BILL BEAUMONT CUP

DEVON 11 – 56 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper at Cross-in-Hand, Ivybridge, Photos courtesy of Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Cornwall ran in eight spectacular tries as they defeated Devon with something to spare to set up a final pool game decider at Camborne next Saturday against Hertfordshire who beat Gloucestershire 46-19 at Hertford.

The win delighted Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe. “It was a good win, pleasing to come to Devon and get a result, it wasn’t our best performance but we had enough to win. Fair play to Devon they challenged us and put their bodies on the line, they made it awkward for us in the first half before we broke free in the second to score five tries.

Photo: Robin Wedlake led Devon a merry dance

Dawe praised his whole squad. “The quality we have throughout the squad was evident today, we are able to maintain the same intensity and pressure for the whole eighty, the boys that came on certainly added zip and power, I thought Sam Matavesi showed what a fine footballer he is.

Dawe’s thoughts now turn to Hertfordshire next Saturday. “Our battles against them have been tight affairs in recent seasons and I expect nothing less on Saturday. We will keep our feet on the ground this week and work hard in training, there is always work tom be done and make sure we are both mentally and physically fit for a hard game with hopefully a big crowd at Camborne to support us.”

Roared on by the huge Cornish contingent the black and golds got off to a great start. Fly-half Dave Mankee kicked an early penalty and then added the extras to centre Robin Wedlake’s interception try as Cornwall raced to a 10-0 lead.

Photo: Camborne prop Andrius Zacharovas rampaged all afternoon

Devon got back into it when Cornwall had a clearance kick charged down in their twenty-two allowing Devon centre Ollie Rice to pounce on the ball and score, fly-half Tom Whelan’s conversion struck the posts.

Cornwall were getting good possession from the lineout through lock Bryn Jenkins, whilst Camborne prop Andrius Zacharovas was like a rampaging bull in the loose. No.8 BJ Chapman also made a lot of ground with his surging runs.

Cornish pressure told when full back Matt Shepherd scored a second try following scrum-half Jack Oulton’s quick thinking from a tap penalty allowing Mankee another simple conversion.

A couple of penalties from Whelan saw Devon claw their way closer on the scoreboard but their momentum was stopped following an injury to their skipper James Harris who felt the full force of Sam Matavesi’s knee in an attempted tackle.

Cornwall then finished the half the stronger, Shepherd made a great break down the wing and when the ball was recycled hooker Richard Brown burrowed over for try number three again bettered by Mankee, who added a penalty soon after.

Devon thought they had scored a second try but it was ruled out for a double movement by the officials and Cornwall led 27-11 at the break.

Photo: Sam Matavesi gets his pass away despite attentions of Devon’s Lewis Paterson

Cornwall then secured the important bonus point soon after halt-time when winger Lewis Vinnicombe was put away by Wedlake.

Matavesi was having a storming game and it was no surprise that the Fijian international went over for Cornwall’s fifth try near the posts, Mankee added a fourth conversion before making way for youngster Joe Elderkin.

Wedlake and replacement hooker Matt Ballard were involved in the build up to winger Tom Notman’s try, converted by Shepherd.

Wedlake then mesmerised the Devon defence with his balance and running to score a wonderful try from distance to cap his fine performance.

As they tired visably, Devon lost centre Lewis Paterson to the sin-bin for a professional foul. Penryn’s George Jones had the final say as the flanker scored Cornwall’s eighth try to complete a fine win.

Devon (Ivybridge unless stated): C Briant, W Topps (Barnstaple), O Rice (Exmouth), L Paterson, T Scoles, T Whelan (Sidmouth), C Setter (Plymouth Albion); R Morris (Brixham), A Crouch (Barnstaple), M Finn, M Richards (Exmouth), G Wilson, M Harvey (Brixham), J Harris (Exmouth), (capt), S Thomas (Brixham).

Replacements: A Taylor, I Dalton (both Exmouth), M Dowrick (Newton Abbot), T McGratton (Okehampton), R Dingle, J Bond (Newton Abbot), M Pinkus

Devon scores: Try, Rice, Pens. Whetton (2)

Yellow Card: Paterson (80)

Cornwall (Redruth unless stated): M Shepherd (Plymouth Albion),  L Vinnicombe,  R Wedlake (Plymouth Albion), J Murphy (Barnstaple) (capt), T Notman, D Mankee (Camborne), J Oulton; A Zacharovas (Camborne), R Brown, C Williams, B Jenkins (Barnstaple), T Whittle (Camborne), G Randlesome, G Jones (both Penryn), BJ Chapman.

Replacements: T Phillips, M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), B Howe, C Fuca, S Matavesi (Camborne), S Raumakita (Plymouth Albion), J Elderkin.

Cornwall scores: Tries, Wedlake (2), Shepherd, Brown, Vinnicombe, Matavesi, Notman, Jones, Cons, Mankee (4), Shepherd, Pens, Mankee (2)

Referee: Robbie Bourke (RFU)

Crowd: 1,025

Cornwall-man-of-the-match: Hard choice so many standout performances but Robin Wedlake played like a man on fire, high skill set allied with his formidable pace, his second try will live long in the memory.

Standings after round 2

Up North, Lancashire are on 10 points after two wins but face last season’s beaten finalists Cheshire at Sale in their final game. Yorkshire are also unbeaten but only on 8 points, their final game is against Eastern Counties, who have lost their two games so far, at Hull Ionians.

Photo: Matt Shepherd training with Cornwall last night

Words by Bill Hooper, photos Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Following training last evening at Camborne RFC Cornwall’s selectors have announced the side to take on Devon this Saturday at Ivybridge RFC kick-off 3pm.

The starting XV shows four changes from the side that commenced the game against Surrey last Saturday.

Camborne’s Andrius Zacharovas makes his first Championship start at tight-head prop. The powerful Cherry and White prop has made a fine impression in his two previous outings for Cornwall this season.

Penryn’s Grant Randlesome joins his Borough skipper George Jones in the back row, the only other change in the pack.

In the three-quarters, Plymouth Albion’s Matt Shepherd comes in at full back, Tom Notman starts on the wing whilst Robin Wedlake moves from the wing into the centre with skipper Jake Murphy.

Photo: Sam Matavesi back in contention for Cornwall after playing for the Royal Navy

Prop Tommy Phillips, flanker Chris Fuca and full-back Joe Elderkin all drop onto the bench, whilst flanker Sam Matavesi and centre Seti Raumakita both come into the match day twenty-two. A powerful looking bench is completed by Matt Ballard and Brad Howe.

Jack Simmons can consider himself unlucky to be left out of the twenty-two as can winger Matt Bowden.

Speaking prior to training Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe hopes Cornwall can build on the win at Richmond. “I was happy with performance against Surrey and I hope the side can build on that again this week. This is a brutal competition, there are no margins for error, we did what we had to do get the win and get the five points.

Photo: Graham Dawe gets his point across

Asked about making changes to his side for this week Dawe said. “It’s always hard bringing new players in and disrupting the pattern but both Matt Shepherd and Sam Matavesi will be involved this week, both have made a huge contribution to Cornwall in the past and are both top class players. It’s about the squad not just the starting XV, with this rotation policy players can come on and make an impact during a game.

Devon are boosted by the availability of Plymouth Albion scrum-half Cameron Setter.

Setter, who started his career at Ivybridge, missed last weekend’s defeat at Gloucestershire, but comes straight into the team to face the Duchy at Cross-in-Hand.

Devon make six changes to their starting line-up for their first County Championship meeting with Cornwall in seven years.

Ivybridge’s Charlie Briant and George Wilson also come into the team, as does Barnstaple’s Will Topps, Exmouth’s Ollie Rice and Brixham’s Matt Harvey.

Devon RFU have announced that RFU President Peter Baines will be their guest at Ivybridge on Saturday, as will Peter Cross, Twickenham’s Mr. England.

Devon: C Briant (Ivybridge), W Topps (Barnstaple), L Paterson (Ivybridge), O Rice (Exmouth), T Scoles (Ivybridge), T Whelan (Sidmouth), C Setter (Plymouth Albion); R Morris (Brixham), A Crouch (Barnstaple), M Finn (Ivybridge), J Fahy (Exmouth), G Wilson (Ivybridge), M Harvey (Brixham), J Harris (Exmouth), (capt), S Thomas (Brixham).

Replacements: M Richards, I Dalton (both Exmouth), M Dowrick (Newton Abbot), T McGratton (Okehampton), R Dingle (Ivybridge), J Bond (Newton Abbot), M Pinkus (Ivybridge).

Cornwall (Redruth unless stated): M Shepherd (Plymouth Albion),  L Vinnicombe,  R Wedlake (Plymouth Albion), J Murphy (Barnstaple) (capt), T Notman, D Mankee (Camborne), J Oulton; A Zacharovas (Camborne), R Brown, C Williams, B Jenkins (Barnstaple), T Whittle (Camborne), G Randlesome, G Jones (both Penryn), BJ Chapman.

Replacements: T Phillips, M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), B Howe, C Fuca, S Matavesi (Camborne & Royal Navy), S Raumakita (Plymouth Albion), J Elderkin.

Matt Shepherd and Sam Matavesi both key players in Cornwall’s successful defence of the Bill Beaumont Cup last season are poised to make a return to the squad for this week’s game against Devon at Ivybridge.

Both players were unavailable for last Saturday’s game at Richmond when Cornwall defeated Surrey 34-14.

The side to play Devon will be selected following training at Camborne RFC this evening.

Apart from the twenty seven players listed, Matt Bowden will be playing for the Combined Services this evening against Bath,  other players from the training squad will be in attendance to help their team mates prepare for Saturday’s game

CORNWALL TEAM TO PLAY DEVON 13 MAY 2017

Team selected from the following;-

Forwards: Matt Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), Richard Brown (Redruth), BJ Chapman (Redruth), Dom Connor (Brixham), Robbie Dugard (Barnstaple), Chris Fuca (   Redruth), Brad Howe (Redruth), Bryn Jenkins (Barnstaple), George Jones (Penryn), Sam Matavesi (Camborne, Royal Navy & Fiji),  Tommy Phillips (Redruth), Grant Randlesome (Penryn), Tony Whittle (Camborne), Craig Williams* (Redruth), Andrius Zacharovas (Camborne).

Backs: Matt Bowden  (Redruth & Royal Navy) Joe Elderkin (Redruth), Richard Kevern (Camborne), David Mankee (Camborne), Jake Murphy (Barnstaple), Tom Notman (Redruth), Jack Oulton (Redruth), Seti Raumakita (Pymouth Albion & Royal Navy), Matt Shepherd* (Plymouth Albion), Jack Simmons (Camborne),         Lewis Vinnicombe* (Redruth), Robin Wedlake (Plymouth Albion).

Coaches – Graham Dawe ,Marek Churcher & Rhodri McAtee

Strength & Conditioning – Tristan Lark

• Denotes England Counties Player

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

SURREY 14-34 CORNWALL

Report by Bill Hooper. Photos Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Cornwall scored four tries in the final quarter to secure a vital bonus point win against Surrey at Richmond as they began the defence of their County title.

It began brightly for Cornwall as Cornwall got a try after just 8 minutes as No. 8 BJ Chapman was driven over from a powerful maul for a try converted by fly-half Dave Mankee.

Photo: Prop Tommy Phillips on the hoof

They were soon pegged back by Surrey as fly-half Matt Noble found a hole in the Cornwall defence before wing Karyim Noble sped in for a good try bettered by Noble.

Noble set the alarm bells ringing in the Cornish defence soon after but the defence scrabbled back to snuffle the threat.

Surrey maintained the pressure and when scrum-half Jack Oulton was sin-binned on 19 minutes for Cornwall the signs looked ominous for the champions.

Cornwall coped with the initial threat but when Chapman was also sent to the bin and where down to 13 men for about sixty seconds the pressure told with referee Neil Chivers awarding the home side a penalty-try converted by Noble.

Cornish wing Robin Wedlake went close to a try from a Mankee crossfield kick.

Oulton was proving a constant thorn in the side for Surrey with his snipes around the rucks and scrums. Before half-time Cornwall earned a penalty which Mankee despatched between the sticks leaving Cornwall 14-10 down at the break.

With the wind now in Cornwall’s favour Mankee saw an early penalty opportunity drift wide of the posts early doors in the second half as Cornwall looked to their replacements to maintain the head of steam they were building.

Lock Bryn Jenkins was having a great game in the lineout, whilst the forwards drove with purpose with Tommy Phillips, Andrius Zacharovas, George Jones, Chris Fuca all putting in big shifts.

Mankee kept pinning Surrey back with his kicking, Cornwall were dominating but the score wasn’t coming as news of Gloucestershire’s big total against Devon began to filter through.

Photo: Matt Ballard gets Cornwall’s second try with Chris Fuca lending his weight

Cornwall pinched a lineout  in the Surrey twenty-two to set up a big drive that saw replacement hooker Matt Ballard driven over for the black and gold’s’ second try to huge cheers from Trelawny’s Army.

The cheers got even loader just two minutes later when Wedlake showed his Albion form to run in from 50 meters from a Grant Randlesome pass. Mankee nailed the conversion but Cornwall wanted and needed more.

It came from replacement winger Tom Notman who gleefully took skipper Jake Murphy’s pass to score the vital bonus point try.

Photo: Tom Notman scores the vital fourth try

Fellow Red Matt Bowden rounded off the scoring with Cornwall’s fifth try from a Wedlake pass to complete the scoring, with Mankee adding his third conversion of the game.

After the game Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe was pleased with the win. “It was a tough start, Surrey took the game to us in the first half scoring a couple of tries and challenging us defensively putting us on the back foot a bit up front. We had to survive the best part of twenty minutes with just fourteen men and did well to contain them.

“ We took time to gel as a side but as the game went on we saw that cohesion coming through, all the work we have put in showed through.

“At half-time we had a good chat, the boys knew they were in a game and needed to lift their efforts especially up front. I think our defence stood up well and when we got the ball our backs showed their scintillating pace.

“On reflection we did well to turnaround just 14-10 down at the break, the penalty just before halt-time was crucial. That wind was moving around we made good use of it second half with Mankee and Oulton getting us the territory.

Cornwall will train on Wednesday prior to the game at Devon next Saturday at Ivybridge kick-off 3 pm.

Surrey (London Irish WG unless stated) E Carne (Dorking), T Richards, B Kitching, B Meeson, K Irving (Worthing), M Noble (Dorking), T Trotter (Cambridge); K Furey, N Sweeney, C Zeiss (capt) (all Esher), J Touma, D Flashman (Wimbeldon), T Bush, H Elbrow (Dorking), H Rowland.

Replacements: C Connor, K O’Sullivan, C Burman (Esher), F Osborne (Dorking), E Milne (Rosslyn Park), J Reville (Wimbeldon), M McDonald (Amersham & Chiltern).

Surrey scores: Tries Irving, Penalty-try, Cons Noble (2)

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

Replacements: A Zacharovas (Camborne), M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), R Dugard (Barnstaple), B Howe, G Randlesome (Penryn), T Notman, M Bowden.

Cornwall scores: Tries Chapman, Ballard, Wedlake, Notman, Bowden, Cons, Mankee (3), Pen, Mankee

Yellow Cards: Oulton (19), Chapman (28)

Referee: Neil Chivers (RFU)

Crowd: 643

County Championship tables in link

Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe has a buzz of anticipation on the eve of another County Championship campaign, reports Bill Hooper from Redruth’s Recreation Ground.

Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto; Graham Dawe directs training

“We’ve been together since February training at Perranporth, we’ve identified some good youngsters who are coming in this season and I shall look forward to seeing how they cope in the pressurized atmosphere of playing for Cornwall.

Dawe and his coaching side have had to look at replacing quality players from last season’s squad such as skipper Kyle Marriott and scrum-half Greg Goodfellow, sadly Ben Hilton has not recovered in time from a neck injury suffered playing for Barnstaple.

“The side has got players who have played for Cornwall before, George Jones, BJ Chapman, Dave Mankee and Tommy Phillips were part of the squad in 2015 so know the drill others such as Jack Oulton, Joe Elderkin, Grant Randlesome, Jack Simmons, Andrius Zacharovas and Brad Howe are involved in their first senior championship game so it will be interesting to see how the step up, I love to see young players push themselves and see how far they can go, I’ve heard a lot of good things about Joe Elderkin and look forward to seeing him play.

Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto: Cornish forwards go through the drill

Dawe feels certain that Jake Murphy will do a fine job captaining Cornwall this season. “Jake has got a lot of qualities as a leader which I feel he can transmit to players around him on the field, he’s captained Plymouth Albion and been in the Cornwall squad for a few seasons now and knows what we are about.

Looking ahead to the Surrey game Dawe knows his side will be in for a hard game. “They came down to Camborne last season and gave us a hard game, they will have some very useful backs with a good running and off-load game. We will have to be at our best to match them. We will have to restrict their chances and play a smart game. We shall look to dominate up front in the set-piece, look after the ball and attack when the opportunity comes.

Dawe feels that having Marek Churcher and Rhodri McAtee involved this season is important. “Both are involved with Redruth and Camborne so know the bulk of the squad well and the players will respond to them. I’ve known Marek for many years from his time at Albion he is a challenging coach for his players.

Jake Murphy is delighted with his appointment as skipper for this season and looks forward to leading his side out at Richmond. “I am very excited to be appointed skipper this season, I guess I am now regarded as a senior member of the squad, so yes it does bring added pressure, these young players are hungry for your shirt  but I am looking forward to it.

Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto: Cornwall captain Jake Murphy

“I’ve captained Albion in the past but first and foremost I must make sure that I am on top of my game and show that I should be wearing that shirt, as far as I am concerned we start with a blank sheet the two wins in the final are in the past.

Jake is looking to Trelawny’s Army to get behind the boys especially in the two away games. “Their support will be vital to us running out up country to see so many black and gold shirts in the crowd and Cornish flags fluttering is a huge lift to the boys. I know that the support will be there on Saturday and we will play our hearts out for them.

Cornwall have made three changes to the side published earlier this week. Surrey side from their website, mostly from London Irish Wild Geese.

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

Replacements: A Zacharovas (Camborne), M Ballard (Wadebridge Camels), R Dugard (Barnstaple), B Howe, G Randlesome (Penryn), T Notman, M Bowden.

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

Surrey (London Irish WG unless stated) E Carne (Dorking), T Richards, B Kitching, B Meeson, K Irving (Worthing), M Noble (Dorking), T Trotter (Cambridge); K Furey, N Sweeney, C Zeiss (capt) (all Esher), J Touma, D Flashman (Wimbeldon), T Bush, H Elbrow (Dorking), H Rowland.

Replacements: C Connor, K O’Sullivan, C Burman (Esher), F Osborne (Dorking), E Milne (Rosslyn Park), J Reville (Wimbeldon), M McDonald (Amersham & Chiltern)

Referee: Neil Chivers (RFU)

Photo: Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRELAWNY’S ARMY CRFU COLTS CUP FINAL

ST. AUSTELL SAINTS COLTS 27-22 LAUNCESTON COLTS

By Bill Hooper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Richard Sharp playing for England at Twickenham

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

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