By CRFU Press Officer John Martin

Sunday 27^th May is the date for the 2018 County Championship Final of the Bill Beaumont Cup, the highest level of County Rugby in this country. The Cornwall team has reached this final for the last five years in a row so it has become an expectation from the loyal fans of Trelawny’s Army that it will happen again!

The long road to that date has begun for potential new Cornwall players with the first training session held at Perranporth Rugby Club on Wednesday 18^th October.

Thirty Cornish based players had been invited by the selectors, who had travelled around watching numerous club matches and picking out those who caught the eye.

Led by Head Coach Graham Dawe, assisted by Rhodri McAtee, the players were put through their paces with a skills session, handling drills, followed by decision making in game scenarios and defensive formations.

With some of last year’s Cornwall team, who lost 19-8 to Lancashire at Twickenham, now unavailable for various reasons, there are places up for grabs in the squad so, as expected, competition for places will be quite intense.

Before the session, Graham Dawe addressed the assembled players with the message that the Cornwall team is a revolving door, players leave – players come in, but the one thing that remains the same is that supporters expect Cornwall to do well in the County Championship!

Graham also said he wants to see if these players can buy into the Cornish culture and he is looking for the next players to wear the famous Black & Gold. Talking generally about rugby, Graham added, “life is about enthusiasm and passion and I love seeing young players fulfil their potential.”

After a further training session on Monday 13^th November, a Cornwall Development XV will be selected to play Launceston at Polson Bridge on Saturday 18^th November. More details to come through the CRFU website and local press.

Bill Beaumont Cup Fixtures 2018

Saturday 5^th May           Cornwall v Surrey at Redruth

Saturday 12^th May        Cornwall v Devon at Camborne

Saturday 19^th May        Hertfordshire v Cornwall at Bishop Stortford

Sunday 27^th May           FINAL at Twickenham

Players who attended on 18^th Oct.

Photo: Alan Paver pleased with his side’s Cup campaign start

 Hartpury RFC 19   Cornish Pirates 35

Played at Hartpury RFC’s Gillman’s Ground, this opening British & Irish Cup match of the season, which also formed a first ever meeting between the two sides, saw the Cornish Pirates get their trophy campaign off to a pleasingly bright start, reports Phil Westren

Promoted from National One at the end of last season, the Hartpury team has made impressive progress through the English rugby pyramid since entry at the bottom level in 2004. They have also been quick to find their feet competing in the Greene King IPA Championship, whilst this encounter was their debut appearance in the British & Irish Cup.

For their maiden trip to Hartpury, centre Nicolas De Battista returned to the Pirates starting line-up and skippered the side, whilst another ‘Nico’, in the shape of wing Nicolas Coronel was making his first competitive match debut for the club. Other changes in the starting line-up from the one that faced Nottingham the previous weekend included starting roles for fly-half Will Cargill, prop Billy Keast and hooker Tom Channon. On the bench AJ Cant, who featured in the pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs, was keen for action, as was Angus Taylor for what would be his debut.

Just ahead of kick-off a minute’s silence was fittingly observed in memory former Pirates, Cornwall, England and British Lions prop forward Brian ‘Stack’ Stevens, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.

Seeking a good start to the match, the Pirates prayers were answered with the game’s opening try, scored in just the fifth minute. Playing on the wing, where he ended the contest against Nottingham and was also the final try-scorer, it was Kiwi Dan Koster who crossed out wide for his second five-pointer in Pirates colours. In dry but breezy conditions Cargill was luckless with the difficult conversion attempt

The home side, led at the Gloucestershire team’s Hartpury College base by former Bristol rugby skipper, Iain Grieve, and with Cornishman Alex Ducker playing on the wing, would not take long to level matters, a good passage of play ending with full-back Ed Coulson scoring an unconverted try.

Reliable at scrum time has been a positive mark in the Pirates play, and with a penalty awarded by referee Joy Neville, a former captain of the Ireland women’s team, Cargill stepped forward to slot a well-struck kick from about 35 metres out.

So far, so good, but it would soon get even better when Moyle, who is the Cornish side’s top try man this season, took his tally to seven with a run, chip and follow up to score. Cargill added the extras and then landed his second penalty of the match to put the Pirates firmly in control.

Despite losing the services of injured flanker Matt Bolwell, who had to be replaced by Tom Cowan-Dickie, the Pirates arrived at half-time still 18-5 up following what was an encouraging opening 40 minutes.

Continued dominance at the start of the second half saw the Pirates extend their lead when No. 8 Tom Lawday powered over for a try converted by Cargill.

With a bonus-point-providing fourth try surely now in sight, and with Cowan-Dickie enjoying space to roam and Coronel also catching the eye, the seemingly inevitable was indeed delivered when holding court Lawday made it over the line again for another converted score.

The 5-32 scoreline made pleasing reading for the healthy number of travelling Pirates supporters, although when the team seemingly took their foot off the pedal it was opposition fly-half Jamie Williams who pulled seven points back with a try and a conversion.

Discipline again let the Pirates down this season, as replacement prop Christian Judge was yellow carded for making an adjudged high tackle, and it led to a third try for the hosts, this time scored by No. 8 Darrell Dyer and converted by Williams.

A few ‘Pirate’ jitters about were understandable, but they were settled before the end after Grieve was yellow-carded and Cargill’s third successful penalty strike saw the Pirates emerge 35-19 victors.

Aware that defeats suffered this season have been by very narrow margins, this result was just what the Pirates wanted, despite yet again having lost a player to the sin bin.

Speaking after the game, Coach Alan Paver said:

“We said ahead of this match that it was important to get out there and really go for it, in an effort to build momentum, and we did just that.

“It was great to get off on the right foot and it was satisfying that we had a really good hold on the game throughout the 80 minutes, with our scrum again solid, our line-out improved and there energy all about the field.

“Forward-wise we only had front-rowers on the bench, so credit that two of them came on, played in the back-row and got stuck in, whilst it was great that Angus and AJ also had their first experiences playing competitive rugby in the Cup.”

Hartpury RFC:   15 Ed Coulson, 14 Alex Ducker (George Boulton 53, Jamie Forrester 79), 13 Elliott Creed, 12 Nick Carpenter, 11 Ed Sheldon (Jamie Forrester 57, Alex Ducker 72), 10 James Williams, 9 Robbie Shaw (Harry Cochrane 41) ; 1 Mike Flook (Alex Seville 54), 2 Henry Walker (Luke Stratford 64), 3 Josh Ibuanokpe (Alex Gibson 41), 4 Joe Quinn, 5 Joe Dancer (Ben So’oialo-Chan 59), 6 Iain Grieve (c), 7 Will Safe, 8 Darrell Dyer.

Yellow card:   Iain Grieve (79).

Cornish Pirates:   15 Kyle Moyle, 14 Dan Koster (AJ Cant 67), 13 Pete Laverick, 12 Nicolas De Battista (c), 11 Nicolas Coronel, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day (Angus Taylor 70); 1 Billy Keast (Marlen Walker 70), 2 Tom Channon (James Fish 52), 3 Jack Andrew (Christian Judge 58, 78), 4 Josh Caulfield, 5 Toby Freeman, 6 Rupert Cooper, 7 Matt Bolwell (Tom Cowan-Dickie 31, Jack Andrew 70), 8 Tom Lawday (Tom Channon 78).

Replacement (not used):  Laurence May.

Yellow card:  Christian Judge (68).

Scorers:-  Hartpury RFC – tries: Coulson (9), Williams (61), Dyer (69); cons: Williams (62, 69).                                                                                                                  Cornish Pirates – tries: Koster (5), Moyle (25), Lawday (45, 57); cons: Cargill (26, 46, 58); pens: Cargill (18, 31, 79).

Referee:   Joy Neville (IRFU)                               Attendance:   732

TRIBUTE CORNWALL RFU KNOCK OUT CUP 1^ST ROUND

TRURO 23 – 51 ST. AUSTELL

Holders St. Austell got their cup defence off to a great start with a nine try win at Truro, reports Bill Hooper from St. Clements Hill.

Star of the show was Saints No.8 George Knowles who scored four of the tries, a performance that will have been noted by the county selectors at the game.

The Saints back row had an outstanding game apart from Knowles, Hector Bright bagged a couple of tries, whilst Andy Inch was a constant thorn at the breakdown.

Knowles started the try haul when he broke off a maul following a catch and drive to power over near the corner for an unconverted try.

To their credit Truro hit back soon after in kind when prop Darren Jacques took a line out ball five meters out and ran hard for the try-line.

Truro then got into a bit of bother down in the scoreboard corner whilst trying to play away from their own line. Having won the line out Bright came up with the ball after the St. Austell maul had powered over the try-line.

Craig Williams pulled three points back for Truro from a penalty shot soon after, but Knowles bagged his second try from another powerful catch and drive.

Then came the try of the game, a length of the field job after Truro had put in a good attack themselves when Matt Symons broke clear in mid-field, Saints got the ball back with Cav Boyer setting off support from George Tregilgas and Andy Ashwin put Bright away for his second try under the sticks with Liam Freeman adding the extras.

Although Williams pulled back three points with a penalty on half-time, Truro faced a mountain to climb trailing 11-27.

Ben Chenoweth scored an early try again bettered by Freeman to stretch St. Austell’s lead.

Truro pulled a converted try back when Luke Tidball went over following a strong run.

Back came the Saints with Knowles getting his fourth try before Tidball got his second try of the game for Truro.

Fittingly St. Austell had the final say with replacement Max Duggan and Freeman scoring tries to seal a fine win.

Truro: L Tidball, I Rowe, M Symons, A Suthridge, J Symons, C Williams, D Riches, D Jacques, L Webster, O Seagrove, R Denning, J Heazelton (Capt), D Head, B Teasdale, S Rhodes.

Replacements: L Rowe, S Teasdale, M Richards, E Tyler

Truro scores: Tries, Jacques, Tidball (2), Con, Williams, Pens, Williams (2)

St. Austell: L Freeman, C Boyer, S Johns, G Tregilgas, B Chenoweth, C Ashwin, A Ashwin; P Rowe, M Davey (Capt), M Martin, T Knight, A Kellow, A Inch, H Bright, G Knowles.

Replacements: H Noot, M Duggan, CJ Boyce, D Jane

St. Austell scores: Tries, Knowles (4), Bright (2), Chenoweth, Duggan, Freeman, Cons, Freeman (3)

Referee: Kevin Williams (CRRS)

In the other tie played yesterday Falmouth advanced to the next round defeating Bude 46-12.

Hayle and Wadebridge Camels had walkovers against Pirates Amateurs and Lanner.

The line up for the last eight is as follows; St. Austell, Falmouth, Wadebridge Camels, Hayle, Launceston, Penryn, Saltash and St. Ives.

Draw to be made by the CRFU with ties to be played Saturday December 23^rd.

BRIAN “STACK” STEVENS

Stack Stevens who passed away last Tuesday was one of the finest rugby players from the Duchy of Cornwall to have played the game.

He was an extremely strong and athletic player for a prop forward. He had the physique and features that seemed to have been chiselled form Cornwall’s granite. He played 83 times for Cornwall, 25 times for England and was called up to the British Lions squad in 1971 to replace Scot Sandy Carmichael who had been so badly done over in a provincial game that it had ended his tour.

Stack played a full part in that historic tour but sadly never made the Test side.

He was a great character, which endeared him to the Cornish. In many ways as a player he was ahead of his time such was his dedication to training in his own way. There was always a great buzz at Camborne or Redruth when Stack played for Cornwall.

Stack was first capped for England against South Africa in 1969 a game that saw England defeat the Springboks for the first time ever 11-8.

Photo: Stack on the end seated at Twickenham for England

His test career saw him become, at that time, the most capped Cornish man, surpassing fellow Pirate John Kendall Carpenter’s 23 caps.

The highlight of his International career must be apart from the win against South Africa at Twickenham the success on South African soil in 1972 when England won 18-9 in Johannesburg and then a year later, when England surprised New Zealand 16-10 in Auckland with Stack scoring one of England’s three tries that day. Video of try

Stack was comfortable with the ball in hand, if you look back at many of the England games of that period up to 1975 Stack was inevitably involved often providing the final scoring pass.

For Cornwall he had many great games and played in the 1969 County Final at Redruth when Cornwall lost 11-9 to Lancashire, having led 9-0 at half-time. He was part of a mighty front row unit alongside Redruth’s “Bonzo” Johns and Penryn hooker Roger Harris, and then alongside Redruth prop Terry Pryor and Camborne hooker John Trevorrow.

Photo Stack in the maul having a chat with Roger Corin

Stack captained Cornwall for two seasons from 1973-75, but sadly it wasn’t a golden period for the county side.

Very much a Penzance & Newlyn man, Stack had to play in London for a while at Harlequins to cement his England place, but his heart was always in Cornwall and he was in the Pirates’ side that famously won the Cornwall Knock Out cup in 1976 4-3 against Redruth in the final.

Photo: Cornwall side that played Lancashire 1969

Stack was also a Barbarian having played on the Easter Tour of Wales in 1970 and the Mobbs Memorial match in 1971.

After ending his playing days Stack became an England selector for a few seasons.

Photo: Cornwall side at Redruth

Trelawny’s Army sends it deepest condolences to Jane, John and Sam at this sad time.

Pale Nonu, Head Coach of Redruth interviewed by Redruth, press officer Bill Hooper 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

Cornish rugby weekly round up

By Bill Hooper

In National League 2 South, it proved to be another difficult afternoon for Redruth at home to Bury St. Edmunds. Reduth edged the win 12-9 to make it four wins from six games.

Conditions proved a great leveller, however the Reds did themselves not favours by falling foul of the referee a little too often.

In a close game it boiled down to the side that took it’s chances, Redruth did scoring two excellent tries through prop Loma Kivalu and flanker Chris Fuca with fly-half Nelly Webber adding a conversion.

Bury kept in it with two penalties from skipper Liam McBride in the first half. Replacement and former Launceston star Fraser Honey, in only his second appearance for his new club kicked the only points of the second half and crucially missed a second attempt that would have tied the scores.

Despite the closeness of the game head coach Pale Nonu was pleased Redruth took their chances and felt his side had defended well.

In the South West Premier league it was another tough trip on the road for Camborne as they slipped to defeat at Weston-super-Mare 32-19.

Town had the better of the first half going ahead with a Jake Champion try converted by Murray Westren but a converted try, and a penalty from the hosts saw them lead 10-7 at the break.

In the second half Weston pulled away to 27-7 but Camborne struck back with another converted try by Taron Peacock.

Despite conceding a further, the Cherry and Whites had the final say when Phil Hinchley bagged a third try. By all accounts Kieran Westlake No.8 had another fine game for Camborne.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Launceston made the short trip to Okehampton, although they lost 26-20 they picked up a losing bonus point. The Cornish All Blacks’ tries were scored by George Bone and Ryan Westren both bettered by Dan Pearce who also kicked a couple of penalties.

In London 1 South, another fine performance from London Cornish who came back from a 24-5 half-time deficit to beat Chobham 34-29 on their own patch.

Dave Funston scored the exiles only points during the first half that saw full back Dave Smith limp off with a hamstring injury.

Cornish made some changes during the break and the comeback was on when Mick Goss dotted down for Dan Phoneix to add the extras.

Toby Fletcher scored a third try to bring Chobham back to within a score. Andy Hill then bagged the bonus point with Phoneix again adding the extras to square the game.

Cornish then went ahead thanks to a penalty-try before Phoneix kicked a penalty to give them a ten point cushion with time running out.

Chobham scored a late consolation but it was London Cornish who took the spoils and move up to 5^th   in the table, their highest ever position in the leagues.

In Tribute Western Counties West, there was a mid Cornwall derby at St. Clements Hill when Truro entertained St. Austell.

St. Austell led 8-6 at half time thanks to a try from Hector Bright and a penalty from Cav Boyer to a couple of “Eggy” Williams’ penalties for Truro.

In the second half tries from George Tregilgas and Boyer, who also kicked both conversions and a penalty sealed the win.

Both sides do it all again this Saturday in the first round of the CRFU Cornwall Cup kick-off 2:30pm.

Wadebridge Camels battled to a 17-all draw at Burnham-on-Sea scoring tries from Matt Ballard and Ben Hawken with Danny Thomas adding both conversions and a penalty.

St. Ives picked up a fine win on the road defeating hitherto unbeaten Kingsbridge 14-11. Rhys Brownfield kicked three penalties with Cameron Bone getting the vital try two minutes from time.

A slow start cost Falmouth at Chard as the slipped to defeat 24-21. Trailing 14-0, the Eagles pulled a score back through Tim Gay converted by Irons who also kicked a penalty to leave Falmouth 17-10 down at the break.

Despite another Irons’ penalty Chard scored a third converted try. Irons again reduced the arrears with a third penalty.

Seb Firth crossed for a try to ensure a losing bonus point for Falmouth. Video of the game

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn move to the top following their 38-0 win at Hayle. Borough’s tries came from John Followell, AJ Stansfield, Grant Randlesome, Josh Goldsworthy and Andrew Seviour, all five were converted by scrum-half Tomas Oliver who also added a penalty.

Saltash are hot on the heels of Penryn following their 52-0 win at Torrington. Ashes scored seven tries shared around with Harrison Reburn and Kieran Down adding the conversions and Reburn a further penalty.

Lanner shocked table toppers Honiton 20-13, whilst Bude ran out winner 47-7 against Pirates Amateurs.

All the Tribute Cornwall League results are on the results page.

This Saturday, as already mentioned sees the 1^st round of the Tribute Cornwall RFU Knock Out Cup

Falmouth v Bude

Hayle v Pirates Amateurs

Lanner v Wadebridge Camels

Truro v St. Austell

The four 1^st round winners will join Launceston, Penryn, St. Ives and Saltash who all received byes in the last eight.

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.