Berkshire defeat leaves Cornwall with hill to climb

Photo- last season’s Under 20 player of the year Tommy Phillips on the charge

Cornwall’s Under 20’s lost their opening pool fixture in this season’s County Championship, on Sunday against last season’s beaten finalist’s, Berkshire at Redingensians.

Cornwall found themselves twelve points down in the opening in ten minutes of the game as winger SJ Mahon and then hooker Allen Crawshaw scored tries to stun the Cornish lads. Rory Garrett landed the first conversion but failed with his second attempt.

The Cornish boys started to work their way back into the game but were unable to turn some good possession into points as the score-line remained at 12-0 at the interval.

With the advantage of the wind for the second period the visitors were still very much in the game but it was Berkshire who scored next when inside centre Jordan Souter went over for a fine solo try after a dazzling run from fifty metres out left the Cornish defence in disarray. Garrett converted to leave Cornwall with a nineteen point deficit to overcome in the last half-hour.

Photo – Camborne’s Ben Stean dots down Cornwall’s sole try with No.8 Adam Hughes & No.7 Locryn Williams in support

The introduction of Ryan Burley (Penryn) to the Cornish front row gave the black & gold scrum dominance and a series of penalties from the set piece set up the scoring opportunity for full back Ben Stean (Camborne), who had defended valiantly all afternoon, to touch down for James McFarlane (Redruth/Exeter University) to convert.

 

Photo- St. Austell’s Konnor Ewudzi on the chase

Locryn Williams, currently with Chinnor, was having a fine game for Cornwall in the back row along with Camborne’s Liam Moyle, and was one of the players to catch the eye of the England Counties Under 20 selectors present at the game. They will tour Russia this season.

Mahon almost made it four tries for Berkshire but after an impressive break he dropped the ball in the process of going over the line.
Cornwall continued to battle but were unable to add to their single score.

Next up is a difficult trip to Cinderford on Sunday 28th February to face Gloucestershire, who defeated Devon 30-15 at Keyham, nothing less than a win will do for Cornwall to have a chance of a place in this season’s last eight.

CORNWALL U20s: Ben Stean (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (St Ives), Jack Simmons (Camborne, Capt), Dan Rutter (Redruth), Konnor Ewudzi (St Austell), James McFarlane (Redruth/Exeter University), Brandon Andrews (Saltash); Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Adam Smith (Redruth), Tommy Phillips (Redruth), Luke Hattam (Redruth), Andy Inch (St Austell), Locryn Williams (Chinnor), Liam Moyle (Camborne), Adam Hughes (Penryn).
Replacements: Ryan Burley (Penryn), Harry Smith (Wadebridge Camels), Angus Brown (Camborne), Kieron Down (Saltash), Tom Sandercock (Launceston), Connor Swan (Cardiff Met), Connor Bick (Pirates Amateurs).
Travelling Reserves: Aaron Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), Will Whitworth (Redruth), Dane Jane (St Austell).
Cornwall scores, Try, Stean, Con, McFarlane

Posted in Bill's Blog


Nowell’s try wins the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield

Photo- Jack Nowell with England coach Eddie Jones post Calcutta Cup

 

Yet again what a weekend weather-wise, which saw loads of already re-arranged fixtures postponed once more!

The league program was completely wiped-out in Cornwall, with just Wadebridge Camels Intermediate Cup SW Final taking place at the Molesworth Field against Matson, currently unbeaten in Western Counties (North).

In the end the visitors prevailed 10-0 scoring all their points in the first half.

London Cornish were also in Cup action, again in the intermediate Cup, in the South East section, they too bowed out, against Cobham 24-18.

With Redruth’s game against Dorking going by the way on Friday. The Cornish All Blacks were the only side in action in National League 2 South at Barnes, sadly it was an all too familiar story as they lost 40-0.

Redruth will hope their pitch dries out this week when they are again at home against former league leader’s Old Albanian, who lost at home on Saturday to Chinnor 17-5.

That’s three defeats on the bounce for Old Albanian and their head-coach James Shanahan will not be relishing a trip to Redruth to put matters right.
Sunday saw Championship action with the Cornish Pirates playing Yorkshire Carnegie at Headingley. The Pirates came away from Leeds with a losing bonus point following a 33-26 loss, thanks to a couple of tries from flanker Alex Cheesman and a penalty-try. Laurence May booted a conversion and three penalties to complete the Pirates’ haul.

Cornish Pirates’ Director of Rugby Ian Davies had expected a tough challenge, and it was, but despite the defeat he was pleased with much of the endeavour on display. Speaking after the game, he commented: “Losing Laurie early on with a shoulder injury was a big blow, however Aaron led well from the front and Stuart Townsend was also outstanding.

“Taking on a Top 4 side littered with Premiership-experienced players was always going to provide a challenge, and we needed to be more clinical and efficient in certain areas. Gifting penalties enabled them to acquire field position to use their maul, and our line-out was poor.

“We have been on a good run and came unstuck against a strong Yorkshire Carnegie side. The game was though closer than the scoreline suggests and we deserved our losing bonus point.”

Also on Sunday Cornwall Under 20s kicked off their County Championship campaign away at Berkshire.

Berkshire got off to a flying start to lead 12-0 after just ten minutes and the score-line remained the same until half-time.

In the second half Berkshire scored a third try to go 19-0 up

Cornwall then came into it much more and reduced the deficit with a try from Camborne’s Ben Stean, converted by James McFarlane. However that was as close as they would get.

In the other game in the pool Gloucestershire defeated Devon at Keyham 30-15.

The 6 Nations got underway at the weekend. On Saturday France retained the Garibaldi Trophy against Italy in a tight game in Paris 23-21 with Jules Plisson kicking the winning penalty.

England retained the Calcutta Cup with a 15-9 win at Murrayfield.

Jack Nowell had a great game for England, scoring the decisive try in the second half. Jack was also involved in the build up to England’s first try, his clever chip ahead was gathered by Scotland’s Stuart Hogg, Jack following up tackled him and drove him over the line for a 5-metre scrum to England, from which the English pack mauled over with lock George Kruis getting the score.

So fifty-three years since Richard Sharp’s magical try at Twickenham against Scotland, another Cornishman scores the decisive try in the Calcutta Cup.

The game on Sunday saw Wales battle back to earn a 16 – all draw with Ireland in Dublin.

So after the first weekend, only England and France can still win the Grand Slam, with England also on course for the Triple Crown.

 

Jack wasn’t the only Cornish try scorer over the weekend. On Friday evening Lucy Demaine, originally from St. Germans in S.E. Cornwall, came on as a second half replacement for England Ladies against Scotland in Cumbernauld in their 32-0 win. Lucy bravely charged down a Scottish clearance near their line and won the race to the ball to score her side’s fifth try! What a memorable debut for her.

Billy Keast also came on as a second half replacement for England Under 20s also at Cumbernauld but the result went in favour of Scotland who won 24-6.

This Wednesday will hopefully see Truro School in Nat West Cup action against QEGS Wakefield at the Quarter-final stage.
The game will hopefully take place at the School with a 12 pm kick-off, although I gather Perranporth RFC’s pitch is on standby if required.

 

 

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


Six players from Camborne in squad for Cornwall Under 20 opener at Berkshire

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2016

 

Photo – Locryn Williams set to feature once again for Cornwall Under 20s

 

 

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2016 begins on Sunday 7 February.

Following a trial session at Truro RFC, the Under 20 squad have trained for a number of weeks sometimes in atrocious weather in preparation for their first game against Berkshire at Redingensians RFC, Reading with a 2 pm kick off.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said “This is the first game at this level for some of the team and they start with a tough game away to last year’s beaten finalist. I want to thank the coaching team of Ian Morgan, Mike Rawlings, Bryn Jenkins and team manager Chris Lea for their work in pulling together the team. I also offer my congratulations to Jack Simmons of Camborne RFC who has been appointed the captain for the coming season” He went on to say “I would also like to thank, Kelsall Steele for their continued sponsorship of U20 section, along with Booth Printers our programme sponsors”.

Cornwall faces 2 other games in the group stage during February and March, depending on results, with the quarterfinals being played at the end of March.

Coach Ian Morgan said – “We have a young squad who have trained well and in good numbers on Sunday mornings in Truro. They now face a stern test away against a strong Berkshire squad”

Cornwall also face Gloucestershire away on Sunday 28 February at Cinderford RFC, before a final pool stage game at home and will Devon on Sunday 13 March 2016 at Camborne RFC.

Coach Mike Rawlings said; – “It is testament to the guys who have trained on Sunday mornings it is never easy after games for their own clubs on the Saturday. They have trained hard and know they face a difficult task, but they will be extremely proud to pull on the famous black and gold shirt of Cornwall. ”
CRFU Chair Denis Preece said “This is the first opportunity for some of these players to represent Cornwall at senior level. A number of the players, who have gone before them, have gone on to represent the full County 15 and some have played at Twickenham!! Last season Todd Prisk and Tommy Phillips through their performances with Cornwall were selected for the England Counties U20 squad that toured Hungary”
Cornwall Under 20 team manager Chris Lea said; – “This squad is a mixture of players from last season, new players nominated from clubs and guys who have progressed through the Under 18 age group. It is great to see these guys getting progression through the County system and a number of former players are now playing at Premiership and Championship level, as well as clubs within Cornwall”

Photo – This season’s Skipper Jack Simmons eludes Yorkshire’s James Thompson in last season’s semi-final

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 TEAM V BERKSHIRE
SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2016 @ REDINGENSIANS RFC 2 PM KO

1) TOMMY LEE SOUTHWORTH CAMBORNE
2) ADAM SMITH REDRUTH
3) TOMMY PHILLIPS REDRUTH
4) LUKE HATTAM REDRUTH
5) ANDY INCH ST. AUSTELL
6) LOCRYN WILLIAMS CHINNOR
7) LIAM MOYLE CAMBORNE
8) ADAM HUGHES PENRYN
9) BRANDON ANDREWS SALTASH
10) JAMES McFARLANE REDRUTH / EXETER UNI
11) KONNOR EWUDZI ST. AUSTELL
12) DAN RUTTER REDRUTH
13) JACK SIMMONS (Capt) CAMBORNE
14) LEWIS THOMAS ST. IVES
15) BEN STEAN CAMBORNE

BENCH
16) RYAN BURLEY PENRYN
17) BEN ILLSLEY CAMBORNE
18) AARON VINCENT LANKELLY FOWEY

19) ANGUS BROWN CAMBORNE
20) KIERAN DOWN SALTASH
21) TOM SANDERCOCK CORNISH ALL BLACKS
22) CONNOR SWAN CARDIFF MET

TRAVELLING RESERVES:-

23) CONNOR BICK PIRATES AMATEURS
24) HARRY SMITH WADEBRIDGE CAMELS
25) WILL WHITWORTH REDRUTH
26) DAN JANE ST. AUSTELL

Coaches – Ian Morgan, Mike Rawlings, Bryn Jenkins
Team Manager – Chris Lea

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornishmen called up to England Counties

Ben Hilton & Jamal Ford-Robinson

Photo Jamal Ford-Robinson & Ben Hilton two Cornish players who have played in recent years for England Counties
Two Cornish players have been selected for this season’s spring Internationals against Scottish Clubs XV at Netherdale, Gala on Friday 26th February and against France Fédérale at Blackheath on Friday 11th March.
Redruth’s Tom Cowan-Dickie and Plymouth Albion’s Christian Judge are the two front row players selected.

Bill Beaumont Cup FInal 310515

Photo – Simon Bryant – Christian Judge at Twickenham

Judge was one of the cornerstones of the Cornwall scrum during last season’s Bill Beaumont Cup success whilst at the Cornish All Blacks. This season he has progressed at Plymouth Albion under the wing of Graham Dawe.
Cowan-Dickie has the versatility to play in any position in the front row.

 

Photo- Colin Higgs – Tom Cowan-Dickie in action for the Reds
Previously with Albion, he has been one of the revelations at Redruth this season and fully merits his selection.
Cowan-Dickie is just the latest of a long line Of Redruth players who have been selected for the Counties side since Lewis Vinnicombe played against France Amateurs in Beaune in 2006.
The squad is made up mostly of players who ply their trade in National League 1with a smattering of players from National League 2.
“Having been involved with England Counties as a player, I’m absolutely thrilled to now become part of the coaching set up,” says Simon Legg assistant team manager.
“Everyone aspires to play for their country and England Counties offers a unique opportunity for players to do so. I’m looking forward to helping prepare the team for what promises to be a highly competitive set of fixtures.”

 


England Counties 2016 squad
Forwards:

Ollie Mines, Esher
Andy Brown, Coventry
Chris Judge, Plymouth Albion
Trevor Davison, Blaydon
Matt Miles, Old Albanians
Tom Cowan-Dickie, Redruth
Ian Kench, Esher
Rob Conquest, Darlington Mowden Park
Keith Laughlin, Blaydon
Tom Stradwick, Blackheath
Harry Bate, Old Albanians
Brett Daynes, Cambridge
Chris Davies, Richmond

Backs:

Sam Stuart, Richmond
Jack Walsh, Blackheath
Chris Johnson, Fylde
Chris May, Old Albanians
Sebastian Rodwell, London Irish Wild Geese
Markus Burcham, Blackheath
Leo Fielding, Blackheath
Pete Homan, Darlington Mowden Park
James Stokes, Cambridge
Mike Wilcox, Cinderford

Posted in Bill's Blog


Falmouth run riot at the Rec

The weather was the winner once again with a number of fixtures in the regional leagues again being postponed.

The backlog for some clubs is now so serious that no further free dates remain up until the proposed end of the season in April.

With my original game at Penryn going by the way on Saturday morning I took in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League game at Falmouth.

The pitch was in remarkably good condition despite the dreadful weather during the past week.

It was a bit one-sided as the Eagles got back to winning ways with an eleven try win against a plucky Bodmin side 69-7.

John Tyson (2), Alex Kindjarski (2), Tom Spiller, Ollie Church, Ashley Searle, Josh Symons, Simon Bailey, Justyn Irons and Tom Edmonds all crossed for the Eagles with Irons also chipping in seven conversions.

Bodmin did pull one score back via winger Paul Carter with Josh Taylor converting.

The win puts Falmouth up to fourth spot in the table.

It was good to catch up with Falmouth coaches Graham Whitmore and Chris Morgan after the game. They are certainly pleased with the progress of the club both on and off the field, a top four finish would exceed pre-season expectations.

Good to catch up with some old faces at Falmouth such as Mike Morris and Jeff Maddern (who both taught me at Falmouth School!) along with Steve Burrows and Arthur Williams.

Also in this league Hayle lost at home to third place Withycombe 20-3, Dan Lello kicked the solitary Lion’s penalty.

All other games involving Cornish sides were postponed.

On Sunday, the Cornish Pirates got another vital win against Ealing in difficult conditions on the Mennaye.

Toby May, Rob Elloway and Kyle Moyle scored the tries with Laurence May kicking the rest of the points.

Pirates will probably be a tad disappointed they didn’t secure the bonus point but the important thing with the pitches at the moment is to get the win.

In National League 2 South, Redruth gained a great win at struggling Chinnor 26-13. Richard Brown, Luke Hattam and skipper Sam Parsons scored the tries with Brett Rule adding three conversions.

Redruth now have back-to-back home games with Dorking first up followed by Old Albanian the following week.

The Cornish All Blacks came close to a win but lost in the end 17-20 to Old Elthamians at Polson. Alex Edwards, Ed McGinley and a penalty try award along with a Chris Swash conversion made up the All Blacks’ tally.

Camborne’s game at Chard in Tribute South West 1 West fell- foul of the weather on the Friday.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro won 40-22, Matt Cross, Toby Armstrong, Ethan Pattison (2), Darren Jacques, Ashley Riches and Lewis Bowns scored tries for Truro with Ashley Hosking kicking a conversion and penalty.

St. Austell won the relegation derby against Saltash 31-17. James Martin (2), Ben Chenoweth, Miles Davey scored tries whilst Gavin Boyer converted a penalty-try and two other scores.

Wadebridge Camels lost 31-12 at Exeter University Adam Collings and Gary Gynn scored tries with Danny Thomas kicking a conversion.

Truro School have a Nat West Schools Cup U. 18 Quarter-final at home to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield on Wednesday 10th February, kick-off is likely to be early 11 am. Do come along to support the the Cornish lads.

The penulimate round of Tribute Cornwall RFU Clubs Cup pool matches took place on Saturday with wins for Liskeard-Looe, Helston, Camborne School of Mines, Perranporth and Illogan Park.

The final round will be held on Saturday February 13th.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Pirates secure berth in last eight of B&I Cup

Pic- Tyler Gendall scored two of the Pirates’ tries against London Welsh

 

The Cornish Pirates got the win they needed at Old Deer Park to qualify for the last eight of this season’s British & Irish Cup.
They defeated London Welsh 35-17 thanks to tries from from Aaron Carpenter, Tyler Gendall (2), Adam Jamieson and Tom Hendrickson with Laurence May, Kyle Moyle and Kieran Hallett kicking the rest of the points between them.

The Pirates can now look forward to a home quarter-final on either 12th/13th March.

In National league 2 South, Redruth battled to a fine 5-0 win against third placed Bishop’s Stortford at the Rec. Playing conditions became increasingly difficult as the game wore on. The Redruth defence was simply outstanding at times. Lewis Vinnicombe scored what proved to be the winning score on 6 minutes!

Another difficult week for the Cornish All Blacks ended in another heavy defeat at Clifton 50-15. Rob Dugard and Lloyd Duke scored tries with Fraser Honey adding a conversion and penalty. Sadly Jamie Tripcony picked up a red card on his 100th game for the club.

In Tribute South West 1 West, there is no stopping Camborne as they defeated struggling North Petherton 33-0. James Goldsworthy (2), David Roberts, John Drew and Jack Simmons scored tries with Ben Stean (3) and Rhys Brownfield adding conversions.

In Western Counties West, Truro maintained their good run with a 30-9 win over St. Austell, who are now just above the drop zone above Saltash and Penryn.

Darren Jacques (2), Luke Tidball and Dan Marsh scored tries with new signing Ashley Hosking adding a couple of conversions and two penalties.
Cavan Boyer kicked three penalties for the Saints.

Wadebridge Camels won their relegation battle with Saltash 45-0. Tries were scored by Dom Hawkey (2), Adam Collings, Matt Ballard, James Grubb and Danny Thomas with Grubb kicking three each of conversions and penalties.

Penryn picked up a losing bonus point at Exeter Uni 24-17, with a much better performance after last week’s loss to Camels. They will look to build this week against Tiverton at the Memorial ground.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish fought back to win 18-15 at Winchester. Trailing 12-6 at the break with just a couple of penalties from Tom Hupfield, Cornish scored second half tries through Craig Chatley and Ed Atkin with replacement Phil Dale adding a conversion to seal the win.

In the Cornwall and Devon League, Bude continue at the top following another huge win 61-0 against Tavistock, who beat them earlier in the season! Olly Denford (3), Kyle Speare (2), Tim Green (2), Steve Yates and Joe Wilson bagged the tries with Dan Pearce kicking eight conversions.

St. Ives got revenge over Falmouth for their defeat at the Rec earlier this season with a 17-3 win at Alexandra Road. Bobby Conroy-Smith, Jess Tompsett and Cameron Bone scored the tries with Grant Thirlby adding just the one conversion.
Tom Spiller kicked a penalty for the Eagles.

Pirates Amateurs beat Plymstock on the Mennaye 20-7. Rob Cutter and Danny Toolan scored their tries with Murray Westren, on loan from the Reds, kicking both conversions and a couple of penalties.

Bodmin won a tight affair 6-3 at Clifden Park. James Taylor kicked two penalties for the home side with Damain Lynes replying for the Lions.
Newquay Hornets were well beaten at Plymouth Argaum 64-0.

In Cornwall1, Camborne School of Mines lost for the second week running 7-10 at home to Illogan Park.
Veor won at home to Helston 29-0 and now trail the students by just five points, with a game-in-hand.
Lanner won comfortably at Enys Parc 43-10 against St. Agnes.
Perranporth conceded their league game to Liskeard-Looe, but played a friendly instead.

A big game in the Duchy league where Camborne reserves won at Launceston 20-0. It cut the East Cornwall side’s lead to just three points ahead of Town reserves and Redruth reserves.

Marvellous scenes at Sandy Park as the Chiefs defeated the Ospreys 33-17, that result coupled with Bordeaux’s win at Clermont 37-28 propelled the Chiefs into a quarter-final tie at Wasps in the European Champions Cup.

 

Pic Ian Gordon & John Rowe present balls to Jamie Tresidder (Lanner) & Jamie Watkins (St. Agnes)

Posted in Bill's Blog


Busy Rawlings plots Camels & County Under 20s paths

 

 

Pic – left Mike Rawlings plotting another Under 20 campaign

Wadebridge Camel’s head coach Mike Rawlings is a busy chap at the moment, not only is he trying to mastermind the Camel’s escape from the relegation zone in Tribute Western Counties West but he is also been called upon to play as his side has been hit by injuries.

Add to that his work with the Cornwall Under 20s who’s season will soon be starting!

I caught up with Mike following his side’s vital 19-16 win at Penryn last Saturday, which lifted them away from the drop zone for the present.

The result gave Rawlings a bit of breathing space as he plots to steer his side up the table. He said “That result takes a little bit of pressure of us, it will lift the lads following that poor performance the previous week against Truro. Next Saturday we have another vital game at home against Saltash who are also in trouble.

Rawlings knows from experience that battles at the foot of the table are often the toughest. “These relegation games are often the hardest, as we have seen today at Penryn, both sides fought until the end and the result could have gone either way, but for us to come away get the win is very pleasing.

“Both sides committed a lot of mistakes but that is the nature of the game, I think we were as guilty as Penryn of not looking after the ball more, I felt our presentation was not good enough. Getting the first score was huge bonus and lifted the spirits, having spent much of the first ten minutes soaking up Penryn pressure.

Rawlings was concerned about the number of penalties his side gave away. “I was concerned about the number of penalties we conceded and that did cost us with Matt Horton’s kicking for the Borough. In fairness to the referee he did warn us but the lads were too slow on the uptake and need to work on that going forward into the Saltash game.
Rawlings was also pleased with the way the Cornwall Under 20s squad is shaping up this season. “It’s looking like an exciting squad, we may be looking to play a slightly different style this season as we are not so big physically in the forwards, so a more mobile game is what we are looking at. I am confident in the skill set that the lads have and look forward to them playing a wider game and I think that prospect is very exciting.

Whilst Rawlings wants the squad to push on from last season, he acknowledges that this season may well be one of consolidation.

“We have lost a few of the lads from last season who made the semi-finals, but on the other hand we have got a good crop of youngsters coming in who will be with us for at least a couple of seasons. Maybe this season we will look to consolidate before pushing on and building the following year.

“We have got a few lads who are away at University, it’s a big commitment for them to travel down for either training or the games, but they want to play for the black and gold and that’s still the great attraction.

Cornwall’s group opponents are tough. “We start up at Berkshire who were finalists last season before travelling again to face Gloucestershire. We finish our pool games at home against Devon at Camborne, we will see where we are then with the top two sides going through to the quarter-finals.

County Under 20

Sunday 7 February – Berkshire v Cornwall @Redingensians RFC KO 2 pm

Sunday 28 February – Gloucestershire v Cornwall @Cinderford RFC KO 2 pm

Sunday 13 March – Cornwall v Devon @ Camborne RFC KO 2:00 pm

Quarter final Sunday 27 March, Semi-final Sunday 10 April

Finals day – Saturday 7 May @Twickenham.

Posted in Bill's Blog


More woes for Penryn as they lose derby game

cornwall-6

Pic – tough times for Benji Thomas at Penryn

 

The weather relented this week to allow the vast majority of the league and cup program to go ahead.

I took in two games this weekend, Penryn against Wadebridge Camels a basement battle derby in Tribute Western Counties West on Saturday, then

the following day down at the Mennaye to see the Cornish Pirates in B&I Cup action against Nottingham.

The affair at the Memorial Ground to start with; to be fair it was a game both sides will want to forget as both coaches acknowledged after the final

whistle, but a 19-16 win for the Camels gives them a lift going into next week’s home game against another struggling Cornish side Saltash.

Penryn have been hit hard by unavailability and injury this season, neither having to sit out the past two weekends will have helped.

Two first half tries from Matt Ballard and Richard Dawe both converted by James Grubb gave the Camels a 14-3 half-time lead with Matt Horton replying with a penalty for Penryn.

Horton continued to chip away with two further penalties for the Borough before Dom Hawkey scored the crucial third try.

Jordan Rose got Penryn back in it with a great try following a good mid-field break by Andrew Seviour with Horton adding the extras.

Despite several phases of play near the Wadebridge line Penryn couldn’t get over and when they knocked on that was it.

Elsewhere in Western Counties West, Truro kept up their good form with a 28-13 win at Saltash.

Ashley Riches (2), Luke Trescothick and Ethan Pattison scored the tries with Daryl Riches adding all four conversions.

For Saltash, Max Venables scored all their points with a try conversion and two penalties.

St. Austell make up the quartet of four Cornish clubs at the bottom of the table after losing at Tregorrick 15-8 to Devonport Services. James Martin scored their try with Andy Ashwin kicking a penalty.

Two defeats for our National League 2 sides on Saturday, Redruth travelled with justifiable hopes to Cambridge but lost 29-27. Reds still came away with two points as Ben Priddey got three tries and a penalty try. Dave Mankee kicked two conversions and a penalty.

For the Cornish All Blacks the losing run continues as they went down 38-5 to Worthing at Polson. Martin Kneebone with a consolation try.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne’s march continues on top of the table following their 24-8 win at Teignmouth.

Gareth Mankee (2), Rhys Brownfield and Neil Stanleick scored their tries with Ben Stean adding a couple of conversions. Town are still eleven points clear of Thornbury who have a game in hand.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, leaders Bude comforted their position with a fine 32-24 win at Falmouth.

Dan Pearce (2), Kyle Speare (2) and Joe Wilson scored their tries with Pearce landing a couple of conversions and a penalty.

Matt Lee scored a couple of tries for the Eagles both converted by Justyn Irons who also kicked four penalties.

St. Ives won their derby fixture against Hayle 55-3. Bobby Conroy-Smith led the try stakes with three. Lewis Thomas (2), Jess Tompsett, Ben Jenkins, Tom Nicholas and Louis Stevens also crossed for tries. Grant Thirlby added five conversions.

For the Lions Richards kicked a penalty.

Bodmin lost 45-10 at Honiton Josh Taylor scored their points with a try conversion and penalty.

Newquay’s game against Pirates Ams was postponed.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, a surprise as leaders Camborne School of Mines lost for the first time this season at Helston 17-8.
Veor closed the gap with a 45-7 win at Perranporth, whilst Lanner edged a close game against Liskeard-Looe on the Tregenver Road pitch at Falmouth.

St. Agnes look set for a swift return to Cornwall 2 as they forfeited their game to Illogan Park.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Roseland remain unbeaten after their 29-3 at Stithians, St. Just remain second having defeated Camelford 20-13 at Tregeseal, whilst Lankelly-Fowey won 17-12 at Redruth Albany.

The Cornish Pirates dispatched Nottingham 38-19 in their British and Irish Cup pool game. They had the bonus point win secured by half-time following tries from Tom Channon, Kyle Moyle, Tom Hendrickson and Marlen Walker.

Further second half tries came from Alex Day and Tom Duncan, Laurence May kicked four conversions.

It sets it up for a table topping decider at Old Deer Park next Saturday against London Welsh.

Tom Hendrickson’s try was a peach at the Mennaye yesterday, but my score of the weekend has to be Max Bodilly’s cracking try for Exeter Chiefs at Stade Chaban Delmas against Union Bordeaux Bègles. His interplay with Olly Woodburn was fantastic.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Reds revel in the mud

Once again the weather got the better of most of the fixtures last weekend in Cornwall.

With the Cornish Pirates “enjoying” a weekend off in the calendar, they get back to Cup action next Sunday against Nottingham, it down to other sides to take centre stage.

In National League 2 South, the Cornish All Blacks game at Taunton was rained off and will probably now be played on Saturday 12th March.
Redruth meanwhile maintained their fine run with a hard-fought win against Bury St. Edmunds 22-8.

The game was in doubt really up to kick-off, happily the officials gave the pitch the OK, much to the relief of all concerned.

It was never going to be a pretty affair in the conditions and so it proved. Redruth prevailed thanks to tries scored by Matt Gidlow, Kyle Marriott and Ben Priddey. Marriott had a towering game at No.8.

Dave Mankee did well to get three kicks in with his final conversion from the touchline being particularly pleasing in the conditions.
Redruth have now got a couple of tough games coming up with a trip to Cambridge this Saturday before receiving high-flyers Bishop’s Stortford the following week.

Camborne paraded their new signing Damien Cook before their home game against Avonmouth Old Boys in Tribute South West 1 West.
The Cherry and Whites belied the conditions to win comfortably 38-0 to maintain top spot. Tries were scored by Alex Ducker (3), Dave Roberts (2) and James Goldsworthy with Ben Stean adding four conversions.

Town will be hoping to maintain their run when they travel to Teignmouth this Saturday.

In the Tribute Western Counties West league, only two fixtures concerning Cornish clubs survived. One was a real game of two halves as Truro came from 19-6 down at half-time at Wadebridge Camels to win 30-19!

The result didn’t do the Camels any favours and they will travel to Penryn on Saturday knowing that both sides need the win to escape the bottom two.

Saltash lost at Devonport Services 32-10 to leave them still in trouble.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish got 2016 off to a good win with a 29-3 win at Effingham & Leatherhead. Mark Osei-Tutu, Ed Atkin, Simon Brading, Mark O’Leary and Stefan Duda with Josh Allinson kicking a couple of conversions.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, again just two games survived. Bude took the chance move to the top of the table with a 41-7 win against Hayle. Kyle Speare got three of their seven tries.

St. Ives also moved above previous leaders Withycombe after a 43-12 win at home to Honiton. Martyn Lawrence grabbed two tries with Todd Prisk, Pete Mabbott, Ben Taylor, Bobby Conroy-Smith and Cameron Bone all crossing for the Hakes. Grant Thirlby landed four conversions.
On Saturday, St. Ives travel down the estuary to Hayle! Whilst Bude travel to Falmouth!!

Two games survived in Tribute Cornwall 1, leaders Camborne School of Mines maintained their winning run with win number seven, this time against St. Agnes 39-14. Illogan Park won at Perranporth 23-12.

Jack Nowell had to come off injured for Exeter against Gloucester on Saturday, fingers crossed it’s not too serious and that he will figure in Eddie Jones’ squad for the Calcutta Cup game.

Cornwall’s sole Under 20 County Championship pool game in the Duchy against Devon will be played at Camborne on Sunday 13th March kick-off 2pm.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Bonus point win just the tonic for Truro

Photo – Darren Jacques Truro’s skipper

The weather almost won the day last weekend with many league and cup matches having to be postponed and those that were played having to contend with fierce wind and driving rain.

I went to Truro to see their game in Tribute Western Counties West against Devonport Services along with about fifty other hardy souls!
Thankfully the referee passed the pitch fit following great work during the morning by the Truro ground staff.

Truro prevailed 28-8 with three tries scored by full back Luke Tidball plus one from player-coach prop Darren Jacques. Daryl Riches kicked a penalty during the first half whilst his replacement “Eggy” Williams kicked a penalty and converted Jacques’ try.

It proved to be the only Cornish success at this level last weekend. St. Austell lost at home to leaders Kingsbridge 7-12. Andy Ashwin converting a penalty try to at least give the Saints a losing bonus point.

Saltash were defeated at Moorlands 0-40 by Cullompton!

Wadebridge Camels, who were due to play in the Intermediate Cup against Okehampton but were given a bye, played their originally scheduled league game against Torquay Athletic lost 29-13. Jake Grubb with their try, whilst James Grubb converted and kicked two penalties.
Penryn’s game at Crediton was a non-starter.

The Cornish Pirates got 2016 off to the best possible start with 38-21 Championship win at Rotherham Titans. Prop Marlen Walker bagged himself three tries with Laurie McGlone, Sam Arnott and Tom Duncan also crossing. Laurence May kicked four conversions.

The Pirates had a scare when Titans scored three tries whilst McGlone was in the bin to come back to 21-33 but Duncan’s late score soothed the nerves.

In National League 2 South on Sunday Redruth won at Southend 21-10, thanks to two tries from Kyle Marriott and one from Tom Cowan-Dickie, all converted by Dave Mankee. That result consolidates Redruth’s fifth place in the table prior to the visit of Bury St. Edmunds this Saturday.

Launceston’s game against Canterbury was postponed and will be played on Saturday 27th February which is a weekend set aside for the England Counties fixture against Scottish Clubs XV at Netherdale, Galashiels on the Friday evening.

Camborne extended their lead at the top of Tribute South West 1 West back to eleven points after a last-gasp win at Bideford 17-16. Alex Ducker, who has re-signed for the club he left last summer, proved to be the hero scoring the winning try deep in injury time. Rhys Brownfield and James Goldsworthy scored the other tries with Brownfield kicking a conversion.

There were just two games that survived in Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth Eagles demolished Newquay Hornets 51-0 mat the Rec. Tom Job (2), Justyn Irons (2), AJ Geach, Tom Edmonds and Dave Jones all scored tries with Irons kicking five conversions and two penalties.

Newquay Hornets were also due to play in the Senior Vase but (wisely) conceded their tie to Withycombe.

Bodmin lost 25-12 at Plymstock Albion Oaks with Josh Taylor slotting four penalties.

There was a cup tie played when Veor travelled to the Brickfields to play Tamar Saracens in the Junior Vase but lost 29-8.
Two other re-arranged Tribute Cornwall Club Cup ties between Liskeard-Looe and Camelford and Stithians v Helston were also rained off.

Posted in Bill's Blog


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