Camborne Reserves 24 – 7 Cornwall Clubs

Camborne Reserves got some much needed game time ahead of their crucial Tribute Duchy League run in, with a victory over the Clubs XV under floodlights at Crane Park, reports Martin Symons.

The Cherry & Whites led by 12-0 early on with tries from prop Andrius Zachorovas and No 8 Olly Reynolds and a conversion by wing Kieran Whitfeld.

The County side were competitive throughout and hit back with a try and conversion from Illogan Park’s scrum-half Nick Prout.

Before half time the home side deservedly stretched their advantage to 17-7, when lock Damien George was mauled over.

The second half was nip and tuck with defences on top, but Town did manage to increase their lead towards the end of the third quarter: Sam Bartle on as a substitute No 8 was driven over from close range and replacement fly half Matt Downing struck a well judged conversion.

There were no further scores before the final whistle of an entertaining game.

Photo credit – Dan Barbary. Line out action as Camborne Reserves take on Cornwall Clubs

Photo Liam Chapple has guided Camborne back to the National Leagues

Camborne clinched the Tribute South West 1 West title on Saturday along with promotion to National 3 SW next season with a fine 25-0 win at Wells.

The Cherry and Whites set their stall out in the first minute with an Alex Ducker try converted by Rhys Brownfield.

Brownfield add the extras to centre Jack Simmons’ try for a useful 14-0 half-time advantage.

A couple of second half penalties and a conversion of Ducker’s second try by Brownfield ensured that the champagne corks were popping in the Cherry and Whites’ changing room at the final whistle.

Town will be looking to celebrate with their supporters on Saturday following their final home game of the season against Thornbury.

Photo Simon Bryant: Ian Davies will take charge for the final time at the Mennaye on Sunday.

No game for the Cornish Pirates last weekend. Sunday will see them play their final home game of the Championship season against London Welsh, who won the British & Irish Cup on Sunday. It will be sad to say farewell to many including Director of Rugby Ian Davies, who has done so much for rugby not only at the Cornish Pirates, but in general throughout Cornwall. Ian we shall miss you and we wish the very best for the future.

Redruth enjoyed another away win 44-25 at Old Elthamians in National League 2 South. Skipper Sam Parsons (2), Tom Cowan-Dickie (2), Lewis Vinnicombe and John Stevens all crossed for tries, with Dave Mankee kicking four conversions and a penalty with Brett Rule adding a further penalty.

The win consolidates Redruth’s fourth place in the league. Cambridge are assured of at least a play-off spot following Saturday’s results.

The Cornish All Blacks went down to another defeat at Polson against Bishop’s Stortford 56-7. Tom Sandercock scored their only try with Fraser Honey adding the conversion.

I took in the Western Counties West game at Penryn between the Borough and St. Austell. An exciting game ended in a narrow 23-22 win for Penryn, which keeps their hopes of avoiding the drop alive for another week.

Martin Strick scored eighteen of his side’s points with a try, three penalties and two conversions. Will Paine scored the other try.

For St Austell, Sam Kendall, Andy Inch, Cavan Boyer and Ben Chenoweth all scored tries, with Boyer adding just the one conversion.

St Austell were left frustrated having scored four tries and losing the game!

The other games in this league involving Cornish clubs saw them all lose!

Truro lost 56-26 at Tiverton. Andy Riches (2), Luke Tidball and Matt Symons scored tries for Truro to get a least a bonus point with Ashley Hosking kicking three conversions.

Wadebridge Camels picked up a losing bonus point at Cullompton, going down 18-14. Mark Grubb and Matt Ballard scored tries with Danny Thomas adding both conversions.

Saltash lost at Exeter University 55-24 to remain bottom. Ben Hocking, Sean Crawford and Simon Nance scored tries with Todd Crofts kicking the other points.

In London 2 SW London Cornish lost their top of the table clash with Cobham 12-5. Cobham are confirmed Champions, with Cornish looking to secure a play-off place at Weybridge this Saturday. Mark Osei-Tutu scored the exiles’ only try.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, congratulations to Bude, who secured promotion despite not playing as Exeter Saracens forfeited the game. Bude need one more point to secure the title.

St Ives won their promotion tussle with Withycombe 37-14. Martyn Lawrence (2), Ben Taylor (2) and Tom Nicholas scored tries with Grant Thirlby kicking the other points. St Ives should wrap up promotion next weekend at Exeter Saracens.

Falmouth beat Hayle 28-15 thanks to tries from Tom Symons (2), David Jones and Paul Saberton, all converted by Justyn Irons.

For Hayle, Damien Lynes and Danny Clackworthy scored tries, with Lynes kicking a conversion and penalty.

Bodmin had one of their best wins of the season, defeating Pirates Amateurs 35-24. Paul Carter, Ashley Carter, Lee Taylor and Cody Armstrong all scored tries to get the bonus point, with Jamie Taylor kicking fifteen points.

For the Amateurs, Steve Evans, Ryan Cornish, Ryan Stanley and Treve Dugdale all scored tries for a bonus point, with James Tresize kicking a couple of conversions.

Newquay Hornets almost pulled off a third win, only losing to visitors Paignton by a point 19-20. Aaron McPherson, Tom Eustice and George Fox all scored tries, with Ryan Johns adding a couple of conversions.

On Friday evening at Wadebridge Camels, the finals of the Cornwall Colts Cup and Shield took place.

In appalling weather the Colts Cup was won by Helston 8-7 in a tight game against St Austell.

Photo – Paul Duval: Helston Colts 2016 Winners of League & Cup

Helston were almost made to pay the price for not taking the points on offer in the conditions. After a scoreless first half, Helston took the lead with a penalty kicked by skipper Dan Duval, before adding an unconverted try dotted down by winger Ben Richards out wide. St Austell struck back immediately with a converted try to set up a tense finale.

Helston add the Cup to the League they won before Christmas, to complete a fine season.

Some cheer for Launceston, as their colts won the Shield with a 20-14 win over Camborne, scoring four unconverted tries through centre Tom Osborne with a first half brace and then during the second half from hooker Harry Lightfoot and replacement lock Hugh Green.

It was a great evening and TASC was delighted to be able to sponsor the finals.

Photo – Liam Chapple has guided Camborne to brink of National League return

It was without doubt the big game of the weekend with the most riding on the outcome. In the end Camborne’s 19-12 win against Newent wasn’t quite enough to guarantee the long cherished dream of a return to the National Leagues, however with the champagne still on ice the corks could be popping on Saturday if “Town” can get the right result at struggling Wells.

Centre Jack Simmons scored the only try for the Cherry and Whites, with full back Rhys Brownfield showing great maturity to add the conversion and four crucial penalties.

Good to learn there was a good crowd at Camborne and hopefully they will turn out in force again when Camborne take on Thornbury in their final home league game on 16th April.

In the Greene King Championship the Cornish Pirates came off second best in fifteen try thriller at Bedford Blues which ended 54-46 to the home side.

Pirates’ seven tries were scored by Tom Riley (2), skipper for the day Tom Duncan, Alex O’Meara, Matt Evans, Joe Atkinson and Alex Cheesman. Will Cargill landed three conversions and a penalty with Kieran Hallett also kicking a conversion.

“It was incredibly enjoyable,” said Ian Davies after the game, going on to add “Although the score in the end reflects that Bedford perhaps just deserved to edge it, I am proud of the players for getting back into the game near the end to score those two tries.

“Each team gave a couple of soft tries away, but having said that there were some crackers. It provided some welcome sunshine. Both sides wanted to play, and there was plenty of great rugby to witness.”

The Cornish Pirates have a weekend off before their final home game of the season against London Welsh, which will also mark Director of Rugby Ian Davies’ final game in charge at the Mennaye.

In National League 2 South, Redruth maintained their good form with a 27-16 win against Clifton. Kyle Marriott, Hugo Culverhouse, Sam Stevens and a Penalty-try award secured the bonus point with Dave Mankee adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.

A fine game from the back row notably John Stevens who seemed to be everywhere.

Head coach Steve Larkins was delighted with his side’s performance and told me that plans were all ready well in advance for next season with player signings hopefully being announced in the not too distant future.

Photo – Steve Larkins already looking ahead to next season with the Reds.

It was a hard day for Launceston as the Cornish All Blacks lost to Champions elect Cambridge 109-0. Irrespective of one’s club affiliations, no one likes to see a Cornish side on the wrong end of such a score-line. The Blacks will come again.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro had a walkover against Exeter University, whose participation in league rugby next season remains the subject of much speculation. This is due to the formation of a new BUCS competition, which will involve some Saturday fixtures. A decision will have to be made soon as it will have ramifications for the league set-up next season!

Saltash won the basement battle against Penryn 29-25, Craig Jones (2), Ollie Mulberry and Will Morton scored the tries in the Ashes’ first league win since October! Todd Crofts kicked the remaining points.

For the Borough Jordan Rose, Andrew Seviour and Will Payne scored tries with Martin Strick kicking a couple of penalties and conversions. Penryn remain seven points adrift of safety with four games to play!

St Austell did their prospects of avoiding being pulled into the mire the power of good with a 46-10 win against Torquay Athletic. James Martin (2), Shane Johns, Pete Rowe, Callum Wilson and Ben Chenoweth all scored tries with Cavan Boyer kicking five conversions and a couple of penalties.

Wadebridge Camels lost at home to promotion seeking Okehampton 5-9. Mark Grubb with their sole try.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish stormed back from a 17-3 half-time deficit at home to Old Regatian to win 25-17 with Tom Ievers scoring their final try. The result keeps them in a play-off place before Saturday’s home game against leaders Cobham.

In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League, Bude have almost booked their return to Western Counties West next season following their 40-19 win at third place Withycombe.

Bude’s tries were scored by Joe Wilson, Will Kingdon, Kyle Speare (2), Duncan Tout and Dan Pearce, who also kicked five conversions.

St. Ives did their prospects no harm with a 31-0 win at Bodmin. Louis Stevens, Guy Pallett, Todd Prisk, Sam Carter and a pen-try award were the five pointers for the Hales with Lewis Thomas adding three conversions.

This Saturday St. Ives face Withycombe at Alexandra Road.

Falmouth lost a ding-dong battle at Honiton 34-31. Bradley Cox, Justyn Irons and Nick Carne with Irons kicking the other points.

Pirates Amateurs won their derby game with Hayle 33-7, Ashley Weston, Jamie Barrett, Trev Dugdale, Charlie Goldsworthy and James Tresize all scored tries with Tresize also adding four conversions.

Newquay Hornets forfeited their game at Plymstock.

The Champion of Tribute Cornwall 1 will go down to the final game of the season in two weeks time with either Camborne School of Mines or Lanner taking the title.

The Students remain in pole position, three points clear of Lanner who beat Veor 18-14, Veor could yet finish as runners up if they defeat CSM in their final game with a bonus point and Lanner fail to beat Perranporth and unlikely scenario.

Undoubtedly the Students have the tougher fixture at Veor but a narrow win will see them crowned champions.

Helston, who lost at home to Liskeard-Looe 16-12, could yet climb out of the relegation berth if they beat winless St Agnes in their final game condemning Perranporth to Cornwall 2 alongside Aggie.

Illogan Park defeated Perranporth 21-8 in a game that also doubled as a Clubs Cup quarter-final.

Tribute Cornwall 2 program was wrapped up with Champions Roseland defeating Camelford  31-17 for an unbeaten league season.

Runners-up St. Just beat Lankelly-Fowey 33-0. Stithians defeated bottom side Redruth Albany 22-3.

This coming Friday evening sees the Final of the Trelawny’s Army Colts Cup at Wadebridge Camels RFC at 8:00 pm between Helston and St. Austell. It will be preceded by the Vase Final at  6:30 pm.

Congratulations to Camborne’s Michaella Roberts who has been selected for the England U18 Talent development group game against Canada on Tuesday 5th April at Bicton college Devon. Having represented the South West Division against the North Michaella received a call up to the squad for this game and will start as loose head prop.

The talented front rower has also recently played women’s rugby for Championship side Plymouth Albion again the Royal Navy women scoring two tries and won forward of the match in Albion’s 22-10 victory.

A fantastic weekend for Cornish rugby culminated on Saturday evening with Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie both being on the pitch at the final whistle as England’s 31-21 win clinched a first Grand Slam for the red rose since 2003.

Jack played every minute of the whole campaign, scored a try in the Calcutta Cup game and put in the tackle of the tournament on Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw to deny the defending 6 Nations Champions what could have proved a vital score.

Luke, having come back from injury, got his chance as a bench replacement in the last two games and was solid when replacing skipper Dylan Hartley in Paris.

Newlyn and Cornwall can be justifiably proud of her two sons.

Sadly there is to be no British & Irish Cup glory for Cornish Pirates DoR Ian Davies to depart the Mennaye with.
Pirates lost their semi-final at Old Deer Park to London Welsh 36-15. Matt Evans and Stuart Townsend scored tries with Laurence May kicking a conversion and penalty.

The final will be between London Welsh and Yorkshire Carnegie who just got the better of Jersey 33-32. The final will be played at Headingley.

In National 2 South Redruth squeezed out a narrow 10-8 win at Worthing thanks to a Dave Mankee penalty in the last few minutes. Brad Howe scored the Red’s only try with Mankee again adding the extras.

The Cornish All Blacks suffered a terrible defeat at home 79-0 against Bury St. Edmunds.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne are now just one win away from claiming their place back in the National Leagues following their 45-17 win at Bridgwater.

Town scored seven tries with winger Alex Ducker bagging a hat-trick, flanker Neil Stanleick a brace with Richie Kevern and Damien Cook also getting scores. Rhys Brownfield kicked five conversions.

Camborne’s next league game is on Saturday week when second place Newent pitch up. It’s going to be a huge occasion worthy of a big Camborne crowd.

On Saturday I took in Tribute Western Counties West derby at Penryn who took on Truro.

With the club pennant at half-mast a minute’s silence was observed prior to the game, in memory of former Penryn captain and county hooker Roger Harris who passed away the previous weekend aged 76.

Photo – Both sides observe a minute’s silence for former Penryn captain Roger Harris

Despite both sides missing players, it proved to be an excellent game with Truro just edging it with a try in the last few minutes from full back Luke Tidball, 22-17.

A Harvey Bell try, and a penalty-try award, that incensed the Borough faithful, plus points from the boot of captain Ashley Hosking made up the Truro total.

For Penryn, Matt Horton kicked four penalties whilst hooker Jordan Smith, how very appropriate given the occasion, scored an opportunist try.

St. Austell drew 15 – 15 at Crediton. Sam Rhodes and Cornwall Under 20 player Will Gilder scored tries, with Cav Boyer kicking the other points.

Wadebridge Camels lost 26-15 at leaders Kingsbridge, Will Pengelly and Adam Blackmore scored tries for the Camels whilst Danny Thomas kicked a conversion and James Grubb a penalty.

Saltash remain bottom following another defeat this time at Torquay Athletic 32-16. Kyle Felton scores their sole try, converted by Todd Crofts who also landed two penalties, with Max Venables also kicking a penalty.

In London 2 SW a huge win for London Cornish at Basingstoke 72-5. The Exiles scored twelve tries with Pete Calvert scoring a hat-trick.

In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League, Bude defeated Bodmin 40-10 thanks to tries from Ollie Denford (2), Kyle Speare (2) and Dan Pearce (2), Pearce also landed five conversions. For Bodmin Phil Carter and James Taylor scored tries.

St Ives won a lively derby with Pirates Amateurs 22-21; both sides had a player red-carded!

For the Hakes, Todd Prisk, Jamie Prisk, Martyn Lawrence and Bobby Conway-Smith scored tries with Grant Thirlby kicking two conversions. For the Ams, Jamie Barrett, Rhodri McAtee and Steve Evans scored tries with James Tresize kicking two conversions and Evans the other.

Falmouth won at home against Paignton 30-0. David Jones (2), Tom Job, Mark Lea, and Ian Rowe scored tries with Justyn Irons kicking the other points. The game was cut short following a bad injury to a Paignton player.

Hayle lost at home to Honiton 27-19. Scott Harvey, Damian Lynes and skipper Mitchell scored tries with Harvey kicking a couple of conversions.

Newquay Hornets bagged a second league win with a 29-13 over Exeter Saracens. George Fox, Ed Cosgrove, Matt Burbridge and Connor Boyling scored tries for the Hornets with Ryan Johns kicking three conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Camborne School of Mines 33-17 win at Liskeard-Looe also counted as a Tribute Clubs Cup quarter-final win.

Lanner remain second after their 28-24 win over Illogan Park. Veor are third a further two points behind Lanner following a big 64-14 win at St. Agnes. Perranporth defeated Helston in a vital relegation game 21-8.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, congratulations to Roseland who are champions following their 42-0 win at Redruth Albany.
St. Just will finish runners-up following their 25-17 win at Stithians, whilst Camelford drew at home with Lankelly-Fowey 7-7.

Photo- Roger Harris (left) with former Penryn & Cornwall team mate Graham Bate

Former Penryn hooker and captain, Roger Harris, who was part of the Cornwall side that played Lancashire in the 1969 County final at Redruth, has sadly passed away aged 76 following a short illness.

Harris played 62 times for Cornwall, a record for his position, he was part of a formidable front row with “Bonzo” Johns and “Stack” Stevens as his props, he was also an acknowledged goal-kicker with a torpedo kicking style, and kicked the first points for Cornwall in the 1969 final against Lancashire in front of some 23,000 spectators. Sadly despite leading 9-0 at half-time, Cornwall eventually lost 11-9.

Other stand out games for Cornwall included the three against Surrey in the semi-final stage in 1966-67, in the first replay at Richmond, following a 9-9 draw at Redruth in the first game, with seconds remaining, and Cornwall trailing, he snaffled the ball in his own twenty-two before passing to Richard Sharp who in turn fed winger Kenny Plummer for a try, allowing Roger Hosen to kick a touch-line conversion to level the scores at 14-14 and send the tie into a second replay at Redruth, but sadly Cornwall lost it 14-3.

He played for the combined Cornwall and Devon side against the three major southern hemisphere nations, and rated All Black Colin Meads as the hardest player he had ever played against.

He also captained a Cornwall and Devon side on a tour to Romania in the early seventies, which he told me was quite an eye-opener.

Other notable playing highlights included: playing for Cornwall against a French Select side in Clermont-Ferrand in 1969, a game that ended in an 11-all draw; twice touring South Wales on the Barbarians Easter Tour in 1969 & 70; and playing in the Mobbs Memorial Match in 1970 for the invitational side.

He was very unfortunate not to be capped by England, being a bench replacement on numerous occasions, notably in 1969 when England defeated South Africa at Twickenham 11-8, England’s first ever win against the Springboks.

Educated at Truro Cathedral School where he was encouraged with rugby by his headmaster Mr Mischler, he played as youngster with Truro before going to St. Luke’s College.

On the club front he played briefly for Plymouth Albion, but principally for the fine Penryn side of the 1960’s and early 70’s. He was part of the team that won the first CRFU Knock Out Cup in 67-68 season, when they defeated Redruth 5-0 in the final. He also captained the club in their RFU Knock Out Cup quarter-final defeat 28–4 at Penryn against a David Duckham-inspired Coventry in 1972, in front of a crowd of some 5,000. In a previous round, they had knocked out Exeter following a draw at the County Ground in Exeter, going through as the away side.

Photo- Harris to left of Bonzo Johns playing against Devon

After retiring from playing he became a regional selector in the England set up of the time at schools level and was also Chairman of Selectors for Cornwall during part of the 1984-85 season.

He coached at Penryn and also at Perranporth, where he lived.

Cornish Pirates 38 Doncaster Knights 19

By Phil Westren Cornish Pirates Media Officer

This win for the Cornish Pirates in the quarter-final of the British & Irish Cup was one to please – on two fronts.

Firstly, emerging winners after having lost their last five encounters against the Knights provided satisfaction, whilst more importantly the result has set up what will be a tough but tasty semi-final tie away to London Welsh next weekend.

The Cornish Pirates made a number of changes to their starting line-up from the one that ran out against Bristol Rugby the previous Sunday. Three were in the backs, where full-back Toby May, centre Tom Hendrickson, and wing Matt Evans returned to action. Marlen Walker, Rob Elloway and Alan Paver formed the front-row unit, Sam Simmonds and skipper Alex Cheesman the flanker pairing, and Jake Parker moved up a rank to partner Brett Beukeboom in the second-row.

With the Mennaye Field bathed in welcome sunshine, the Pirates also got off to a bright beginning, when centre Tom Riley, who was making his 101st appearance for the club, duly celebrated with the game’s opening try.

Confirming an excellent start to the game, the Pirates quickly doubled their tally. Space was created on the left, and in a flash wing Evans touched the ball down at the scoreboard corner.

As if finding their feet, the visiting side, with Cornishman Ollie Bryant selected at full-back, soon responded with a try of their own, scored by centre George Catchpole. Fly-half Declan Cusack added the extras.

The Pirates scrum was serving them well through the first period, and awarded penalties they were able to relieve any mounting pressure. Defensively they were also sound, and there would be no more scores the break.

Starting the second half well, 10-7 soon became 17-7, thanks to a converted try scored by No. 8 Tom Duncan.
Doncaster had their chances, but didn’t take them, and the Pirates were happy to make them pay thanks to their fourth try of the match. Hooker Rob Elloway was identified as the scorer and May, now finding his target, slotted the extras.

Clive Griffiths’ Doncaster pulled seven points back when their skipper Alex Shaw drove over the line for a converted try, but the Pirates were quick to reopen a 17 points gap. Lively scrum-half Stuart Townsend provided the initial impetus, and a fellow Devonian, flanker Sam Simmonds, ended a try-scorer. May kicked the conversion.

Shaw made it to the line once again for what was but a consolation score, but the Pirates determinedly had the last say when replacement centre Rheon James crossed for a converted try.

So, all eyes will now look towards Old Deer Park next weekend, for a match that should indeed have extra spice about it. Yes, the Pirates have beaten the Welsh three times already this season – twice in Cup pool games and once in the league – however the exiles side is in a rich vein of form of recent, and have won their last four games, including a surprise 45-39 points win away to Leinster on Saturday.

For the Pirates, to ultimately make it through to their second final, remembering that they were proudly the first ever winners of the British & Irish Cup in 2010, would be a considerable achievement, if it can be attained.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Toby May (Will Cargill 72), 14 Kyle Moyle, 13 Tom Riley, 12 Tom Hendrickson (Rheon James 71), 11 Matt Evans, 10 Laurence May, 9 Stuart Townsend (Alex Day 72); 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Rob Elloway (Tom Channon 62), 3 Alan Paver (Tyler Gendall 55), 4 Jake Parker (Marcus Garratt 77), 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Alex Cheesman (capt), 7 Sam Simmonds, 8 Tom Duncan (Joe Atkinson 62). Yellow card: Beukeboom.

Doncaster Knights: 15 Ollie Bryant, 14 Andy Bulumakau, 13 George Catchpole, 12 Bevon Armitage (Dave McIlwaine 61), 11 Tyson Lewis, 10 Dec Cusack, 9 Brad Field (Michael Heaney 61); 1 WillGriff John (Richard List 55), 2 Ted Stagg (Vili Veikoso 53), 3 Joe Sproston (Tiziano Pasquali h/t), 4 Joe Maksymiw (Matt Challinor 64), 5 Tyler Hotson, 6 Glen Young, 7 Will Owen (Michael Hills 55), 8 Alex Shaw (capt).
Scorers:- Cornish Pirates – tries: Riley, Evans, Duncan, Elloway, Simmonds, James; cons: Laurence May (4). Doncaster Knights – tries: Shaw (2), Catchpole; cons: Cusack (2).

In other quarter-final matches played, Jersey emerged 19-15 victors at Bedford and Yorkshire Carnegie won convincingly, 50-3, at home to Moseley. Yorkshire Carnegie will now play Jersey at home next weekend, to compete for a home tie against either London Welsh or the Cornish Pirates in the final.

Referee: Fergus Kirby (RFU).
St. Austell Brewery’s ‘Cornish Pirates’ Man-of-the-Match: Stuart Townsend.
Attendance: 1,136.

Director of Rugby Ian Davies to leave Cornish Pirates at end of season

Ian Davies will leave Cornish Pirates at the end of the current season to take up a new post as Director of Rugby at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, Sussex.

Ian, who has been at Cornish Pirates for seven seasons, joined as Forwards Coach in 2009 under the leadership of Chris Stirling.

Under Chris’s stewardship the Pirates won the inaugural British & Irish Cup competition in 2010 (versus Munster), and also reached the Championship Play-Off Final in 2011.

After Chris returned to New Zealand in April, 2012, Ian assumed the role of Director of Rugby and led the Pirates to the Championship Play-Off Final at the end of that season. Also, during the last two seasons, he has developed both Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver as they transition from players to coaches

The delays to the Stadium 4 Cornwall project have created budget pressures for the Cornish Pirates, and as a consequence playing budgets have had to be reduced for next season. Priority to signing players has been the key focus and the budget restrictions have imposed some challenging options, which the Board and the coaches have been discussing. A consequence of these budget limitations is that Ian¹s time at the Pirates cannot continue beyond his current contract.

Ian Connell, Chairman of the Cornish Pirates commented: “The Cornish Pirates are hugely indebted to Ian Davies for his major contribution during the Chris Stirling years and for his even greater contribution as Director of Rugby.

“Developing and mentoring Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver as coaches will prove to be an enduring legacy, and although sad to see Ian leave we are happy that in Gavin and Alan we have two coaches who are able to assume the leadership of Cornish Pirates rugby.”

Mr. Connell added: “Everyone connected with the Cornish Pirates will wish Ian and his family every good wish as they relocate along the south coast to Sussex.”

Ian Davies has said that he is “Absolutely devastated to be leaving not only the Pirates but also Cornwall.”

He further commented: “I would like to thank Dicky Evans for firstly giving me the opportunity to be a professional rugby coach, and secondly for him then to entrust me be to be the Director of Rugby at the Pirates. Hopefully, during my time at the club I have, in some small way, repaid the faith he showed in my appointment.

“I am certain Gavin and Alan will continue to do the fantastic job they are currently doing for us, and I have assured them I am at the end of a telephone if they need a sounding board.”

Ian concluded: “It is very fortunate that I am able to move back into education, and it is a wonderful opportunity at Christ’s Hospital School which will also provide me with a new challenge.”

Cornwall Under 20s defeated their Devon counterparts 44-29 at Camborne on Sunday afternoon to ensure their continued participation at this level for next season.

However, the win came with a heavy price when flanker Locryn Williams suffered a bad concussion, having just started playing after a similar injury last season. Following medical advice Williams has made the sad but understandable decision to call time on his rugby career at the age of 20!

Both sides came into this game with a raft of injuries, including Cornwall’s skipper Jack Simmons, and it was the depth of the Cornish squad that was to help determine the outcome. This bodes well for the next season as the younger members of the squad now know what is required at this level of the game.

Redruth’s Dan Rutter helped himself to a try hat trick as well as kicking four conversions and a penalty. He got the Cornwall side off to a good start with only four minutes on the clock. Rutter may well yet figure in the South West selectors minds when they meet. Other scores were accredited to fellow Red James MacFarlane (2) and Penryn’s Adam Hughes. Hughes has had an excellent Championship at No. 8 and has shown great skill and determination and is another good prospect.

However, the whole squad contributed to a good result which looked comfortable at 29-0 after 21 minutes. A nasty injury to the very lively Williams seemed to halt Cornwall’s strong defensive play as well as a keen desire to keep the scoreboard moving. Devon finished the half with further tries by Jack Bond and Tom Bottoms so at half time Cornwall led by 32-19.

As the second half got under way there were further scores for Devon that brought the score back to 37-29 and it needed the touchdown by Hughes to settle the score but the whole squad had to dig deep to see out the last minutes and a 44-29 score line.

Coaches Bryn Jenkins, Mike Rawlings and Ian Morgan were clearly relieved that the Cornish boys had acquitted themselves well in the final pool game and that the result ensures another season in the top flight of U20 rugby. Thirteen of the squad will now return to compete at this level next season while Luke Hattam, Tommy Phillips, Jack Simmons and Tommy Lee Southworth and others will move out of the age group knowing that they have ensured Cornwall continues to develop quality players in this age group and into the senior game.

Cornwall (Camborne unless stated): Stean, Tyler (St. Just), McFarlane (Redruth), Down (Saltash) Sandercock (Launceston), Rutter (Redruth), Jane (St. Austell); Southworth (Capt), Trewhella, Burley (Penryn), Brown, Hattam (Redruth), Moyle, Williams (Chinnor), Hughes (Penryn).

Replacements: A Smith (Redruth), Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), Sayer, H Smith (Wadebridge Camels), Gilder (St. Austell), Illsley, Andrews (Saltash).

Cornwall U20 Players South West Trial
During the recent U20 County Championships games held throughout the South West (SW), selectors have been monitoring players to invite them to the SW trials which will be held at Keynsham RFC Bristol on Sunday 20 March.

The following have been invited to the trials to represent Cornwall:
Tommy Lee Southworth Camborne and Cornish Pirates PDF
Adam Hughes Penryn
Dan Rutter Redruth
Jack Simmons Camborne
Ben Stean Camborne & Plymouth Albion
Tommy Phillips Redruth and Cornish Pirates PDF invited but unable to train due to injury.
Locryn Williams Chinnor – Was selected but is unable to attend due to injury.
Following the trials, regional games will be held where the England Counties U20 Squad will be selected. Last year both Todd Prisk and Tommy Phillips gained England Counties U20 Caps representing Cornwall.

The CRFU congratulate all of the players on their selection.

A busy weekend for England Counties head coach James Shanahan as he oversees his Counties side at Blackheath tonight before heading to Redruth tomorrow for his club Old Albanian’s re-arranged National League 2 encounter at the Rec.

Perhaps not surprisingly the two Old Albanian players involved start on the bench, whilst Redruth’s Tom Cowan-Dickie is in the starting XV at hooker! Conspiracy theories will abound in Hell fire corner!!!

Sadly the other Cornishman who was involved in the Scottish game, Plymouth Albion prop, Christian Judge, has been forced to withdraw due to injury with former Cornish Pirates, now at Cambridge Dan Seal being called up.

France Fédérale travel on the back of a 16-12 defeat at home, at Massy in the Paris suburbs, to Irish Clubs last month.

Two players from Breton side Vannes are involved in the French side, centre Kévin Burgaud and lock Etienne Delangle.

FRANCE FEDERALE V ENGLAND COUNTIES

Player plus Club and Comites  affiliation
15. Maël Moinot (US Bressane & Lyonnais)
14. Djamel Ouchene (Libourne & Côte d’Argent)
13. Stéphane Bonvalot (Nevers & Bourgogne)
12. Kévin Burgaud (Vannes & Bretagne)
11. Pierre Laffitte (Avenir Valencien & Midi Pyrénées)
10. Stephane Guenin (Libourne & Côte d’Argent)
9. Paul Dubert (Capt), (US Tyrosse & Côte Basque Landes)
1. Jérôme Martinez (US Tyrosse & Côte Basque Landes)
2. Philippe Rodriguez (US Tyrosse & Côte Basque Landes)
3. Nicolas Kwarazfelia (Blagnac & Midi Pyrénées)
4. Etienne Delangle (Vannes & Bretagne)
5. Kevin Kahn (US Tyrosse & Côte Basque Landes)
6. Jonathan Giraud (US Bressane & Lyonnais)
7. Damien Costanzo (Périgueu &, Périgord Agenais)
8. Damien Gateau (Saint Jean d’Angel & Poitou Charentes)
Replacements :
16. Pierre Trassoudaine (Castane &t, Midi Pyrénées)
17. Thierry Berhabe (FC Oloron & Béarn)
18. Arnaud Etchegaray (Leucate & Languedoc)
19. Yann Dessis (Langon & Côte d’Argent)
20. Jean-Michel Tauzin (FC Oloron & Béarn)
21. Morgan Le Bourhis (US Tyrosse & Côte Basque Landes)
22. Etienne Quiniou (US Bressane & Lyonnais)
23. Thomas Anies (Céret & Pays Catalan)

Photo – Tom Cowan-Dickie scored for the Reds against Taunton

St. Piran’s Day served up it’s very own rugby classic as Redruth powered to an impressive 38-3 win against Taunton Titans at the Recreation Ground.

The win saw the Reds leap-frog Taunton the National League 2 table and with a mouth-watering game this Saturday against Old Albanian again at the Rec the prospect of in the case of a win moving up to third! Heady heights indeed.

Redruth scored six tries through Kyle Marriott, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Matt Bowden, Pale Nonu, Luke Hattam and Chris Fuca with Brett Rule kicking four conversions.

Conversely, the Cornish All Blacks saw the prospect of a first league win this season snatched from their grasp at Southend as they slipped to a 19-13 defeat in the final moments.

The loss confirmed their relegation to National League 3 SW for next season.

Seb Hockridge scored the All Black’s try with Fraser Honey kicking the other points.

On Sunday in the Green King Championship the Cornish Pirates gave leaders Bristol a good run returning to Cornwall with a couple of points in 29-24 defeat. Tries were scored by Brett Beukeboom, Kyle Moyle, Craig Holland, and skipper for the day, Tom Duncan, Will Cargill slotting a couple of conversions.

This Sunday the Cornish Pirates entertain Doncaster Knights in the quarter-final of the British and Irish Cup kick-off 3pm on the Mennaye.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne remain on course following their 31-13 win at home against Drybrook. Damien Cook crashed over for a hat-trick of scores with Alex Ducker and James Goldsworthy also crossing for tries. Rhys Brownfield added three conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, a fine win for Truro at home to Torquay Athletic 40-7. Luke Tidball (2), Harvey Bell (2), Luke Trescothick and Alex Sutheridge all scored tries with Ashley Hosking kicking five conversions.

Penryn are off the bottom after their gutsy 28-24 win at Devonport Services. Phil Hinchley (2), George Jones, on his return from a long injury, and Danny Booth scored the tries with Matt Horton kicking a couple of penalties and a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels slipped up at home against Sidmouth 15-20. Shaun Hawkey and Rich Treleaven scored tries with James Grubb kicking a penalty and conversion.

St. Austell also lost at home to play-off chasing Okehampton 10-22. Shane Johns and Cav Boyer scored tries for the Saints.

Saltash slipped to the bottom of the pile following their latest defeat at home to Crediton 13-22. Ryan Cruickshanks scored a try for the Ashes with Todd Croft adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish hopes of finishing top were dealt a blow with a 32-24 home defeat at the hands of London Exiles.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude took a big option towards the league title with a 27-8 win against second place St. Ives at Alexandra Road. Ollie Denford (2), James Comber and Adam Black scored tries for the North Cornwall side with Dan Pearce kicking the other points.

For the Hakes player-coach Paul Thirlby scored a try with brother Grant adding a penalty.

Withycombe are now level on points with St. Ives, but have two games in-hand.

Falmouth had a fruitless trip to Plymstock losing 27-0. Bodmin lost at home 9-12 to Plymouth Argaum. Josh Taylor landed three penalties for the home side.

Hayle went down at Paignton 27-3. Dan Lello with their sole penalty. Newquay Hornets were heavily defeated at Withycombe 64-5. Harry Pendreich with their only try.

The game between Pirates Amateurs and Honiton was postponed.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Lanner’s stay at the top lasted just one week as they lost at Helston 16-13. Camborne School of Mines are back at the top following their 22-10 win against Perranporth.

Veor remain third following their 19-10 win at Wheal Gerry against Illogan Park. Liskeard-Looe overcame a valiant St. Agnes 30-24 at Enys Parc.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 Roseland defeated their nearest challengers St. Just 11-8 and look odds on to be crowned Champions.
Camelford defeated Redruth Albany at Trewergie 38-5 and Sthithans won 27-7 at Lankelly-Fowey.

News this week that former Cornwall star Martin Haag will be relinquishing his post at Nottingham to take up the reins with England Under 20s next season.

Cornwall Under 20s round off their program on Sunday against Devon at Camborne kick-off 2pm. Cornwall must win the game to avoid relegation that has been brought in this season.

Good luck to both Redruth’s Tom Cowan-Dickie and Plymouth Albion’s Christian Judge who are both involved with England Counties on Friday evening at Blackheath against France Fédérale. Counties will be defending the Jean-Claude Baqué Cup played for between the two sides.

Not forgetting Bill Keast with the England Under 20s against Wales and of course both Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie in the squad to face Wales at Twickenham.