Photo: Alan Paver & Gavin Cattle – Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

By Phil Westren Cornish Pirates’ Media Officer

Cornish Pirates 31   Nottingham Rugby 34

As this game neared conclusion, with the scoreboard reading 17-34 there were likely few about who could have expected the Cornish Pirates to acquire two bonus points. That they did, was commendable, and against an impressive Nottingham team.

The Pirates arrived at this Round 6 Greene King IPA Championship fixture naturally keen to secure a sought after second league match win of the season. With Nicolas De Battista having taken a knock against Yorkshire Carnegie the previous weekend, full-back Toby May wore the skipper’s armband, whilst three players returning to the starting line-up were prop Jack Andrew, who was about to make his 100^th appearance for the Pirates, centre Dan Koster and lock Toby Freeman.

In seeking a good start to this match, for the home team it was anything but, as the visitors took full advantage of Toby May being sin-binned.  Two examples of clever kicking from hand, the first by fly-half Tiff Eden and the second by scrum-half Darryl Veenendaal, led to wing Sean Scanlon scoring the game’s opening two tries.

Back to a full XV, the Pirates thankfully soon kicked into gear. Koster gathered the ball well and scrum-half Alex Day then nudged the ball ahead for wing Kyle Moyle to follow and score at the Newlyn posts. Fly-half Laurence May then stepped forward and kicked the simple conversion.

For the visitors, hooker Jimmy Stevens was in fine form, however the Pirates had more than an edge at scrum time, with their pack containing two former Nottingham men in Freeman and flanker Rupert Cooper.

May continued his fine kicking form with a 33^rd minute penalty, but full-back Will Millett , taking over the kicking duties from the injured Eden, then pulled one back for Nottingham.

Nearing the end of what was a lengthy first half due to injury breaks, Koster was yellow-carded. Again, all but inevitably, Nottingham took advantage with replacement David Williams scoring a try at the Newlyn gate corner to make it 10-22 at the break.

There was a pre-match expectation that the ‘Green & Whites’, who actually wore blue and white, would prove tough opponents, and so it had thus far proved with a good display of rugby.

Opening the scoring in the second period, Moyle’s second try of the match was his sixth in the league this season. May converted well from out wide.

It was now very much ‘game on’, wasn’t it? Well, ‘Yes’, for a moment – and then ‘No’, the next, as first Veenendaal sniped under the Newlyn posts to score a converted try, and then  Williams gathered the ball cleanly to cross for his second following a yet another clever kick out of hand, this time by centre Vili Hakalo.

There was still plenty of time for the Pirates to hit back, but neither would score again for the best part of a 20 minutes period, until just near the end when Day showed a fine turn of pace to run from near halfway for a score at the clubhouse corner. May converted, and did again in the very last minute when Koster also displayed skill and admirable determination to register his first try in the Championship.

The late scores lifted spirits at the end, and in the process provide encouragement to home supporters.

The two acquired bonus points took the team to the top of that particular table, with a tally now of eight, whilst the Pirates also moved up one place in the league table to ninth.

Cornish Pirates:   15, Toby May (c), 14 Alex O’Meara (Nicolas De Battista 47), 13 Dan Koster, 12 Pete Laverick, 11 Kyle Moyle (Will Cargill 59), 10 Laurence May, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker (Billy Keast 45), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie (Tom Channon 56), 3 Jack Andrew (Christian Judge 49), 4 Toby Freeman, 5 Josh Caulfield, 6 Rupert Cooper, 7 Matt Bolwell, 8 Tom Lawday.

Replacements (not used):   James Fish, Angus Taylor.

Yellow cards:   T. May, Koster.

Nottingham Rugby:   15 Will Millett, 14 Billy Robinson, 13 Joe Cobden, 12 Vili Hakalo, 11 Sean Scanlon, 10 Tiff Eden (David Williams 25)9 Darryl Veenendaal (Murray McConnell 64); 1 Tom West (Aniseko Sio 68), 2 Jimmy Stevens (Ben Brownlie 67), 3 Rory Burke (David Langley 12), 4 Tim Cardall, 5 Danny Qualter, 6 Ben Morris (c, Josh Poullet 59), 7 Jordan Coghlan (Matt Everard 67), 8 Shane Buckley.

Scorers:- Cornish Pirates – tries: Moyle (2), Day, Koster; cons: L. May (4); pen: L. May. Nottingham Rugby – tries: Scanlon (2), Williams (2) Veenendaal; cons: Eden (2), Millett; pen: Millett.

Referee:   Michael Hudson (RFU)                         Attendance:   1,309

St. Austell Brewery’s Cornish Pirates’Man-of-the-Match:   Matt Bolwell

All-Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke presents the man of the match award to Sam Matavesi of Redruth during the National 2 South match between Redruth and Bury St Edmunds at the Recreation Ground on 7th October 2017, Redruth, Cornwall – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis

It was great to see All Black legend Zinzan Brooke back at Redruth last Saturday.

The former All Black No.8 played on the ground back in 1993 for the All Blacks against England SW, a game won by the tourists 19-15 thanks to a Jamie Joseph try and the boot of Matt Cooper who kicked a conversion and four penalties.

The game will also be remembered as being very physical with future England captain Phil de Glanville sustaining a nasty eye injury.

Brooke who had played 21 tests up to this point, went on to amass 58 caps for New Zealand. Brooke’s scoring feats weren’t just confided to scoring tries, he loved a drop-goal famously knocking one over against England in South Africa during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

All Blacks Legend Zinzan Brooke being interviewed by Peter Richmond on BBC Radio Cornwall during the National 2 South match between Redruth and Bury St Edmunds at the Recreation Ground on 7th October 2017, Redruth, Cornwall – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis

The former All Black, who was in Redruth for a speaking engagement, presented the man-of-the-match award to Redruth’s Sam Matavesi at the conclusion of the Reds’ game against Bury St. Edmunds, he also gave BBC Radio Cornwall’s Peter Richmond an exclusive interview.

There was not a lot to report on scoring wise in this South West Premier League game played in appalling conditions at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, but there was a heroic rear-guard action from the Cherry and Whites during a second half that lasted 55 minutes.

The only score of the game, following a move initiated by scrum-half Taron Peacock from a quick tap, came from an unconverted try from winger Ben Tyler-Guy after 22 minutes as Town played with the elements first half.

No.8 Kieran Westlake had a big game for Town as did his fellow back rowers Jordan Rose and Phil Hinchley.

Camborne 5-0 Bracknell was how it ended. Head coach Damien Cook was pleased with the win and the way his side defended. “Defence win games the boys showed a lot of character out there today putting into practice what we train for, defence is a skill and it’s something that you have to work on constantly. I’ll take that today with the conditions we had to play in.”

Hopefully Town will have Declan Matthews and Dave Mankee back in contention very soon, whilst Ben Kemp awaits the result of a scan to see how his injury is healing.

Less luck for Redruth in National League 2 South away to Taunton Titans as they slipped to a 34-17 defeat.

Given the context of the match with a good number of regulars unavailable, the youngsters who came into the side did a fine job and did the shirt proud.

It took time for the side to settle so it was no surprise that the Reds found themselves 20-0 down at half-time, all the points scored by former Launceston players, a couple of tries from Aron Struminski both converted by Gary Kingdom who also kicked a couple of penalties.

Replacement prop Jack Hodge pulled a try back for the Reds at the start of the second half but the Titans pulled further ahead thanks to a third try scored by flanker Ratu Vakalutukali again bettered by Kingdom.

Connor Gilbert got a second try for Redruth before Taunton secured the bonus point when replacement hooker Andy Hamilton went over, Kingdom again on the money with the extras.

Connor Swan came on to make his debut for the Reds in place of Jack Oulton at scrum-half.

Unbowed Redruth came again with Sam Stevens getting as third try following good work from Sam Matavesi, back from his travels with the Navy. Nielson Webber added the conversion. Reds pressed for a fourth try but it was not to be. Head coach Pale Nonu said. “We got ourselves into good positions but made some silly mistakes which cost us. We kept on going to the end chasing a bonus point.”

On Sunday it proved another disappointing away performance from the Cornish Pirates in the RFU Championship away at Yorkshire Carnegie as they lost 28-26.

Pirates did themselves no favours conceding two converted tries in the first eight minutes of the game.

The visitors struck back with a try off a catch-and-drive scored by Alex Cheesman, converted by May who then landed a penalty to cut the deficit to just four points.

Carnegie then scored a third converted try but that was cancelled out when Tom Cowan-Dickie went over with May again on the money with the extras.

May kicked a couple of penalties early in the second half to put the Pirates into the lead 23-21.

With ten minutes to go, May extended the lead for the Cornish side 26-21. It was not to be as the Pirates found themselves with fourteen men following Jack Andrew’s yellow card, a powerful maul for the home side saw them go over with the conversion confirming their win.

Back to Saturday and in the Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston finally played a game at Polson Bridge this season defeating North Petherton 18-15. Ryan Westren, Martin Kneebone and Dan Pearce scored the All Blacks’ tries with Pearce kicking a penalty.

In London 1 South, London Cornish made it three wins on the trot with an emphatic 57-35 against Thurrock.

Cornish ripped into the opponents during a devastating first half that saw them go 47-7 up at the break. Tries were scored by James La Broy Chris Kolapo-Ajala, David Smith, Nick Goss, George Kimmins, Andy Hill, Tom Ievers and a penalty try, along with 7 conversions and a penalty by Kimmins.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels got the better of Truro 21-14 at the Molesworth Field. Joe Pretty, Rich Treleaven and Russ House crossed for the Camels’ tries with Danny Thomas adding all three conversions.

For Truro, who have only won once so far this season, “Eggy” Williams and Darren Jacques scored tries with Williams kicking the conversions.

St. Austell remain the best placed Cornish side in third, after their 19-3 win at Tregorrick Park against Torquay Athletic. Chris Ashwin, Andy Inch and CJ Boyce scored the Saints’ ties with Cav Boyer adding a couple of conversions.

After an enforced week off St. Ives came back with a bonus point win at Paignton 28-15. Jamie Prisk bagged a couple of tries with other coming from Martyn Lawrence and Sam Carter. Rhys Brownfield landed all four conversions.

Falmouth also maintained their recent form with a 25-5 win at the Rec against Burnham-on-Sea. Nick Carne scored the Eagles’ only try, as star of the game Justyn Irons added the conversion and six penalties.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn battled to a win in difficult conditions at the Memorial Ground 11-0 against Bude. Ben Birkett scored the only try of the game with Mitch Vague kicking two penalties.

Pirates Amateurs boosted by the return of Steve Evans from Truro and Neil Stanleick Camborne got their first win of the season against Wessex 22-14. Stanleick scored both tries with Lonsdale kicking four penalties.

Lanner maintained their great form at St. Day with a 36-3 win against Hayle.

Amongst the Falcons’ try scorers were Harris, Prout, Moyle (2) and Richards.

Saltash provided great cheer for that great stalwart of Cornish rugby supporters Stu Hoy as the Ashes’ 37-10 win was just the icing on the cake for Stu’s birthday celebrations back home in the Duchy.

Tom Martin, Lewis Wells, Jason Carroll and Ryan Rayner all scored tries with Harrison Reburn kicking three conversions and two penalties and Kieran Down also adding one of each.

The Tribute Cornwall League results can be found on the results page.

Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto: Robin Wedlake Try time vs Gloucestershire 2015

Plymouth Albion’s Robin Wedlake was announced Trelawny’s Army Player of the Year at their well attended Annual General Meeting held at St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre last night.

Wedlake, who started his rugby with Redruth before moving to Albion, was a star performer for Cornwall last season as the black and golds made it to the final at Twickenham for a fifth year in a row before relinquishing their Bill Beaumont Cup title to Lancashire.

Wedlake scored vital tries for Cornwall against Surrey and Devon as well as assisting in several other scores.

He was picked for the subsequent tour of Spain with England Counties, again proving his try scoring ability.

Photo: Colin Hatch MBE receives the Bill Osborne Shield from Chairman Phil Trevarton

Colin Hatch MBE, Cornwall team Manager, collected the Bill Osborne Memorial Shield on Robin’s behalf as the Plymouth Albion player had undergone an operation earlier in the week due an injury sustained on his knee whilst playing in a game for Albion at the Cornish Pirates during pre-season.

Hatch said. “Robin is sorry he can’t be with you tonight to collect his award which he is immensely proud to receive. He sends you all his warmest wishes and looks forward to getting back playing as soon as possible.”

Photo: Will Gilder is presented the Tony Mead Shield by Colin Hatch MBE

The Tony Mead Shield for the Cornwall Under 20 Player of the Year went to St. Austell’s Will Gilder.

Gilder captained Cornwall Under 20’s last season the highlight being the 64-3 defeat of Berkshire at Camborne.

Speaking on the night Gilder said. “It’s really special to be voted for this award, doubly so as I am the first player from the St. Austell club to win it.

“We had a very young squad last season with only three or four older lads, including myself, so I think the lads will have learnt from last season and will look to kick on again in 2018.

Sadly a knee injury means that Gilder has stopped playing and has instead turned his hand to refereeing. “I am enjoying it, I’ve been referring at level 7 (Western Counties) this season. I have benefited from the university referee program I am on at the moment.”

Photo Will Gilder receives a case of Tribute from St. Austell Brewery’s John Treglown

Special thanks to St. Austell Brewery for their kind presentation of a case of Tribute Ale to both award winners.

In National League 2 South Redruth were home for the second Saturday running and were again made to work hard with the win sealed with final play of the game thanks to a Matt Gidlow try.

That made the final score 20-19 to the Reds, a game that with their possession and territory they should have won much more comfortably.

Redruth finally broke the deadlock with a fine try scored by AJ Cant.

Despite going behind 7-5, Rob Coote latched on to another interception near the Worthing line to bag try number two with Ashley Hosking adding a fine conversion for a 12-7 lead.

Following a strong start to the second half when Hosking added an excellent penalty, Worthing came back into in scoring two tries and a conversion to snatch the lead with three minutes left. Thankfully Gidlow’s late score spared any blushes.

Camborne made the long trip to Bournemouth in the South West Premier with a patched up side and despite putting up a brave performance returned home empty-handed.

The home side kicked four first half penalties with just a Murray Westren effort in reply for the Cherry and Whites.

Westren was on target again early in the second half but then Bournemouth scored two tries and a conversion to move 24-6 up.

Kieran Westlake pulled a try back for Town which was bettered by Westren. Bournemouth then made the game safe with a further converted try.

Camborne had the final say when Jake Champion scored their second try again converted by Westren for a final score 31-20.

It was also defeat for Launceston in Tribute South West 1 as they went down to a heavy defeat at Newent 51-27.

The Cornish All Blacks did at least score four tries and thus salvage a bonus point. Ryan Westren (2), Martin Kneebone and Dan Pearce all crossed with Pearce adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.

In London 1 South, London Cornish made it two wins on the bounce with a first away success of the season 29-16 at Gravesend.

Tries came via a penalty-try, David Smith, Matthew Hakes and Andy Hill, George Kimmins added the rest of the points from the boot.

In Tribute Western Counties West Falmouth came from behind to nick their second win of the season 22-17.

Truro’s cause was not helped when they lost influential No.8 Jack Tidball with a broken arm to add to an already lengthy injury list.

Truro went 17-3 thanks to tries from Ben Teasdale, Luke Tidball and Ethan Tyler, who also knocked over a conversion.

Falmouth replied with a Justyn Irons’ penalty before the game turned on it’s head. Tom Edmonds scored a fine try. Tim Gay then grabbed a second for the Eagles and with Irons adding the extras it was level-pegging. Lee Humphrey then popped up to crash over for the winning try.

There’s a good review of the game from Kevin Bishop in the link.

Wadebridge Camels had a good win at Torquay Athletic 34-26. Danny Thomas scored a try and kicked four conversions and a couple of penalties in the bonus point win. Other tries came from Will Pengelly, Ben Humber and Shawn Hartley.

St. Austell got a big win at Tiverton 45-29. The Saints ran in eight tries through Ian Venner (2), Hugh Noot, Adam Kellow, George Tregelges, Hector Bright and Andy Ashwin. Cav Boyer kicked a couple of penalties and two conversions.

St. Ives’ game against Sidmouth was postponed to later date.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Hayle lost at home to unbeaten Honiton 34-19.

Penryn battled to a draw at Wessex 24-all scoring four tries through Grant Randlesome, James Salisbury and AJ Stanfield (2) with Mitch Vague adding a couple of conversions.

It’s going to be a long season for Pirates Amateurs judging by their result at Wellington 97-7! Kieran Brownfield scored their only try converted by Jack Hoare.

Bude defeated Lanner 29-12 at Bencoolen. Rory Hodges, Tremaine Fry, Ollie Denford, Adam Black and Angus Hodges all scored tries with Denford adding a couple of conversions.

For the Falcons Ryan Thomas and Mike Thomas scored tries with Harris adding a conversion.

Saltash lost at Withycombe 22-10, Will Morton and Ollie Mulberry with their tries.

All the Tribute Cornwall League results can be found on the results page via the menu.

Tomorrow night is Trelawny’s Army AGM. Both the Cornwall Senior Player and Under 20 players of the year, as voted by the membership will be announced.

CORNISH PIRATES 62 – 47 ROTHERHAM TITANS

This game was a defence coach’s nightmare but for the spectator an absolute feast of try-scoring, and there were some very good ones too, scored by both sides reports Bill Hooper from the Mennaye Field.

“Who’d want to be coach?” Alan Paver post Titans

For those who love to watch entertaining rugby then this was the game to be at.

People were barely settled in their seats before Phil Westren’s busy day on the tannoy started as centre Pete Laverick dashed in for the opening score.

Further tries from wings Alex O’Meara and Kyle Moyle, either side of an opening reply from Titan’s scrum-half Rhodri Davies, who had a stellar performance for the visitors, had the Pirates 21-7 up and sniffing a bonus point after just 15 minutes.

It was then ding-dong all the way up to half-time. The thorn in the Pirates’ side Davies then drew a penalty try when high-tackled heading for the Newlyn Gate corner by his opposite number Alex Day.

Not to be outdone hooker Tom Cowan-Dickie notched a score for the front row union but Titan’s Luke Peters try kept them in the hunt.

Laurence May then added a penalty to his four conversions soon making it five as Moyle completed his brace with a beauty of a try and a 38-21 lead.

In keeping with the nature of the game, back came the Titans before half-time when prop Tom Williams was driven over, Lee Miller’s fourth conversion making it 38-28 whilst we all drew breath over the half-time cuppa.

Could both sides keep it up during the second forty? The answer proved to be a resounding yes! Cowan-Dickie completed his brace of tries following great work by prop Marlen Walker.

Rotherham just didn’t lie down, with almost an immediate riposte coming from the rapier like dart of Davies for his second try of the game.

Pirates’ Argentinian centre and skipper Nicolas De Battista got in amongst the forwards as the pack drove over in the Newlyn Gate corner.

Davies then completed his hat-trick of tries before replacement prop Luke Cole bagged a 7^th try for the visitors, in a blink Titans were back to within five points!

Nerves were calmed as the Pirates managed to get a penalty-try award, with the final points of the game coming from a Will Cargill penalty with the final kick of the game.

After the game coach Alan Paver quipped. “Who would want to be a coach? We had issues around the ruck area which Titans exposed effectively and some of our discipline fell short. Both areas will be addressed this week going forward.

“On the positive side our attacking play has been our brightest star today when we have the ball in hand we look electric and we can open sides up. From a technical point of view, the set-piece went well, we have put in a lot of work over the past few weeks and it’s beginning to show.”

Cornish Pirates scores: Tries: Laverick (2), O’Meara (5), Moyle (12, 38), Cowan-Dickie (21, 43), De Battista (53), Penalty (71), Cons: L. May (3,6,13,22,39,44), Pens: L. May (33), Cargill (80)

Rotherham Titans scores: Tries: Davies (7, 47, 54), Penalty (18), Peters (24), Tom Williams (40), Cole (62), Cons: Millar (8, 25, 40, 48), Ryan (63)

Photo: TASC’s Ben Gilby presents LCRFC DoR Dickon Moon with a couple of training balls in recognition of last season’s promotion to London 1 South

The action this week began on Friday night when the Cornish Pirates made their way over to Jersey for the Championship game at rue des Landes.

Frustratingly the game ended 19-13 to the Reds consigning the Pirates to a third narrow defeat.

Centre Tom Laverick scored the Cornish Pirates’ only try, with the other points coming from the boot of Laurence May.

Pirates will hope to get that vital first win this Sunday when they host Rotherham Titans at the Mennaye 2:30pm.

In National League 2 South, a much changed Redruth made hard work of overcoming newly promoted Wimbledon on their first visit to Hell fire corner.

Having dominated the opening stages, Reds found themselves trailing to an unconverted try from the visitors.

They hit back before half-time with tries from Ethan Pattison, Sam Parsons and Rob Coote with Joe Elderkin adding a couple of conversions.

It took Redruth until 10 mins form time to get the bonus point try scored by Jack Simmons. Redruth ran out winners 24-15.

In the South West Premier League, there was a tremendous tussle at the Recreation Ground as Camborne staged a comeback against pace-setters Newton Abbot falling just short at the final whistle 31-32.

Jake Champion, Tommy-Lee Southworth, Kieran Westlake, James Goldsworthy and Phil Hinchley scored tries for the Cherry and Whites with Dave Mankee and Murray Westren adding the conversions.

A couple of points for Town to keep them handily placed in fifth spot.

Sadly there was no match for Launceston in Tribute South West 1 West as Matson couldn’t raise a side and forfeited the game.

Congratulations to London Cornish as they sealed their first win in London 1 South demolishing Cobham 57-10.

The exiles scored nine tries on the day Trelawny’s Army’s Ben Gilby was on hand to present the club with a couple of practice balls in recognition of wining London 2 SW last season.

Tries were scored by Chris Kolapo-Ajala (2), Tom Jeffery (2), Dan Phoenix, Richard Stephens, Harry Somers, Tim Homan and Andy Hill, whilst George Kimmins slotted six conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, the derby game at St. Austell went the way of the home side as they defeated St. Ives 29-3. George Tregilgas and George Knowles scored tries for the Saints with Cavan Boyer adding both conversions and five penalties.

In reply the Hakes sole points via the boot of Rhys Brownfield.

Falmouth are up and running following their first win since promotion defeating Torquay Athletic 18-0 at the Rec. Seb Firth and Matt Rooke scored the tries for the Eagles with skipper Justyn Irons kicking the other points.

Wadebridge Camels bounced back from their loss at St. Ives with a 34-22 win at home against Tiverton. Matt Ballard scored three tries with Will Pengelly and Joe Pretty also crossing. Danny Thomas kicked the rest of the points.

Truro did well to come away from Services with a couple of league points despite losing 28-22. Josh Symons, Luke Tidball, Jack Tidball and Ben Teasdale scored their tries with Steve Evans adding a conversion.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash remain top following their 35-10 win at Plymstock. Steve Hillman (2), Tom Martin (2), Will Morton and Phil Eatwell scored the Ashes’ tries, Harrison Reburn kicking a penalty and conversion.

Lanner were the highest scores of the day as they thrashed Wessex 109-10 at St. Day.

Penryn were given a tough game at home edging Wellington 19-14 at the final whistle. George Mitchell, Andrew Seviour and Sam Hitchings scored tries for the Borough with Aaron Simmonds adding a couple of conversions.

Hayle drew at home with Withycombe 25-all.

Bude suffered away day blues again as they went down 35-11 at Honiton.

Pirates Amateurs suffered a third straight defeat going down at the Mennaye to Torrington 29-8.

Check the results page for the Tribute Cornwall League results.

Cornish Pirates 29  Bristol Rugby 31  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Played between two fully committed and gifted sides, this thrillingly pulsating contest provided an occasion when without doubt the game of rugby was a true winner, reports Phil Westren from the Mennaye Field.

Welcoming the might of Bristol Rugby to the Mennaye Field, a bumper crowd was inevitably present, ready to witness the favourites expected to bounce back to the Premiership. Indeed, their squad arrived littered with international talent, whilst also included in head coach Pat Lam’s side was a former ‘Pirate’, in the shape of prop Tyler Gendall.

Despite an at times wet, and throughout blustery afternoon, the atmosphere about the ‘Mennaye’ was great, with it boosted pre-match by the arrival of the popular Falmouth Marine Band.

Team news for the Pirates confirmed the same squad selected as lost narrowly at Ealing Trailfinders the previous weekend, there no changes in the starting XV or on the bench.

Making a cracking start, the Pirates opened the scoring in just the third minute when wing Alex O’Meara crossed at the Newlyn Gate corner. On a day less than easy for kickers, fly-half Laurence May was luckless with his conversion attempt.

The home team continued in positive mode, keeping it high tempo and clearly unsettling their opponents, until Bristol eventually mounted a couple of telling attacks of their own. With their ‘All Black’ flanker Steve Luatua influential, possession was twice spread wide to wing David Lemi. A forward pass initially denied the Samoa star, but given a second chance he shortly after breezed in for a try at the scoreboard corner. Irish international fly-half Ian Madigan’s conversion attempt went wide, as was the case when Bristol took the lead thanks to ‘Wallaby’ wing Luke Monahan’s try.

The responsive efforts of the Pirates were rewarded when May kicked a penalty to narrow the deficit, but just past the half hour mark Lemi scored again, with Madigan this time adding the conversion.

Basic errors were frustratingly not helping the Pirates cause, and on the stroke of half-time Madigan slotted a penalty to give the visitors a healthy looking 20-8 lead.

A collection took place at half-time for The Chestnut Appeal, which is the Cornish Pirates chosen charity for this season, and the half-time rugby exhibition was provided by young rugby players representing Roskear and Perran-ar-Worthal Primary Schools.

Bristol continued to underline apparent dominance when the second half got underway. Madigan first added a further three points from a penalty, and then executed a well weighted cross-field kick that led to livewire Lemi completing his hat-trick. In rolling back the years, he also broke Bristol rugby try-scoring record in competitive matches.

Now was a test of character for the Cornish side, it one that they soon showed willing to take on. Man-of-the-match skipper Nicolas De Battista led the way, with O’Meara also at all times willing to ‘give it a go’. Gaining territory from where serious pressure was applied, the sudden reward for the Pirates was the award of a penalty try, signalled at the Penzance posts by referee Karl Dickson.

Madigan notched another penalty for his side, but the Pirates refused to buckle and for the last quarter of the match were very much in the ascendancy.

Another O’Meara run lifted the crowd, and when forward power took over it was prop Marlen ‘Magic’ Walker who scored a try converted by replacement Will Cargill.

A 22-31 scoreline looked somewhat interesting, but it would get even better after wing Kyle Moyle followed up a Cargill kick and won a race that would apply try-scoring pressure at the scoreboard corner. Cargill followed up with an excellent conversion that made it 29-31, with all still to play for. An exciting and tense conclusion was guaranteed.

In time remaining the Pirates might well have sneaked a win that at one time looked completely out of their reach. As we know, they didn’t, but in once again showing immense character the registering of two league points was the very least they deserved. Theirs was a performance that surely bodes well for the future.

Cornish Pirates:   15, Toby May, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Dan Koster (Pete Laverick 47), 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11 Kyle Moyle, 10 Laurence May (Will Cargill 56), 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker (Billy Keast 70), 2 Tom Cowan-Dickie, 3 Jack Andrew (Christian Judge 56), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman, 6 Rupert Cooper (Matt Bowell 56), 7 Alex Cheesman, 8 Tom Lawday (Dan Lee 51).

Replacement (not used):   Mike Pope

Bristol Rugby:   15 Jordan Williams (Mat Protheroe 56), 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Will Hurrell, 12 Tusi Pisi (Billy Searle 69), 11 David Lemi, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Rhodri Williams (Ryan Glynn 65); 1 Soane Tonga’uiha (Jack Cosgrove 46), 2 Jason Harris-Wright (Max Crumpton 69), 3 Tyler Gendall (Nicky Thomas 73), 4 Sam Jeffries, 5 Joe Latta (c), 6 Steven Luatua, 7 Dan Thomas, 8 Nick Haining (Jordan Crane 41-51 HIA, 77).

Scorers:-

Cornish Pirates – tries: O’Meara, Penalty try, Walker, Moyle; cons: Cargill (2); pen: L. May.

Bristol Rugby – Lemi

Referee:   Karl Dickson (RFU)                  Attendance:   2,236

St. Austell Brewery’s Man-of-the-Match:   Nicolas De Battista

It was an appetising first home league game of the season for the Cornish Pirates against Championship favourites Bristol at the Mennaye.

The Pirates got off to a dream start with an unconverted try scored by winger Alex O’Meara with barely 3 minutes on the clock.

David Lemi tied the scores as Bristol began to ramp up the pressure which was further emphasised when Luke Morahan went over in the Club house corner moments later.

Laurence May kept the Pirates keen with a penalty to cut the deficit to just 2 points before the half hour mark.

Lemi then went over for his second try of the game with fly-half Ian Madigan kicking the conversion and a penalty before the break to leave the visitors 20-8 up.

The Irishman then added a further penalty after half-time before Lemi completed his hat-trick of tries in the Western National Corner and Bristol looked set fare at 28-8 for a comfortable afternoon in West Cornwall.

However, the Pirates had other ideas and stirred themselves in front of the four figure crowd.

A penalty-try for the Pirates cut the deficit despite Madigan kicking a third penalty.

Prop Marlen Walker got over for a try following great pressure from the home side with May adding the extras.

With the crowd getting behind the lads Kyle Moyle latched on to May’s kick through to score try number four, May’s conversion leaving the Pirates agonisingly close at 29-31.

Despite the loss Pirates picked up another couple of points ahead of Friday night’s clash against Jersey Reds on the island.

On Saturday Redruth travelled to Barnstaple in National League 2 South but sadly three yellow cards and an inability to see the game out saw the Reds slip to defeat in North Devon 29-24.

Redruth struggled in the first half finding themselves 17-7 down with just a Sam Matavesi try converted by Joe Elderkin on the board.

Elderkin then kicked a penalty and converted Kyle Marriott’s try to tie the scores.

Craig Williams got over for the third Redruth try again betterd by Elderkin before Barnstaple replied with two late tries to seal their second win of the campaign.

In the South West Premier league, Camborne sealed a first win at Brixham in over forty years winning 21-20.

It was a brave win by Town who travelled with no backs amongst their replacements. Taron Peacock and Jake Champion scored the tries with Dave Mankee adding a conversion and three penalties.

In the Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston maintained their good start with a second away win this time at Thornbury 28-22. Ryan Western scored two tries on his 250^th appearance for the Cornish All Blacks with new recruit Dan Pearce scoring the other points with a try, two conversions and three penalties.

In London 1 South, London Cornish slipped to a second defeat, 34-18 this time at Civil Service Rugby. Lineout deficiencies proved costly for the exiles as they continue to adapt to life at a higher level.

Cornish did score three fine tries through Dave Funston, Andy Hill and David Smith, with George Kimmins landing a penalty.

In Western Counties West, I took in the game at Truro as they entertained Crediton. In blustery conditions Truro scored three fine first half tries through prop Ollie Seagrove, centre Matt Symons and veteran fly-half Steve Evans. Evo kicked a couple of conversions for a 19-12 half-time lead.

In the second half scoring was limited to just a penalty kick to each side, Evans again for the home side, to leave Truro 22-15 winners.

It was good to see last season’s Cornwall U.20 skipper Will Gilder as the man in the middle for this game. Will has an on-going knee injury which is keeping him from playing at the moment, so he has turned his hand to refereeing for the time being.

St. Ives followed up their win at Falmouth last week with an excellent 49-17 win at home to Wadebridge Camels.

The Hakes scored five tries through Liam Jolly, Pete Mabbot, Rob Elloway, Tom Chandler and Sam Carter plus they had a penalty-try awarded. Rhys Brownfield had a good day with the boot kicking 19 points.

For the Camels Adam Collings and Matt Ballard scored tries both converted by Danny Thomas who also landed a penalty.

St. Austell made up in part for their disappointing loss at home to Sidmouth last week by winning 34-16 at promoted Paignton.

Hugh Noot, Andy Inch Shane Johns, George Tregilgas and Ian Venner scored the Saint’s tries with Cav Boyer kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Falmouth are still adapting to life at this level as they slipped to a second defeat this time at Tiverton 27-12. Nathan Carne and Dan Hubble scored their tries with Justyn Irons kicking a conversion.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash made it two wins on the trot with a 40-17 win at Morlands against Plymouth Argaum. Ashes scored six tries through Steve Hillman, Lewis Wells, Will Morton, Conor Cooper, Ryan Rayner and Ryan Cruickshanks with Kieran Down slotting five conversions.

Penryn made it two wins on the trot following their 35-5 win at Torrington. Andrew Seviour scored a hat-trick of tries with James Salisbury adding a brace of his own. Mitch Vague added a couple of conversions and two penalties.

Bude had a good win at home defeating Hayle 36-0. Joe Wilson, Ed Hillman-Cooke (2), Angus Hodge and a penalty-try award accounted for the tries with Ollie Denford adding three conversions.

Lanner lost 25-6 at Wellington with just a couple of penalties from Nick Prout to show for their efforts, whilst Pirates Amateurs went down 38-0 at Tavistock.

Check the results page for all the Tribute Cornwall league results.

What a cracking game to start the 2017-18 league season at the Recreation Ground Redruth on Saturday. A ten try spectacle with nine scored by the home side in a resounding 58-10 win to put the Reds top of the table in National League 2 South.

Pre-season games against Swansea and Plymouth Albion indicated that the squad were in good shape, and so it proved.

The Redruth back three of full back Rob Coote and wings Jack Simmons and Jack Kessell were the stars of the show.

Following an early penalty by fly-half Ashley Hosking, back from a stint at Truro, the Reds scored three first half tries through Kessell (2) and centre Nielson Webber, with Hosking adding two conversions for a 22-3 half-time lead.

In the second half flanker Sam Matavesi came more into the game and further tries from skipper Rich Brown, flanker Chris Fuca, prop Craig Williams, scrum-half Jack Oulton and a brace from winger Tom Notman off the bench, Joe Elderkin, on for Hosking added a further three conversions.

It was a pleasing start for new head coach Pale Nonu along with forwards coach Gareth Tedstone. Redruth know that sterner tests await not least Saturday’s trip to Barnstaple who won 33-13 at Wimbeldon.

Oh so close, that was the result at Ealing as the Cornish Pirates saw Laurence May’s last-gasp conversion attempt sail past the post to condemn them to an opening day loss by a single point 29-28.

Despite the frustration at the final outcome, Pirates coaching staff took much from the game ahead of Sunday’s clash with Bristol ant the Mennaye.

Kyle Moyle, Tom Lawday and Toby Freeman scored the tries, whilst May added three penalties and two conversions.

In the South West Premier League, Cambone were given a tough examination by promoted Maidenhead at the Recreation Ground winning 30-27. Trailing 10-3 with just a Dave Mankee penalty on the board, The Cherry and Whites levelled matters following a length of the field move finished off by winger Matt Blee, Mankee adding the extras.

Despite falling behind again before half-time, Cambone first reduced the deficit in the second half through a Mankee penalty before adding the conversion to Taron Peacock’s try.

Skipper Jon Drew then scored with Mankee again adding the conversion.

A late surge from the visitors was to no avail as Mankee slotted another penalty to keep Maidenhead at bay.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston got their season off to a winning start with a fine 41-29 win at Keynsham.

Dan Pearce, who arrived from Bude over the summer, scored 26 of his side’s points with two tries and three conversions. The Cornish All Blacks other tries came from Ryan Western Martin Kneebone and skipper Lloyd Duke.

It was a tough baptism for London Cornish in London 1 South as they lost at home to Havant 44-25.

They trailed 21-6 at the break with just a couple of George Kimmins penalties for their endeavours.

Cornish made a better fist of it during the second half scoring tries through Chris Kolapo-Ajala (2) and, James LeBroy with Kimmins adding a couple of conversions. Cornish will lick their wounds and come back stronger as they get to grips with the quicker pace of this league.

In Western Counties West, St. Ives won the derby clash at Falmouth’s Recreation Ground defeating the Eagles 30-15.

Wadebridge Camels also got off to a winning start defeating promoted Paignton 23-19 at the Molesworth Field. Matt Tarby and Will Pengelly scored the Camels’ tries with Danny Thomas kicking the other points.

There was disappointment for Truro as they slipped to a narrow defeat at Chard 26-24. Truro came away with two points thanks to tries from Luke Tidball, Ben Teasdale, Darren Jacques and Steve Evans.

Cornwall Cup holders St. Austell also made a disappointing start to their league campaign. Despite recovering from an eleven point deficit after a slow start to lead 22-11, they were undone at the end by two breakaway tries scored by the visitors.

Ian Venner, Peter Rowe, George Tregilgas, on his first team debut and Hector Bright scored the Saints tries to give them a couple of points.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Lanner made a great start with a 53-14 win against Torrington.

Hayle marked their return to this level with a 36-25 win over Wessex.

After a slow start Penryn put in a storming second forty to defeat Tavistock 43-24. Borough trailed 17-5 at half-time with just an unconverted try from James Salisbury on the board.

Penryn edged closer early in the second half thanks to Tomas Oliver try before Andrew Seviour’s try converted by Matt Horton tied it up. Horton added the extras to his own try to move Penryn ahead. Ross Hancock. Oliver and a 60 metre dash from Seviour put the icing on the cake for the Borough.

Bude found it tough going away at Withycombe going down 36-5.

Saltash served notice that they will again be in the promotion chase after posting a 50-19 win against Pirates Amateurs at the Mennaye.

Ryan Rayner, Ryan Cruickshanks (3), Ollie Mulberry, Will Morton and Adam Coutts, Kieran Downs kicking the other points.

For the Amateurs Jack Lonsdale and Noyce scored tries.

Cornwall League results can be found in the link.