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)

Photo Iktisphoto; Jake Murphy will captain Cornwall for Tamar Cup defence

Cup squads announced

By Bill Hooper

Both Cornwall and Devon have announced their squads for Monday evening’s Tamar Cup clash at St. Austell RFC, kick-off 7:45 pm.

The Cornwall squad shows ten players who were part of the 2017 Tamar Cup win at Tiverton 33-17.

Cornwall will again be captained by Jake Murphy, who forms a centre partnership with Launceston’s Jon Dawe.

There is a pacy looking back three with Penryn’s Mitch Vague at full back with Barnstaple’s Kyle Speare and Saltash’s Will Morton on the wings.

Photo Iktisphoto; Penryn’s Mitch Vague

The half-back partnership is tried and tested Camborne / Redruth pairing of Dave Mankee and Richie Kevern.

Up front a powerful front row sees Camborne props Andrius Zacharovas and Jon Drew either side of Camel Matt Ballard.

The boiler house pairing of James Goldsworthy and Jack Heazelton will be a solid presence whilst in the back row Barrie-John Chapman, Ben Humber and Grant Randlesome will ask plenty of questions of Devon.

Amongst the replacements is former Cornish Pirate Rob Elloway who will make his county debut.

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 Goldsworthy (Camborne), BJ Chapman (Newton Abbot), B Humber (Wadebridge Camels), G Randlesome (Penryn).

Replacements: R Elloway (St. Ives), D Connor (Brixham), Z Cinnamond (Launceston), L Duke (Launceston), L Wells (Saltash), T Peacock (Camborne), F Honey (Bury St Edmunds), J Champion (Camborne), J Simmons (Redruth), D Pearce (Launceston), D Cook (Camborne).

DEVON TAMAR CUP SQUAD

FORWARDS: Tom White (Newton Abbot), Joel Armitage (Brixham), Chey Bryce (Tamar Saracens), Aiden Taylor (Plymstock Albion Oaks), Ash Crouch (Barnstaple), George Snell (Bideford), George Wilson (Ivybridge), Martin Browne (Okehampton), Josh Vickeridge (Newton Abbot), Dean Abrams (Okehampton), Ben King (Ivybridge), Wayne Sprangle (Tiverton).

BACKS: Cameron Setter (Plymouth Albion), Ben Watts (Ivybridge), Tom Putt (Brixham), Jacob Nash (Brixham), Kyle Browne (Newton Abbot), Lewis Paterson (Ivybridge), Rhys Palmer (Okehampton), Matt Crosscombe (Plymouth Albion), Charlie Briant (Ivybridge), Cam Fogden (Newton Abbot), Billy Pinkus (Ivybridge).

Jason Leonard Cup Under 20 County Championship semi-final

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall’s selectors have announced the side to face Cheshire in the Jason Leonard Cup semi-final at Camborne this Sunday, kick-off 1 pm.

There are a few changes to the starting line up that faced Kent in the last round.

Photo: Declan Matthews returns for Cornwall @Iktisphoto

In the front row Redruth’s Jack Hodge starts, whilst Dan Reed comes into the second row to partner Dan Goldsmith.

Ollie Andrews moves to No.8 with skipper Torin Clarke switching to blindside in place of Camborne’s Tian Clark.

In the backs Noah Nash starts at scrum-half with James Tucker remaining at fly-half.

Declan Matthews returns at inside centre in place of Jake Penprase who returns to the wing whilst Dan Hubble reverts to the bench.

On the bench Aden Brassington returns as does Luke Barnes and Tom Osborne.

Jack Hodge of Cornwall U20s (Redruth) powers his way over for a try during the Jason Leonard Cup U20s County Championship Quarter Final match between Cornwall U20s v Kent U20s  – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo –

Cheshire have also named their starting XV but have yet to finalise their bench. They are captained by winger Harry Blackwell (Macclesfield), one of six Cheshire players who have made it through to the North trials this season.

Cheshire finished runners-up to Yorkshire in their pool defeating Durham 29-0 before losing at home to Yorkshire 15-8.

They travelled to face North Midlands in the quarter-finals winning a tight game 17-12.

Cornwall Squad 

Coaches – Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

CHESHIRE U20 Team Sheet

Substitutes to be selected from:

1. W. Hirstwood Stockport
2. J. Evans Wilmslow
3. L. Cox Trafford MV
4. H. Lewis Manchester
5. M. Peakman Macclesfield
6. R. Canhom Trafford MV
7. W. Titherington Birkenhead Park
8. H. Dokter Sandbach
9. J. Mckercher Sale FC
10. J. Sanders Caldy
11. K. Vezanous Macclesfield

Head Coach   T.Banks   Asst coach N.Rushton   Physio  V.Ainsworth

The Cornish Pirates gave one of their finest displays of the season at a sunny Mennaye with a 51- 20 defeat of visiting Richmond.

The win lifts the Pirates up to fourth place in the Championship table ahead of this week’s game at third place Bedford Blues.

Skipper Nicolas De Battista scored three tries with Matt Evans bagging a brace and Dan Koster and Alex O’Meara also crossing. Will Cargill kicked five conversions and two penalties.

The game also marked a 100^th appearance for the Pirates by Kyle Moyle.

In National League 2 South, champions-elect Cinderford completed a double against Redruth 24-7.

Prior to the game there was a minute’s applause in remembrance of former player James Huxtable who recently died tragically up in London.

Jack Oulton scored Redruth’s try in the first half converted by Richie Kevern. Reds remain in fifth place.

In the South West Premier, the Chapple effect remains strong at Camborne as they won yet again this time at Ivybridge 28-25 with a last-gasp converted try from Dave Mankee.

Rhodri McAtee and Taff Roko scored the other tries with Mankee’s boot kicking the other points.

In Tribute South West 1West, Launceston lost to Drybrook 31-27, the win puts Drybrook top with two games to play.

In London 1 South, London Cornish lost a thriller at Sevenoaks 41-31. Tom Ievers, Andy Hill (2) and Chris Smart scored tries with two conversions from George Kimmins plus a penalty-try made up the exiles’ haul.

In Tribute Western Counties West, champions St. Ives defeated Crediton 42-he

St. Austell slipped up at home against Wadebridge Camels 19-15, they remain in second place as Servces slipped up at Paignton.

Ben Humber, Matt Tarby and Joe Pretty scored tries for the Camels with Danny Thomas kicking two conversions.

For the Saints, who can’t afford any more slip ups, GeorgeTregilgas and Jack Nelson scored tries with Liam Freeman kicking a penalty and conversion.

Truro had a good win at home against Kingsbridge 34-17. Matt Symons, James Martin (2), Ieuan Boon and Ian Rowe scored the tries, Luke Tidball kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Falmouth fought out a great draw at Sidmouth 39-all, to give them a fighting chance going into the final two games of staying up. Tom Simmons, Matt Austin (2), Ollie Church and AJ Geach scored the tries with Justyn Irons kicking the other points.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Wellington’s 30-22 win against Bude puts them six points clear at the top with two games to play and they are odds on to clinch promotion Saturday against Hayle.

Penryn defeated Plymstock 41-7 ahead of their vital game this week at the Memorial Ground against Saltash, whoever wins will be favourite to accompany Wellington into Western Counties West next season.

Pirates Amateurs had a good win 36-19 at Argaum Ryan Stanley (2), Mike Roach, Morgan Holam and Charlie Goldsworthy scored tries with Steve Evans kicking the rest of the points.

Hayle won 22-10 at Torrington Alex Thornton scored a try converted by Ty Hendra who also banged over five penalties.

Congratulations to Liskeard-Looe who are Champions of Tribute Cornwall 1 following their 52-22 win at Veor.

Bodmin were the only side who could catch them but they lost at Newquay Hornets 15-6, they should still make the play-off against Topsham for a place in the Cornwall& Devon League next season.

Well done to Aaron Simmonds who wore the 15 shirt for England Counties U.18 against Ireland last Saturday, his last-gasp conversion helped win the game.

Bowl Final

Liskeard-Looe v Pen/Fal  11 am

Plate Final

Saltash v Hayle 12:30 pm

Shield Final

St. Austell v Camborne 2 pm

Cup Final

Launceston v Penzance & Newlyn 3:30 pm

A Cornish dream double 2 games 2 days. Get your fill of black and gold. GEDDON!

Photo courtesy of Glen Rogers – TASC present match ball to Saltash skipper Ryan Raynor

Pride of place this week goes to Saltash RFC for their wonderful RFU Senior Vase semi-final win over Old Cranleighan at Moorlands on Easter Saturday 31-15.

Roared on by a sizeable crowd, including many from Buzançais in France over for their Easter tour, the Ashes came back from a 15-7 half-time deficit, thanks in part to three tries from flyer Will Morton and No.8 Steve Hillman, whilst Kieran Down converted all four tries and a penalty.

TASC’s Hon Sec Ian Gordon and John Rowding were on hand to present the match ball to skipper Ryan Raynor, also it was a first outing for our new post protectors which will be next in use for colts cup finals at St. Austell.

Saltash will now face Wath from Yorkshire in the final on Sunday May 6^th.

A titanic Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-final saw St. Ives defeat holders St. Austell 25-24 at Tregorrick Park.

The Hakes, who secured the Western Counties West league title last week following their win at Chard and St. Austell being held 12-all at Falmouth will be looking to complete the double with a first cup win since 2009, when they beat Camborne 10-3.

Wadebridge Camels, whom they meet in the final on Saturday 28^th April will have other ideas. The venue is to be decided by the CRFU.

A few league games were played over the weekend as sides look to catch up but further bad weather postponed some games, notably Penryn at Withycombe.

In Cornwall 1, Liskeard-Looe took another step towards the title when they defeated Newquay Hornets 36-7.

In Cornwall 2, Helston were confirmed as champions without playing when their nearest rivals Lankelly-Fowey lost at Perranporth 34-12.

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)