Cornwall chop Surrey down to size.

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

SURREY 0 – 55 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper at Molesey Road, Esher

Cornwall made the perfect start to their campaign scoring eight tries as they comfortably defeated Surrey at Esher.

It didn’t take long for Cornwall to get on the score board as young Jack Statton dotted down following good wok from Matt Shepherd. Fraser Honey was on the money with the first of his five successful conversions.

Dan Tyrrell makes a run with CJ Boyce in support. Photo Graham Walker

Good lineout ball saw Cornwall again unleash the backline with Duncan Tout gathering a chip ahead to score in the corner.

Again Cornwall came away with points from their visits to the Surrey twenty-two when Honey kicked a penalty from in front of the posts.

Honey then turned provider as his pass found Shepherd allowing the full-back to canter to the line and a useful half-time advantage 22-0.

The backs looked very sharp with Tout and Sam James in mid-field, they also tackled like demons when required.

Sam James looks to make ground with Duncan Tout and Dan Tyrrell in support. Photo Graham Walker

Cornwall’s locks Pat Walton and Hugo Culverhouse ensured plenty of good lineout ball, whilst the back row, notably Brad Howe had a big game.

The second half saw tries aplenty from the Camborne contingent. A simple catch and drive was meat and drink for skipper Ben Priddey as finished off the maul with a trademark try. Priddey came up again with the ball after the forwards had done their job leaving Trelawny’s Army in full voice.

Jon Drew crosses the whitewash to score. Photo Graham Walker

Further tries came from Jon Drew and Declan Prowse, before Priddey, having just saved a Surrey try, completed his hat-trick to put the polish on the win.

Speaking after the game skipper Priddey was full of praise for his side. “The boys played outstandingly well today. Our forwards laid the foundations for this result, we look to be dominant in that area and we certainly were today, also credit to our backline, Fraser Honey put us in the right areas of the field and then when we go the backs are very sharp as you saw today. Credit to the whole squad today they all gave 100%.

Photo – Matt Shepherd boots on the ball. Photo- Graham Walker

Full back Matt Shepherd also gave his thoughts on the game. “We’ve had some good training sessions together and I feel today you saw the fruits of that work. Hats off to the players on debut today they didn’t look out of place, young Jack Statton getting a try on his Championship debut having stared for the Under 20s this season, personally I was pleased to see CJ Boyce and Dan Tyrrell both have good games today.

Next up for Cornwall is a trip to Kent next Saturday at Charlton Park RFC to take on the champions from last season.

Surrey: Zach Rodber (Guildford), Jordan Fadoju (London Irish WG), John Efiong (Richmond), Adam Hakimian (Henley Hawks, Capt), Jonathan Ilori (London Welsh), Werner Nel (Chinnor), James Smith (Barnes); Pete McCain (Chobham), Ed Pasfield (Guildford), John Smith ((Richmond), Ben Harrison (Camberley), Josh Stace (Wimbledon), Max Keen (Richmond), Daniel Benton (Chobham).

Replacements: Sam Woodhams (Farnham), Akex Hankins (Guildford), Jack Buxton (Farnham), Sam Goddard (Chobham), Tan Chabata (Blackheath), Tom Wautier (Richmond), Christian Klass (Beckenham).

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Statton (Launceston), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Sam James (Redruth), Dan Tyrrell (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Rams), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey (Capt), Jon Drew (all Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens (both Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion).

Replacements: Luke Barnes (Redruth), Declan Prowse, Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (all Camborne), Mark Bright (Richmond), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Harry Larkins (Camborne).

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall side to play Surrey tomorrow

The Cornwall selectors have picked the following team to play Surrey in the first game of this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup at Esher RFC, kick-off 2 pm.

Saturday 18 May @ Esher RFC 1400 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

1Tommy-Lee SouthworthCamborne
2Ben Priddey ©Camborne
3Jon DrewCamborne
4Pat WaltonPlymouth Albion
5Hugo CulverhouseGuernsey
6Edd PascoeRedruth
7Sam StevensRedruth
8Brad HowePlymouth Albion
9CJ BoyceSt. Austell
10Fraser HoneyRams
11Dan TyrrellSt Austell
12Sam JamesRedruth
13Duncan ToutTonbridge Juddians
14Jack StattonLaunceston
15Matt ShepherdSt. Austell
16Luke BarnesRedruth
17Declan ProwseCamborne
18Adam HughesCamborne
19Jordan NichollsCamborne
20Mark BrightRichmond
21Cam FogdenLaunceston
22Harry LarkinsCamborne
 Travelling reserves
 TRAlbert HorneLaunceston
 TRMatt PritchardRedruth
 TRLewis ThomasRedruth
   
   
   
Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall Women make a couple of changes ahead of Herts game

By Bill Hooper

Following the physical battle against Hampshire Women on Sunday Cornwall Women have been forced to make a few changes ahead of the game at Tabard RFC this Sunday, kick-off 2:30 pm.

In the backs, Joey Sandercock starts on the wing in place of the unavailable Beccy Bennett, whilst at scrum-half Amy Warman drops to the bench with Lisa Allin starting.

In the forwards Roberta Smith-Scotland moves to flanker in place of Elizabeth Langton, who picked up an injury, with Emily Kneale moving from the bench to No.8.

On the bench, prop Caitlin Eddy (Helston) gets a call up whilst the Penryn’s Georgia Hall and Launceston’s Rachel Hicks come onto the bench.

Coach Jo Holden reports that the squad were full of confidence and eager to go against Herts on Sunday following Tuesday’s squad training session.  “There is a huge buzz from last Sunday in the squad, we as leaders will manage that this week ,but our girls are keen to go again.

“A couple of enforced changes but I have confidence in the squad as whole to do their job and play to the patterns we have set out.”

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Emily Kneale (Launceston)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Abigail Smith (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman, Rachel Hicks (both Launceston).

Travelling Reserve: Steph Nicholas (Camborne)

Posted in Bill's Blog


Information regarding Kent game at Charlton Park RFC

We have received the following from Kent RFU;

  • The clubs post code is SE3 8NB and for an inner London club we have a great deal of room to be able to accommodate all those attending.
  • Can you put out on your website please that we would ask supporters attending not to park on the roads around the ground as it will cause problems with the local junior football club also having an event on their ground next door to us.
  • We will have hot food and drink available before and during the game and we will open our gates at 12pm.
  • Have Tribute as a guest beer!
  • Ground entry is FREE!! Just £5 car parking at the club, Charlton Park say they have ample space.
Posted in Bill's Blog


Brave Cornwall push Champions close

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 10 – 24 HAMPSHIRE WOMEN

By Bill Hooper at St Clements Hill Truro

Cornwall Women gave reigning Division 2 Champions Hampshire Women a far tougher game than perhaps they envisaged as they made their way down to Truro on the coach.

Against a side that was made up of players predominately from Havant and Trojans clubs, the Cornwall side played their hearts out.

Captain Amy Bunt proudly led her side out through a guard of honour made up of the children of past and current Cornwall Women players.

Vicki Doidge braces for the tackle – photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

The early stages of the game saw both defences tested with Cornwall putting in some crunching tackles.

Eventually the visitors got a chance when Abi Pearson slipped a great pass to Becky Fenn who scored in the corner an unconverted try.

Hampshire looked to press home their advantage, but the Cornish defence was equal to them with Bunt putting in a crunching tackle typifying their spirit.

Amy Warman fires out a pass – Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Despite losing a player to a yellow card Cornwall held out, clearing their lines and it remained 5-0 to Hampshire at half-time.

Early in the second half Cornwall slipped off a tackle allowing the speedy Pearson to dot down Hampshire’s second try, Rose Brown added the conversion.

To keep in the hunt Cornwall needed the next score and it came following great work from forwards and backs, notably Kim Upcott and Becky Bennett before Jenna Arnold cleverly scored an unconverted try to huge cheers from the crowd.

Cornwall backs were looking hungry, both centres Tia Larson and Lilly Relton put in some good breaks, but it was Hampshire who went further ahead when Kesha Drain went over from close range, Brown again adding the extras.

Amy Bunt gave her usual 100% + photo Simon Bryant – Iktisphoto

With the game now in the final 10 minutes Cornwall pressed for another score, Upcott was again involved in the build-up as were Relton and Joey Sandercock, the ball was fired out to Larson, her power beat the tackle to dot down Cornwall’s second try to even more rousing cheers.

With the final play of the game Hampshire, to their huge relief, scored a fourth try through Cerys Ralph to ensure the bonus point win, the drained look on their faces testimony they had been in a battle.

Prop Kim Upcott enjoyed a fine game on the hoof – photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Coach Jo Holden was full of praise for her side’s performance. “We’ve come a long way from last season’s score line, 0-38. The girls have taken on board everything we asked of them. Hampshire were shall we say surprised by our play today, they didn’t expect that and it rattled them.

“They put their bodies on the line tackling everything that moved, then showing tremendous guts to fight back and get those two scores, never say die attitude. I couldn’t be prouder of them all.

“We will build on today going into next Sunday’s game against Hertfordshire.”

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Ivybridge), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Jenna Arnold (both Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston),Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Joey Sandercock, Abigail Smith (both Launceston)

Hampshire Women: Abi Pearson, Nina Hoadley (both Havant), Rose Brown (Trojans), Jay Sime (Havant), Rebecca Fenn, Hannah Wilson (both Trojans), Lauren Gillingham (Havant); Kesha Drain, Thea Kilby, Ashleigh Robertson (all Trojans), Carol Tennant, Tessa Gale, Eloise Shrimpton (all Havant), Hannah Blount (Trojans) Natasha Bullock (Havant).

Replacements: Katie Casey, Lucy King (both Havant), Ciera Forry, Georgie Harris (both Portsmouth), Cerys Ralph (Havant), Jenna Berretta (Trojans), Ella Spacey (Winchester)

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

Posted in Bill's Blog


Match Ball presentation to Cornwall Women

TASC committee member and CRFU official Bill Hooper made the presentation of the match ball to both Amy Bunt and Megan Arnold ahead of their opening Gill Burns Cup match against Hampshire Women at Truro RFC.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Under 20 players earns ties & caps

7 players earn their county caps and county ties!

Following the game v Gloucestershire, Alan Milliner MBE, Cornwall RFU Council rep made presentations of ties and caps to Cornwall players.

Players making their first U20 appearance are awarded their U20 tie. 3 recipients were presented with their ties: –

Idris Logan – Helston

Alex Watkins – Camborne School of Mines

Robbie Paul – Redruth

Jack Statton (Launceston) receives his Cap
Wes Eddy (Pirates Ams) receives his County Cap
Harvey Penhallurick (Falmouth) proudly wearing his county cap

Making 7 county championship appearances earns the player a county cap. 4 players joined Falmouth’s Rowan Lawerence in being awarded their cap this season. The players are: —

Harvey Penhallurick – Falmouth

Wes Eddy – Pirates Ams

Vice-Captain Jack Statton – Launceston

Captain – Will Perkin St Ives

2 other players narrowly missed out on having caps, having only paid 6 games over the last 2 seasons, Peter Harris St Austell, and Fin Deavin Falmouth.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating all the players on their achievements this season.

Colin Hatch

Cornwall U20 Team Manager

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall Women announce team to play Hants Women

CORNWALL WOMEN’S SIDE TO PLAY HAMPSHIRE WOMEN

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women’s selectors have announced their side for Sunday’s Gill Burns Division 2 pool match against reigning Division 2 champions Hampshire Women at Truro RFC this Sunday kick-off 2:30 pm.

Last season Hampshire Women defeated their Cornish opponents in the semi-finals 38-0 at Polson Bridge Launceston before defeating Eastern Counties 53-8 in the final at Ealing Trailfinders ground.

Nine women from the Cornwall team that played Hampshire last season remain in the match day squad for Sunday’s game.

There are seven players from Ivybridge Women who play at the same level as both Havant and Trojans from Hampshire. Cornwall’s captain Amy Bunt (pictured above) having faced both sides knows what to expect. “It will be tough against the Division 2 Champions but we are improving all the time and I believe we can give them a good game. I am excited to see what our team can produce against the defending champions at this level.”

It’s also good to see Tia Larson back in the black and gold following a long term injury that kept her out of the game for a long period. This will be her first game back for Cornwall since the Division 3 title win in 2022.

Coach Jo Holden added. “This is set to be an exciting season, probably our most challenging yet in terms of the counties we are up against. But with the talent coming through we are seeing improvements in all areas of the pitch and we are hoping to showcase at our first game.”

Entry will be £5, with under 16s free.

Trelawny’s Army will be present with their merchandise stand.

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Ivybridge), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Jenna Arnold (both Launceston), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Kim Upcott (Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock)

Replacements: Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Joey Sandercock, Abigail Smith (both Launceston).

Posted in Bill's Blog


Late Gloucestershire scores deny Cornwall

JASON LEONARD CUP

GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20, 33 – 27 CORNWALL U.20

By Bill Hooper

Defeat at Stow on the Wold brought an end to Cornwall Under 20’s Leonard Cup campaign for this season.

It was a bitter pill to swallow as the young black and golds led 27-19 with less than 7 minutes to play, two late converted tries by the home side turned the game to leave Cornwall deflated.

Cornwall can certainly take plenty of positives from their display with some outstanding play from many in the side who may yet get a call up for the South West trials.

Play was scrappy early on with both sides making multiple errors, however it was Gloucestershire who got on the scoreboard with a converted try after 5 minutes.

Cornwall began to assert their game, scrum-half Jacob Chapple probed with menace making good ground and constantly feeding out some great ball to his backs.

Cornwall also turned over a lot of Gloucestershire ball at the breakdown with great work form the forwards. 

A break by centre Fin Deavin set up prop Angus Williams before hooker Pete Harris (pictured above) powered over of the first of his tries, Jack Statton adding the extras.

Having been held up over the line, Cornwall eventually got their second try courtesy of Harris from a quickly taken tap penalty which caught Gloucestershire napping.

Statton’s late penalty at the end of the half gave Cornwall a 15-7 advantage.

Gloucestershire again started strongly with a converted try to bring the gap back to just one point.

Cornwall responded with an unconverted try scored in the corner by wing Jack Keogh following a quick tap.

Gloucestershire replied moments later when their winger went in at the corner.

Cornish pressure eventually paid off when skipper Will Perkin took a quick tap 5 meters out to send Harris over for his third try of the game, which Statton converted.

Despite being reduced to fourteen men through a yellow card, Cornwall held out until the final moments and Gloucestershire’s late double score.

In the other game in the group, Devon U.20s sealed top place and a South West play-off with 50-7 win at Somerset U.20s.

Cornwall U.20: Macdonald (Exeter Saracens), Penhallurick, Deavin (both Falmouth), Statton (Launceston), Keogh (St. Just), Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Chapple (Redruth); Williams (Penryn) Harris (St. Austell), Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Lister (Penryn), Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), Smith (Redruth), Eddy (Pirates Ams), Ellery (Newquay Hornets).

Replacements: Pope (Camborne School of Mines), Holt (Redruth), Knight (Saltash), Watkins (Camborne School of Mines), Matanatabu, Logan (both Helston), Paul (Redruth).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Harris 14, 32, 57, Keogh 45, Cons, Statton 15, 58, Pen, 40

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall announce 41 man squad for Championship

Having announced Ben Priddey as Cornwall captain this morning, the selectors have this evening announced a 41 man squad for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign.

There are a few old favourites returning to the squad, notably Mark Bright (Richmond), Aaron Penberthy (Jersey), Josh Matavesi (Camborne) and Tom Cowan-Dickie (Plymouth Albion).

As expected the bulk of the squad comes from Camborne and Redruth, with a number of youngsters who have been brought in by both clubs this season making their debuts in the squad. There are a number to look out for Jago Sheppard and Harry Larkins (both Camborne), Jack King and Sam James (both Redruth) just four, whilst there are also a number of Launceston and St. Austell players in the squad, with Truro and Pirates Amateurs also having their players selected.

Posted in Bill's Blog


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