Photo by Brian Tempest shows players Tyler Gendall and Luke Jones making the presentation

Cornish Pirates’ chosen charity for Championship Rugby Season 2014 -15 was Children’s Hospice South West’s ‘Little Harbour’ hospice at Porthpean, near St. Austell.

In total, the magnificent sum of £4,625.64 was raised through match day collections and a shirt auction, plus prop Paul Andrew’s ‘Face Fuzz’ fundraiser. The specific aim from the outset was help upgrade televisions in the children’s bedrooms, and to also place in amenity rooms.

Cornish Pirates’ players Luke Jones and Tyler Gendall visited Little Harbour last Friday to present the cheque. They also took the opportunity to present a framed 2014/15 team photograph, which was signed by Cornish Pirate squad members.

Mary Murfin, Community Fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West said: “We have been overwhelmed by the fundraising that the Cornish Pirates have done for CHSW and the new larger televisions for the children’s bedrooms with compact DVD players really will make a huge difference to all the children and families who we support.”

Mary added: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fantastic fundraising throughout the season, we are all so grateful.”

Photo – Ben Gilby with Jeannette Preston of Falmouth-based testicular cancer charity ‘Pants’, raising money at Cornish Pirates on Saturday

Falmouth-based Cancer Charity ‘Pants’ was one recipient of a testicular cancer fundraiser held at Cornish Pirates’ ground the Mennaye, Penzance, on 8 August 2015, as Pirates supporter Ben Gilby raised money for two cancer charities.

Ben, who is on the committee of the Cornish Pirates Supporters Club, and also volunteers as press officer at London Cornish RFC, is presently recovering from testicular cancer, and was keen to give a bit back to two charities that are continuing to give him great support: The Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital; and the Falmouth based testicular cancer charity ‘Pants’.

The event took place in superb West Cornwall sunshine, as summer arrived (albeit for one day!) in Penzance. The afternoon saw Cornish Pirates host ten-a-side rugby union tournament as part of their preparations for the new Greene King IPA Championship season. The tournament involved two Pirates sides (‘Team Paver’ and ‘Team Cattle’), plus Redruth and Launceston. A brilliant afternoon of high-paced rugby was interspersed with a bucket collection for ‘Pants’ which raised over £200. The rugby community and Cornish businesses also donated some quite amazing auction lots, which, when all the proceeds come in, looks set to raise well over £1,500.

Reflecting on the day, Ben Gilby said: “I can’t thank Cornish Pirates enough for their support in my fundraising, they have been absolutely brilliant. The Pirates players took time out for photos on the day, and I would also like to thank the supporters of Redruth and Launceston for all their donations as well. It was great that the Cornish rugby community came together to support us on the day.”

Report by Bill Hooper, Photos Simon Bryant Iktis photo

There was a good crowd at the Recreation Ground on a dry and bright Tuesday evening to see both sides benefit from a joint training session and 2 x 30 mins mini-games.

Photo – Reds Kyle Marriott gets to grips with Pirates’ Jason Atkinson

The Pirates crossed the line for six tries against none conceded but that was not the idea of the session. Cornish Pirates Director of rugby Ian Davies felt that evening was beneficial in the context of his squad’s pre-season: “It’s good to build on from last Saturday’s 10s tournament at the Mennaye. Tonight we were able to execute some of our players in contact situations and try out a few moves in preparation for Saturday’s game against Aberavon at the Mennaye (kick-off 5pm).

Photo – Ian Davies looking forward to the season

“We have put together a very exciting squad for this season and I certainly have great optimism for the forthcoming campaign. With the good news re the stadium in recent weeks there is a good buzz around the club both on and off the field, the future is now clearer. It was good to see players like Kyle Moyle looking sharp coming back from injury whilst others such as Tom Duncan and Tyler Gendall aren’t far off a return.”

However, the fear of injury is never far away and both camps look to have players who will miss the start of the season, Kieran Goss (Pirates) and Dave Mankee (Redruth).

In the Reds camp, head coach Steve Larkins was satisfied with his side’s performance against quality opposition. “We’ve had a good training session which turned into a bit of game. I enjoyed it. I thought we acquitted ourselves well. It was a shame we picked up a couple of injuries but hopefully they will prove not to be too serious. I was pleased with our scrum and lineout, especially during the first 30 when we had our first choice pack on, playing up the slope.”

Photo – Redruth’s Steve Larkins happy with the Reds pre-season

One player who caught the eye for the Reds was prop Tom Cowan-Dickie: “He is certainly one for the fans to watch this season: he is a quality player and very versatile as you saw tonight capable of playing in a number of positions.”

Another was recent signing from Camborne, Kieron Westlake who started in the back row before moving out into the backs: “He is another very versatile player,” said Larkins, “normally, a back-rower but a very good footballer. He can kick, run and tackle. A very talented player.” As far as recruitment of players goes, Larkins feels that the Reds are pretty much there: “I am hoping to pick some loan players, maybe two or three to strengthen the squad, but overall I am pretty happy. We had seven, eight or even nine players missing tonight, so it’s very pleasing that the youngsters stepped up. We will be ready for that first league game on the road.”

Following the successful events held on the 13 June, the final monies have been received and a presentation event has been held at Marie Therese House, Hayle where Sereli is an in-patient. Sam Matavesi said: “It is fantastic to see the event being wrapped up and we are able to present a cheque to Marie Therese House to show our appreciation of the time, effort and support that they have given to our dad.”

The day’s event was the idea of Sireli and his three sons. Sireli Matavesi suffered a life changing event in 2014; an operation to save his life caused him to be paralysed. He received treatment in Salisbury before moving to Marie Therese House in Hayle, where he has undergone intensive physiotherapy to aid his recovery.

He wanted to raise funds for Marie Therese House and other causes close to his heart. Sereli said: “I will be forever indebted to all the staff at Marie Therese House, but also all of the people who were involved with the day in so many ways. I will not single out people but just a massive thanks to all the sponsors, players, Camborne RFC, people who generously donated items, and of course the Cornish public who came along on the day to support me and my three boys.”

The fundraising day took place on Saturday 13 June at Camborne RFC, where a number of events took place. There were three rugby matches: Marie Therese House Staff v Bawden’s select team; a Fijian Barbarians team V Camborne Vets; and culminating in the Matavesi Select XV versus a Camborne Select XV. The main game was watched by a crowd of just under 3,000, the largest at the Recreation ground for some time. Some typical barbarians’ style out of hand running rugby was enjoyed for the full 80 minutes, with the final score being Matavesi XV 71 – 42 Camborne Select XV. The thee Matavesi sons played the first half for their Matavesi XV, then changed kit and played the second half for their beloved Cherry & Whites.

The captain of the Matavesi XV was youngest son Joel. He said: “It was such a special day for dad and all the family and to be able to provide a cheque to the value of £17,495.80 to Marie Therese House is a real bonus. Joel also wanted to express the thanks of brother Josh, who is away on international duties with the Fijian Rugby team in preparation for the forthcoming World Cup.”

A spokesperson for Marie Therese house said: “The Friends and staff at Marie Therese House are blown away at the total raised and would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part and contributed to such a fantastic day.  After discussion with Sireli, some of the money raised will be used to replace two of our ceiling track hoists which have recently been condemned.  The money raised will also allow us to fund an additional new ceiling track hoist which will benefit patients and staff.  Any remaining monies will be used to purchase additional equipment in the future.”

Sereli was a rugby player being a Fijian Barbarian. His three sons Josh, Sam and Joel have followed in his footsteps: Josh is a Fijian international, and plays for the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro 12 League; Sam is also a Fijian international and having played for Plymouth Albion in the RFU Championship, he has for this season re-signed for Camborne and will assist with coaching at Veor; whilst Joel the youngest brother also plays for Ospreys. The other connection that they all have is they have represented Cornwall but also their beloved Camborne RFC.

There was naturally great delight from the Cornish Pirates after the decision of Cornwall Council Strategic Planning Committee yesterday, with Cornish Pirates’ Chairman Ian Connell quick to praise the outcome of the vote.

Cornish Pirates are absolutely delighted that we now have consent for the Stadium for Cornwall. This is a major infrastructure project creating jobs, generating new revenues but importantly adopting the vision for the realisation of ambition. This is a good day.

From a Pirates’ perspective, the Board can now begin to view the future with clarity over where we will be playing and begin the process to build on our existing great supporter base and to attract new sponsorship incomes. We can now plan to progressively build the playing squad to compete at the top end of the Championship, within a facility that can showcase the game as a great spectacle but for our players also to showcase their own individual skills in a perfect setting.

From a Stadium perspective, we will be working with the other Stadium partners to progress the development of the plans that will bring real benefit to the community across the whole of Cornwall. Roll on August 2017!

Ian Connell, Cornish Pirates’ Chairman

Cornwall will begin the defence of the Bill Beaumont Cup at home against Gloucestershire on Saturday 7th May.

They will then travel to face Hertfordshire on the 14th May, before rounding off the group stage at home against Surrey on 21st May.

Venues and kick-off times to be confirmed.

Fixtures:

Sat May 7th Cornwall v Gloucestershire

Sat 14th May Hertfordshire v Cornwall

Sat 21st May Cornwall v Surrey

The final is pencilled in for Sunday 29th May.

Photo – Sam Matavesi, Richie Kevern & Joel Matavesi sporting the shirts for match

SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2015 AT CAMBORNE RFC

Sereli Matavesi suffered a life changing event in 2014; an operation to save his life caused him to be paralysed. He received treatment in Salisbury before moving to Marie Therese House in Hayle where he has undergone intense physiotherapy to aid his recovery.

He wanted to raise some funds for Marie Therese House and some other causes close to his heart.

Sereli said: “When I first talked about it with the boys we thought perhaps a bit of a kick about in the park and a collection with a bucket. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would grow into the size it has.”

He also went on to say: “A big heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who have contributed to the event and Camborne RFC for hosting it. So many people have helped me with this journey and I am so grateful to them all.”

The fundraising day is Saturday 13 June at Camborne RFC, with a number of events will taking place. There are three rugby matches: Marie Therese House Staff v. Bawden’s select team; a Fijian Barbarians team v. Camborne Vets; and culminating in the Matavesi Select XV v. a Camborne Select XV, kicking off just after 3 pm.

The Matavesi Select XV will not only star the three sons, but ex-internationals and professional rugby players from around the world. Some of the stars scheduled to play include former England scrum-half Shaun Perry, former Redruth & Cornwall star Mark Bright, Sireli Naqelevuki, Pale Nonu, Tongan hooker Alex Lukui, Cornwall’s Ben Hilton, Jon Griffiths, Semesi Taulava who is currently playing in France, Josh Drauniniu, Heath Stevens and Dan Scarborough.

Photo – Joel & Sam Matavesi

There will be food (with former Cornish Pirate Vili Ma’asi doing the hog roast), drink available at the club including real ales, and the Boscastle Singers in attendance

Josh Matavesi, a Fijian international and current Ospreys player said: “The family really want to thank everyone involved with the treatment that dad has received and especially the staff at Marie Therese House, an awesome facility right here in our County.” He also paid gratitude to all the players who have agreed to turn up out of season to support the day.

Following the games, a fundraising auction will take place in the Camborne RFC clubhouse, where rugby memorabilia including signed international, premiership, RaboDirect, French Top 14, local club shirts and many other items will be auctioned off. Special commemorative shirts have been designed for the main match and a signed shirt will also be auctioned on the night.

Sam Matavesi also a Fijian international who last season played for Plymouth Albion in the Greene King Championship said: “The generosity of people astounds me: donating signed international, premiership shirts and even in Cornwall the Cornish Pirates and Redruth have donated items for the auction.”

Photo – Richie Kevern with the special Camborne shirt for the game

So far over 1,000 tickets have been sold but there are still some 1,300 tickets available. Those wishing to attend are asked to purchase their tickets beforehand if possible, so that the organisers can judge the likely attendance.

The capacity has been limited to 2500 supporters and entry will be by ticket only which cost £5. Tickets are available via PayPal matavesixv@hotmail.co.uk and any remaining will be sold on the gate.

Monies raised will go mainly to Marie Therese House and other causes close to the family’s heart.

Sereli was a rugby player being a Fijian Barbarian and his 3 sons Josh, Sam and Joel have followed in his footsteps. Josh is a Fijian international, plays for the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro 12 League, Sam is also a Fijian international and plays for Plymouth Albion in the RFU Championship, whilst Joel the youngest brother also plays for Ospreys. The other connection that they all have is they have represented Cornwall but also their beloved Camborne RFC.

The youngest son Joel said: “I would ask as many people as possible to come along on the day and support my dad. There is something going on for everyone, food, rugby and good company so bring your wallet and enjoy the day and let’s make it a huge success.”

Anybody requiring any further information or wishes to support the day can do so by contacting Colin Hatch hatch0348@btinternet.com

Photos – Simon Bryant Iktis photo

By Bill Hooper TASC Press Officer, photos by Simon Bryant Iktis photo

There are two pleasures at being in the player’s tunnel after the game: first of all to get their reaction, and secondly to get up close to the charming and beautiful singer Laura Wright.

However, back to the coaches and players. First up Ian Morgan and I asked him if he was a happy chap after that win: “Yeah you bet, it’s been a long journey but it has all paid off. The boys were fantastic today every single one of them.

Photo – Inspirational backs coach Ian Morgan

“The boys are battered and bruised out there. They left nothing out there. I don’t think Lancashire were any weaker than last year, we stepped it up this year. We were fitter, stronger and more organised and the boys just died for the shirt out there today.

“We knew they would come at us in the second half with a bench that could turn a game, but we knew we had to just stick at it and try to counteract their changes at the same time as ours. I think this year we might be told that we got the changes right!”

Morgan feels that they may have found a new flanker in Nielson Webber when he slotted into the back row whilst Ben Hilton was in the sin-bin.  Laughing he said: “I think he’s found his natural position. He’s too big for a centre. He did really well coming into that position when we needed to balance the scrum.”

Morgan was full of praise for fly-half Matt Shepherd who scored both Cornwall’s tries: “He has had an outstanding campaign for us and I wish him all the best for the England Counties tour to Romania. Just hope nobody snaps him up as we shall want him for next season, especially not higher than National League 1!”

Morgan felt that a great weight of expectation had been lifted from their shoulders: “It’s a tremendous feeling to have finally won again the expectation has been massive and none more so after falling at the final hurdle the previous two years. This will be a huge boost to Cornish rugby.”

Morgan was full of praise for the youngsters who he said had shown no nerves performing out there: “These youngsters have been here and done it, Billy Searle, Robin Wedlake, Jon Dawe, Tommy Phillips, they are unfazed. Tremendous maturity from Billy to step up and take that penalty that put us 18-6 up. They are all great kids and it’s great for the future of Cornish rugby.”

I also got a few words from a very excited Robin Wedlake who was finding it hard to take it all in: “What can you say, it’s almost unreal. It’s been an amazing experience getting into the squad and then nailing down a place after the Tamar Cup. To run out here at Twickenham with all the noise and seeing family and friends in the stand was tremendous.

Photo – Robin Wedlake with Tony Whittle proudly shows off the Bill Beaumont Cup

“You try to shut it out and focus on the game but it’s difficult with all that’s going on all around.”

For Wedlake the win at Twickenham was culmination of a great season: “It’s been a real dream of a season having first broken into the team at Redruth, a side that I have watched as youngster and progressed through the junior ranks and then getting called into the side and then the County side. Having done it once we want to repeat it again next year.

“The preparation with Dawsey and Morgs has been first rate they are always there to help and guide you. We have our own programs to work to and that all helps put our game structures and plans together. It will be nice to get back to Redruth with all the experience I’ve learned and bring that to the club, it’s really boosted my confidence going forward.”

I managed to get a few words from Cornwall’s skipper Kyle Marriott: “I am really proud of the boys today and real performance for 80 minutes. We got on the front foot early on with Sheppy’s try and I think we showed real control during the game, and then to keep Lancashire out in the final five minutes having conceded that try showed our resolve. The strength of our campaign has been our defence and that was the difference today.

Photo – Proud captain Kyle Marriott brandishes the Cup

There was praise from the skipper for his scrum half Matt Shepherd: “Matt’s tries were crucial. The forwards worked hard to put us in the right positions on the field and Matt has been on song all campaign and he took his opportunities well.”

I asked Kyle what it was like to lift the Cup in front of the Cornish fans: “The noise was tremendous. Those Cornwall fans are really special. The boys felt it was their time today and we had confidence in our abilities. My job was try and keep a lid on things and be that calming influence.”

Ben Hilton had the biggest smile on his face as I asked him how it felt to have finally won the County Championship: “It’s been a long time coming. It feels good. I am still trying to take it all in. It’s a wonderful feeling for the players, crowd and all the supporters back home. It’s great for that core of players who have been involved for the last five years or so.”

Photo – Off to Romania, Cornwall’s three England Counties players Craig Williams, Ben Hilton and Matt Shepherd

Asked about his yellow card: “I thought I was legal, but we were on a team warning. Would they have scored a try? The jury’s out. It broke their rhythm and we held them out and they kicked the penalty.

“Their changes in the second half made a big impact but we coped well in that third quarter. Then we did well when they put the pressure on though it was disappointing to concede that try but we rode out their final storm.

“It was great to be congratulated by Bill Beaumont when we went up for the cup and to get respect from the Lancashire players who said we deserved it.

“It’s a special moment and will be right up there in my rugby timeline. I have always made myself available for Cornwall and I am proud to do so.”

On the England Counties tour to Romania: “It will be nice to go on tour with these lads and not be ribbed that we lost the final for once.”

Hilton was also full of praise for Cornwall Team Secretary Ewart White who is stepping down after 20 years in the post: “A great way for Ewart White to bow out today. I have known since I was a kid. He used to joke with me that one day I’d be a Cornwall captain and I thought he was winding me up but he was right. What a legend. This day will live long in his memory.”

Photo – Cornwall Team Sec. Ewart White with the Cup

Finally I caught up with the man of the moment Matt Shepherd. I asked him how it felt to have won at Twickenham. He said: “Well after two years of not playing very much in the squad it’s been a fantastic campaign. The atmosphere in the ground was tremendous as the crowd brought Cornwall to Twickenham.

“It’s always tough with the extra four weeks on the end of a long hard season, but it’s been a real pleasure but the boys and the background staff all came together and we were determined to go that extra mile this year.”

Shepherd then talked about his opening try: “Well I’d just missed with my first kick at goal. I didn’t really know what was happening but I saw this gap and thought I’d better go, but great work by the forwards who created the opportunity. Luckily for me the gap opened and I was able to beat the cover.

Photo- Matt Shepherd moments after scoring his second try

“It was the same with the second try. Great ball by Fucs from the lineout and again the gap was there so I went for it, but again it’s all down to the work of the team that creates the chance.”

A modest Shepherd felt that there was no man-of-the-match today but it had been a complete team performance: “We all did vital work at crucial times and it was a massive team performance and it was a hearts and mind performance. People put their bodies on the line today.

“There is no rest for me as I am packing my bags for Romania with England Counties. I am looking forward to the trip!”

Photo – Damien Cook celebrates the final whistle

By Bill Hooper TASC Press Officer, photos Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Cornwall’s win on Sunday in the Bill Beaumont Cup Final against Lancashire 18-13 will have been greeted in every household in Cornwall, but maybe none so much as the Cooks’.

Lock Damien Cook finally got a winner’s medal at Twickenham to go alongside the runners-up medals he already has for the defeated finals in 2013 and 2014, plus the Under 20 final defeat in 2002 to Hampshire 27-14.

When you add to the equation father Tony’s three County Championship final runners-up medals from 1989, 1992 and 1998, sadly Cornwall’s record cap holder with 102 caps didn’t feature in the winning 1991 side, then the family’s luck at Twickenham had to change surely?

Prior to the game I had a chat with Tony Cook near the players’ entrance and he told me that this year he had made a change of habit. Previously he had worn his 1989 shirt to all the finals and this year he had decided to leave it at home.

Photo – Cornwall’s Damien Cook bloodied but unbowed powers on through Lancs skipper Evan Stewart with Chris Fuca and Paul Arnold in close attendance

I caught up with a blooded but none-the-less happy Damien Cook as he came out from the changing rooms after the game. He said: “It’s been a long time coming, my first losing experience here was back in 2002 with the under 20s when we lost the final and then the previous two finals to Lancashire, so it was a big relief, thrill and pleasure to be able to put the record straight today against a fine Lancashire side.”

He laughed at his Dad’s remark about his ’89 shirt and went on to say: “Maybe it did. We have got a real good group of players with a good blend of youth and experience and I think today that experience got us through, the previous two years we thought the job was done just getting here, but as you know the job is done winning it.

Photo – Cook looking for contact as Lancs Chris Johnson watches on

“We dug deep today especially towards the end there and the experience of the last couple of seasons came through. I think Fucs (Chris Fuca) said that this has been building since February and is not something thrown together in the last four weeks. The patterns and procedures in play have painstakingly been put in place. Our preparation has been the key, although the championship has taken a bit of a backstage in recent seasons, and you haven’t got the time to prepare yourself following the league season. I would love to see the leagues re-structured and go back to the old format with the county championship during the season proper. I think that will give it more credibility and hopefully get a few more counties to take it seriously again.”

Cooky was also delighted with the support of the Cornish fans who had made the long trip to Twickenham: “It was like playing at home looking up at the stands and seeing the black and gold you have to say that this Championship would be pretty poor without Cornwall in the final.”

Photo – Powering on Cooky with skipper Kyle Marriott

Cooky also confirmed that he had no plans to retire yet: “Having got a winner’s medal, I’d like to have a go at another next year. You are a long time retired and I’ve no plans to do that yet. It’s a big commitment but one I am happy to take on.”

Photo – Cornwall team photo at Twickenham

Report by Bill Hooper at Twickenham Stadium, photos Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Cornwall were crowned County Champions for only the fourth time following a nail-biting finale that had Trelwany’s Army on the edge of their seats, nervously watching the clock.

For Cornwall it was their first win against Lancashire in a county final at the fifth attempt following their defeats in 1969,1992, 2013 and 2014.

When play was stopped with just 4 seconds to play and Lancashire having to play from their own half it began to dawn that the long wait might just be over.

Credit to the boys of the red rose who gave their all but when the ball was lost forward that signalled the scenes of wild joy both on and off the pitch as Cornwall celebrated a famous win.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of grown men, notably retiring Cornwall Team Secretary Ewart White who ended his tenure in his role with the win, his hard work over 20 years richly deserved.

A moment of satisfaction too for Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe, having won with Cornwall as a player in 1991, he was now steering the side to success in 2015.

True he had done the same with Devon, but this was the sweeter by far.

Photo – Matt Shepherd darts in for Cornwall’s opening try with Chris Fuca celebrating

Speaking post match in the Twickenham player’s tunnel he said: “It’s been a long time since our last win in 99 but I think today you saw the culmination of what we have been working for. We were under a bit pressure there near the end, we lost Billy (Searle) to a yellow card, it could of cost us, but the boys out there knuckled down and denied Lancashire with some great defence, but the lad again showed great maturity kicking that penalty that put us 18-6 up with about 16 minutes to go.

“I think Tony Whittle’s hit on their receiver from the kick-off really set the tone and then Matt Shepherd’s first try settled the team down. We were in control of the game from then on. I would have preferred if we could have got more than two scores ahead and to be fair we had opportunities, but didn’t take them, which made it tough for us going into the closing stages.”

Cornwall kicked off playing towards the SW corner of the ground and Whittle’s hit on the Lancashire receiver caused confusion that led to an immediate penalty opportunity for Matt Shepherd, but his effort sailed wide of the posts.

However, he was on hand moments later when from a ruck some 30 meters out he spotted a gap and darted towards the line, stepping two players before dotting down under the posts for a great try that got the crowd going and then adding the extras for a 7-0 lead.

Lancashire stormed back getting a penalty when prop Rupert Freestone was pinged for not releasing. Lancashire kicked for the corner and set up a maul. Cornwall were caught off-side in mid-field allowing fly-half Steve Collins a simple kick to reduce the arrears.

Photo – Cornish warriors skipper Kyle Marriott & lock Damien Cook

Nielson Webber put in a storming run taking Cornwall into the Lancashire half and when Searle was high tackled, Shepherd had another opportunity to nudge Cornwall further ahead but, again his kick sailed past the upright.

Craig Williams and Whittle went close before Lancashire got some territory forcing Cornwall to concede a penalty that saw lock Ben Hilton dispatched to the cooler for 10 minutes.

Cornwall brought on Damien Cook to bolster the second row whilst centre Webber packed down in the back row at scrum time.

Chris Johnson, on as a replacement for Collins, kicked the penalty for Lancashire to make it 7-6.

Searle was again the victim of a poor tackle which saw Lancashire’s centre Chris Briers see yellow just before the end of the first half, Shepherd took on the posts and this time his kicked sailed right between the sticks to leave Cornwall 10-6 up at the half-time break.

Both sides stayed out on the pitch during the interval.

Cornwall again started the half with a high tempo, forcing a penalty in the 22. Searle kicked to the corner as Cornwall looked to set up a maul; instead, Fuca flicked the ball to Shepherd who saw another gap and was through on the line to score his and Cornwall’s second try.

The conversion sailed wide again in the swirling wind.

Lancashire, as you would expect, looked for a way back but Cornwall held firm with some great tackling from winger Jon Dawe, centre Jake Murphy and hooker Jamie Salter.

Cornwall got another penalty with just 16 minutes to go to the right of the posts. Searle took charge had knocked the ball clean through the uprights for an 18-6 lead as Trelawny’s Army was in full cry!

Photo – Shepherd after scoring his second with BJ Chapman celebrating

Lancashire certainly still poised a big threat, especially though winger Anthony Bingham, whilst veteran lock Paul Arnold was going to enjoy himself in his last game for the red rose.

Oli Brennand, on as a replacement, showed his class as he almost jinked towards the try-line and then Shepherd turned saviour as he cleared up a Lancashire lineout 5 meters out from the Cornwall line.

Searle found himself in the sin bin having kicked the ball away by referee James Sullivan. Lancashire got some good field position and from the pick and go near the Cornish line skipper, Evan Stewart got the try and Johnson the conversion to make the score-line 18-13.

Photo – Graham Dawe, Kyle Marriott & Matt Shepherd with the Bill Beaumont Cup

The red rose launched a huge assault on the Cornwall line but again Shepherd ripped the ball out of a maul to clear the danger.

The final minutes were nerve jangling but as Lancashire knocked on and the clock had gone dead, the Cornish party at Twickenham began in all it’s black and gold splendour.

Cornwall 18 pts

Tries – Shepherd (2), Penalties – Shepherd, Searle, Conversion – Shepherd

Yellow Cards – Hilton (26), Searle (74)

Lancashire 13 pts

Try- Stewart, Penalties – Collins, Johnson, Conversion – Johnson

Yellow Card – Briers (36)

Cornwall: B Searle, J Dawe, J Murphy (all Cornish All Blacks), N Webber, R Wedlake (both Redruth), L Webb (Taunton), M Shepherd (Cornish All Blacks); R Freestone (Clifton), J Salter (Cornish All Blacks), C Williams (Redruth), T Whittle (Camborne), B Hilton (Cornish All Blacks), C Fuca (Redruth), G Jones (Penryn), K Marriott (Redruth, capt)

Replacements (used): C Judge (Cornish All Blacks), D Cook (Redruth), J Goldsworthy, D Mankee (both Camborne), S Parsons (Redruth), BJ Chapman (Cornish All Blacks)

Replacement (not used): T Phillips (Redruth)

Lancashire: W Spragg, J Dorrington, C Briers, S Rawlings (all Fylde), A Bingham (Rossendale), S Collins (Sedgley Park), R De La Harpe (Fylde); B Black (Sedgley Park), A Loney, A Lewis (both Fylde), J Nugent (Bergerac), G Rawlings, E Stewart (both Fylde, capt), S McGinnis (Loughborough Students), M Lamprey (Sedgley Park)

Replacements (all used): L McGowan (Caldy), P Altham (Preston Grasshoppers), P Mills (Preston Grasshoppers), P Arnold, C Johnson, O Brennand (all Fylde), N Crosley (Hartpury Coll)

Referee: James Sullivan (RFU)

Crowd 3,500

Men-of-the-match 22 black and gold heroes who played their hearts out for Cornwall each and everyone one of them merited the award.