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

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

No.8 Torin Clark captains the side.

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

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover – Lauren Albury, Sam West

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Photo: Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cornish Pirates 41   Hartpury RFC 0  

Reports Phil Westren

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alan added:

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

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

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

Replacement (not used): 17 Dan Murphy,

Scorers:

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

Referee:   Aled Evans (WRU)

Attendance:  275

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

QF 1 – Ealing Trailfinders v Cornish Pirates

QF 2 – Jersey Reds v Doncaster Knights

QF 3 – Leinster A v Munster A

QF 4 – Bedford Blues v Ulster A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cornish selectors have picked a large squad for Sunday’s County Championship warm up game against Devon at Ivybridge kick off 1:30 pm.

Players and coaches have been working hard on Sunday mornings at Truro College in preparation for this season’s Championship.

Devon U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 28 January @ Ivybridge RFC 1330 kick off

Cornwall Squad

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

CORNWALL UNDER 20s 2018 JASON LEONARD CUP

Sunday 11th February GLOUCESTERSHIRE – CORNWALL @ Cinderford RFC 1 PM

Sunday 25th February CORNWALL – HAMPSHIRE @ St. Austell RFC 1 PM

Sunday 18th March DORSET & WILTS – CORNWALL @ Dorchester RFC 2 PM

Sunday 1st April QUARTER-FINALS

Sunday 15th April SEMI-FINALS

TBC     FINAL

Photo: Liam Chapple returns for another stint at Town

With the Cornish Pirates’ British & Irish Cup final pool game against Hartpury College called off at 11 am on Saturday morning, it seems likely the new date will over the weekend of 3^rd/ 4^th February, the main focus switched to Redruth game against Taunton.

It turned out to be a gripping south west derby with the Reds running out winners by 38-22, having found themselves 22-10 down early in the second half.

Kyle Marriott marked his 100^th appearance for the Reds with two tries, other tries came from skipper Richard Brown, Rob Coote, AJ Cant and Mark Grubb, with Richie Kevern slotting four conversions.

It was a welcome win following two defeats on the road at the start of 2018.

Not such good news for Camborne in the South West Premier, they lost 26-12 at Bracknell and have slipped into the relegation places.

Dave Mankee kicked four penalties for the cherry and whites. Following this result the Camborne committee have re-appointed former head coach Liam Chapple as Director of Senior Rugby.

In a club communiqué Club Chairman Andy Gill stated; “Camborne RFC is pleased to announce, that with immediate effect, Mr Liam Chapple has been appointed to the position of Director of Senior Rugby. Liam’s appointment will enhance and strengthen the current coaching team by adding his wider coaching experience, player management skills and acknowledged administration skills. His appointment is confirmed until the end of the 2018-19 season.”

Chapple will take training this week alongside coaches Damien Cook and Rhodri McAtee and his charges will be looking for the support of a big home crowd against Weston-super-Mare on Saturday (2.30 pm KO).

Launceston maintained their third place in Tribute South West 1West after a 29-5 win at North Petherton.

In London 1 South, defeat for London Cornish at Thurrock 24-15. Claude Springer and Rich Stephens scored tries for the exiles with George Kimmins kicking the other points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Ives march on at the top after another win this time over Paignton 29-7. Tom Nicholas, Sam Carter, Harry Parton and Lewis Thomas were among the tries.

Wadebridge Camels edged a tight affair at Truro 12-10. Will Pengelly and Jack Scott scored tries for the Camels with Joe Pretty crucially getting a conversion. Ollie Seagrove and Jack Hazelton scored unconverted tries for Truro.

Falmouth did their survival chances a power of good with a 38-12 win at Burnham.

AJ Geach, Tom Simmonds, Matt Poole, Dan Goodwin, Tom Edmonds and Seb Firth scored the Eagles’ tries with Edmonds kicked four conversions.

St. Austell’s game at Torquay Athletic was abandoned six minutes from time following an injury to a Torquay player. Tics led 21-15 at that point.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn battled to a 6-0 win at Bude thanks to a couple of Tom Townsend penalties.

Lanner beat Hayle 8-3. James Carpenter scored the only try of the game with Nick Prout kicking a penalty for the Falcons. Dan Lello’s penalty gave Hayle a losing bonus point.

Saltash’s game at Tavistock and Pirates Amateurs game at Wessex were both postponed.

Sunday coming Cornwall U.20s play a warm up game against Devon at the Brickfields.

Devon defeated Gloucestershire at North Tawton on Sunday 21-7 in another warm up game.

Cornwall open their Jason Leonard Cup campaign against Gloucestershire at Cinderford on 11^th February 1 pm.

Cornwall Senior Ladies held trials last weekend at both Launceston RC and Truro College looking to pick a squad for the Gill Burns Cup competition.

Finally sad news with the death announced last week of Gerald Luke. Gerald was a fine player for Penzance & Newlyn playing in the centre, also for Cornwall for whom he gained 40 caps. He played in four county semi-finals and the 1958 county final for Cornwall against Warwickshire lost 16-8 at Coundon Road Coventry.

Whilst at St. Luke’s College, Exeter, he was part of the side that won the final of the Middlesex 7’s in 1957 against London Welsh.

He also played for the combined Cornwall & Devon side, in a centre partnership with Harold Stevens, that drew 3-3 with the Wallabies at Home Park Plymouth in 1963.

In 1959 he was involved in an England Trial Match at Banbury, sadly an injury curtailed his involvement, and there was never a subsequent call up.

Photo: Sam Matavesi made his first start for the Cornish Pirates in Ulster

Cornish Pirates hopes of progression in this the final season of the British Irish Cup hang by a thread ahead of their final pool match against Hartpury College on Saturday, kick-off 2 pm.

It follows their loss at Ulster A on Friday evening 25-14; they will hope that other results go their way in their bid to secure one of the best three runners-up berths.

Pirates’ try was scored by Alex O’Meara with the trusty boot of Laurence May landing three penalties.

On Saturday, the foul weather accounted for many games in Cornwall.

Redruth travelled to Worthing in National League 2 South ending up on the wrong side of a 46-43 score-line!

For the second week running the Reds picked up a couple of bonus points on the road, but wins are proving hard to bring home this season.

The Reds tries were scored by AJ Cant, Shaun Buzza, Brad Howe, Pale Nonu, Mark Grubb and Richie Kevern, who also landed five conversions and a penalty.

Redruth play their first game of 2018 at the Rec this Saturday when they entertain Taunton (2 pm).

In the South West Premier, Camborne managed to stage their game against promotion chasing Bournemouth at a soaked Recreation Ground.

It boiled down in the conditions to the side that held it’s discipline and took it’s chances, Bournemouth did, and won, Camborne didn’t, and lost!

The visitors, playing down the slope first half ground out a 13-0 advantage at the break, with conditions worsening by the minute during the second half, the only score of the half came right at the end when skipper Jon Drew was driven over and Dave Mankee kicked the conversion for a losing bonus point in a 7-13 score-line.

The result leaves Town hovering just above the relegation places, with their next game at Bracknell likely to be a pivotal one.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston defeated Newent 29-7 at Polson Bridge to move above their visitors into third place in the table.

The game was very bad tempered with each side having a player red carded and numerous stoppages for fights breaking out!

When rugby was played the Cornish All Blacks scored tries through Lloyd Duke (2), Torin Clarke, and Ben Hawke with Dan Pearce kicking the other points.

In London 1 South, London Cornish had a very good win against Gravesend. Matt Chambers (2), Matt Hakes and Tom Homan scored the tries with skipper George Kimmins kicking three conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, leaders St. Ives maintained their top spot with a bonus point win at rejuvenated Sidmouth 29-25.

Leigh Hocking (2), Chris Quick, Rob Elloway and Jamie Prisk scored the tries with Rhys Brownfield kicking a couple of penalties.

St. Austell clearly hadn’t digest defeat the previous week at St. Ives as they went down to second defeat in a row at home to struggling Tiverton 18-15.

Despite tries from Ben Chenoweth and Andy Inch and points from the boot of Liam Freeman, a late Tivvy penalty sealed the shock win.

Wadebridge Camels had a fine win at home against Torquay Athletic 43-5. Will Pengelly and Dom Hawkey each scored two tries with Cody Armstrong, Joe Pretty and Gary Gynn also touching down. Danny Thomas added four conversions.

The game between Falmouth and Truro was postponed.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, only one game involving Cornish sides survived, Hayle travelled to Honiton only to lose 33-3, Lello with their sole points.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, leaders Liskeard-Looe won 44-0 at Roseland to maintain top spot.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Lankelly-Fowey defeated Stithians in a close game 29-22 to stay at the top.

With the RFU Championship having a week off it was Redruth who had to billing this week, however the script didn’t quite go to plan for Redruth in their first game of the New Year as they came up short 33-28 against bottom of the table Wimbledon, in National League 2 South, a side that had previously won only once this season.

Illness (flu) struck the squad on the morning of the game resulting in some unable to travel resulting with just four players available on the bench, including head coach Pale Nonu.

Wimbledon got off to a fine start with an early try scored by Nial McSweeney with James Doe adding the first for his four conversions.

Redruth levelled the scores soon after when prop Loma Kivalu crashed over with Richie Kevern kicking the extras.

The London side were keen to move the ball wide and were rewarded when Matt Gilbert rounded off a good move.

Wimbledon continued to press scoring a third try from a catch-and-drive through Dylan Flashman, Doe converted both scores leaving the Reds up against it.

To their credit Redruth raised their game to score before half-time through lock Shaun Buzza with Kevern again on the money with the conversion, leaving the visitors 21-14 in arrears.

Wimbledon proceeded to make the game seemingly safe early in the second half with two quick scores through Rhys Morgan and Charlie Esam with Doe adding a fourth conversion to stretch their advantage to nineteen points.

Redruth brought on prop Craig Williams for a welcome return following injury and with the home pack tiring in the final quarter the Reds began to take the initiative.

Nonu crashed over for Redruth’s third try with Kivalu getting his second try of the game soon after following good play from scrum half Jack Oulton. Kevern added the extras to both scores to gives the Reds a couple on bonus points. Despite pressing until the final whistle Redruth couldn’t manufacture a winning score.

After the game Nonu said there were no excuses. “We have to be more clinical when we travel, we have a good group of players who are good enough to step up when required.”

Redruth are on the road again this Saturday coming when they travel to Worthing.

Camborne made the trip to Rackerhayes to face Newton Abbot in the South West Premier, despite leading 16-5 at half-time Town lost their way during the second half as the home side scored three converted tries without reply.

Jake Champion kicked three penalties and converted Declan Matthews’ try for the Cherry and Whites but when the fly-half failed to appear for the second half, and with no backs on the bench, Town were up against it having to re-jig the side.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston got their New Year off to a flying start with a 47-14 win against Matson at Polson Bridge. Dan Pearce bagged four tries and kicked two conversions and a penalty. Shaun Crawford, Brandon Rowley and Fred Bulut scored the other tries.

The Cornish All Blacks stay in fourth place and with third place Newent next up again at Polson next week will be aiming to move up to third.

In London 1 South, London Cornish slipped to a 13-10 defeat at Cobham, a disappointing defeat to start the New Year. Matt Chambers scored their only try converted by George Kimmins who also landed a penalty.

In Tribute Western Counties West, match of the day was unquestionably the clash at Alexandra Road when first placed St. Ives took on their nearest challengers St. Austell.

In the end, after an epic battle, the Hakes edged the Saints 23-17 to remain firmly in charge at the top.

Lewis Thomas, Rhys Brownfield and Jamie Prisk scored first half tries for St. Ives who led 15-14 at half-time. George Knowles with a try and three penalties from the boot of Liam Freeman accounted for the visitors’ half-time tally.

Freeman and Brownfield traded second half penalties before Rob Elloway’s bonus point try settled it.

Truro lost at home to Devonport Services 17-47, a result that puts the Services above St. Austell in the table.

Eggy Williams scored 12 points with a try, 2 conversions and a penalty, with Darren Jacques scoring the other try.

Wadebridge Camels drew 19-all at Tiverton, with Ben Humber and Jamie Grubb scoring tries and Dan Thomas kicking three penalties.

Falmouth had another good win this time at Torquay Athletic 33-29. Tom Edmonds (2), Tom Simmons, Seb Firth and Justyn Irons scored the tries with Irons kicking four conversions. The win sees the Eagles move away from the relegation places.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash continue to forge ahead at the top following their 39-10 win at Moorlands against Plymstock.

Will Morton bagged a hat-trick of tries with Lewis Wells, Kieran Down, James Moriarty and Ryan Cruickshanks also dotting down. Down and Harrison Reburn each kicked a conversion.

Penryn lost ground as they went down to second placed Wellington 24-10. Andrew Seviour kicked a penalty with Chris Hellier scoring a try converted by Nathan Strick.

Bude lost at home 17-20, despite leading visiting Honiton 17-3 after 60 minutes!

Angus Hodges, Simon Jeffrey and Matt Williams scored tries for the North Cornwall side with Ollie Denford kicking a conversion.

Flu-stricken Pirates Amateurs put up a brave fight at Torrington but went down 17-10, a welcome win for the North Devon side. Mike Roach and Sam Coogan with the Amateurs tries gave them a losing bonus point.

Hayle went down at Withycombe 20-9. Dan Lelo kicked their points.

The match between Wessex and Lanner was postponed.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe as expected are the early pace-setters after their 50-8 win at home to Veor.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Lankelly-Fowey head the table after seeing off Redruth Albany 44-7.

Redruth returned home from their trip to Coventry with a valuable four points following their 21-11 win at Broadstreet in National League 2 South.

They will probably feel a little disappointed that they couldn’t manage to score a fourth try and bag the bonus point.

Tries were scored by Shaun Buzza, Jack Simmons and Dean Bonds, with Richie Kevern kicking all three conversions.

The win sees the Reds back up to sixth place ahead of Saturday’s Christmas derby with Barnstaple at the Recreation Ground 2 pm.

Camborne beat Brixham 33-13 in South West Premier, see the previous blog entry of my chat with Damien Cook for more on the game.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a fine win for Launceston at Polson Bridge as they defeated Thornbury 47-0. The Cornish All Blacks scored seven tries with Dan Pearce getting a hat-trick of tries and kicking six conversions. Other tries came from Torin Clarke, Marc Williams, Jon Dawe and skipper Lloyd Duke.

In London 1 South, London Cornish couldn’t quite overcome high-flyers CS Rugby 1863 despite their visitors playing most of the game with just 14 men following a red card. Cornish trailed 0-20 at one stage before rallying to snatch a losing bonus point with tries from Tom Jeffery and Elliot Cave both converted by skipper George Kimmins. It ended 14-20 to CS Rugby 1863.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Ives had a fine win at Wadebridge Camels 24-15 to maintain their top spot going into the New Year.

Hakes scored tries through Tom Chandler, Liam Jolly and Martyn Lawrence with Rhys Brownfield kicking a conversion. Paul Thirlby added a two further conversions and also a penalty

For the Camels, Adam Collings and Jack Scott scored tries with Danny Thomas kicking a conversion and a penalty.

St. Austell kept the pressure on the Hakes with a 21-12 win at Tregorrick against Paignton. Ben Chenoweth, Shane Johns and Mark Martin scored their tries all three bettered by Liam Freeman.

Falmouth had a very welcome win against fellow strugglers Tiverton 19-17 at the Rec. Tom Spiller, Tom Job and AJ Geach scored the Eagles’ tries with Justyn Irons kicking two conversions.

Truro lost at Crediton 27-18, props Darren Jacques and Ollie Seagrove scored their tries  with “Eggy” Williams kicking the other points.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon league, Saltash maintained their top spot with a 52-0 win at Plymouth Argaum. Ryan Cruickshanks and Will Morton both scored a brace of tries.

Penryn stay third after their 74-0 demolition of Torrington. James Salisbury, Josh Chambers and Ben Birkett all bagged two tries.

Bude won the Cornish derby at Hayle 52-26. Angus Hodges and Hammond scored a couple of tries each for the North Cornwall side as did Rob Goodman for Hayle, who got a try bonus point of their own.

Lanner went down at St. Day to Wellington 36-21 Jack Kessell and Adam Harris (2) scored their tries all three converted by Nick Prout who has rejoined the club after a brief spell at Truro.

Pirates Amateurs saw off Tavistock 34-29 at the Mennaye. Sam Heath (2), Mike Roach, Morgan Hillman and Sam Coogan scored the Ams’ tries, with Steve Evans’ boot accounting for the other points.

Saltash will once again represent Cornwall in this season’s RFU Senior Vase, they will play Withycombe on Saturday 10^th February.

St. Austell will host Devonport Services on the same day in the RFU Intermediate Cup.

Congratulations to Cornwall U.18s who defeated Somerset up at Weston Hornets to complete another unbeaten season. Good luck to all those who get selected for the Divisional games.

Well done to Jack Nowell for being elected BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year for a second time.

This is my last entry before Christmas so I wish “One & All” a very Merry Christmas, Nadelik Lowen.