A tremendous team performance by the reds full of skill, tenacity and guts and comfortably their best of the season so far saw Redruth bring home a bonus point win from a pulsating game in Suffolk, reports Ed Bawden.

There were a number of outstanding displays for the reds, Brett Rule was man of the match, controlling the game well, kicking 15 points including a cracking conversion from the right hand touchline as well as cutting down anyone who ventured into his defensive channel.

Redruth were under a lot of pressure in the opening quarter making many tackles but they showed their attacking capability with four cracking tries in the 17 minutes leading up to half time. Bury came out fired up for the second period  and two tries in the opening eight minutes of the second half brought the score back to 19 -26 but the reds held on despite losing Jack Oulton to a bizarre red card with 14 minutes to go.

In the final quarter the reds scrum was on top with England counties under 20 forwards Tommy Phillips and Todd Prisk outstanding as Rule calmly kicked three penalties all just to the left of the posts to see the reds home.

On  a grey overcast  day, the hosts had the better of opening quarter although Declan Matthews on his first start for the reds had a good run and the reds were turned over on the line.

Some good play from the home side ended with giant winger Michael Mellett touching down an unconverted try after 22  minutes.

This was the cue for Redruth to unleash some devastating play that ended when Shaun Buzza powered over the line from close range for an unconverted try to level the scores three minutes later.

Alex Ducker and Lewis Vinnicombe were revelling in having space to work in and good handling by the reds saw Chris Fuca take a pass from Vinnicome to go over for a try converted by Rule after 29 minutes.

Another weaving run from Ducker led to a try for Neilson Webber that Rule converted and with half time approaching Oulton broke the line and gave a good pass for Vinnicombe to go race over  in the right hand corner, Rule potting the extras from the touchline to send Redruth in 21 points clear.

Bury came out early for the second half taking play to the reds line before centre Sam Sterling found plenty of space to go over near the posts for Scott Lyall to add the extras.

Three successive penalties saw the hosts pile on the pressure before former Taunton player Ben Turner went over following a ruck on the reds line, Lyall converting to make it a seven point game after 48 minutes.

In the reds first attack of the second half Rule kicked a penalty following an offside after 56 minutes but Lyall hit back immediately with a 35 meter penalty.

A second Rule penalty following a dominant scrum gave Redruth a 10 point cushion before a crucial couple of minutes, first after Redruth were awarded a scrum near their line Oulton was shown  the red card. Bury ran the ball looking to cash in on the man advantage, Mellett appeared to drop the ball as he dived into  the right hand corner, the Referee confirming events with his assistant Andrew Jackson before calling for another scrum to the reds.

Three penalties to the reds in the final ten minutes gave them territory and Rule put over a penalty with 6 minutes to go to calm the nerves of visiting supporters, although Ashley Lawton was shown a yellow card with two minutes to go for killing the ball.

Bury St Edmunds 22 pts

Tries: Mellett, Sterling, Turner

Con: Lyall 2

Pen Lyall

C Lord; J Bodkin, S Sterling, T Rock, M Mellett; S Lyall, H Brown; L Palmer, D Collind (Capt), C Griffiths, B Enoka, B Turner, S Bixby, S Stapleton, M Edison

Reps all used N Bingham, T Trinder, C Birrell, C O’Reilly, S Vunivesilevu

Redruth 35 pts

Tries: Buzza, Fuca, Webber, Vinnicombe

Con: Rule 3

Pen; Rule 3

Red Card: Oulton

Yellow Card: Lawton

A Ducker; L Vinnicombe, S Parsons (Capt), N Webber, D Matthews (Rep P Nonu 57 min); B Rule, J Oulton; T Phillips, M Gidlow, C Williams (Rep J Tompsett 28 Min), T Prisk, S Buzza, B-J Chapman, C Fuca (Rep (A Lawton 44 min), K Marriott

Reps not used S Stevens, A Wright

Ref Alexis Manley (RFU)

The Cornish Pirates travelled to the west of Ireland to take on Connacht Eagles in their opening British & Irish pool 3 ties.

The Sports ground had staged a remarkable Champions Cup tie the day before which saw Connacht come from behind to defeat the once mighty Toulouse 23-21 in front of a packed crowd, sadly there was no such crowd bar some hardy individuals who had survived the night before and a few stalwarts from Kernow who had made the journey across the Irish Sea.

Still they were entertained to a great Cornish Pirates win on Irish soil 23-10. Tries came via Sam Simmonds Dan Lee and Jake Parker with Laurence May kicking eight points in the tricky breeze.

Good to see Matt Bolwell making a welcome return following injury and mark his fiftieth appearance for the Pirates.

Sunday sees the second round of games in the pool stage with Ospreys Premiership Select being the visitors to the Mennaye.

There was a full program of games in National league 2 South with Redruth making the long trip to Bury St. Edmunds and returning home with the win following their 35-22 win.

The Reds tries came through Shaun Buzza, Chris Fuca, Nielson Webber and Lewis Vinnicombe with Brett Rule kicking three conversions and three penalties.

Sadly Jack Oulton was red carded which probably means we’ve seen the last of him prior to his travelling plans.

In Tribute Cornwall League there was also a full program with Hayle defeating Veor 15-6 to go top.

Former leaders Liskeard-Looe went down at Newquay Hornets in a close tussle 20-18. Hornets are storming up the table despite their points dediction carried over from last season.

Camborne School of Mines had a good win on the Saracens pitch at Penryn defeating Roseland 34-7.

St. Agnes won at Stithians 29-17 and there wins too for Redruth Albany at Camelford 15-7, Helston at home to Lankelly-Fowey 69-7 and Perranporth who defeated St. Just 40-7 at Ponsmere Valley.

It was the Tribute Cornwall RFU Cup 1^st round ties with Penryn last season’s finalists defeating Pirates Amateurs 40-0. Saltash won at Bodmin 36-23, whilst Falmouth had a bye against Lanner.

The Quarter-finals to be played on Saturday 12^th November are thus;

Truro v St. Ives

Penryn v Falmouth

St. Austell v Bude

Saltash v Wadebridge Camels

Some sad news to end on, Ron Glazsher who played 41 times for Cornwall between the years 1962-71 sadly passed away recently. Ron, a very tall player who packed down either No.8 or lock, and after St. Lukes College he played principally for Plymouth Albion but also had spells with both Penryn and Cross Keys in Wales.

He played for Penryn during their centenary season in 1972 and was part of the side that defeated the famous Harlequins at the Memorial Ground just before Christmas that year packing down in the second row with John “Cheyenne” Blackburn.  The same combination featured for Penryn in their RFU Knock Out Cup Quarter-final against London Welsh in the following March.

An England trialist, he also represented and captained the RAF and Combined Services, playing the All Blacks in 1963 at Twickenham for the Combined Services in a game the tourists won 23-9.

The same year he also faced the touring All Blacks with Cornwall & Devon at Exeter in a game the combined counties lost 38-6.

Further representative honours saw him captain Cornwall & Devon against the Wallabies at Camborne in 1967 when the tourists won 11-6.

He captained Cornwall in the 1966-67 season, when they eventually lost in the semi-finals of the County Championship to Surrey after a second replay at Redruth 14-3, the previous enthralling two games been drawn 6-6 at Redruth and 14-14 at Richmond, a series of games that has gone down in Cornish rugby folklore.

Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club wishes to send it’s condolences to Ron’s family and friends at this sad time.

Another double-header for me this weekend as I took in the games at Redruth and the Cornish Pirates, both had some cracking tries scored.

First to the Mennaye on Sunday when third placed Cornish Pirates took on second place Yorkshire Carnegie in the Championship and it was the visitors who took the spoils in an exciting encounter 35-28.

The Yorkshire men scored five converted tries and showed what a powerful side they have. The Pirates were not disgraced by any means scoring three tries through flanker Jake Parker and a couple of beauties from centre Alex Dancer and winger Matt Evans.

The Canadian International’s run was something else from sixty metres and then to fend off the cover, near the Carnegie line, before scoring, spectacular!

Laurence May kicked three penalties and a couple of conversions for the rest of the Pirates’ haul to get them a losing bonus point.

On Saturday, Redruth hosted Barnes in another exciting game with spectacular tries.

The Reds won the National League 2 South encounter 26-20 with the winning try coming from dazzling Alex Ducker who picked his way through the Barnes cover from sixty meters.

Photo: Dan Barbary – Alex Ducker in full flight

Ducker also scored the Reds’ second try of the game and had a big hand in Lewis Vinnicombe’s try too. BJ Chapman got the first try of the game on his home debut.

James Huxtable with two, and Brett Rule one, added three conversions.

In National 3 South West, Camborne march on at the top following their 56-19 win at the Rec against Salisbury.

Sam and Joel Matavesi scored two tries each with Josh Semmens, Brad Howe, Dave Roberts, Murray Westren and Tom Townsend adding further scores.

Rhys Brownfield added four conversions and a penalty to keep Town on top six points clear of Old Redcliffians in second spot.

At the other end of the table, Launceston battled to a vital win at Polson against Bromsgrove 22-18.

Lloyd Duke, Fred Bulut, Harry Dawe and Fraser Honey scored their tries with Honey adding a conversion to make sure of all five points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro also march on at the top of the pile following their 36-22 win at St. Clements Hill to Wellington.

Ieuan Boon, Ben Teasdale, Alex Sutheridge, Jake Champion and Jack Tidball all scored tries with Ashley Hosking adding four conversions and a penalty.

Wadebridge Camels won 13-5 up at Burnham-on-Sea. Matt Ballard and Shane Hawkey scored the tries with James Grubb adding a penalty.

St. Ives got their first win since returning to this level with a 39-32 win at St. Austell.

Lewis Thomas, Archie McKay, Martyn Lawrence, Ben Jenkin and a penalty –try award notched up 25 points for the Hakes, whilst Jordan Gott kicked the other points.

For the Saints Chris Ashwin (2), Hugh Noot, Cav Boyer and Shane Johns scored tries with Liam Freeman adding a couple of conversions and a penalty to make sure of two bonus points.

Bude went down at Tiverton 33-19. Dan Pearce scored a couple of tries with Andy Yates adding a third, Pearce also slotted two conversions.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish also top their league with a fifth win following their 32-24 win against Camberley.

Mark Osei-Tutu crossed for a hat-trick of tries with Harry Somers also dotting down. George Kimmins added three conversions and two penalties.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth continue their march at the top following their 48-19 win at Pirates Amateurs. The Eagles scored tries through Alex Kindjarsky (2), Justyn Irons (2), Matt Brewer (2) and Trevor Ward. Irons added five conversions and a penalty.

For the Ams, Rhodri McAtee, Charlie Goldsworthy and Tony Matthews scored tries with Dan McGee knocking over a couple of conversions.

Penryn bounced back from their derby defeat against Falmouth last week with a 36-15 win against Bodmin.

With Borough leading comfortably 36-3 the game was held up following an injury to ‘s scrum-half Nathan Strick player and was concluded on the Saracens pitch.

Mitch Vague (2), Andrew Seviour (3), Ben Trevaskis and Andy Birkett all scored tries for the home side, with Matt Horton adding three conversions.

Saltash defeated Withycombe 33-15 at Moorlands. Ollie Mulberry, Will Morton, Ryan Rayner and Adam Coutts (2) crossed for the Ashes with Ryan Cruickshanks adding a conversion and Nick Blake a couple of penalties.

Lanner got their first win of the season at home against Honiton 28-22. Nick Prout had his kicking boots on as he landed seven penalties and converted Adam Harris’ try.

In Tribute Cornwall League, Liskeard- Looe remain top after their 32-11 win over Veor. The Camborne based side have been docked 20 points for fielding two registered players who hadn’t signed their forms!

Hayle were awarded a walkover against Camelford, whilst Newquay Hornets are making progress up the table following their points deduction carried over from last season.

Congratulations to Redruth Colts who defeated Cullompton Colts 8-7 in the first round of the National Colts Cup.

Next weekend sees a break in the league program from National 3 SW down to the Cornwall & Devon League.

There is a full program in the Cornwall League plus, or rather hopefully three Tribute Cornwall Cup 1^st round matches;

Bodmin v Saltash

Falmouth v Lanner

Penryn v Pirates Amateurs

Sadly time has beaten me this week so a much truncated blog entry on last weekend’s games.

The big game locally was the derby in National 3 SW between Camborne and Launceston.

It was a great occasion as both sides locked horns in the league for the first time in twenty years.

True to current form Camborne came out on top easily 50-11, scoring seven tries through Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Kemp, Joel Matavesi, Sam Matavesi, Richie Kevern (2) and Brad Howe. Dave Mankee kicked the other points.

See previous blog entries for Sam Matavesi’s Player of the Year award from Trelawny’s Army.

For Launceston it was back to earth with a bump after their first win in over eighteen months the previous weekend, Fraser Honey kicked a couple of penalties with Fred Bulut getting a late unconverted try.

In the Championship Cornish Pirates unbeaten start to the season came to an end, but only just, as they lost 25-24 at London Scottish.

Kyle Moyle, Brett Beukeboom and Nicolas De Battista scored tries with Will Cargill and Laurence May (20 adding the conversion whilst Cargill also landed a penalty.

‘Stirlo’ Catches Up With Alan & Gavin      

It will be remembered that back in May the Cornish Pirates coaching duo Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle visited New Zealand to meet up with the club’s former High Performance Manager, Chris Stirling.

The purpose of the visit was to help the pair develop their coaching skills, as they not only shadowed Chris at work in his role as High Performance Manager for the Hurricanes rugby team, but also spent time with all of the coaches and support staff at the Wellington-based Super 18 side. It was felt very beneficial and provided a great insight into the method and training practices they use.

Chris regards both Alan and Gavin highly, and making a brief but welcome return to Cornwall, has been keen to continue monitoring their progress and share his vast knowledge with them.

The start to the Cornish Pirates campaign has provided quite considerable encouragement, and Chris has been impressed. He will also be about to see the team’s two home games in October against Yorkshire Carnegie and Ospreys Premiership Select.

Besides an obvious rugby connection, Chris has also welcomed his close season opportunity to meet up with so many friends made during his time in the Duchy.

In National League 2 South, Redruth travelled to bottom side Exmouth and ran in ten tries in a 60-17 win. Leading the try feast was Lewis Vinnicombe with three scores whilst Alex Ducker bagged a brace. Matt Gidlow, Todd Prisk, Tommy Phillips, Declan Matthews and skipper Sam Parsons also crossed for tries. James Huxtable kicked five conversions.

Just a quick mention of Falmouth v Penryn in Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, a good sized crowd with the Falmouth Marine Band present saw the Eagles edge a tense derby at the Rec 13-10. Tom Edmonds and David Jones scored tries for the home side with Justyn Irons adding a crucial penalty.

Matt Horton kicked a penalty for the Borough and then converted a penalty try, despite laying siege they couldn’t add to their score.

Camborne’s Sam Matavesi was announced Trelawny’s Army Player of the Year at their well attended Annual General Meeting held at St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre last week, reports Bill Hooper.

Sam received his award, the Bill Osborne Shield, at the conclusion of Camborne’s home game last Saturday from Trelawny’s Army’s Viv Broadhurst and Ewart White plus Sam’s dad Sireli Matavesi.

Photo: Ian Pollard, Sireli Matavesi & Sam Matavesi

Also part of the presentation party was Ian Pollard, the first player to win the award in 1994 and also the last Camborne player to do so.

Presentation of our commemorative mug were also made to Sam, Sireli and Ewart White

Photo: Ewart White along with Sireli & Sam Matavesi & Ian Pollard

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

TRELAWNY’S ARMY MEMBERS ELECT THEIR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

WINNER OF THE BILL OSBORNE MEMORIAL SHIELD

Cornwall’s triumph at Twickenham in retaining the Bill Beaumont Cup ensured huge interest from the membership in choosing this season’s player of the year. There were no shortage of candidates in the running for the Cornwall Senior Player of the Year award but in the end voting was pretty well unanimous for our winner, Camborne’s Fijian international flanker SAM MATAVESI.

Photo Simon Bryant: Sam on the charge at Twickenham against Cheshire

Sam the second of three rugby playing brothers, is a Camborne man through and through. His form last season helped Camborne on their promotion charge before he returned to Plymouth Albion. He is now back with Camborne as they embark on their first season of National League rugby for nineteen years.

He scored five tries in last season’s County campaign, but it was his all-round play that continually caught the eye in Cornwall’s four games

The TONY MEAD MEMORIAL SHIELD for the CORNWALL U.20 PLAYER goes to LOCRYN WILLIAMS another who played in the back row.

Locryn came up through the ranks at Redruth and Truro School. A member of the fine Cornwall 18 group side that went through the season undefeated 2013 and saw him win an England Schools & Counties cap.

Photo Simon Bryant: Locryn in action against Gloucestershire U.20

He was part of the Cornish Pirates Development program before heading to New Zealand to spend time there.

Sadly concussion injuries have blighted Locryn’s career, he returned from such an injury to play in Cornwall’s Under 20 campaign last season, sadly reoccurrence of concussion against Devon meant he had to take medical advice to quit the game.

It is understood he was at the time in the frame for England Counties Under 20 selection.

Locryn continues to pursue other sports notably climbing and judo at a very high level.

Sadly neither player could be present at the awards evening. Matavesi will be presented with his award at the conclusion of Camborne’s home game with Launceston on Saturday.

Locryn, who was attending the National Citizens Service Graduation Awards for 16/17 year olds – for which he has been one of the leaders – in the Hall for Cornwall on the same night had his Under 20 award presented to him on stage by Pirate FM’s Neil Caddy.

Photo James Judge:  Launceston final whistle

Where to start this week with all the excitement of the past few days?

It has to be Launceston, as they finally got the win they having been looking for since Jimmy Tucker took over as head coach.

The All Blacks defeated Salisbury 16-11 for their first win in over 18 months.

Understandably there were rapturous scenes after the final whistle as the dark cloud was lifted from Polson Bridge.

Fraser Honey steadied the nerves with a couple of penalties and a drop-goal before Martin Kneebone scored the important try that Honey converted.

Launceston had to defend like mad in the closing stages but held out for a famous win.

Also in National 3 SW, Camborne produced a fantastic performance to win 41-24 up at leaders Ivybridge.

The Cherry and Whites got off to a great start with tries from Jack Simmons and Sam Matavesi both converted by Dave Mankee who also slotted a penalty for a 17-0 lead. Ben Kemp got try number three before Joel Matavesi secured the bonus point try both scores again bettered by Mankee.

Sam Matavesi got his second try of the game in the second half which Mankee again converted as he did a second penalty in a faultless kicking display.

So this Saturday it’s Camborne vs. Launceston, a game that will also serve as a Tribute Cornwall Super Cup tie.

I took in a couple of games this weekend, first at Redruth in National League 2 South where the Reds got home just against a useful Redingensians 10-8.

Shaun Buzza scored the Reds only try from a powerful drive with James Huxtable adding the conversion and a penalty, a game that was watched by the new Kiwi directors at the Cornish Pirates, Colin Groves and Dallas Fisher.

That brings me to Sunday and the Championship game between the Cornish Pirates and London Welsh.

A scappy first half saw the Pirates’ line out go AWOL and a slender 3-0 advantage to the home side, thanks to Will Cargill’s boot.

Half-time saw new board members Paul Durkin and Messrs Groves and Fisher introduced to the Mennaye crowd.

The second half was a better affair with Cargill adding another couple of penalties and Laurence May converting skipper Tom Duncan’s try. It ended 16-10 to keep the Pirates’ unbeaten record intact.

You can see much more about the re-structuring at the Pirates in previous blog entries.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro bounced back from last week’s defeat at home to St. Austell to win handsomely at Tiverton 32-14.

Adam and Ashley Hosking got on the try sheet for Truro as did Jack Houghton and Josh Symons with Ashley Hosking adding three conversions and a couple of penalties.

Wadebridge Camels staged another comeback this time at St. Austell. Trailing 16-3 the Camels gave Saints the hump winning 17-16.

Tries from Cav Boyer and Ben Chenoweth together with a couple of Boyer penalties accounted for the Saints’ points.

Danny Thomas and Mike Rawlings scored tries for Wadebridge with Thomas converting both and adding a penalty.

Bude struggled at Sidmouth losing 68-17 with Dan Pearce scoring all their points.

St. Ives picked up a losing bonus point at Torquay thanks to tries from Ben Taylor and Steve Kenward with Jordan Gott adding a conversion and a drop-goal in 22-15 loss.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish continued their winning ways with a 41-14 win at home to KCS Old Boys.

All the tries came via the backs with David Smith (2), Tom Jeffery, Craig Chatley, Matt Hakes and George Kimmins crossing the whitewash, Smith added three conversions with Philip Dale adding a fourth.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth won at Paignton 16-12 to remain top.

Owen Hambly scored the Eagles only try converted by Justyn Irons who also added three penalties.

Penryn are close on their heels following their 39-0 at home against Tavistock.

Borough ran in six tries from George Jones, Jordan Rose (2), Josh Chambers (2) and Colin Campbell with Matt Horton kicking the rest of the points.

This Saturday sees Penryn travel to Falmouth for an eagerly anticipated Fal derby.

Pirates Amateurs kept up the chase with a 50-0 win against Tamar Saracens, Steve Evans (2), Danny Toolan (2), Sam Coogan, Rhodri McAtee, Tony Matthews and Liam Lonsdale all scored with Dan Magee kicking five conversions.

Saltash won at Plymouth Argaum 17-7, Lewis Wells and Tom Rixon scored tries with Nick Blake converting both tries and a penalty.

Bodmin won at St. Day against Lanner 30-8.

In the Tribute Cornwall League Liskeard-Looe who beat Roseland 31-24 and Hayle who defeated Perranporth 67-0 continue to lead the way. See all the results in the Cornish Rugby results page.

The Cornish Pirates are set to sign an international deal that will trigger immediate investment in the club and lead to a potential tie-up with one of New Zealand’s top rugby organisations.

Former club owner Dicky Evans and fellow Pirates shareholder Martin Hudson, together with New Zealand-based Cornish businessman Colin Groves and the investment company Tamahere Limited, are working closely together to re-capitalise the club. Colin grew up in Truro and is a former English Schools and Colts rugby international.

Photo: A beaming Dicky Evans returns to Pirates board

The initial phase of the agreement will provide the Pirates with investment, advice and support for commercial and sponsorship arrangements, business planning, Stadium for Cornwall design and management, and the introduction of further potential investors.

The second phase of the agreement, which has yet to be concluded, would be a potential high performance partnership with the Chiefs Super Rugby Club and Waikato Rugby in New Zealand.

The New Zealand connections are led by two rugby businessmen, Dallas Fisher, Chairman and shareholder of the Chiefs and Colin, Chairman of Waikato Rugby Union.

Photo: Dallas Fisher Chairman of Chiefs in New Zealand

Dallas is a former partner at the international accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand and has many other New Zealand company ownerships and directorships, including his role as Managing Director of Montana Catering, the largest privately owned catering business in New Zealand. In the 1999-2001 period Dallas was a Trustee and CEO of the Trust that developed Waikato Stadium into a new 25,000 capacity rugby and events stadium. Dallas is also an independent Director of Ngai Tahu Tainui Go-Bus holdings Ltd.

Photo: Colin Groves, roots in Truro, now Chairman of Waikato RU.

Colin Groves grew up in Truro, played rugby for Cornwall at all levels, and was a Vice President for 12 years. He has spent most of the past 23 years as Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Tetra Laval, one of the world’s largest private companies and makers of the renowned Tetra Pak. He chairs or advises a diverse range of companies spanning IT, Agri-Tech and equity investment.

Dallas and Colin are colleagues in Oriens Capital, a Private Equity company focused on rural New Zealand, based in the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. Colin is Chairman and Dallas is a member of the Investment Committee.

Between them they will bring business acumen in terms of raising investment and stadium development, catering and conferencing expertise within a stadium environment, all allied to a top-class rugby franchise.

The re-capitalisation of the club will pave the way for a proposed £1.5 million share issue to put it on a more secure financial footing in the medium term, prior to an eventual move to the Stadium for Cornwall in Truro, with the Pirates and Truro & Penwith College as tenants.

Dallas Fisher will advise on Stadium design from a commercial perspective, to aid in building a catering, functions and conferencing business at the Stadium and to build a sustainable commercial and rugby business plan to take the Pirates forward.

The proposed joint venture between the various parties, which was approved by Pirates shareholders at a general meeting held on Thursday 22 September, will see a revamped board that will include Colin Groves, Dicky Evans, Martin Hudson and current board member Graham Stone.

Photo: Martin Haag, Pirates, St. Ives and Cornwall legend

Also joining the board will be: Martin Haag, former Pirates, England and Bath player, and more recently head coach for England’s Under 20 championship-winning team; Martin Tucker, a director at  Truro and Penwith College and key partner in the Stadium for Cornwall project; and former Ernst & Young partner Paul Durkin from Newlyn.

Current board members Colin Hill, Leslie Eastlake and Chairman Ian Connell have stepped down.

Ian Connell, who wrote to all Pirates shareholders urging them to back the deal, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Pirates to enter into an exciting world-class partnership with new financial and commercial backing. I am delighted that shareholders have approved this excellent package.”

The new chairman of the Cornish Pirates will be elected by the new Board at its first meeting. The club has appointed former A&P Falmouth Chief Executive and Vice Chair of Cornwall College Group Peter Child as interim Chief Executive, while a permanent appointee is sought in the next six months.

Dicky Evans said: “When first contacted by Colin Groves he was looking for fish, specifically to set up an Omega-3 production facility. It is amazing to think that from small acorns (or in this case Newlyn fish) such a long distance deal could come to fruition.

“I personally would like to thank Pirates General Manager Tom Magill and Colin for starting this initiative. We are a long way from nowhere in Cornwall, but Cornish people such as Colin never forget their roots. We have strong similarities to the people of Waikato province, the home of the Maori people, particularly the often-neglected family ethic of looking after one another – something that is enshrined in Maori tradition. The same applies to the Cornish Pirates, our shareholders and myself. It is good to know there are kindred spirits out there prepared to go to the ends of the earth (including meetings in Dubai) to see top-class rugby in Cornwall.

“It is for this reason Martin Hudson and I are prepared to re-introduce investment in the Pirates as we can now see light at the end of the long tunnel. This deal will bring vast experience into the club through a global partnership that addresses immediate financial issues and paves the way for future investment and expertise to help us realise our Premiership ambitions – all in a controlled, financially sustainable environment.”

Colin Groves said: “I would like to pay tribute to Ian Connell and the board for their agreement in helping to facilitate this deal at a time when the club has struggled to balance the books. This heralds a new chapter for the Cornish Pirates and for rugby in both Cornwall and the Waikato, and I am delighted shareholders have approved it.”

Chiefs’ Chairman Dallas Fisher said: “The priority is to build the Club’s finances in the short term and attract further investment, and then look at creating a Stadium for Cornwall that operates sustainably with the Pirates and the College as the main tenants. Focusing on business partnerships and the game experience for fans will be a key element going forward.

“But what really excites me is when we get to discussing the rugby partnership. The Chiefs already have partnerships in Hong Kong and Japan providing rugby IP (intellectual property) designed to lift rugby performance for those organisations. The full nature of any potential high performance partnership is still under discussion and we look forward to a successful conclusion.”

Truro and Penwith College Director Martin Tucker said: “Truro and Penwith College is excited by the opportunities that this new performance partnership with the Cornish Pirates can bring, in adding strength to the delivery of the Stadium for Cornwall and importantly in forging greater links between our students and the world of professional and vocational sport. In partnership with the Cornish Pirates, the College remains fully committed to the Stadium for Cornwall and is looking forward to working with the new board, and other key partners, in bringing the project to fruition.”

Interim Pirates Chief executive Peter Child said: “By forging this international alliance we can learn a lot from each other and lay the foundations for Premiership rugby in Cornwall. The link with Truro & Penwith College is tremendously important for nurturing and developing young players, not only on the field, but also vocationally and professionally.”

New board member Martin Haag added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the fertile rugby talents and passions of Cornwall to develop a sustainable high performing team – unbelievable.”

Gavin Cattle, who co-coaches the Pirates with Alan Paver, said: “It is difficult to describe how exciting this all is for everyone. We spent time with the Super Team, the Hurricanes, in Wellington in May. Rugby in New Zealand is at a totally different level, it is a way of life and like a religion over there.”

The proposed rugby partnership will be subject to future approval by the respective board of Waikato Rugby and the Chiefs.

The Cornish Pirates are set to sign an international deal that will trigger immediate investment in the club and lead to a potential tie-up with one of New Zealand’s top rugby organisations.

See rest of article in the link

Photo by Simon Bryant: Tom Duncan against Nottingham

The Cornish Pirates made it two wins away from fortress Mennaye in their Championship game at Nottingham on Sunday, in an impressive 35-19 bonus point win.

Stuart Townsend, Dan Lee, Tom Duncan and Alex O’Meara crossed for the Pirates’ four tries with Will Cargill and Laurence May adding the rest of the points with the boot.

The win puts the Pirates third in the table ahead of next Sunday’s clash at the Mennaye against London Welsh, when the Pirates will hope to keep their good early season form intact.

On Saturday Redruth travelled to Chinnor for the first away game of the season and despite a battling performance came away with a 21-5 defeat, flanker Shaun Buzza with their only try.

In National 3 SW, Camborne put in a storming performance to defeat visitors Hornets 41-17.

Town scored six tries through Taff Roko (2), Kevin Mankee, Dave Roberts, Rhys Brownfield and Josh Semmens with Mankee slotting four conversions and a penalty.

Further disappointment for Launceston as they suffered a third defeat at home to Ivybridge 15-29.

The All Blacks scored tries through Tom Sandercock and Fraser Honey who also added a penalty and conversion.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell won an eventful derby at Truro 16-11.

Truro lost prop Ethan Patterson early on to a red card following brawl that also saw team-mate Ashley Riches and Saints Peter Rowe yellow carded.

Andy Ashwin and Ashley Hosking traded penalties before Alex Sutheridge scored a try for Truro. Ashwin and Hosking again traded penalties before half-time.

Liam Freeman kicked a penalty for saints before the pressure told on Truro and Max Duggan scored a try that Freeman converted to seal the win.

Wadebridge Camels defeated visitors Sidmouth 38-7. Camels scored five tries through Jacob Johns, Mike Rawlings, Dom Hawkey, Adam Blackmore and Ian Boyling. James Grubb converted the lot plus kicked a penalty.

St. Ives almost pulled off a great win against Exeter University but were denied at the end 10-11.

Jamie Prisk got their try with Jordan Gott adding the conversion and a penalty.

Bude lost for the second week running this time at home to Torquay Athletic 28-10, Charlie Watton scored a try with Dan Pearce adding a conversion and a penalty.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish ran riot at Warlingham winning 65-0! Cornish ran in eleven tries with David Smith, David Funston, Mark Osei-TuTu and Matt Hakes all getting a brace each with James Le Broy, Richard Stephens and Tom Jeffery also crossing. Smith added five conversions.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon league, Falmouth lead the way following their 41-10 against newly promoted Lanner. Tries for the Eagles came via Justyn Irons (2), Oli Church, Cameron Bullock, David Jones and Nick Caine with Irons kicking four conversions and a penalty.

For Lanner Levi Webster scored a try converted by Adam Harris who also kicked a penalty.

Penryn are up to second following their 27-5 win at Tamar Saracens. Borough’s scores came from George Jones, Sam Hitchens, Andrew Seviour and Colin Campbell with Nathan Strick kicking the rest of the points.

Saltash defeated Pirates Amateurs 32-26. Ashes scored four tries through Lewys Wells, Ryan Cruikshanks,  Ryan Rayner and Phil Eatwell with Nick Blake kicking the other points.

For the Ams, Steve Evans and Tony Matthews scored tries with Dan McGee adding both conversions and four penalties.

Bodmin had a good 30-13 win over Honiton.

Liskeard-Looe lead the way in Tribute Cornwall league following their 72-0 win at St. Just. Hayle are a point behind following their 18-5 win against Camborne School of Mines at Penryn.

Newquay Hornets have cleared their ten league point deficit from the start of the season following their 35-15 win against Veor on their new ground the old School of Mines ground at Camborne.

Check the results page for the other results.

Congratulations to Penzance’s Deborah Fleming who has been awarded a 10 month contract by the RFU to play on the World 7s circuit with England Women.