Photo: Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe

Cornwall have named their side to face Surrey at Richmond in the first game of this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup games.

The side, as expected, shows several changes to the one that retained the Cup at Twickenham last May 35-13 against Cheshire. From the twenty-two that wore the black and gold that day just six, Richard Brown, Craig Williams, Tony Whittle, Chris Fuca, Robin Wedlake and Lewis Vinnicombe, feature in this first squad, although one place on the bench remains to be filled.

For various reasons some players are not available for this first game and may come in to the side in subsequent games.

As expected there is a strong Redruth presence in the squad with the Reds providing no less than eight players in the starting XV.

Full-back Joe Elderkin is a new cap for Cornwall following his excellent showing during the second half of the season for Redruth, whilst Plymouth Albion’s Fijian centre Setareki Raumakita also makes his debut for Cornwall.

Photo: Penryn’s George Jones starts in the back row

Cornwall captain Jake Murphy said. “Asked to captain Cornwall this season is a fantastic honour and I am really proud to be given the role.  The enlarged squad has been together since February and we have become a tight knit bunch of guys from many different clubs. We hope our fantastic support led by Trelawny’s Army and expats from around the country will come out in force at Richmond to lift the guys for this important first game.”

Speaking ahead of the game head coach Graham Dawe said. “The 2017 season is upon us and this first match has allowed us to consider players who were not available for the Tamar Cup squad. From our initial squad we have selected our 22; other players will be available and in contention for the next game. No one’s place is guaranteed, and competition for squad places is still very much available to all members of the enlarged squad”

Cornwall next face Devon at Ivybridge RFC on Saturday 13 May. The following week they host Hertfordshire at Camborne RFC on Saturday 20 May.

Cornwall (Redruth unless stated): J Elderkin,  L Vinnicombe, S Raumakita (Plymouth Albion), J Murphy (Barnstaple) (capt), R Wedlake (Plymouth Albion), D Mankee (Camborne), J Oulton; T Phillips, R Brown, C Williams, B Jenkins (Barnstple), T Whittle (Camborne), C Fuca, G Jones (Penryn), BJ Chapman.

Replacements: A Zacharovas (Camborne), D Connor (Brixham), B Howe, G Randlesome (Penryn), T Notman, J Simmons (Camborne), A.N. Other

Travelling Reserves: D Matthews, S Buzza, R Friend (Okehampton)

TRELAWNY’S ARMY CRFU COLTS CUP FINAL

ST. AUSTELL SAINTS COLTS 27-22 LAUNCESTON COLTS

By Bill Hooper

An enthralling Colts Cup Final between St. Austell and Launceston proved to be the icing on the cake of an entertaining day’s rugby at St. Austell’s Tregorrick Park with Saints’ winger Jake Carr scoring four of their five tries.

St. Austell gained revenge for their narrow defeat in the Premiership League final at Launceston three weeks ago 10-8, with a five try win against the young Cornish All Blacks to make it a Cup double for the St. Austell club this season following the Seniors Cornwall Cup win.

Photo by Graham Walker, Saints Captain Ethan Vincent receives the Colts Cup from TASC’s Ian Gordon

The strong blustery wind meant it wasn’t a day for goal kickers with successful kicks at a premium.

Launceston dominated the early stages of the game scoring an early try through wing Charlie Wevill converted by full back Jordan Cunningham.

They increased their lead with an unconverted try soon after from fellow winger Joe Vanstone for a 12-0 lead.

St. Austell finally got some territory and possession to cut the deficit when Carr went over for his first score.

That sparked the Saints who finished the half the stronger with Carr crossing for two further unconverted tries for a 15-12 half-time lead.

Carr bagged his fourth try soon after the break to extend the Saints’ lead but back came Launceston with a try from centre Harry Brewerton, who then regained the advantage when Vanstone got his second try for a narrow 22-20 lead with just six minutes left to play.

St. Austell were not to be denied good play from the forwards saw the home side make good ground into the All Blacks’ twenty-two, from a tap and go penalty scrum-half Dan Tyrell scored their fifth try which fly-half Henry Welch converted .

Launceston had a final fling when a powerful driving maul was stopped just short of the Saints line.

The final whistle saw St. Austell skipper Ethan Vincent lift the cup.

St. Austell Saints Colts: Tries, Carr (4), Tyrell, Con, Welch, Launceston Colts: Tries, Wevill, Vanstone (2), Brewerton, Con, Cunningham

In the other finals played, the Bowl saw Redruth Colts defeat St. Austell Sinners Colts 24-3. Reds’ tries were scored by man-of-the-match Josh Lugg, AJ Stanfield, Jordan Smart and Jack Hitchens with Colin Gilbert kicking two conversions. Ashley Gilder kicked the sole points for the Sinners.

Photo by Bill Hooper, Reds’ skipper receives Bowl from John Rowe

The Plate final saw a big win for Wadebridge Camels Colts against Liskeard-Looe Colts by 34-5

Despite opening the scoring with a try from Olly Bowman Liskeard-Looe found themselves down 10-5 at the break following tries from Shawn Hartley and Morgan Williams.

In the second half Camels scored four further ties through Jack Sander, man-of-the-match Williams with his second, Zac Prosser and Owen Wilson, Williams also kicking two conversions.

Photo by Bill Hooper Camels’ skipper is presented with the Plate by TASC’s Marjorie Rowe

The Shield Final a close game saw Newquay Hornets Colts edge out Camborne Colts 13-10.

It was just 3-0 at half-time to Hornets thanks to an Aaron Symons’ penalty. Hornets got a gap during the second half thanks to tries from Jack Howarth and Symons before Town Colts hit back with unconverted tries from Oakley Smitham and Archie Sutton but they couldn’t get the winning score.

This Sunday’s County Under 7 & Under 8 Festival at Penryn RFC has been CANCELLED due to the adverse weather forecast.

Photo: Jack Nowell set to become the latest Cornish Lion.

London Irish Wild Geese took the spoils with the final kick of the game to earn a 22-21 win in their battle to avoid the drop.

It was frustrating for Redruth to concede the double to a side that have been battling relegation all season from National League 2 South.

Early in the second half Redruth looked well in charge leading 21-5, thanks to a brace of first half tries scored by prop Tommy Phillips and an early second half score from BJ Chapman, all three tries converted by Joe Elderkin.

However, Redruth were lacking a certain spark all afternoon and Wild Geese stormed back to knick the win.

It was a result that left head coach Marek Churcher feeling very frustrated. “We just didn’t click today, our concentration was poor and to be frank they wanted it more!”

The result leaves Redruth in fifth place, one point behind Taunton going into the final round of matches this weekend. Reds finish their season at Henley Hawks.

In National 3 SW, which incidentally will next season be known as South West Premier League, both our sides suffered final day defeats.

Camborne went down 50-22 at Cleve. Three of the Cherry and Whites’ tries came from Jack Simmons, Jon Drew and departing director of rugby Liam Chapple.

Sadly Launceston bowed out of the league conceded twelve tries in a 76-10 defeat to Dings Crusaders, Harry Dawe and Brandon Rowley with their two tries.

In the local Tribute leagues it was also the final games of the season. In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro still feeling the disappointment of their cup loss the previous weekend went down 22-10 to Torquay Athletic, Ethan Tyler and Jack Tidball with their tries. Truro still have a game to play this Saturday at Burnham and will finish up in fourth place.

Fifth place Wadebridge Camels were also still feeling flat after their Cornwall Cup final defeat to St. Austell crashing 81-7 at champions Exeter University. Their only try was scored by Gary Gynn converted by James Grubb.

St. Ives ended their campaign in sixth place despite defeat at Cullompton 50-22. Tom Chandler, Dan Rutter and Archie Mackay scored tries with Jordan Gott kicking the rest of the points.

St. Austell’s seventh place finish will give them a platform to build on next season. A big crowd saw the County Cup winners turn on the style with a 84-19 defeat of Tiverton. Full-back Toby Robinson got three of the Saints’ twelve tries.

For Bude the dye was already cast as they make a swift return to the Cornwall & Devon League next season. They signed off with another defeat 33-17 at Devonport Services. Simon Jefferies and Gareth Mitchell scored tries with Dan Pearce adding a penalty to his two conversions.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, champions Falmouth finished their program with a 44-20 win at Topsham, having trailed at the break 20-16.

Saltash were no match for Paignton going down 39-0, they will hope to make a push for promotion next season.

Penryn finished up fifth after defeating Plymstock Albion Oaks 17-0, thanks to a brace of tries from Mitch Vague both converted by Matt Horton who also kicked a penalty.

Well done to Lanner whom finished up in seventh place, not bad for a side playing at this level for the first time. The Falcons ended on a high blitzing Tamar Saracens 92-14! Adam Harris scored six of the tries.

Pirates Amateurs’ season ended in defeat as they lost at home to Plymouth Argaum 28-12. Chav and Liam Lonsdale scored the tries with Liam adding a conversion.

Bodmin ended their three season stay at this level with a 20-19 win against Withycombe. Chris Richardson bagged three tries for Bodmin with Harry Harland adding a fourth.

In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-finals, Liskeard-Looe upset Cornwall 1 champions Hayle 40-5 at Lux Park in the battle of the Lions.

They will meet Newquay Hornets who defeated Veor 38-16.

Newquay Hornets, who have declined to meet Torrington in the play-off for the Cornwall & Devon League for next season, will play Liskeard-Looe in the final on Monday 1^st May at Clifden Park, Bodmin.

This Saturday will see the Colts Cup final between St. Austell and Launceston at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell, a repeat of the League final won by the Cornish All Blacks youngsters 10-8 at Polson Bridge earlier this month.

Photo: Richard Sharp playing for England at Twickenham

Finally many congratulations to Jack Nowell on his selection for this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour party to New Zealand. Hear former Cornish Lion Richard Sharp’s best wishes in the link from BBC Radio Cornwall

Also well done to Luke Cowan-Dicke, who will tour Argentina with England this summer.

St. Austell came from behind to win the Tribute Cornwall Knock-Out Cup for the first time in their history having lost in four previous finals, reports Bill Hooper from a sunny Recreation Ground at Redruth.

It looked at half-time that history would repeat itself as after played down the slope in the first half St. Austell turned around trailing Wadebridge Camels 12-10.

However, St. Austell’s desire to finally get the cup were rewarded with second half tries from skipper Miles Davey replacement No.8 Max Duggan and a second of the match from prop Hugh Noot helped swing the final the Saints’ way and seal an impressive 35-22 win.

After skipper Miles Davey had received the Cup from CRFU President Peter James, St. Austell director of rugby Steve Murley expressed his delight. He said. “I am delighted we have finally got our hands on the cup and what makes it all the sweeter it was a great game of rugby from both sides, it showcased all that is good about Cornish rugby, commitment, great tackles, skilful play and some really good tries from both sides.

Murley said that despite trailing at the break the lads’ confidence was high. “I would have preferred to be ahead at half-time but I cannot fault the lads’ performance in that second half we needed something special on the day to beat a very good Camels’ side.

“I was pleased with the quality of our tries which came at crucial times in the game Hugh Noot going over for his second was a special moment he’s folk legend at Tregorrick, it’s been a great journey for the club over the past six or seven years we’ve been building each season today the club has it’s reward.”

Both sides, backed by a vociferous crowd took their time to settle as both defences coped with the initial threat.

It was the Camels that got the first score on the quarter-hour mark, following a couple of penalties kicked to the corner by fly-half James Grubb, the ball was moved wide with Grubb’s looping pass taken by winger Ben Hawken who crossed in the scoreboard corner for an unconverted try.

St. Austell replied within minutes when off second phase ball giant prop Hugh Noot crashed his way over under the posts gifting centre Liam Freeman a simple conversion for a 7-5 lead.

Saints’ wing Cav Boyer then failed with a monster penalty attempt from half-way as St. Austell’s confidence increased, however they were dealt a blow when flanker Ian Venner was sin-binned for not-rolling away.

Camels took advantage from play close to the St. Austell line with player-coach Mike Rawlings getting their second try with Grubb adding the extras.

Freeman reduced the deficit with a penalty and the Saints finished the half on the front foot after a good run and chip ahead from Boyer almost brought a try for fellow wing Ben Chenoweth only for the referee to rule a knock-on.

Grubb and Freeman swapped penalties early in the second half before the Saints got back into the lead from Davey’s unconverted try.

The St. Austell pack was now on top and further tries from young  No.8 Duggan and Noot both converted by Freeman settled the final.

With time almost up Rawlings grabbed a second try for Camels converted by Grubb, but moments later Freeman dropped a goal to complete the scoring and signal wild celebrations from the Saints’ fans.

With the Cup in hand players, officials, coaches and fans congregated in the hospitality suite corner for a rousing rendition of “When the Saints…go marching in.”

St. Austell: T Robinson, C Boyer, S Johns, L Freeman, B Chenoweth, C Ashwin, A Ashwin; H Noot, M Davey (capt), C Nicholson, A Pearce, T Knight, J Nelson I Venner, A Kellow.

Replacements: CJ Boyce, D Jane, H Bright, A Inch, M Duggan, M Martin

St. Austell scores: Tries, Noot (2), Davey, Duggan, Cons, Freeman (3), Pens, Freeman (2), Drop-goal, Freeman

Yellow Card: Venner (29)

Wadebridge Camels: W Pengelly, B Hawken, J Pretty, D Thomas, D Hawkey, J Grubb, A Collings (capt); R Treleaven, M Ballard, J Scott, J Johns, R House, R Dawe, A Blackmore, M Rawlings

Replacements: M Tarby, C Cotton, H Smith, Q Cross, R Bright, C Wilson

Camel’s scores: Tries, Hawken, Rawlings (2), Cons Grubb (2), Pen, Grubb

Referee: Adam Nicholas (Devon RRS)

Crowd: 850

Man-of-the-match: St. Austell’s Cavan Boyer, fine game from the young winger always willing to run with the ball looked lively.

TRIBUTE DUCHY CUP

WADEBRIDGE CAMELS RES 27- 12 ST. AUSTELL SINNERS

Tries from Leigh Charles, Ian Boyling, Ben Humber and Matt Bennetts and the boot of Shawn Hartley were enough to see the Camels win the inaugural Duchy Cup final.

Sinners scored tries through Tom Tyrell and Jacob Inch with Darren Pellow adding a conversion.

In the Duchy Tribute Plate, Camborne Reserves proved too strong for Bodmin Reserves running out winners 43-5.

Photo: Fraser Honey one of the five selected

Following the trial last Sunday at Keynsham RFC, five of the nine Cornish players involved have been selected for twenty-three man South West squad to face sides from London & SE, the North and the Midlands at Nottingham over the May bank holiday.

The players selected are lock Hugo Culverhouse (Wadebridge Camels), scrum-half Noah Nash (Brixham), fly-half Fraser Honey (Launceston), centre Declan Matthews (Redruth) and full back Toby Robinson (St. Austell).

Photo: Richard Brown who captained Cornwall to victory

Cornwall were forced to do it the hard way at Tiverton’s Bolham Road as they defended the Tamar Cup 33-17 against Devon despite playing the whole of the second half with just 14 men, reports Bill Hooper.

It was during time added on at the end of the first half that Cornwall centre Duncan Tout was shown a straight red for dangerous use of the boot at a ruck.

Fortunately Cornwall had built up a good lead by half-time 23-10 and no doubt the character they showed in the second half against a completely changed Devon XV will have pleased head coach Graham Dawe.

It was Devon who made the better start as Barnstaple’s Will Topps went over in the corner that score was converted by Tom Whelan.

Cornwall got on the board thanks to a penalty from full-back Rhys Brownfield, however Whelan kicked a second penalty for Devon to extend the green and whites lead with Cornwall losing flanker George Jones to the sin bin.

Undeterred Cornwall pulled back another penalty through Brownfield before Devon found themselves also down to 14 man as Whelan was signalled out for pulling down a maul.

Cornwall took the scrum option and when Devon went to the floor referee Nick Wood trotted under the posts for a penalty-try, Brownfield’s conversion putting the black and golds into a 13-10 lead.

Cornwall then scored two quick fire tries through winger Tom Notman, the Redruth flyer finished off a good break by Tout for the first and then ran in off an interception by Pirates Amateurs’ lock Everard Reid in the corner for 23-10.

Photo: Chris Fuca scored the try to make the game safe

Devon made their wholesale changes for the second forty, keeping on only Whelan and forward Jamie Tripcony, and looked to capitalise on their advantage.

They pulled a score back through Tom McGratton with Whelan adding the extras, however Camborne’s Dave Mankee nudged Cornwall back to a nine point advantage with a timely penalty.

Cornwall then defended for long periods doing well to keep Devon out before making the game safe in time added on when flanker Chris Fuca went over from a catch-and-drive, with Mankee adding the conversion to put the cream on top!

Both sides will meet again next month in the Bill Beaumont Cup in what will no doubt be a keenly contested game at Ivybridge.

Cornwall (Redruth, unless stated) R Brownfield (Camborne), T Notman, J Simmons(Camborne), D Tout (Rossendale & Bude), D Bonds, M Vague (Penryn), J Oulton;T Phillips, R Brown (capt), A Zacharovas (Camborne), E Reid (Pirates Ams) B Jenkins (Barnstaple), G Jones (Penryn), M Grubb, BJ Chapman.

Replacements: D Connor (Brixham), S Bartle (Camborne), R Dugard (Barnstaple), J Drew (Camborne), B Howe, C Fuca, G Randlesome (Penryn), J Murphy (Barnstaple), F Honey (Launceston), D Mankee (Camborne), R Kevern (Camborne), T Robinson (St. Austell).

Cornwall scores: Tries Penalty-try, Notman (2), Fuca, Conversions, Brownfield, Mankee, Penalties, Brownfield (2), Mankee

Yellow Card, Jones (15), Red Card, Tout (39)

Photo by Simon Bryant Iktisphoto. Cattle & Paver see Pirates’ play-off hopes evaporate in London haze

An exciting weekend of rugby that saw some promotion and relegation issues settled up and down the leagues.

Cornish Pirates were for the second time this season denied by Richmond as a late converted try sealed a 35-32 win for the London side.

That defeat now means that the Pirates cannot qualify for the end of season play-offs and they will play their final game this season on Easter Saturday against Bedford Blues 3pm.

It began brightly for the Pirates with early tries from Max Bodilly and Kyle Moyle both converted by Laurence May.

Despite Richmond pulling a couple of converted tried back, Toby May grabbed a third try for the Pirates before the break which Laurence May converted as well as a couple of penalties for a handy 27-14 half-time lead.

Having lost Alex Day to the bin prior to the break Pirates were up against it as Richmond roared back with two converted tries in the space of four minutes to lead 28-27.

A Brett Beukeboom try regained the initiative for the Pirates but they were undone as Richmond scored a fifth converted try to take the spoils.

Cornish Pirates coach Gavin Cattle was disappointed at the end. “The game was in our hands, we showed some great attacking intent but we seemed to get complacent with a lack of execution. A very frustrating end for us with a top four place to play for.”

A late try from scrum-half Jack Oulton converted by Brett Rule gave Redruth a share of the spoils at Taunton 33-33 in National League 2 South.

Redruth other tries came from Kyle Marriott, Lewis Vinnicombe, Chris Fuca and Richard Brown with Rule adding a further three conversions.

Reds remain fifth in the table a point behind Taunton with two games to play.

In National League 3 SW, Camborne completed their home fixtures with a 22-12 win against Lydney. It was Dave Roberts final home game for the Cherry and Whites he led the side out prior to kick-off.

The strong wind dictated play, Camborne having faced the elements playing up the slope were happy to turnaround 7-5 at half-time thanks to an Ashley Lawton try converted by Dave Mankee.

Despite being down to fourteen men with prop Jon Drew in the bin Town extended their lead thanks to a try from Richie Kevern converted by Mankee who also added a penalty. Centre Jack Simmons scored a third try for Camborne before the end.

The game ended on a sour note as a player from each side was red carded, after a bout of fisticuffs, Lawton being the Camborne player signalled out.

Launceston went down in the final home game of the season 19-12 to Cleve. The All Blacks’ tries came from Rueben Edwards and Ryan Westren with Fraser Honey adding a conversion.

In Western Counties West, Truro’s game against league champions Exeter University was ended five minutes early when the referee picked up an injury.

At the time Truro led 15-14 having fought back from 14-0 down. The result should stand and keeps Truro fourth with a shout at third place ahead of their final two fixtures at Torquay and Burnham.

Wadbeidge Camels defeated Devonport Services 27-20 and remain in fifth spot. Matt Ballard, Ben Hawken, Ben Humber and Dom Hawkey scored tries with James Grubb kicking two conversions and a penalty.

St. Ives rounded off their home league program with a 52-10 win against Crediton.

St. Austell defeated Wellington 28-14 a result that sees the Somerset side relegated.

Welly were caught up in the mayhem on the M5 heading to Cornwall so kick-off was delayed, Saints did enough for a bonus point win thanks to tries from Adam Kellow, Hugh Noot, Shane Johns and a penalty-try award. Liam Freeman converted all four scores.

Sadly Bude’s return to this level only lasted the season, their defeat at home to Cullompton 45-0 seals their return to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish had to come from behind to complete their league program unbeaten. They finally ran out winners at Twickenham 34-21, having trailed 18-0 at one stage. Ross Harper, Chris Kolapo-Ajala, Rich Stephens, Tim Homan and George Kimmins all scored tries with Kimmins adding three conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, champagne corks were finally popped at Falmouth as the Eagles ran riot under the sunshine defeating Cornwall 1 bound Bodmin 103-0. Falmouth ran in fifteen tries to celebrate their title in front of their home crowd.

Saltash were given a stiff test by the fast improving Lanner side before emerging winners 24-14. Phil Eatwell, Harrison Reburn and Shaun Crawford scored tries for the Ashes with Reburn kicking all three conversions and a penalty. For Lanner Bev Stone scored a try and Ben Prout kicked three penalties.

Paignton’s win at Plymstock 61-0 ensured their promotion leaving Saltash in third place.

Elsewhere, Penryn won 38-31 at Plymouth Argaum and Pirates Amateurs defeated visitors Withycombe 49-27 in an entertaining game.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Newquay Hornets finished runners up after defeating Roseland 58-10, though whether they will contest the play-off for promotion to the Cornwall & Devon League with the runner-up from Devon 1 Torrington is still unclear.

Liskeard-Looe finish in third place following their 45-3 win at home to Veor who ended up fourth.

St. Agnes defeated Helston 21-0.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, congratulations to Lankelly-Fowey who were confirmed champions prior to their game against Camelford. A friendly game was played between the clubs with Lankelly-Fowey winning 91-0.

Stithians had a walkover against Redruth Albany, whilst Illogan Park won 52-10 at St, Just.

With the completion of the league program in Cornwall 1&2, apart Camelford v Stithians due to be played Easter Saturday, attention for the rest of the season turns to cup rugby.

The Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup has been split into four competitions. The top four sides in Cornwall 1 will play for the Clubs cup the draw is;

Liskeard-Looe v Hayle

Newquay Hornets v Veor

To be played on Saturday 22^nd April.

The Tribute Clubs Plate will involve, Helston, St. Agnes, Roseland and Camborne School of Mines

The Tribute Clubs Bowl will involve Lankelly-Fowey, Illogan Park, Stithians and St. Just.

The Tribute Clubs Shield, (to be played as a round robin with top two in the final) Redruth Albany, Perranporth and Camelford.

At present the fixtures and dates for the last three competitions are unknown. The finals of all four competitions is scheduled to take place on Monday 1^st May.