Photo – Lancashire side of 2014 at Twickenham

A third consecutive County Championship final against Trelawny’s Army awaits Lancashire at Twickenham on Sunday writes Peter Elliott, Lancashire RFU Press Officer.

Having seen off Yorkshire last weekend with four tries in a 30 minute spell, the defending champions’ team to face Cornwall sees one tactical change from the previous starting line-up.

Influential half-back Steve Collins replaces Chris Johnson at fly-half, while the bench sees the return of Fylde’s Oli Brennand for his first appearance of the campaign.

Head coach Mark Nelson spoke about the campaign ahead of the final: “Getting to the final has been very fraught, as it’s essentially knockout rugby in many ways,” he said. “Sunday is a great opportunity for our players to play at Twickenham, in what is a world-class stadium. It’s the same opportunity for people to come and support the team. Overall, we want them to enjoy the experience.

“It’s the same opposition third time on the bounce. Cornwall feel far better and stronger, and are confident opponents. But we have got to get everything right.”

Speaking about the missed opportunity to have the game shown to a nationwide audience as was the case last year, Nelson added: “I’m very disappointed with it not being televised, and questions need asked about why!”

Sunday will be the final game in a Lancashire shirt for Paul Arnold, who will make his 36th appearance if he plays. A veteran of the 2003 cup-winning side, the 34-year-old lock said: “With my appointment to be head coach at Fylde and the inevitability of Anno Domini, I think that it’s time to call it a day in terms of playing for the Red Rose County.

“I made my Lancashire debut in 2002 against Kent at the Woodlands alongside Dean Schofield. Sunday’s game will be my 36th county appearance and perhaps my seventh or eighth final. I’ve so many good memories and stories from these 13 years.”

Lancashire’s appearance this Sunday matches Gloucestershire’s post-war record of seven consecutive finals, between 1970 and 1976, while Durham holds the overall record for consecutive appearances, with ten appearances between 1900 and 1910.

The Lancashire team to face Cornwall is –  15 Warren Spragg (Fylde), 14 Jordan Dorrington (Fylde), 13 Chris Briers (Fylde), 12 Scott Rawlings (Fylde), 11 Anthony Bingham (Rossendale), 10 Steve Collins (Sedgley Park), 9 Ryan De La Harpe (Fylde); 1 Ben Black (Sedgley Park), 2 Alex Loney (Fylde), 3 Adam Lewis (Fylde), 4 Jonathan Nugent (Bergerac), 5 Gareth Rawlings (Fylde), 6 Evan Stewart (Fylde) (Captain), 7 Steve McGinnis (Loughborough Students), 8 Matt Lamprey (Sedgley Park)

Replacements – 16 Louis McGowan (Caldy), 17 Pete Altham (Preston Grasshoppers), 18 Phil Mills (Preston Grasshoppers), 19 Paul Arnold (Fylde), 20 Chris Johnson (Fylde), 21 Oli Brennand (Fylde), 22 Niall Crosley

By Bill Hooper TASC Press Officer

Coaches Graham Dawe and Ian Morgan, along with the county selectors, have named a unchanged side for Sunday’s Bill Beaumont Cup Final against Lancashire at Twickenham.

Cornwall will go into the final as underdogs. Having lost to the same opposition in the last two finals, they will be keen to put a stop to the red roses’ run against the black and golds in county finals, with wins in 1969, 1992, 2013 and 2014.

Cornwall Captain Kyle Marriott said: “We had belief as a squad that we could win this game. Hertfordshire certainly came down to Cornwall wanting to avenge last season’s result and go to Twickenham. The guys stuck to the game plan and it paid off. Our second half performance was awesome, and to score 19 unanswered points was very satisfying. But Cornwall is more than the 22 guys on the field: the support from players who are on the fringe but still turn up and train and run the water, medics, coaching staff, selectors, management are all very supportive and form part of team Cornwall.” He further commented: “What can I say about the support: magnificent as always and thank you everyone who made the effort to attend today’s match. The crowd was around 3000 and I think all of them were wearing or cheering the black and gold! Absolutely awesome! Now we need to get the rallying call going out all across the Duchy for next weekend. All roads lead to Twickenham where we face the team that beat us last year, Lancashire. It would be great if we could see that stadium turn black and gold.”

CRFU Chair Denis Preece said: “It is superb to know that a Cornwall team will be at the home of English rugby again next week to contest the Bill Beaumont Cup.” He went on to say: “This year the boys have worked really hard under the coaching set up of Graham and Ian and we have seen a lot of continuity.

“We must also thank our external support, Trelawny’s Army, all our sponsors including our main sponsor St Austell Brewery under their “Tribute” banner, Kelsall Steele one of our shirt sponsors, along with BLK the kit suppliers and lastly everyone in the media who have provided such excellent coverage prior, during, and post-match, thank you one and all.”

Cornwall coach Graham Dawe said: “This match was always going to be a real battle, in a winner take all match. We made a few mistakes in the first half which allowed them to build a 12 point lead. This team play with belief in themselves and showed the tenacity to play the last 40 minutes under great pressure and expectation from a large crowd.

“It was extremely sapping in the conditions and we need to assess the guys before our final training session on Thursday. Selection of the match day squad was a real headache for us due to the quality and commitment of the squad who have played, and are on the fringes. It is also gratifying to see Ben Hilton, Craig Williams and Matt Shepherd all selected for the England counties tour of Romania following the final on Sunday. This is a reward not only for those individuals but recognises the whole Cornwall set up.”

CORNWALL: Billy SEARLE, Jon DAWE,  Jake MURPHY (all  Cornish All Blacks), Nielson WEBBER, Robin WEDLAKE (both Redruth), Lewis WEBB (Taunton), Matt SHEPHERD (Cornish All Blacks);  Rupert FREESTONE (Clifton), Jamie SALTER (Cornish All Blacks), Craig WILLIAMS (Redruth), Tony WHITTLE (Camborne), Ben HILTON (Cornish All Blacks),  Chris FUCA (Redruth), George JONES (Penryn), Kyle MARRIOTT (Capt.) (Redruth)

Replacements: Christian JUDGE (Cornish All Blacks), Damien COOK (Redruth), Tommy PHILLIPS (Redruth), James GOLDSWORTHY (Camborne), David MANKEE (Camborne), Sam PARSONS (Redruth), Barrie-John CHAPMAN (Cornish All Blacks).

Coaches – Graham Dawe, Ian Morgan

Strength & Conditioning – James Earp

Travelling Reserves:- Steve JOHNS, Richard FRIEND,  Mark GRUBB, Max VENABLES,  Taron PEACOCK,  Richard BROWN, Matt BALLARD

  
Photo – Ben Hilton has once again been called up by England Counties to tour Romania

Three of Cornwall’s County Championship squad have been selected for England Counties tour to Romania the week after the Bill Beaumont Cup final.

Two of the players are from the Cornish All Blacks.

Lock Ben Hilton who has been a regular in the Counties side for several seasons and who played in the games earlier in the year against Scottish Clubs at Fylde and France Fédérale and Périgueux, both of which were won.

It’s a first call up for scrum-half Matt Shepherd who has had a tremendous campaign in the county colours, a very much deserved recognition.

Photo – scrum-half Matt Shepherd richly deserves his England Counties call up

Prop Craig Williams is the latest Redruth player to earn selection for the Counties side, very fitting recognition for a very fine player.

Photo – prop Craig Williams chats to Jamal Ford-Robinson during last season’s Championship

Counties will play two matches against Romanian Super League side CSM Olimpia Bucharest on June 5th and the Romania U23s on June 9th. Both games will be played in Bucharest.

Photo – Cornwall squad prior to Herts match

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

Post match reaction from Hell fire corner

As fans, players and committee officials all mingled on the Redruth pitch following Cornwall’s 25-18 win over Hertfordshire, I caught up with some of the main protagonists of the day.

First up was coach Ian Morgan, who was over the moon to be heading back to Twickenham: “I am really chuffed, not just for the boys but also for the supporters and everyone involved.”

Asked if was concerned when Cornwall went in 18-6 down at half-time: “No, I wasn’t too bothered because Hertfordshire had scored their points off our errors. We knew they would be dangerous if they got behind us, and so it proved.

Photo – Ian Morgan “chuffed with team’s performance”

“We were confident if we carried on defending as we were, we could create our own chances and they came in the second half. Playing down the slope second half was always going to be a game changer and so it proved.

“The effort from the forwards and backs today was top draw and to get that great start in the second half with Kyle Marriott’s try was just what we needed, and then Robin Wedlake’s great finish in the corner put us in the driving seat.

“I thought Matt Shepherd had another superb game, despite missing some of his kicks he put that behind him and nailed the important ones when needed, that’s a sign of a very confident player.

“The good news is that we have a clean bill of health coming out of this game, so we can pick from strength for next Sunday against Lancashire.

“People talked about how good Herts were in attack, well I feel we made a point here today, that allied with our defence and commitment at the tackle area.

“Preparation will be key this week, getting ourselves ready for mid-day kick-off at Twickenham.”

Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott was delighted with the result and the opportunity to lead Cornwall out at Twickenham: “I am really pleased a great result today. Hertfordshire put us under big pressure during the first half and we were fortunate to come-out on top at the end.

Photo – Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott “Pleased and proud of team.”

“We had a good chat at half-time and we were confident in our team plan. We hadn’t done a lot wrong but just needed to impose ourselves a bit more on the game. We knew if we could look after the ball a bit better and get some field position, we had the fire-power and capability, and that showed with that great score by Robin Wedlake: he took the score well as he had a lot to do, but for a slight figure he is seriously strong. Also the team play in setting up that chance was great.

“The set-piece really worked well today and was the platform for our second half comeback. Following our early try, it was Matt’s penalties that edged us closer and we just kept mounting the pressure on them.

“Having got our noses ahead, we had to withstand some determined play from Hertfordshire but again our defence was rock-solid and we were able to close out the game.”

One player who was at Twickenham in 2013, but missed last season’s final due to travelling, was fly-half Lewis Webb, now of Taunton, who learnt his rugby skills at Penryn before a spell at Launceston. When asked to be part of the Cornwall set up this season, Webb had no hesitation: “I love being involved with Cornwall and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. To pull on that Cornwall shirt is a great honour. I have played all my age group rugby in Cornwall and I just love playing for Cornwall.”

Photo – Lewis Webb looks to evade Herts’ Elliott Reeder and Dan Watt

Did he have any doubts Cornwall could do it? “I was a bit worried at half-time but when I saw the changing room I knew playing down into Hellfire Corner we could do it. I think we may have suffered a little from the pressure and when that happens you can go away from the game plan.

“We gave them too much ball in the first half and they capitalised on it, but second half we put that right and we came storming back.

“Our defence today was so solid, Nielson Webber and Jake Murphy put in some big tackles to prevent the ball going wide to their fast wingers and that didn’t let up when Sam Parsons came on and it was good to see a fellow ‘ryner’ George Jones making a big impact as well.”

Webb was full of praise for his skipper’s performance on the day: “Kyle had a massive game there were some crucial turnovers from him. He saved us twice in our own 22 with his turnovers.

“Robin Wedlake’s try was a real gem: he had a lot of work to do, Jake Murphy and Sam Parsons set him up nicely and he finished it off in style. He has got tremendous strength and is one to watch for the future.”

Looking forward to next Sunday, Webb feels the side are much better prepared: “The team spirit is tremendous. We have all played together at various stages of our careers so there is a good understanding. We have a great team unit with no heirs and graces. If we play our game I think we can do well.”

Report by Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

Photos by Simon Bryant Iktis photo

On a glorious Cornish afternoon, roared on by one of the biggest crowds at Redruth for many years approximately some 3,500 plus, Cornwall overcame a 18-6 half-time deficit scoring 19 unanswered second half points to book a third successive tip to rugby’s headquarters.

There, they will once again meet Lancashire in the final next Sunday under the mid-day sun!

Can Cornwall finally conquer the red rose in a county final at the fifth time of asking?

It was a day also for Cornwall’s highly esteemed and much revered Team Secretary Ewart White, who has announced that after 20 years in the post he will be stepping down after next Sunday’s Bill Beaumont Cup final.

The game at Redruth looked likely to start late as Hertfordshire were caught up in the Bank Holiday traffic on the A30. However, they finally arrived at the ground with an hour to kick-off so the game was delayed by just 5 minutes.

There was a minute’s silence before the game for former Cornwall RFU President John Fry and stalwart Cornwall supporter and Trelawny’s Army member Richard Major.

Photo – centre Nielson Webber looks to break free with Sam Parsons and Lewis Webb in support

Cornwall elected to play up the slope first half and soon took the game to the visitors who may well having been feeling the effects of the coach trip!

However, it was Herts who carved open the first try-scoring opportunity as good play from their half backs Mark McCraith and Elliot Reeder was only thwarted by a great tackle from Cornish full-back Billy Searle.

Cornwall were awarded a penalty following a good forward drive from which fly-half Matt Shepherd opened the scoring to huge cheers.

Hertfordshire pressed hard and only were only denied by some superb Cornish defending, however a Cornish error from a kick out of defence presented the visitors with a try-scoring opportunity that they took clinically. Herts skipper Brett MacNamee took the ball on before centres Sam Winter, who was a handful all afternoon showing great skill and pace, and Dan Watt combined to put the latter in. The same player added the conversion.

Shepherd saw an immediate riposte sail by the posts but he was on target moments later with a penalty to narrow the deficit to just a single point.

Watt was on target with a good penalty kick as Cornwall were pinged for not releasing.

Photo – Skipper Kyle Marriott scored Cornwall’s vital first try

As half-time approached Hertfordshire sensed they need further scores and were rewarded when prop Ralph Adams-Hale finished off a great move initiated by full-back Henry Robinson.

Having surprisingly missed the easy conversion, Watt slotted a penalty just before half-time to leave Hertfordshire 18-6 up at the turn.

Playing down the slope second half, Cornwall needed a big 10 minutes to get their gander up and boy didn’t they just!

With big ball-carriers Damien Cook and Barrie-John Chapman on the field, Cornwall tore into Herts.

The visitors lost the ball in mid-field with Shepherd scooping up the ball before feeding skipper Kyle Marriott who, though tackled, made the line. Shepherd failed with the conversion but kicked a further two penalties to bring Cornwall back to within a point as the crowd’s fervour began to reach fever pitch!

From the re-start, Cornwall lock Ben Hilton was clumsily take out in the air by winger Michael Allan and shown a yellow card.

Photo- Jubilation, fly-half Lewis Webb savours a return to Twickenham

With the momentum now very much with the black and golds, a good backs move saw winger Robin Wedlake get away and despite having three men to beat dived into the Piggy Lane corner. Referee Veryan Boscawen consulted with touch judge Fred Spong before awarding the try as the crowd went berserk. Shepherd couldn’t add the conversion but he added a penalty with seven minutes to go for a seven point lead.

Hertfordshire put Cornwall under huge pressure in the closing stages but Cornwall’s defence, with one notable tackle from Jake Murphy, summed up Cornwall’s resolve not to be denied, nor were they.

The final whistle saw the Cornwall players jump for joy and Trelawny’s Army can once again begin to plot another crusade to rugby’s HQ.

Cornwall 25 pts

Tries – Marriott, Wedlake, Penalties – Shepherd (5)

Hertfordshire 18 pts

Tries – Watt, Adams-Hale, Conversion – Watt, Penalties – Watt (2)

Yellow Card – Allan (65)

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

Replacements: C Judge for Williams (50), D Cook (Redruth) for Fuca (40), S Parsons (Redruth) for Searle (57), BJ Chapman for Whittle (ht), Fuca for Jones (63).

Replacements (not used): T Phillips (Redruth), J Goldsworthy, D Mankee (both Camborne).

Hertfordshire (Old Albanian unless stated): H Robinson (Darlington Mowden Park), G Elliott (Hertford), S Winter (Bishop’s Stortford), D Watt, M Allan, E Reeder (unattached), T Whiteley (Bishop’s Stortford), R Adams-Hale, B McNamee (capt), A Berry, L Bickle, R Hamilton, S Ball (Bishop’s Stortford), O Cooper-Millar, M McCraith (Bishop’s Stortford).

Replacements (all used): O Walliker (Hartpury College), W Roberts (Loughborough Students), R Conquest (Darlington MP), T MacDougall (Hertford), M Sargent (Hertford), T Coleman, N Hankin (both Bishop’s Stortford).

Referee: Veryan Boscawen (RFU).

Crowd: 3,500 +

Cornwall-man-of-the-match: Tough one on a day when so many stood out but a captain’s performance from skipper Kyle Marriott shone through.

Photo – Redruth’s Chris Fuca going through the moves watched by Tommy Phillips and James Goldsworthy

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

Cornwall take on Hertfordshire in a game that will see the winners travel to Twickenham to contest the final of this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup at mid-day on Sunday 31st May.

Hertfordshire will be looking to avenge their defeats of the last two seasons, 13-9 at Hertford in 2014 and 41-29 at Camborne in 2013. Both those wins helped to book Cornwall a place at the Twickenham show-piece, only to suffer heartbreak on each occasion at the hands of the Red Rose of Lancashire.

The Herts team will arrive at Redruth on the back of two bonus point wins, however despite scoring more points than Cornwall they have conceded far more resulting in Cornwall having a marginally better points’ difference. That said Herts can afford to draw, Cornwall on the other-hand must win.

Both sides have overcome Gloucestershire and Kent to set up this virtual semi-final clash and on paper both sides would appear evenly matched.

Cornwall’s coaches and selectors have made just one change to the starting XV with Cornish All Black winger Jon Dawe coming in on the wing in place of Max Venables (Saltash), who has not recovered from a knock. Otherwise continuity is very much the word, as Cornwall look to keep a settled side for this vital clash.

Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe felt that the Kent game was ideal preparation for this weekend’s big clash: “They pushed all the way in that game, though we had a lot of field position and opportunities to score which we didn’t always take so if there is a lesson to learn we must nail our chances when they arise. We had a few issues last weekend but having reviewed the game I don’t think the referee got much wrong so we will have to be much smarter this week.”

  
Photos – Cornwall’s coach Graham Dawe calls the shots at Wednesday’s training, whilst skipper Kyle Marriott prepares for the tackle

Asked if he was concerned that his side wasn’t as prolific in try-scoring as Hertfordshire have been so far, Dawe was unequivocal: “You win games on pressure, field position and taking your scoring opportunities when they arise, you also have to be tenacious and I feel that this side has those qualities.

“We have got a very young back three, the Launceston pair of Billy Searle and Jon Dawe plus Redruth’s Robin Wedlake, but I’ll challenge anyone to find me a more talented trio in Cornwall that’s available to us. These boys have got a very bright future ahead of them, they are a pleasure to coach and if they are playing winning rugby then that’s all that matters.”

Dawe is looking forward to a big crowd on Saturday to get behind the boys: “Redruth is a special ground. I’ve played against the All Blacks here in front of 15,000 and the atmosphere was terrific. If we can have a good crowd here then that will lift the boys, seeing all the black and gold around the side of the pitch.”

Fellow coach Ian Morgan was just as enthusiastic about the forthcoming battle and relishing the chance to take on Hertfordshire: “It’s a shoot-out between the two sides, the winner gets to go to Twickenham, and that’s a big prize for any player. There is no question that Herts will be up for it and they have got a strong side, you just have to look through their side and see the quality they have.

Photo – Backs coach Ian Morgan getting his point across

“I think our defence has been very good this season and it will need to be top notch against this side that can score tries, but we know that we can score tries too, and the side with possession will win the game. Discipline will be key. Not giving away penalties like we did in Kent will be vital and making sure we are on the same wave-length as the officials this week.”

Morgan was asked about the walking wounded: “Lock Damien Cook will train tonight and we will assess his fitness ahead of announcing the bench. We are excited about the team named for Saturday.”

And of the crowd for Saturday he also echoed Dawe’s hopes for a big turnout; he said: “There is no doubt that a big crowd decked out in black and gold will lift the Cornish team. To run out at Redruth to a huge roar of cheering fans can really fire up the boys and is worth at least a score to us.”

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:  C Judge (Cornish All Blacks), T Phillips (Redruth), D Cook (Redruth), J Goldsworthy (Camborne), BJ Chapman (Cornish All Blacks), S Parsons (Redruth), D Mankee (Camborne).

Herts (to be confirmed)

Referee: Veryan Boscawen (RFU)

No official Hertfordshire team news, below the team that played Gloucestershire, would expect few if any changes to this line up.

Hertfordshire: Henry Robinson (Darlington Morden Park); Nick Hankin (Bishop’s Stortford), Sam Winter (Bishop’s Stortford), Dan Watt (Old Albanian), Jimmy Spiers (Old Albanian); Tom Coleman (Bishop’s Stortford), Michael Sargent (Hertford); Ralph Adams-Hale (Old Albanian), Brett McNamee (Old Albanian, capt), Billy Walken (Bishop’s Stortford), Rob Conquest (Darlington Morden Park), Ross Hamilton (Old Albanian), Oliver Cooper-Millar (Old Albanian), Nick Stevens (Old Albanian), Steve Ball (Bishop’s Stortford).

Replacements: Will Roberts (Loughborough Students), Oliver Walliker (Hartpury Coll), Charlie Hughes (Old Albanian), Harry Green (Tring), Sam Lunnon (Old Albanian), Elliott Reeder (Old Albanian), George Elliott (Hertford)

Photo – Billy Searle likely to once again have a major role against Herts

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

Cornwall’s coaches and selectors have made just one change to the starting XV with Cornish All Black winger Jon Dawe coming in on the wing in place of Max Venables (Saltash). Otherwise continuity is very much the word, as Cornwall look to keep a settled side for this vital clash.

Venables is amongst the players vying for a place on the bench, which will be named following training tonight at Redruth.

Cornwall captain Kyle Marriott paid tribute to his squad and the loyal Cornish support ahead of Saturday’s clash he said: “The Kent game proved that we have an excellent squad and team ethos, with players wanting to pull on the jersey and win under pressure especially near the end of the game. It was also great to see Mark Grubb earn his county tie for his first appearance. There were some tired bruised and battered bodies at the end of the game. These guys fought hard for the shirt today. The travelling supporters from Trelawny’s Army, London Cornish and elsewhere was again awesome and turned this game from away fixture to one played on a neutral ground.”

Photo – Trelawny’s Army in full cry

He went on to say, “We would love to see Redruth be a real fortress next Saturday with the black and gold not only visually, but noisy and in numbers to spur these guys on.”

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 (tbc)

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

KENT 16 – 22 CORNWALL

REPORT BILL HOOPER TASC PRESS OFFICER, PHOTOS BY SIMON BRYANT IKTIS PHOTO

Cornwall were made to work hard by hosts Kent, but in the end they pulled through to set up a pool decider against Hertfordshire, who defeated Gloucestershire 37-25 at Ware.

All Cornwall’s points came from Matt Shepherd with a try, conversion and five penalties as the scrum-half put in another storming performance for the black and golds to take the man-of-the-match plaudits.

Photo – Matt Shepherd scored all of Cornwall’s points against Kent

Cornwall will now hope for a big crowd at Redruth, to cheer the boys on to a third trip to Twickenham in as many years.

However, it was Kent who began the game the stronger enjoying both territory and possession in the Gravesend sunshine in the early stages.

Slowly Cornwall got a foot-hold on the game with Shepherd kicking the first of his penalties after 15 minutes.

Cornwall then piled on the pressure against Kent which saw the home-side reduced to fourteen as scrum-half Charlie Edwards was yellow-carded near his own line.

Quick thinking by Shepherd saw the scrum-half take a tap and go and dive over the line for what proved to be Cornwall’s sole try of the afternoon, his conversion making it 10-0 to the black and golds.

Almost immediately Cornwall were caught offside allowing fly-half Alex Gallagher to open Kent’s account with a penalty.

Billy Searle playing at full-back had another impressive game for Cornwall with some excellent touch kicking and elusive running, whilst in the pack the back row of skipper Kyle Marriott, Chris Fuca and George Jones enjoyed another big game in Cornish colours.

Photo – Cornwall’s George Jones and skipper Kyle Marriott drive on against Kent

Shepherd was on target twice more before half-time to put Cornwall 16-3 up at the break as Kent again found themselves down to fourteen as lock Royce Cadman became the latest player sent to the bin guilty of lazy running and impending a try scoring opportunity.

Despite being a man down, Kent showed their metal early in the second half, as they began to chip away at Cornwall’s lead thanks to a couple of Gallagher penalties before Shepherd calmed Cornish nerves both on and off the pitch to nudge his side further ahead with a two further penalties of his own with 10 minutes to play.

Photo – Cornwall centre Jake Murphy looks to off-load to full-back Billy Searle

Cornwall, who conceded far too many penalties throughout the match, then found themselves under the cosh as Kent looked to salvage something from the game. Cornwall lost Ben Hilton the sin-bin as the pressure mounted and eventually a powerful maul from the hosts saw them go over the line in time added on with the ball buried under a host of bodies, eventually referee Calum Howard awarded a try after consultation with his touch-judge. Gallagher added the conversion to leave Cornwall sweating on the final whistle greeted by a huge cheer from the Cornish support.

After the game Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe was pleased with the result: “I am delighted with the performance and our game management; once again our half-backs were superb and controlled the game well.

“We gave away a lot of penalties and I’ll have a chat with the referee to see what areas we fell foul. We feel a bit hard done by as we hardly won a turnover today compared to last week.

“We’ve won twice on the road and that’s always a special feeling, expectations will be high going into the game next week at Redruth but it’s a challenge we will relish.

Dawe also hopes that the fervent Cornish support will turn out in big numbers next Saturday: “The boys deserve a big crowd at Redruth on Saturday, there is no doubt that the Cornish crowd can be our 16th man and really lift the team in what will be a very tough game.”

Kent: K Leeper (Westcombe Park), R Fuller (Richmond), B Hough, D Bonner (both Westcombe Park), T Okenla (Gravesend), A Gallagher (Blackheath), C Edwards (O. Elthamians); J Green (Canterbury), J Bonner (O. Elthamians), T Read (Charlton Park), R Cadman (Canterbury), G Oram (Blackheath), T Bird (Gravesend), H Barton (Westcombe Park, capt), Z Stephens (Gravesend).

Replacements (all used): N Wakefield (Canterbury), R Nanson (Aylesford Bulls), N. Porter (O. Elthamians), D Bellinger (Westcombe Park), S Eydmann (Blackheath), G Montgomery (Gravesend), T Chapman (Blackheath).

Kent scores – Try –Bellinger, Con – Gallagher, Pens – Gallagher (3)

Yellow cards – Edwards (16), Cadman (38)

Cornwall: B Searle (Cornish All Blacks), M Venables (Saltash), J Murphy (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 (all used): M Grubb (Wadebridge Camels), T Phillips (Redruth), C Judge, BJ Chapman (both Cornish All Blacks), J Goldsworthy, (Camborne), R Friend (Cornish All Blacks), S Parsons (Redruth).

Cornwall scores – Try – Shepherd, Con – Shepherd, Pens – Shepherd (5)

Yellow card – Hilton (80)

Referee: Calum Osborne (RFU)

Crowd: 600

Photo – George Jones enjoyed another fine game for Cornwall at Cinderford

Cornwall make two changes to starting XV to face Kent at Gravesend

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

Cornwall will go into their second County Championship game at Kent this Saturday with confidence.

Their opening day win at Cinderford, against a Gloucestershire side keen to get revenge for last season’s loss at Camborne, was built on a powerful forward game allied with some stirring defence when needed.

Kent, who lost their opening fixture at Canterbury to Hertfordshire 31-19, despite going behind to two early scores and trailing 21-7 at the break, Kent rallied to within two points of Herts before at late converted try and penalty saw the visitors home.

Kent’s head coach Chris Wilkins was pleased with aspects of his side’s performance and will look to build against Cornwall at Gravesend on Saturday. He said: “I thought the set-piece and breakdown were excellent, as was the leadership and work-rate. It was great to see the pride the lads have in playing for Kent and our defence showed this as well, with everyone scrambling very hard.

“Having fought our way back to 19-21 down with 10 minutes left, the game was there for the taking. Unfortunately a few basic errors cost us dearly, as did a couple of 50/50 calls at the breakdown not going our way in the final quarter.

“We are all looking forward to working hard to improve our game for the tough challenge of Cornwall at Gravesend on Saturday, as we know that we will need to be at our best to get the result we desperately want.”

There is no question that Kent will be battling hard on Saturday, as a second defeat will see them needing to win at Cleve against Gloucestershire to have any hope of staying up.

Photo – Two-try hero Robin Wedlake will be hunting more tries on Saturday

Whilst Cornwall will be hoping for more of the same, with the team bringing the intensity and passion that characterized their performance against Gloucestershire.

Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe said after the game: “It was a very rewarding result for us really as we had been quite apprehensive in our approach to the game.

“What pleased me the most was that everyone in the squad bought into what we were trying to achieve. We have been together all through the winter at St. Austell on a Monday night and that has really benefited us as a group.

“We did very well to hold Gloucestershire out early on, despite the conditions, and took the game to them really.

“It’s very hard to pick out individuals, but there were a couple of guys making their debuts who played very well. It was an all-round team performance, although the front five did drive and scrum very well and controlled large parts of the game. But overall everybody was outstanding from 1 to 15.”

Cornwall make just two changes to their starting line up, with Max Venables coming in for the unavailable Steve Johns on the wing and Jamie Salter taking over hooking duties from Richard Brown, whilst on the bench Mark Grubb (Wadebridge Camels) comes in as does Redruth’s Sam Parsons.

Cornwall coach Ian Morgan knows Cornwall must be on top of their game on Saturday: “Although we won the match against Gloucestershire, there were areas of our game that we need to work on during this week. We had much of the play up front and a good defensive pattern, however we know we still need to improve our game to beat a well-drilled Kent team. It was good for us to introduce some new young faces into the match day squad with 7 guys earning a tie for their first senior appearance along with Matt Shepherd and Jake Murphy earning their county caps. Nobody should be complacent over their place; we have a number of good quality players to select from for the next games.”

Photo – Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott – players respond to fans

Whilst Cornwall skipper Kyle Marriott said: “Pulling on the Cornwall strip is a real honour for these guys and the scars and tiredness of the domestic season seems to fade away. It is also so pleasing that players from the different clubs join together at the end of each season to become team Cornwall. I want to thank the guys who are on the fringe, but turn up and train or travel with us as reserves.” He had this to say about Cornwall’s loyal fans: “The guys really appreciate the very loyal and large number of people who turned up support the team. The players really respond to the fans, and thanked them for attending and urged them to come along and support the team at the remaining games.”

Kent: K Leeper (Westcombe Park), R Fuller (Richmond), B Hough, D Bonner (both Westcombe Park), T Okenla (Gravesend), A Gallagher (Blackheath), C Edwards (O. Elthamians); J Green (Canterbury), J Bonner (O. Elthamians), T Read (Charlton Park), R Cadman (Canterbury), G Oram (Blackheath), T Bird (Gravesend), H Barton (Westcombe Park, capt), M Avaris (Westcombe Park).

Replacements: N Wakefield (Canterbury), R Nanson (Aylesford Bulls), A.N. Other, D Bellinger (Westcombe Park), S Eydmann (Blackheath), G Montgomery (Gravesend), T Chapman (Blackheath).

Cornwall: B Searle (Cornish All Blacks), M Venables (Saltash), J Murphy (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: M Grubb (Wadebridge Camels), T Phillips (Redruth), C Judge, BJ Chapman (both Cornish All Blacks), J Goldsworthy, (Camborne), R Friend (Cornish All Blacks), S Parsons (Redruth)

Travelling Reserves: D Mankee (Camborne), J Drew (Redruth), J Dawe (Cornish All Blacks)

Photo – Centre Nielson Webber makes a strong run

Bill Beaumont Cup

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 8 – 27 CORNWALL

at Dockham Road Cinderford

Report by Bill Hooper, photos by Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Cornwall got their County Championship campaign off to the best possible start scoring four tries at Dockham Road to record a bonus point win against Gloucestershire.

The Black and Golds were forced into a late change as Redruth lock Damien Cook’s ankle injury had not healed in time, with Camborne’s Tony Whittle stepping up from the bench.

Despite playing into the strong breeze it soon became apparent that the Cornish forwards were getting on top, especially in the maul.

A penalty from scrum-half Matt Shepherd calmed Cornish nerves, before Redruth’s young winger Robin Wedlake went in at the corner for Cornwall’s opening try following a good surge by centre Nielson Webber.

Photo – Winger Robin Wedlake stretches for the corner and Cornwall’s opening try

Further good play from Cornwall, with fly-half Lewis Webb and flanker Chris Fuca involved, saw Wedlake go over for his second score with Shepherd on the money with the extras.

Craig Jackson finally got Gloucestershire on the board as they elected to kick at goal, having spurned numerous penalties by kicking to the corner and losing possession!

Cornwall weren’t done and scored a third try just on half-time as winger Steve Johns claimed a Webb cross-field kick to feed centre Jake Murphy, who scampered in to the joy of Trelawny’s Army, Shepherd’s conversion making it 22-3 at the break.

Cornwall sealed the win just after half-time as Shepherd scored their fourth try, following more tremendous work from the forwards.

Photo – Watched by Dave Mankee, Matt Shepherd kicks for goal

Both sides used the rolling subs and also had a player in the bin, Ben Hilton for Cornwall guilty of not rolling away.

Cornwall’s superb defence kept Gloucestershire at bay until the dying moments when Leo Fielding got over, but by then it was too little too late and Cornwall are once again on the march.

In the other game in the group Hertfordshire overcame a dogged Kent side 31-19 at Canterbury.

Gloucestershire (Cinderford unless stated): C Jackson (Hartpury College); L Fielding, S Hanks, S Rodwell (London Irish Amateurs, capt), S Hawley; M Wilcox, A Frame; M Flook (Hartpury College), S Wilkes, T Brockett (Hartpury College), C Daniell (Lydney), E King, T MacDonald (Hartpury College), L Molitika (Coventry), M Uren (Dings Crusaders).

Replacements used: C Bundy, J Smart, J Lloyd (Dings Crusaders), M Reynolds, M Brown, S Arnott (Lydney), N Codlin (Coney Hill).

Cornwall (Cornish All Blacks unless stated): B Searle, S Johns (Birmingham-Solihull), J Murphy, N Webber (Redruth), R Wedlake (Redruth), L Webb (Taunton), M Shepherd; R Freestone (Clifton), R Brown (Redruth), C Williams (Redruth), T Whittle (Camborne), B Hilton, C Fuca (Redruth), G Jones (Penryn), K Marriott (Redruth, capt).

Replacements (used): J Salter, C Judge, T Phillips (Redruth), M Venables (Saltash), J Goldsworthy (Camborne), BJ Chapman, R Friend.

Referee: Mike Hudson (RFU).

Gloucs: Try: Fielding; Pen: Jackson.

Cornwall: Tries: Wedlake (2), Murphy, Shepherd; Cons: Shepherd (2); Pen: Shepherd.

Yellow cards: Gloucs: Arnott 52; Cornwall: Hilton 61.

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