Redruth to host Hampshire game

Cornwall’s Bill Beaumont Cup match on Saturday 1st June will be played at Redruth RFC, kick-off time to be confirmed.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Devon Under 20s prove too good

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 7 – 41 DEVON U.20

 By Bill Hooper, Recreation Ground, Camborne

Cornwall Under 20s made a disappointing start to this season’s campaign, well beaten by a very good Devon side who dominated the game from start to finish.

The Devon win saw them retain the Brunel Cup, which both sides play for annually.

Head coach Richie Kevern was understandably very disappointed by his side’s performance. “We were second best today, what disappointed me most was the vulnerability of our set-piece. Our lineout never got going, whilst our scrum was OK for sixty minutes, when Devon brought on their replacements we went backwards.

“The lads will need to have a long hard look at themselves, ahead of our next game at Somerset next month.”

Dom Ellery (Newquay) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Jacob Gaskin (Tavistock) of Devon U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall were awarded an early kickable penalty, sadly Jack Statton’s effort went wide of the posts.

Devon were soon on the offensive, a speculative hack towards the Cornwall line saw flanker Isiah Akinrowo win the race to dot down the try.

Cornwall’s scrum was going well during this point of the game, they got a penalty that Statton kicked to the corner from the catch and drive, hooker Pete Harris bagged the try converted by Statton.

Disappointingly for Cornwall that was a good as it got. Devon began to dictate play with fly-half Matt Smale pulling the strings.

Pete Harris (St Austell) of Cornwall U20s dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

They got their reward when prop Dan Butt broke a tackle to score, Smale adding the extras before slotting a penalty shortly after.

Under pressure, Cornwall lost a player to the sin-bin, allowing Devon to pile on the pressure with wing Josef Webber dotting down in the corner, Smale’s conversion giving the visitors a useful 22-7 half-time lead.

Despite Devon also finding themselves down to fourteen men early in the second half, Smale scored and converted Devon’s fourth try.

Jack Statton (Launceston) Vice Captain of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Finlay Cackett (Bideford) of Devon U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall’s woes in the set-piece continued and when Devon brought on their replacement front row, their final semblance of parity vanished.

Further tries from wing Austin Crow, and skipper George Pooley with a conversion from Stark Leighton completed the win for a worthy Devon side.

Cornwall U.20: Penhallurick, Roskilly, Statton, Hammersley, Keogh, Walsh-Newton, Chapple; Lawrence, Harris, Williams, Knight, Perkin (Capt), Lister, Eddy, Ellery.

Replacements: Pope, Holt, Oakley, Derry, Symons, Evans, Richards.

Cornwall scores: Try Harris 10, Con, Statton 11

Posted in Bill's Blog


Jason Leonard Cup -result

Cornwall U.20, 7 – 41 Devon U.20

Report in the morning.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Tamar Cup – Change of Venue

Please note the Tamar Cup match between Devon & Cornwall on Wednesday 27th March will now take place at IVYBRIDGE RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall name side for Leonard Cup opener

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2024 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2024 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts neighbours Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 10 March. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 2 pm kick off.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s campaign off with a local tie against our neighbours Devon. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.

Admission is by programme £5, with Under 16s free.

Both sides will also compete for the Brunel Cup in this fixture.

Cornwall have named Will Perkin (St Ives), pictured above, as the captain for the season, alongside him is another player from last season, Jack Statton from Launceston, who is the vice-captain.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Devon is never easy, playing Devon in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.

Jack Stanton (Launceston) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Finley Mellis (Newent) of Gloucestershire U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 09/04/23, Cornwall U20s, Gloucestershire U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Cornish Pirates lock Steele Barker as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich, and Jago Sheppard another ex U20 and member of the winning 2022 team and current Camborne player assisting Steele with the forwards.

Pete Harris (St Austell) of Cornwall U20s on the charge. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 31/01/24, Cornwall U20s, CSM, Camborne School of Mines, Friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Hayle, Memorial Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall Captain Will Perkin said, – “It is an honour to be asked to be captain the side for this season. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my second season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 10th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 21st April at Taunton RFC with a 2 pm kick off time and then Gloucestershire at Cheltenham RFC on Sunday 5th May again with a 2 pm kick off.

We will be monitoring the weather this week. If there are any changes regarding the venue of the match this will be advised on the Cornwall RFU website and social media channels.

CORNWALL U.20: Harvey Penhallurick (Falmouth), Ben Roskilly (Penryn), Jack Statton (Launceston), Alfie Hammersley (Falmouth), Jack Keogh (St. Just), Dean Wills, Jacob Chapple (both Redruth); Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth), Pete Harris (St. Austell), Angus Williams (Penryn), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Will Perkin (Capt, St. Ives), Finn Lister (Penryn), Wes Eddy (Pirates Ams), Dom Ellery (Newquay Hornets).

Replacements: Dan Pope (Camborne SoM), Finn Holt (Redruth), George Oakley (St. Austell), Olly Derry, Will Symons (both Wadebridge Camels), Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Rhys Richards (Redruth).

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall Under 20s v Devon Under 20s

Cornwall Under 20s take on Devon Under 20s in their opening Jason Leonard Cup match this Sunday at Camborne RFC, kick-off 2 pm.

Admission is by programme, £5, with Under 16s free.

Team news will be released later in the week. Meanwhile we look forward to your support for our young players.

The game will also see both sides contest the Brunel Cup.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Honours even under Tregorrick lights

CORNWALL 26 – 26 ROYAL NAVY

By Bill Hooper, Tregorrick Park, St. Austell

Cornwall began their preparations for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign in an exciting match against a very lively Royal Navy side which ended all square on the night.

After a cagy opening it was the Navy who landed the first salvo when their wing Kane Teear-Bourge plucked a Cornish pass as the Black & Golds looked to play out of their twenty-two, to fly in under the posts. Full back Ben Chambers adding the simple conversion.

Freddie Davies (Devonport Services) of Cornwall is tackled by K Beasley Captain of Royal Navy. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Roared on by the one thousand plus Tregorrick Park crowd, flanker Adam Hughes steamed up to the Navy twenty-two, the ball was re-cycled quickly by the forwards who went through a couple of phases before the ball got to wing Harry Larkins, via a Josh Matavesi pass, darting into the corner to score, full back Matt Shepherd judging the conversion to perfection.

Lewis Thomas (Redruth) of Cornwall dives for the corner. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall kept the momentum going when hooker Luis Powell finished off a great phase of play for the Black & Gold’s second try, which went unconverted.

The nip and tuck of the game continued as Navy skipper Kye Beasley made good ground into the Cornwall twenty-two, from an ensuing maul the Navy got over the line with hooker Jack Wright credited with the score.

Mark Vian (St Austell) of Cornwall holds the ball as the Cornwall forwards maul towards the try-line. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Teear-Bourge time and again showed his pace out wide keeping the Cornwall defence on it’s toes.

Just before half-time Wright got his second try, again from a powerful Navy maul, with Chambers adding the extras, Navy turned around at the break 19-12 up.

Shepherd, fly-half Will Hennessy and flanker Cam Taylor had caught the eye for Cornwall in the opening period.

Kickable penalties were ignored by both sides as they looked to their set-piece. From a kick to the corner Cornwall got the drive on for Powell to score his second try of the game, Shepherd adding the extras to tie the scores.

Brandon Rowley (Launceston) of Cornwall dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

With the game well into the final quarter and both sides emptying their benches, Cornwall’s No.8 Brandon Rowley cut a fine line to dot down a fourth try for the Black & Golds, Shepherd judging his third conversion to perfection.

Navy had a final broadside up their sleeves; a chip over the Cornwall defence was seized upon by Teear-Bourge who steamed in unopposed under the sticks for Danny Ronald to tie the game with his conversion.

Both sides had chances to win it, but a draw was a fair result at the final whistle.

After the final whistle, Cornwall head coach was satisfied with the result. He said. “Credit to the boys, they played for the shirt tonight, we can look back and perhaps if one or two lineouts had gone our way we could have made more of it. Our scrum went well, thought the reserve front row went well when they came on, overall we missed some chances in that second half.

“Hopefully the lads will go away and train hard, improve their fitness and look to fight their way into the squad come May.”  

Cornwall (Launceston unless stated): Shepherd (St. Austell), Thomas (Redruth), Semmens (Pirates Ams), Matavesi (Capt,), Larkins (both Camborne, Hennessy (Truro), Boyce (St. Austell); Pearce-Cowley, Powell (Truro), Prowse (Camborne), Horne, Goldsmith, Hughes (Camborne), Taylor (St. Austell), Rowley.

Replacements: Harris (St. Austell), Strick (Penryn), Lambourn (Pirates Ams), Vian (St. Austell), Fuca (Camborne), Powell (Liskeard/Looe), Tanswell (Camborne), Davies (Devonport Services), Fogden, Bryant.

Tries; Larkins 15, Powell 23, 54, Rowley 67, Cons, Shepherd 16, 55, 68

Royal Navy: Chambers, Teear-Bourge, King, Lowe, Dobson, Rutter, Toogoog; Beasley, Wright, Cleverley, MacAdams, Scott, Wagstaff, Mallet, Mills.

Replacements: Turgood, Orr-Burns, Wright, Lindsay, Sutton, Hussell, Williams, Hume, Ronald, Ryder, Briggs, Hall, Duncan.

Tries: Teeor-Bourge 9, 88, Wright 28, 39, Cons, Chambers 10, 40, Ronald 89

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall U.20 v Cornwall Clubs XV – Match OFF

Due to the Met Office weather warning and an already saturated pitch, tomorrow night’s game has been called off.

Cornwall U20 Team v Cornwall Clubs XV

Cornwall U20 Team v Cornwall Clubs XV

Wednesday 21 February 2024 – Match OFF

1. Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth)

2. ⁠Pete Harris (St Austell)

25. Angus Williams (Penryn)

4. ⁠Charlie Knight (Saltash)

5. ⁠Will Perkin Captain (St Ives)

6. ⁠Finn Lister (Penryn)

7. ⁠ Dom Ellery (Newquay Hornets)

8. ⁠ Jowan Peck (Falmouth)

9. ⁠James Marsden (St Ives)

10. ⁠Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth)

11. ⁠Jack Keogh (St Just)

12. ⁠Alfie Hammersley (Falmouth)

13. ⁠ Ben Roskilly (Penryn)

14. ⁠Ayden Earnshaw (Penryn)

15. ⁠Harvey Penhallurick Vice Captain (Falmouth)

16. Dan Pope (Camborne School of Mines)

3. Alex Watkins (Camborne School of Mines)

17. Kane Ikete (Camborne School of Mines)

18. George Oakley (St Austell)

19. Giddy Blacklock (Falmouth)

20. Will Symons (Wadebridge Camels)

21. Ieuan Evans (Wadebridge Camels)

22. Tom Hollyman (Saltash)

23. Amori Matanatabu (Helston)

24. Max Jenkin (Hayle)

Posted in Bill's Blog


The Great Cornish Rugby Split?

Francis Edwards looks at an interesting event that almost led to a Rugby League Club in Cornwall in 1912.

Reading time: 40 minutes

…I have sat in my living-room with my mother and father at home and seen a rugby league representative take sheafs of pound notes out of his pocket…but…I have never wanted to be paid for playing rugby…

~ Gareth Edwards, Gareth: An Autobiography, Stanley Paul & Co., 1978, p91. As Edwards makes clear in The Autobiography (Headline, 1999), his 1978 book professionalised him in the eyes of the WRU and he was barred from coaching.

…when I went, I said the right things in the Press…I ‘needed a new challenge’…that was bullshit…I needed security for my family…

~ Jonathan Davies, The Rugby Codebreakers, BBC documentary, 2018

Read more in the link below

Posted in Bill's Blog


Under 20s turn up heat in second half

Cornwall U.20, 48 – 7 Camborne School of Mines

Report by Terry Williams

Cornwall U20’s started off their 23/24 County Championship season with a fine win in a warm up game over the Camborne School of Mines XV, running out 48 – 7 winners. A large crowd of over 300 watched from the clubhouse touchline. The first half was scoreless, with both teams appearing to be nervous and the game was error strewn throughout. The Cornwall players seemed to be trying to force the game, which was the primary cause of the errors. Both teams had opportunities to cross the line, but both defences proved resolute.

Head coach Ritchie Kevern must have said something to fire the players up as the second half producing a much improved performance with the team scoring 8 tries, 4 of which were converted. A spirited CSM XV never gave up and their efforts were rewarded in the 74 minute with a converted try. They were well supported by a vociferous group of fellow students..

All the substitutes were used so the coaches had a good look at players and all are looking forward to the next warm up game v Cornwall Clubs at St Austell. There was a lot to take in from last night’s performance; a negative first half but a vastly improved second half.  Four of the CSM XV are eligible for the County U20’s, so the coaches were able to cast their eyes over 29 players last night.

Cornwall U20 Team v Camborne School of Mines

Wednesday 31 January @ Hayle RFC with a 1930 ko

  1. Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth)
  2. Pete Harris (St Austell)
  3. Beau Danks (Newquay Hornets)
  4. Will Perkin Captain (St Ives)
  5. James Sutton (Saltash)
  6. Finn Lister (Penryn)
  7. Will Symons (Wadebridge Camels)
  8. Adam Dack (Liskeard / Looe)
  9. Will Tanswell (Penryn)
  10. Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth)
  11. Jack Keogh (St Just)
  12. Tom Hollyman (Saltash)
  13. Alfie Hammersley (Falmouth)
  14. Ayden Earnshaw (Penryn)
  15. Harvey Penhallurick Vice Captain (Falmouth)
  16. Callum Bate (Wadebridge Camels)
  17. Fin Holt (Redruth)
  18. Treave Rowe (Falmouth)
  19. Ethan Milford (Pirates Ams)
  20. Wiiliam Hoskin (Liskeard / Looe)
  21. Ieuan Evans (Wadebridge Camels)
  22. Max Jenkin (Hayle)
  23. Amori Mantanatabu (Helston)
  24. Angus Williams (Penryn)
  25. Dylan Denne (Helston)
Posted in Bill's Blog


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