty and then converted Tom Notman’s great try following good work in mid-field by centre Duncan Tout, the former Bude player ran strongly into the twenty-two before releasing the flying Notman.

Tom Notman of Cornwall (Redruth) runs in a try during the Bill Beaumont Cup Match between Cornwall and Surrey at the Recreation Ground on May 4th 2018, Redruth Cornwall – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Notman almost had a second soon after denied by a great tackle from James Arbury for Surrey.

Cornwall threw everything at Surrey, roared on by Trelawny’s Army fanatical support, they elected to scrum a succession of penalties down in Hell fire corner with the crowd baying, in an attempt to wrest the win but a combination of good Surrey defence and little too much of Cornish impatience denied them.

Cornwall now take on Devon at Camborne next Saturday and will look to get a win ahead of their final game at Hertfordshire on May 19^th.

CORNWALL SCORES: Tries, Dawe, Notman, Con, Honey, Pen, Honey

Cornwall (Camborne unless stated): M Vague (Penryn), J Dawe (Launceston), D Tout (Juddians), J Murphy (Barnstaple) (Capt), T Notman (Redruth), R Kevern (Redruth), T Peacock; A Zacharovas, M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), J Drew, D Cook, L Hattam (Redruth), BJ Chapman (Newton Abbot), B Humber (Wadebridge Camels), G Randlesome (Penryn)

Replacements: T-L Southworth, J Tompsett (Redruth), J Hoskin (St. Ives), G Jones (Penryn), D Mankee, F Honey (Bury St Edmunds), J Simmons (Redruth)

SURREY SCORES: Tries, Carne, Owen  Con, Seers, Pen, Seers

Surrey (London Irish Wild Geese unless stated): E Carne (Dorking), K Irving (Esher), S Fieldwick (Dorking), J Reville (Wimbledon), G Owen, A Seers, A Garner (Esher); C Connor, B Harding (Esher, Capt), C Zeiss (Esher), D Flashman (Wimbeldon), J Touma, R Crossland (Barnes), A Mackay, D Laventure (Wimbledon).

Replacements: A Roux (Dorking), D Hope (Esher), J Bayford (Wimbledon), C Raymond, S Sutherland (Esher), B Meeson, J Arbury (Dorking)

Yellow Cards, Irving (37), Mackay (39)

REF: Calum Howard (RFU)

ATT: 815

Other results;

Devon 26 – 38 Gloucestershire

Hertfordshire 59 – 21 Kent

BILL BEAUMONT CUP SOUTH STANDINGS

David Burrows will be streaming the Cornwall v Surrey game live from Redruth on You Tube.

Click on the link to access. There will be no commentary

Cornwall v Surrey – PREVIEW

Cornwall begin their 2018 Bill Beaumont Cup campaign this Saturday at Redruth when they entertain Surrey.

Having retained the Tamar Cup against Devon in their only warm up game 24-12 at St. Austell last month, the black and golds will approach their program with another Twickenham visit as the goal.

As ever there are few familiar faces whom have decided to call it a day, whilst the revolving door sees new boys coming into this season’s squad such as the Saltash pair of winger Will Morton and back row Lewis Wells, however they will not feature in the opening game as Saltash are at Twickenham the following day in the final of the Senior Vase.

Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) catching the ball during Cornwall Training for the Bill Beaumont Cup at the Recreation Ground on May 4th 2018, Redruth Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Wadebridge Camels’ Ben Humber, who made a big impression in the Tamar Cup game deservedly starts at open-side.

The side contains nine players who faced Lancashire in last season’s final at Twickenham

Plymouth Albion’s fixture congestion means there is no Matt Shepherd this Saturday.

The Cornwall selectors have named a thirty-five man squad from which to pick the match-day twenty-two

CORNWALL VERSUS SURREY 5^th MAY 2018

CLUB SURREY

15 ED CARNE  (Dorking)

14 KARIYM IRVING (Esher)

13 SAM FIELDWICK (Dorking)

12 JACK REVILLE (Wimbledon)

11 GEORGE OWEN (London Irish Wild Geese)

10 ALEX SEERS (London Irish Wild Geese)

9 HARRY TABB (Wimbledon)

1 CHARLIE CONNOR (London Irish Wild Geese)

2 BILLY HARDING [Capt.] (Esher)

3 CAMERON ZEISS (Esher)

4 DYLAN FLASHMAN (Wimbledon)

5 ANDY HORE (Wimbledon)

6 JOE TOUMA (London Irish Wild Geese)

7 ARCHIE MACKAY (London Irish Wild Geese)

8 DAN LAVENTURE (Wimbledon)

Bench

16 GEORGE DEAN (London Irish Wild Geese)

17 DEVLIN HOPE (Esher)

18 JOSH BAYFORD (Wimbledon)

19 RUBERT CROSSLAND (Barnes)

20 ANDREW GARNER (Esher)

21 BRAD MEESON (London Irish Wild Geese)

22 JAMES ARBURY (Dorking)

Referee: MR CALUM HOWARD

Photo Chris Lea: Cornwall squad at Truro College base

JASON LEONARD CUP FINAL

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDAY 6^TH MAY TWICKENHAM STADIUM 5 PM

YORKSHIRE V CORNWALL

As expected Cornwall have stuck to the tried and tested ahead of Sunday’s tea-time showdown against Yorkshire.

A positional change in the front-row sees Redruth’s Jack Hodge move to loose-head, with the versatile Ollie Andrews moving to tight-head from No.8.

Skipper Torin Clarke reverts to playing No.8 also in the back row, Quinn Cross starts at open-side with Will Gibson switching to blindside.

Cornwall U20s team for the 2018 Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

So what of Yorkshire, well as you would expect from the reigning champions who have won the title three times on the bounce and indeed ten times in the last seventeen years, they are a very good well-drilled squad coached by Anthony Posa, who was in charge when Yorkshire won the semi-final at Camborne three years ago 63-3, and will start as favourites on Sunday.

Cornwall won’t mind that at all, they will go up there and give it their best shot and see what that brings.

All we can do is wish our lads the best, we know they will do the shirt proud.

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover –Dr John Garman, Emma Eddy, Miles Corbett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

YORKSHIRE UNDER 20S

The U20 committee are pleased to announce the following team to travel to Twickenham in the Jason Leonard U20 County Championship, 5pm KO.

1 Harry Butler (Harrogate)
2 Will Holling (Doncaster Phoenix)
3 Will Dennis (Hull Ionians)
4 Dan Robinson (Doncaster Phoenix)
5 James Newman (Hull Ionians)
6 Will Burns (Driffield)
7 James Sanderson (Hull Ionians)
8 Zak Poole (Hull – Captain)

9 Sam Pocklington (Doncaster Phoenix)
10 Sam Brooke (Doncaster Phoenix)
11 Jonathan Keh (Leeds Beckett)
12 Tom Allott (Sandal)
13 Connor Field (Huddersfield)
14 Seva Bulumakau (Doncaster Phoenix)
15 Luke Hazell (Beverley)

Bench;

16 Will Routledge (Leeds Beckett)
17 Andrew Wheelhouse (Doncaster Phoenix)
18 Charlie Cartwright (Doncaster Phoenix)
19 Hayden Thompson-Green (Leeds Beckett)
20 Andrew Dixon (Leeds Beckett)
21 Will Lewin (Leeds Beckett)
22 Gareth Stephens (Leeds Beckett)

Head Coach – Anthony Posa
Forwards Coach – Glen Kenworthy
Backs Coach – Hugh Gumbs

TRAVELLING RESERVES
Dan Lamb (West Leeds)
Tom Willson (Keighley)

The game can be watched live at 5pm on Sunday by streaming it on http://www.englandrugby.com/news/rfu-cup-finals-watch-live/

The main topic of conversation this week has been the stadium vote, which happily saw the project granted £3 million by Cornwall Councillors. We now await the decision from Westminster on the other £3 million which will finally see this project get off the ground.

As someone who has been a constant supporter of the project and wants to see Cornwall move forward in these uncertain times, I am delighted!

No games for the Cornish Pirates, they will look to finish their season on Saturday at home to Ealing Trailfinders looking to maintain their fine run.

In National League 2 South Redruth completed their home program with a 36-24 win against Braodstreet.

It was a day of mixed emotions at the club as they bid farewell to three of their finest players, Sam Parsons, Kyle Marriott and Chris Fuca.

Marriott was named last week as the new player coach at St. Austell RFC and I am sure everyone wishes Kyle well in his new role.

Fittingly Fuca scored a fine try as did Lewis Vinnicombe with Alex Ducker bamboozling the Coventry side scoring four tries.

Redruth are now secure of finishing the season in 5^th place ahead of their final game at Old Redcliffians.

Camborne’s fine run in South West Premier came to an end at Maidenhead where they lost 37-25.

Town scored tries through Taron Peacock, Ashley Riches and Kieran Westlake, with Rhodri McAtee kicking a couple of conversions and two penalties.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston completed their program with a 55-14 win against Keynsham ensuring a 3^rd place finish in the table.

Tries for the Cornish All Blacks were scored by Jon Dawe, Ryan Westren (2), Shaun Crawford, Jordan Duke, Rory Cinnamond and Ben Hawke (2), Hawke also bagged six conversions and a penalty.

Next season Launceston will be looking to push on for promotion.

In London 1 South, London Cornish lost their final game at Havant 68-33. The exiles did get a try-scoring bonus point. The exiles points were scored by Matt Hakes, James La Broy (2) and Tom Jeffery, with Sam Williams adding 3 penalties and 2 conversions.

Cornish can be satisfied with a 8^th place finish in their first season at this level, but knowing DoR Dickon Moon he will want the club to improve on that next season.

In Tribute Western Counties West, champions St. Ives were duly crowned after their 43-29 in over Falmouth. For the Hakes Jamie Prisk, Tom Nicholas, Pete Mabbott, Kyle Beasley, Rob Elloway, Harry Parton and Rhys Brownfield all scored tries with Brownfield kicking four conversions.

For Falmouth, who got a try scoring bonus point thanks to Kieran Rhodda, Nick Carne, Justyn Irons and Dom Goodwin   with Irons kicking three conversions and a penalty, it was enough to keep the Eagles up.

Wadebridge Camels lost 15-3 at Paignton their sole points coming from a penalty kicked by Danny Thomas.

Truro will be glad to see the back of this season as they lost their final game at home to Chard 27-17. Ieuan Boon scored twice with Matt Cross getting a third try for Truro.

St. Austell’s play-off hopes disappeared at Sidmouth as they slumped to a 67-17 defeat. Paul Winterbottom and George Knowles scored tries with Chris Ashwin adding both conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash had a home walkover against Pirates Amateurs, whist Penryn did all they could with a 47-12 win at Tavistock. Grant Randlesome (2), Sam Hitchens, Tom Townsend, George Mitchell, Kyle Gratrix and Viv Willmott scored tries for the Borough with Mitch Vague slotting six conversions.

A win for Wellington against relegated Torrington will confirm them as Champions next Saturday with Saltash likely to accompany them.

Bude defeated Withycombe 45-27, Ed Hillman-Cooke (2) Olly Denford (2),  Wilson, Mounce, Angus Hodges all scored tries with Denford kicking five conversions.

Lanner won at Torrington 34-17 thanks to tries from Dan Job, Liam Moyle, Levi Webster, Adam Harris and Jack Kessell with Nick Prout kicking the rest of the points.

Hayle completed their program with a 28-24 win at Wessex.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe celebrated their title in style defeating Camborne School of Mines 100-3, a game that was played as a double-header as the game Penryn was postponed earlier in the season.

Bodmin’s 59-15 win at Veor sees them into the play-off at Topsham this Saturday.

Cornwall Under 20 lads who were selected for the SW trials are now sweating it out following yesterday’s trial, the squad will be announced on Wednesday.

Next Sunday sees the start of the Ladies County Championship with Cornwall travelling to Warminster to take on Dorset & Wilts in Division 2 of the Gill Burns Cup.

Barry John Chapman of Cornwall (Newton Abbot) presented the Trelawny’s Army man of the match award the Trelawny’s Army Chairman Phil Trevarton during the Tamar Cup match between Cornwall and Devon at the Tregorrick Park on April 16th 2018, St Austell Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

BJ Chapman took the award for man-of-the-match last night presented by TASC Chairman Phil Trevarton

TAMAR CUP

CORNWALL 24 – 12 DEVON

By Bill Hooper, at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell

Despite a cold blustery evening, and the game being live-streamed on the internet, a good crowd turned out to see Cornwall win the Tamar Cup for a seventh successive year.

It was not all plain sailing, Devon gave a good account of themselves and served notice that they will be tough opponents when the sides meet again in the Bill Beaumont Cup on May 12th, however as with the scones in pre-match buffet, the cream was very much on top!

Jack Heazelton of Cornwall (Truro) reaching out the the throw at the line-out during the Tamar Cup match between Cornwall and Devon at the Tregorrick Park on April 16th 2018, St Austell Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Camborne’s James Goldsworthy had to withdraw, so Jamie Hoskin (St. Ives) came into partner Jack Heazelton in the second row.

On the bench Dom Conner, Fraser Honey and Jack Simmons had to drop out, indeed Simmons only failed a late fitness test, I spoke to him before the game and he was very disappointed.

Rhodri McAtee came in as did two local favourites Matt Shepherd and lock Mark Vian.

Speaking after the game Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe was satisfied with his side’s performance. “I was really pleased with the performance and endeavour shown, a few new lads came in and treated the shirt with a lot of respect, we tackled hard and unlocked their defence at times, so overall pleased.

“I was pleased with number of our new faces Ben Humber, Jack Hazelton, Lewis Wells and Jamie Hoskin all worked hard and showed what they are about.

Dawe feels that the bulk of the side on display at St. Austell will make the championship squad. “We are where, where we are, you always want more experience but you have play the hand you’re dealt with, but these lads tonight have shown great spirit and that counts for a lot.”

Much of the first quarter saw Devon camped in the Cornwall half as they had the best of the wind. Cornwall put in some big tackles notably from Ben Humber and BJ Chapman, whilst skipper Jake Murphy got through a lot of work in defence as well.

Taron Peacock of Cornwall (Camborne) fends off Matt Crosscombe of Devon (Plymouth Albion) during the Tamar Cup match between Cornwall and Devon at the Tregorrick Park on April 16th 2018, St Austell Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Eventually Devon pressure told as they scored off a catch and drive with no.8 Martin Browne getting the unconverted try.

Cornwall stormed back with a couple of tries before half-time, a good break from full back Mitch Vague brought Murphy into action his pass almost put winger Will Morton in. From the ensuing ruck Humber got over for Cornwall’s first try, converted by scrum-half Dave Mankee

Good play from wing Kyle Speare, Murphy and replacement Taron Peacock helped set up Humber for his second try of the night again bettered by Mankee for a 14-5 half-time lead to the black and gold.

Both Rob Elloway and Matt Shepherd came on for the start of the second half and both were soon in thick of the action.

Jake Murphy Captain of Cornwall (Barnstaple) presented the Tamar Cup by Devon RFU President Treve Mitchell and Cornwall RFU Chairman Denis Preece during the Tamar Cup match between Cornwall and Devon at the Tregorrick Park on April 16th 2018, St Austell Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Devon still looked threatening with good runs from both Charlie Briant  and Matt Crosscombe. Eventually they did score a second try through the forwards when prop George Snell crashed over, fly-half Cameron Setter popped over the extras.

Cornwall’s fitness told in the final ten minutes when both centre Jon Dawe and Speare went over for unconverted tries to confirm the Cup staying this side of the Tamar for another year.

Cornwall: M Vague (Penryn), W Morton (Saltash), J Murphy (Barnstaple, Capt), J Dawe (Launceston), K Speare (Barnstaple), R Kevern (Redruth), D Mankee (Camborne); A Zacharovas (Camborne), M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), J Drew (Camborne), J Heazelton (Truro), J Hoskin (St. Ives), BJ Chapman (Newton Abbot), B Humber (Wadebridge Camels), G Randlesome (Penryn).

Replacements: R Elloway (St. Ives), Z Cinnamond (Launceston), M. Vian (St. Austell), D Cook (Camborne) L Duke (Launceston), L Wells (Saltash), T Peacock (Camborne), J Champion (Camborne), R McAtee (Camborne), D Pearce (Launceston), M Shepherd (Plymouth Albion).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Humber (2), Dawe, Speare, Cons, Mankee (2)

Devon: C Briant (Ivybridge), M Crosscombe (Plymouth Albion), R Palmer (Okehampton), M Grieveson (Ivybridge), K Browne (Newton Abbot), C Setter (Plymouth Albion), J Nash (Brixham); G Snell (Bideford), A Crouch (Barnstaple), W Vermingle (Exmouth), T Coates (Plymstock AO), G Wilson (Ivybridge), D Abrams (Okehampton), T Gratton (Okehampton), M Browne (Okehampton).

Replacements:  C Bryce (Tamar Saracens), A Taylor (Plymstock AO), M White (Exmouth), A Northcott (Ivybridge), B Watts (Ivybridge), L Paterson (Ivybridge)

Devon scores: Tries, M Browne, Snell, Con, Setter

Yellow Card: Crouch (77)

Referee: Iain Kiy (Dorset & Wilts)

TASC Paul Bawden Man-of-the-Match: BJ Chapman, a fine performance from BJ who put in a lot of big hits on the opposition worked hard in rucks and mauls.

Trelawny’s Army Hon Sec Ian Gordon presents Torin Clarke Captain of Cornwall U20s (Launceston) with a traveling expenses contribution for the 13 players attending the South West Trials during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Once again Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club are proud to be able to assist with a contribution towards the thirteen players travelling expenses to Keynsham next Sunday for the South West trials, which will ultimately lead to selection for the South West at the regional festival and then England Counties U.20 tour to Georgia this summer.

Josh & Matt’s take on Cornwall’s semi final win

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Camborne

Sheer delight and happiness was etched on the faces of Cornwall Under 20 coaches Josh Lord and Matt Shepherd after the final whistle saw Cornwall home 9-8 against Cheshire in a tight arm wrestle of a game.

A smiling Matt Shepherd said after the game. “We like to give the supporters a nail-biter and keep them on the edge of their seats, both Josh and I were going through the mill on the touchline, but hats off to the boys they showed huge character.

Shepherd had a lot of praise for fly-half James Tucker. “He showed a lot of maturity today, he’s only just turned 18 and to kick those penalties in these conditions having missed 3 or 4 touch kicks previously, which would have dented the confidence of many players, that shows a true test of character. Don’t forget he played a full eighty the day before for Redruth and then travelled back from Tonbridge.

Shepherd felt that Cornwall didn’t deviate too far from their expansive game plan despite the conditions. “We looked to move the ball wide when we could and we attacked the space, we still have work to do ahead of the final but defensively we were pretty sound apart from when they scored but that was a lapse after we had been camped in their half for so long but didn’t get our reward.

“To be fair we didn’t have to say much at half-time the boys said themselves it wasn’t good enough and they had to put it right, but credit to Cheshire they defended very well but indiscipline cost them in the end.

Thoughts now turn to Yorkshire and the final. “We will go up there well prepared and give it our best shot, if we play to our potential then we will be in a good position to do ourselves proud.

Josh Lord was delighted with the forward game from Cornwall. “They went well and earned the hard yards, it wasn’t pretty at times but the set-piece was strong. The bench kept the momentum going. It was day to grunt out a victory, so I am pleased.

Lord was pleased with the way the line out went. “Despite the wind we were spot on with our throwing in, so that was good and gave us a lot of go forward ball and when you have big ball carriers like Ollie Andrews and Jack Hodge you are making ground.

“We have thirteen of our lads at the South West trials next Sunday at Keynsham, so we will reconvene after that, Yorkshire will be in the same position with the North trials. We will prepare a good training schedule prior to Twickenham.

Cornwall U20s team for the 2018 Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

JASON LEONARD CUP

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI – FINAL

CORNWALL 9 – 8 CHESHIRE (HT 0-5)

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Camborne

A cool head from Cornwall’s fly-half James Tucker kicked Cornwall into their first final at this level since 2002.

Cornwall trailed for almost the entire game until Tucker’s third penalty sailed through the posts on 76 minutes as Cheshire paid a heavy price for their indiscipline, which saw them briefly playing with just thirteen men.

James Tucker of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) kicks Cornwall into the lead during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cornwall believed in their game and stuck rigorously to it in a battle between two evenly matched sides.

The game was played in a strong wind with blustery showers. Cornwall kicked off playing up the slope first half and promptly camped themselves in the Cheshire twenty-two for the best part of the first quarter.

The Cornish forwards got very close to an opening try but the Cheshire defence was good. Typically Cheshire scored with their first meaningful excursion into the Cornish twenty-two, good hands from prop Jake Percival put his skipper Harry Blackwell in for a try on 18 minutes.

Both sides went at each other like hammer and tong with tackles flying in. For Cornwall the centre partnership of Declan Matthews and Jake Penprase looked lively, whilst winger Shae Cornish put in some strong runs.

In the forwards Jack Hodge, Rikki Bentham, skipper Torin Clarke, Will Gibson and big Ollie Andrews got through a lot of work, whilst locks Dan Goldsmith and Dan Reed won plenty of good line out ball.

Ollie Andrews of Cornwall U20s (Falmouth) is tackled by Josh Morris of Cheshire U20s (Chester) during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cheshire had a shot at goal approaching half-time but full back Dave Morley’s effort stayed wide at it remained 5-0 to Cheshire at the break.

Cheshire made a good start to the second half with hooker Simon Ridgeway putting in a storming run up to the Cornwall twenty-two.

Tucker missed with three touch kicks as the clock ticked by and Cornwall failed to make inroads.

After good play from Andrews and Matthews Cornwall were awarded a penalty that Tucker kicked on 58 minutes, but that was immediately cancelled out as the black and golds conceded a penalty from the re-start that fly-half Josh Morris just put enough on to land the kick.

Cheshire then suffered the first of their yellow cards that led to Tucker kicking his second penalty on 64 minutes.

Dan Hubble of Cornwall U20s (Falmouth) is tackled by Luca Titherington of Cheshire U20s (Birkenhead Park) during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Excitement rose in the crowd as they got behind the Cornish side trying to lift them for a final effort, from a penalty kicked to twenty-two by full back Ethan Tyler, Cornwall drove forward earning another penalty and Cheshire a second yellow card. Up stepped Tucker to plant the ball between the sticks as cool as a cucumber.

The crowd went berserk and cheered the boys on, Cornwall saw out the rest of the game and when the ball went dead the referee blew the final whistle to queue scenes of great excitement.

Cornwall U20s team for the 2018 Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Semi Final match between Cornwall U20s v Cheshire U20s at the Recreation Ground on April1st 2018, Camborne Cornwall- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

After the game Cornwall’s skipper Torin Clarke spoke of his delight in getting to Twickenham. “I am so proud of the boys they put in a huge effort today and we’ve got our reward.

“We started well and put in a huge effort early on, we wanted to impose our game on them, so it was very frustrating to come away with nothing after so much effort, but in the second half we were patient and took the chances when they came.

“We will re-group now and plan for Twickenham and go up there and give it our best shot.”

Cornwall will meet old foes Yorkshire in the final on May 6th, they overcame Hertfordshire 77-24 at Doncaster.

Cornwall U.20: E Tyler (Penryn), S Cornish (Penzance & Newlyn Colts), Jake Penprase (Bath Uni), D Matthews (Camborne), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Tucker (Redruth), N Nash (Brixham); R Bentham, H Lightfoot (both Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), D Goldsmith (Launceston),D Reed (Wadebridge Camels), T Clarke (Launceston, Capt), W Gibson (Penryn & Cardiff Met), O Andrews (Falmouth)

Replacements: Q Cross (Wadebridge Camels), C Jenkins (Launceston), L Barnes (Camborne), A Brassington (Redruth), R Edwards (Launceston), C Boyce (St. Austell), T Osborne (Swansea Uni).

Cornwall scores: Pens Tucker (3)

Cheshire U.20:  D Morley (Chester Uni), H Blackwell (Macclesfield, Capt), L Titherington (Birkenhead Park), J Marston (Chester Uni), H Richardson (Stoke), J Morris (Chester), J Smethurst (Caldy); J Percival (Morley), S Ridgeway (Macclesfield), M Hand (Lymm), T Phillips (Macclesfield), P Weller (Caldy), S Nield (Alt Kersal), L Eldridge (Chester), D Frey (Manchester Met).

Replacements: W Hirstwood (Stockport), J Evans (Wilmslow), L Cox (Trafford MV), H Lewis (Manchester), M Peakman (Macclesfield), R Canhom (Trafford MV), W Titherington (Birkenhead Park).

Cheshire scores: Try, Blackwell, Pen, Morris

Referee: I Kiy (Dorset & Wilts RRS)