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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Picture Geoff Hitchens – Brad Howe & Peter Joyce

There was a good fixture list around the duchy on Boxing Day to tempt out the fans to the various clubs.

Whilst some were holiday fixtures there were others that have stood the test of times, none more so than Camborne v Redruth, or for those on the Fal, Penryn against Falmouth.

A good crowd of some 1,500 plus were at the Recreation Ground to see the Mining Division derby for the Rodda’s Milk Cup.
Despite playing in the teeth of a gale, both sides produced a fine game devoid of any of the usual “derby” shenanigans moving referee Kevin Williams to remark that it was the most pleasant “derby” between the two sides he had officiated!

Redruth retained the cup 22-15, thanks to tries scored by Pale Nonu, Brad Howe, Shaun Buzza and Luke Hattam. Brett Rule did well to kick a conversion in the howling gale.

Howe had a fine game and deservedly picked up the TASC Tony Pill Memorial Cup as man-of-the-match although Hattam pushed him all the way.
For Town, Neil Stanleick, Noah Sixton and Jack Simmons scored excellent tries with James Goldsworthy deservedly picking up the Camborne man-of-the-match plaudits.

In the morning Redruth also won both the Reserves fixture 20-13, with Adam Hosking scoring perhaps the try of Boxing Day selling a couple of dummies before going over, and the Colts fixture 25-17.

In Penryn, the Borough downed Falmouth Eagles 29-7 and the Reserves clinched a club double at the Recreation Ground in the morning with a large win.

On Sunday there was Championship action when the Cornish Pirates entertained Jersey on a muddy Mennaye in front of a crowd of 2,350.

Picture Simon Bryant – Ian Davies happy with the Yuletide win

Still stinging from their Cup defeat at the hands of Cardiff the previous week, Pirates tore into the Channel Islanders scoring a try with barely a minute on the clock through Aaron Carpenter. Laurence May added the extras and then a penalty shortly after for a useful 10-0 advantage.

May kicked a second penalty before former Pirate and Redruth ace Aaron Penberthy cut the deficit for Jersey with a penalty.
May kicked a third penalty to leave the Pirates 16-3 up at half-time.

Jersey made a great start to the second half with a try from Tongan No.8 Uili Kolo’ofa’i with Penberthy making it a seven pointer, but that was as close as they would get despite the Pirates losing Matt Evans to sin-bin and having to withstand a Channel storm from visitors.

Director of Rugby Ian Davies was pleased with his side’s performance. “I thought we scored a good maul try off the first play of the game when we may have caught them [Jersey] cold,” he said. “The boys came up with that set play and it worked really well. It’s just unfortunate we didn’t get another chance to try it.
“I think we left a couple of tries out there if we’re honest. A little bit of excitement on one occasion where we tried to give another pass, when another phase should have been taken. And also perhaps some over exuberance at a breakdown a couple of others.”

It just leaves me to wish One & All a very Happy New Year, Bledhen Nowyth Da!

Photo- Reds’ head coach Steve Larkins felt his side were comfortable throughout

The Cornish derby between Redruth and Launceston is always a fixture that is eagerly anticipated by both sets of supporters and Saturday’s encounter was no different.

The heavy rain overnight and during the morning made the pitch heavy, whilst the unwelcome strong wind negated any constructive play proving to be great leveller between the sides.

Launceston’s woeful season continues and at the half-way point the portents are not good for the east Cornwall side.

Picture – Launceston head coach Jimmy Tucker felt his players fronted up well

Redruth won comfortably enough thanks to the power of their pack with tries from lock Ashley Lawton and flanker Ben Priddey, whilst Sam Parsons try sealed the win with full back Brett Rule kicking a fine conversion to complete a 17-0 win.

The game was also the 1st leg of this season’s Tribute CRFU Super Cup, so the Reds will defend their advantage when they travel to Polson in April.
Quite what the future of the Super Cup is remains to be seen for next season.

Redruth travel to Camborne on Boxing Day for the yuletide derby to defend the Rodda’s Milk Cup in front of a large crowd.

Down the road at the Mennaye the Cornish Pirates lost for the first time in this season’s British & Irish cup when Cardiff Blues gained revenge for their defeat at the Arms Park last week with a 18-15 win in Cornwall.

The Pirates points came thanks to a penalty-try award and a touchdown from Max Bodilly. Laurence May kicked a penalty and conversion.
With London Welsh defeating Nottingham they now top the pool after 4 rounds.

In Tribute South West 1 West, leaders Camborne travelled with a few regulars missing and paid the price as they failed to pick up any league points for the first time this season as they lost 38-25 at Thornbury.

“Town” did score three tries through prop John Drew, scrum-half Taron Peacock and No.8 Neil Stanleick. Fly-half Rhys Brownfield converted two tries and kicked a couple of penalties.

Camborne are still 7 points ahead of the chasing pack.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, Truro lost at Kingsbridge 25-18. Daryl Richards and Ethan Patterson scored tries with George Badcock kicking the rest of the points.

Penryn had another morale boosting win when they defeated Sidmouth 27-26 at the Memorial Ground.

Alex Ducker (2), Kirk Oldfield, Ben Ashwin and Ben Trevaskis scored tries with Jake Seviour adding an important conversion.

St. Austell picked up a losing bonus point at leaders Exeter University as the went down 15-10. Ben Chenoweth scored the Saint’s try with Andy Ashwin adding the conversion and a penalty.

Saltash lost at Tiverton 10-3 with Max Venables kicking their sole points.

Wadebridge Camels picked up a welcome draw at Crediton 17 all. James Grubb and Adam Collings scored tries with Danny Thomas adding both conversions and a penalty.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish won a proverbial game of two halves 22-20 to go into their festive break well placed in the league.
Trailing 20-0 to Weybridge Vandals at half-time the Exiles roared back in the second period.

Tries were scored by Josh Allison, Tom Jeffery and Tom Hupfield with Phil Dale kicking two conversions and a penalty.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude were leading 45-7 against Plymstock when the game was called-off following injury to an Oaks player.
Joe Wilson (2), Steve Yates, Dan Pearce, Liam Cook, Ollie Denford and Freddie Saxton scored tries with Pearce adding five conversions. The game was halted on 64 minutes, so league officials will decide if the result stands. I would think it likely.
St. Ives, who have been boosted with the re-signing of lock Todd Prisk from Fylde, are still hot on Bude’s tails following their 55-0 win against Exeter Saracens. Ben Taylor (2), Todd Prisk, Sean Stevens, Jamie Prisk, Paul Thirlby, Grant Thirlby, Cameron Bone and Martyn Lawrence scored tries with Thirlby G adding five conversions.

Falmouth lost ground following their first home defeat of the season at the hands of Pirates Amateurs 18-27. Jack Lusdale (2) and Jamie Semmens (2) scored tries with Lusdale kicking the other points.

For the Eagles Dan Kirk and Tom Spiller scored tries with the trusty boot of Justyn Irons kicking the other points.

Hayle had a very good win at Tavistock 15-12. Tony Matthews and Dom Lello scored tries for the Lions with Steve Richards kicking the points.

Newquay Hornets got their first win of the season when they defeated Honiton 12-3. Tim Eustice and George Fox scored tries with Ryan Johns adding a conversion.

Leaders Withycombe won 20-0 at Bodmin.

In the latest round of pool matches in the Cornwall Clubs Cup there were wins for Liskeard-Looe, Roseland and Lanner, whilst there were walkovers for Illogan Park against Albany and St. Just, against School of Mines, who are presumably all on holiday!

Exeter Chiefs couldn’t repeat their fine win of the previous week against Clermont Auvergne at stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday as they went down 42-10 in central France.

Hot of the press the Bay Shield game between St. Ives and Hayle has been cancelled for Boxing Day.

It just remains for me to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Nadelik Lowen. Remember the rugby all starts again on Boxing Day!

Photo – The Tony Pill Memorial Cup will once again be up for grabs for the Man-of-the-Match between Camborne & Redruth

Check with clubs re kick-off times.

BUDE V PRESIDENT’S XV

BODMIN PRESIDENT’S XV V LANKELLY-FOWEY KO 11 AM

CAMBORNE V REDRUTH (RODDA’S MILK CUP) KO 2:30 PM

HELSTON V PRESIDENT’S XV

PERRANPORTH V CHAIRMAN’S XV KO 2PM

PENRYN V FALMOUTH KO 2:30 PM

ST. IVES V HAYLE (BAY SHIELD) – CANCELLED

ST. IVES V ST. IVES VETS/EXILES

NEWQUAY HORNETS V CHAIRMAN’S XV KO 11:00 AM

PIRATES AMATEURS V GEOFF COCK MEM XV KO 2:00 PM

SALTASH V ST. BONIFACE OLD BOYS KO 11:00 AM

TRURO RESERVES V ROSELAND KO 12:30 PM

REDRUTH RES V CAMBORNE RES KO 11 AM

CAMBORNE COLTS V REDRUTH COLTS KO 11 AM

VEOR V CAMBORNE VETS – OFF

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell (pictured below) says he and his team-mates are expecting much tougher resistance from French rivals ASM Clermont-Auvergne when the two lock horns again this Sunday in the European Champions Cup, writes Exeter Chief’s media officer Mark Stevens.

Fresh from seeing off last season’s beaten finalists 31-14 at Sandy Park last weekend, the high flying Devonians go head-to-head with the same opponents this weekend at the imposing Stade Marcel Michelin.

Cornishman Nowell knows from past experience that French teams on their own patch are a much different proposition and is expecting a backlash of sorts from the current Top 14 leaders.

“It’s going to be another tough game,” warned England star Nowell. “French sides tend to step it up at home, so the key thing for us has been to recover well this week and prepare right for the next game.

“Obviously we will do our homework on them again and there’s lots to go with from the game we’ve just played. In some ways it’s easy to say do the same as we did in this game, but we know it will be much different over there.”

Although the Chiefs trailed 14-3 during the first half at Sandy Park, Rob Baxter’s side bounced back impressively to secure the all-important bonus try bonus point with scores from forwards Thomas Waldrom (2), Don Armand and Mitch Lees.

Post-match, Nowell – who himself enjoyed a stellar performance – was quick to pay tribute to the Exeter pack, who in recent weeks have not only dismantled rivals from Clermont, but also Harlequins and Wasps.

“The group of forward we have and the way they are performing, they are winning games for us,” added Nowell. “They are putting us on the front foot and then us backs are doing what we do best.”

And even though the Chiefs trailed to one of Europe’s most recognised teams, Nowell insisted there was no panic within the home ranks at any stage.

He continued: “We have been down at times this season, but the belief in the team is massive. A couple of years we may have let it affect us and maybe we would have looked to have changed something.

“We always knew it was going to be tough in the first half, especially against the wind, but the big thing was the belief we had to carry on going, stick to our game plan and know that things will eventually click into place.”

With new England coach Eddie Jones among those watching from the sidelines, Nowell did his own international hopes no harm with an outstanding display, alongside that of man-of-the-match Waldrom.

“I wasn’t aware he was here,” joked Nowell. “For me, it’s all very simple and that’s to play well for Exeter first and foremost. As players you know the only way to get picked for England is by performing well for your club.

“This win is right up there for me. People always ask what is your favourite game and it would be easy to say it’s your first cap. However, the one that sticks in my mind was the Toulon game here a few years back.

“We put in a great performance that day, but to play a side like Clermont like we did today and to beat them in the manner we did, I think that’s probably overtaken that other game now. It’s definitely one of my best moments here.”

The Cornish Pirates came out on top of their British and Irish Cup encounter on Sunday against Cardiff Blues (Premiership Select) at the Arms Park 22-10.
There were two tries from winger Jack Arnott plus a touchdown from skipper Aaron Carpenter with fly-half Laurence May kicking a penalty and two conversions.
Both sides meet again this Saturday at the Mennaye kick-off 3 pm with the Pirates hoping to go one better and get five points from the fixture.
It was great to be able to watch the game thanks to S4C.
On Saturday both our National League 2 sides were defeated.
Redruth travelled to the capital to face Barnes and lost 36-31. They scored five tries through Rob Coote (2), Sam Parsons, Ben Priddey and Ashley Lawton, with Brett Rule kicking three conversions.
So the Reds travelled home with a couple of points but would have wanted more from this fixture and will feel frustrated at having scored five tries and still lost.
The basement battle went the way of Chinnor at Polson Bridge 21-10 leaving the Cornish All Blacks 16 points adrift at the foot of the table. Jake Childs and Ben Hilton scored unconverted tries for the home side.
This Saturday sees Launceston travel west to face Redruth with a 2pm kick-off.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne bounced back from their single point defeat at Newent to defeat Wells 24-0 thanks to tries from Andrius Zacharovas, Taron Peacock and skipper Dave Roberts. Ben Stean kicked two conversions and a penalty with Rhys Brownfield slotting the last conversion.
Town are now 11 points clear at the top and travel to face in-form Thornbury on Saturday, a challenge that Director of rugby Liam Chapple (pictured) is relishing.
In Tribute Western Counties West, it’s a shame to see so many Cornish clubs battling at the wrong end of the table.
St. Austell defeated Penryn 20-10 to keep the Borough firmly at the foot of the table.
Dan Jane and Shane Johns scored tries for the Saints whilst Andy Ashwin landed both conversions and a couple of penalties.
For Penryn Alex Ducker scored a try which was converted by Jake Seviour who also added a penalty.
Truro lost at the death to visitors Tiverton 25-27 at St. Clements Hill with former Launceston player Wayne Sprangle doing most of the damage with three tries.
Matt Symons, Rikki Brandon and “Eggy” Williams scored tries with Williams also kicking two conversions and a penalty. Jake Champion added a third conversion.
Wadebridge Camels leap-frogged Cullompton with a narrow win 17-16 at the Molesworth Field. James Grubb scored a try and kicked two conversions and a penalty, whilst Will Pengelly scored the second try.
Saltash lost at home to Exeter University 21-8. Will Morton scored a try and Max Venables kicked a penalty.
Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish remain in second spot following their 23-10 win at Old Reigatian. Ben Ievers and Craig Chatley scored tries with Josh Allison kicking both conversions and three penalties.
In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League, Bude got back to winning ways following their defeat at home to Withycombe the previous week with a fine 53-12 win at Exeter Saracens. Duncan Tout (3), Joe Wilson (2), Ollie Denford (2) and Dan Pearce (2) scored the tries with Pearce kicking four conversions.
St. Ives came away from Raleigh Park with a fine 23-20 win over leaders Withycombe. Cameron Bone, Bobby Conroy-Smith and Sam Carter scored the Hakes’ tries with Grant Thirlby kicking a conversion and a couple of penalties.
Falmouth Eagles soared to a fine win at Hayle 37-16, John Tyson (2), Tom Edmonds and Chris McColl scored the Eagles tries with Justyn Irons landing all four conversions and three penalties. Hayle contrived to have three men in the bin during the second half scored points from an Ashley White try converted by Scott Harvey who also landed three first half penalties.

Pirates Amateurs defeated Bodmin 46-26 at the Mennaye. Newquay Hornets forfeited their game at Paignton.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Camborne School of Mines had a walkover against Liskead-Looe to stay top.
Veor stay second following their walkover against St. Agnes.
Two games that were played saw Perranporth win 30-17 at Helston, whilst Lanner won at Illogan Park 17-15.
In Tribute Cornwall 2, Roseland remain top after a narrow 6-3 win at Camelford.
St. Just remain second following their 32-3 win at Lankelly-Fowy. Ben Guy scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Stithians won 27-5 at Redruth Albany.
The Trelawnys Army Colts league is set for a grand finale next weekend following Helston’s 20-7 win at St. Austell on Saturday.

Photo – TASC committee members Trixie Gordon and Marina Trevarton presenting match balls to the captains of St. Austell and Helston Colts.
Tries from Kyle Bradley (2) and John England along with a penalty and conversion from scrum-half Dan Duval sets Helston up for the league so long as they beat St. Ives next Saturday.
St. Austell could still pip Helston if they slip up but they will need a bonus point win at Redruth to do so.
Have to mention Exeter Chiefs’ fine win over Clermont Auvergne on Saturday evening a bonus point 33-14 win to boot.
Another sparking performance from Jack Nowell in front of new England coach Eddie Jones!