CORNWALL UNDER 20 TEAM TO FACE KENT ON SUNDAY IN THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Cornwall have made five changes to their starting line up (from the side that was defeated by Devon at Ivybridge) to face Kent at Charlton Park RFC in South East London for their quarter-final match.

Hooker Locryn Williams comes back in as does winger Jake Woodward both returning from injury having missed the game against Devon.

PHOTO – HOOKER LOCRYN WILLIAMS WHO RETURNS TO THE SIDE ON SUNDAY

Ashley Taylor and fellow Cardiff Met player Connor Swann come in on the other wing and at full-back. In the second row, the impressive Adam Hughes steps up from the back row with Sam Furse moving up from the bench into the back row.

On the bench Lewis Thomas, Tom Sandercock, Joe Martin and Dan Marsh all drop down from the starting XV whilst Zac Noseda who also missed the Devon game comes back in.

CRFU President John Grindle said, “This is a tough game for Cornwall having to make the 600 plus mile round trip to face Kent. I am sure the squad will do their very best to put on a creditable performance against the pool winners Kent.”

PHOTO CAMELS WINGER JAKE WOODWARD WHO RETURNS TO FACE KENT

Coach Ian Morgan said, “Last week we have reduced the training squad to 26 this will enable us to focus on particular areas and prepare for the game against Kent.”

Cornwall will travel up on the Saturday night in preparation for the game against Kent which will be played at Charlton Park RFC with a 1400 kick off time on Sunday 15 February.

Coach Mike Rawlings said: “I know the whole squad were disappointed with their performance and the result against Devon. We welcome back into the 26 both Locryn Williams and Jake Woodward who missed the last game due to injury.  All the places in the starting 22 are up for grabs and it is up the guys to prove their hunger to pull on the shirt.”

CRFU Chair Denis Preece said, “The team had a superb result against Gloucestershire but a few errors have cost them a home tie. In rugby you have to lose sometimes to know how to go on and win!”

Cornwall Under 20 team manager Chris Lea said:”We are now at the business end of the season in a winner take all game and therefore the coaches rightly reduced the training numbers last week. For those guys not involved we know they will be disappointed, we thank them for their efforts but know a number of them will be in contention not only next season but for two or more seasons at this level.”

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 TEAM V KENT

SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015 @ CHARLTON PARK RFC, LONDON 2.00 PM KICK OFF

1)         Tommy Phillips                    Redruth
2)         Locryn Williams                  Chinnor
3)         Jay Tyack                             St Ives
4)         Todd Prisk   (Capt)             Redruth
5)         Adam Hughes                     Penryn
6)         Sam Furse                            Newquay Hornets
7)         Jon Haines                          Cornish All Blacks
8)         Neil Stanleick                     Camborne
9)         Sam Fox                               Wadebridge Camels
10)      Dan Rutter                           Redruth
11)      Jake Woodward                 Wadebridge Camels
12)      Rhys Brownfield                Pirates Amateurs
13)      Jack Simmons                    Hartpury College
14)      Ashley Taylor                      Cardiff Metropolitan
15)      Connor Swan                      Cardiff Metropolitan
16)      Joe Martin                           Truro
17)      Tommy Southworth          Redruth
18)      Dan Marsh                          Truro
19)      Tony Pellow                        Penryn
20)      Lewis Thomas                    Redruth
21)      Zac Noseda                         Truro
22)      Tom Sandercock               Cornish All Blacks

Travelling Reserves
23)      Russell Stevens                 Hayle
24)      Adam Smith                         Redruth
25)      Tom Eley                              Truro
26)      John Tyler                            Penzance & Newlyn Colts

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

Photo – Redruth head coach Steve Larkins disappointed with Reds’ performance at Bishop’s Stortford

The Cornish Pirates were unable to back up their great win over promotion chasing Bristol with a win at struggling Moseley, with the Midlands side winning 22-18 at Billesley Common.

On the plus side, Alex Cheesman made a welcome return to the Pirates’ ranks, coming on as a second half replacement for Jake Parker at No.8, and scoring their second try (the first came from centre Tom Hendrickson in the first half).

The result didn’t help struggling Plymouth Albion. who slipped up at Bedford 38-8 and find themselves back at the foot of the table.

You can read Nigel Walrond’s WMN full match report here, plus Ian Davies’ reaction in the link here.

In National League 2 another mixed day for our Cornish clubs.

Launceston defeated Lydney 16-13 thanks to a late penalty-try to keep them away from the relegation scrap and leave their visitors still in the mire. Kieron Lewitt kicked the conversion and three penalties to see the All Blacks home. Bill Sobey’s WMN match report in the link

Redruth suffered another heavy loss on the road and had prop John Drew red carded at Bishop’s Stortford, final score 45-20. John Stevens and Tommy Phillips scored tries for the Reds with Ashley Hosking adding a couple of penalties and a conversion whilst Murray Westren landed the second conversion. It was a performance that disappointed head-coach Steve Larkins. Ed Bawden’s WMN report in the link

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne picked up a moral boosting win on the road at Matson, never an easy place to go, 35-32.

The Cherry and Whites found themselves trailing 20-3 at one stage with just a Dave Mankee penalty to show, but another penalty from Mankee’s reliable boot plus a try from No.8 Neil Stanleick left the visitors just nine points adrift 20-11 at the break.

Dave Roberts, playing at centre, got a try soon after the break, converted by Mankee who was again on the money when he added the extras to hooker’s Stuart Milliner’s try.

Matson drew level with an unconverted try before Mankee kicked another penalty to nudge Town ahead once more. Camborne’s forwards were now in full cry and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the Cherry & Whites a penalty-try to secure the win.

St. Austell battled bravely at Ivybridge before going down 33-22. Hugh Noot and Ben Chenoweth (2) scored tries for the Saints with Andy Ashwin’s boot kicking the other points. Herald report

In Tribute Western Counties West, in-form Wadebridge Camels completed the double over Penryn winning 21-19 at the Memorial Ground. Rich Treleaven, Will Pengelly and Dan Briskham all scored tries for the Camels with Sam Fox kicking all three conversions. For the Borough, Mitch Vague scored an early try before further scores from Josh Chambers and Dan Booth both converted by Matt Horton made for a tense finish.

Truro lost at Tiverton 18-13, who along with Kingsbridge are breathing down their necks in the table with a game in hand. Shaun Roseveare scored Truro’s try before being sent off for a second yellow card offence to cap a bad day for Truro.

St. Ives’ game at Okehampton was called off due to a water-logged pitch.

See the previous blog entry for London Cornish’s big win in London 2 SW.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash stay top after defeating OPMs 81-5. Report from the Herald in the link.

Crediton are second after their win at Falmouth 32-17. Read George Thorpe’s Packet report in the link.

Bodmin defeated Honiton 19-13, thanks to tries from Cody Armstrong and Paul Carter and James Taylor’s boot.

Hayle had a good win at home to Bude 32-12. Lions’ tries were scored by White (3) and Scott Harvey with Harvey also kicking three conversions and two penalties.

For the visitors, Luke Dunkin and Adam Black scored tries with Olly Dunford adding a conversion.

Pirates Amateurs lost 6-5 at Paignton, Steve Kent with their sole points from an un-converted try.

Liskeard-Looe’s game with South Molton was postponed.

In Cornwall 1 the game between Stithians and Newquay Hornets was again postponed.

Elsewhere, no Jack Nowell in the England team that defeated Wales 21-16 in Cardiff on Friday night.

Stu Townsend played for England Under 20s in their defeat to Wales in Colwyn Bay 21-15. Jack Innard didn’t get a feature in this game.

Former Pirate Blair Cowan enjoyed a good game for Scotland despite a 15-8 defeat at the Stade de France.

Good luck next Sunday to our CORNWALL UNDER 20S as they take on their Kent counterparts at Charlton Park RFC for a place in the semis, kick off 2 pm.

Effingham & Leatherhead 0-56 London Cornish

Photos & Report by Ben Gilby

London Cornish put in a truly professional eighty minute performance in the mud at Browns Lane yesterday to record an impressive eight try victory.

The win was the fourth on the bounce for ‘The Exiles’ in a run which has seen them concede just thirty-five points. The performance at Effingham was yet another demonstration that, since the Extra-time cup loss at Crowborough there has been a stiffening of Cornish resolve, and a sheer determination to play at the peak of their performance regardless of whether or not the result was already settled.

Former England U21 and Premiership player Simon Brading made his first start of the season, following an appearance on the bench at home to Warlingham last week. Matt Hakes moved in to the centre with Luke Spells absent, and Ben Devonport continued his impressive role in the number eight shirt in the absence of Mark Osei-Tutu.

The game started with Cornish on the front foot. Conditions were quite heavy underfoot, but slightly milder conditions than of late were welcome. An impressive series of early recycles between Chatley and the Skinnard brothers saw the ball kicked through by Matt Hakes. Effingham, understrength due to a range of injuries, knocked on the attempted gather, with Cornish being awarded the scrum. Immediately, it was obvious that the visitors would have a major advantage here, as the forwards turned the screw. Effingham stood up and ‘The Exiles’ were awarded a penalty. Josh Allison placed the ball and dissected the posts. After four minutes, Cornish were on the board.

With the Black and Golds dominant in the scrum, they also began to give Effingham huge problems in the line-out, with three steals of the home line-out ball in the first half alone. At one stage, ‘The Eagles’ were under so much pressure in this facet of the game that they began to throw to the front of their line.

Skinnard on the break for Cornish

As the game approached the fifteen minute mark, Ben Ievers won yet another line out and Will Carew-Gibbs made a searing break before offloading to Joe Skinnard. Hakes fed Heymann before the slippery and muddy ball was lost forward on the hosts’ 22 metre line. Cornish remained in control, and from another stolen line-out, a series of pick and drives set up a huge rolling maul down the left hand side, with Ben Devonport grounding the ball on 22 minutes. Allison’s conversion was good, and the lead was 10-0.

Just three minutes later, Cornish were over again as a kick through was ran onto by Robin Heymann. The home defence held the Exiles’ winger off, but the clearance kick went straight to Harry Somers, who made ground before his offload was kicked through and pounced on by Rich Skinnard who was never going to be stopped. Allison knocked over his third kick of the afternoon, and it was now 17-0.

‘The Exiles’ very nearly went straight up the pitch to score again as Devonport gathered the re-start, and a nice handling move from Hakes, Carew-Gibbs and Brading resulted in a Cornish penalty as Effingham were adjudged to be too slow to roll away. The visitors kicked to touch. From the line-out, an impressive eight man offloading move, involving both forwards and backs ended with Devonport and Hakes combining to play in Robin Heymann, who was adjudged to knock-on in the grounding of the ball.

Despite the hosts having a chance to clear, they soon found themselves pinned back inside their ‘22’ once more. Healey fizzed the ball to Heymann and Harry Somers galloped down the left hand side to score. Effingham supporters vociferously claimed that the Cornishman dropped the ball in his grounding, but the referee was not to be swayed. Allison missed the touchline conversion, but Cornish were 22-0 up at half-time.

Effingham started the second half well, and enjoyed their best period of territory in the match. A fantastic break by centre Matt Long, played in his full-back Jason Evans who went on a great run. Cornish ended the move by impressively turning over the ball, and the danger was gone. Shortly afterwards, from their first attack of the half, Cornish were awarded a penalty, with Allison opting to go for goal, and the lead was increased to 25-0.

Photo: lock Ben Ievers soars in the lineout

The Exiles soon had the home side under pressure, and from a comedy of errors inside the Effingham ‘22’, where a succession of home players found the ball too hot to handle, resulted in the ball being eventually kicked out behind the dead-ball line. With Cornish being awarded a five metre scrum, given their dominance up front, there was only going to be one result – a rolling maul and a try for the visitors. Ben Devonport grounded the ball at the back, for his second of the afternoon, which sealed the try scoring bonus point. Allison added the extras as the score went out to 32-0.

To their credit, Cornish kept their foot on the accelerator. Matt Hakes was influential all afternoon, and he had a hand in Black and Gold’s next try, just six minutes later. He floated an outstanding ball out to Robin Heymann who galloped through to score in the right hand corner. The tough conversion attempt was missed.

‘The Exiles’ support had only another three minutes to wait for the sixth try. Replacement Phil Dale made an immediate impression as he sprinted through a huge gap with ease to score. Allison’s conversion took the lead out to 44-0. As the game entered the final ten minutes, there was still time for the visitors to add a further two more scores. First, on 71 minutes when a great build-up saw an interchange between Allison, Hakes and Heymann saw the ball played to Harry Somers who grabbed his second try of the afternoon. Allison missed the conversion, but it wasn’t long before he was back on the scoresheet. A Cornish penalty was kicked to the corner. From the resulting line-out, Healey fed Josh Allison, who capped an impressive afternoon by diving over to score, and then adding the conversion.

Cornish now have a fortnight before they return to league action. They stand just four points behind leaders Tottonians in second place. Farnham are next up at The REMPF on 21^st February.

Photo – Ben Hilton who has again been called up by England Counties

The Southwest derby between Redruth and Taunton was another cracking game. Despite the low score 8-5 to the Reds, it was a game packed with action and incident.

It really did look like the Reds would be up against when they reached half-time level at 5 all and Taunton with the slope and wind in their favour.

Heroic rear-guard action saw them weather the Taunton onslaught at the start of the second half. The whole match day squad were heroes to a man and they got their just rewards when Ashley Hosking picked what proved to be the winning penalty 1 minute from time.

You can read my report from the West Briton in the link.

Despite tries from Ryan Westren and Jamie Salter, Launceston lost at Chinnor 24-12.

Good news for All Blacks Ben Hilton who has once again been selected for England Counties in their upcoming fixtures against Scottish Clubs XV (new opponents this season) at Fylde and France Fédérale in Périgueux.

Read Bill Sobey’s report from Sunday’s WMN.

In Tribute South West 1 West 1, Camborne’s faint chance of making the play-off have virtually evaporated following their 20-18 defeat at home to Ivybridge.

Ivybridge ran in four unconverted tries with former Cornwall player Lewis Paterson amongst the scorers.

For the Cherry and Whites Dave Roberts and Taron Peacock scored tries with Dave Mankee kicking the other points.

Another home defeat, this time 10-9 to Drybrook, sees St. Austell slip periously close to the drop zone once again this season.

It was three Andy Ashwin penalties for the Saints as against two un-converted tries for the visitors.

In Western Counties West the derby went the way of Truro who defeated Penryn 12-8 at St. Clements. Matt Bankhead and Eggy Williams scored Truro tries with Williams also adding a conversion.

Tom Hoban scored a try for the Borough and James Salisbury kicked a penalty.

In form Wadebridge Camels chalked up another win defeating Sidmouth 22-6. Gary Gynn, Jack Oulton and James Grubb crossed for tries with Grubb bagging a conversion.

Camels travel to Penryn on Saturday for an eagerly awaited derby.

St. Ives slipped to loss fourteen as they went down at home to Teignmouth 26-0. The game was abandoned after 68 minutes due to the referee being injured. It’s is likely the result will stand with Teignmouth having bagged the bonus point.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish battled back from a half-time 17-19 deficit to defeat Warlingham 40-19.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon league it was top versus bottom and unsurprisingly top won 60-0! Saltash ran in ten tries with Ollie Mulberry bagging four.

Bude defeated Falmouth 22-13 at Bencoolen. Tries for Bude were scored by James Comber, Steve Yates and Bruce James with Olly Denford kicking two conversions and a penalty. Falmouth scored a try through Nick Carne with Justyn Irons kicking the conversion and two penalties.

Bodmin defeated visiting Hayle 22-13 at Clifden Park to boost their prospects of staying up. Lee Taylor (2), Mark Trevarthan and Cody Armstrong scored Bodmin’s tries.

Pirates Amateurs game against OPMs was called off.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Camborne School of Mines wrapped up their league program with a 41-17 win over runners-up Veor.

Stithians re-arranged game with Newquay Hornets was again postponed due to a water-logged pitch and it’s hoped to play this Saturday.

The Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup pool fixtures start on Saturday 14^th February.

We await to see if Jack Nowell makes the England side for Friday night’s opening RBS 6 Nations game against Wales in Cardiff. We wish him well.

Photo- Cornish Pirates head coach Ian Davies was delighted with Bristol win

What else can I say. Two cracking games of live rugby watched over the weekend, although you wouldn’t think so from one of the score-lines.

Let’s start at the Mennaye. A game that ebbed and flowed with the Cornish Pirates defeating hitherto unbeaten Bristol 45-38 to cap a memorable weekend at the Pirates.

It was good to see Dicky Evans back for the first time since handing over the reins of the club. There was a weekend packed in his honour as the club gave him a well deserved “thank you” for all that he has done for the Cornish Pirates over the past couple of decades.

There had been a few mis-placed words pre-match from Bristol’s Director of Rugby Andy Robinson about the state of the pitch and the facilities at the Mennaye. In his words, “Get the points and get out of there!”

Bristol took the field sporting their red away strip which must have made their plethora of Welsh stars feel very much at home!

The Pirates took to the field to a huge cheer from the biggest crowd of the season at the Mennaye and from the word go the crowd got right behind the Cornish side.

Despite going ahead with an early drop-goal from full-back Matt Evans, the Pirates fell behind to a penalty-try which appeared to be awarded rather hastily by referee Garner.

The Pirates’ response was a try of beauty, a powerful driving maul that threatened to dump the Bristol pack on to their coach parked outside the gate for that quick getaway post match! Rob Elloway took the plaudits with Hallett adding the extras.

The Pirates were then guilty of missing a couple of first up tackles that allowed Bristol to score two good tries David Lemi and Jack Tovey with Matthew Morgan making three successful conversions for 21-10 lead.

Flanker Joe Atkinson then powered over from short-range for with Hallett adding the extras before the fly-half put in a well-judged chip over the Bristol defence for winger Craig Holland to score a sublime try in the scoreboard corner for a half-time lead of 22-21.

The Pirates then rocked Bristol with two quick-fire tries early in the second half as both Holland and then Elloway got their second tries the later after a tremendous run from the superb Atkinson took play almost to the Bristol line. Hallett banged over both conversions and the Mennaye was rocking at 36-21!

Bristol got a lifeline when No.8 Mitch Eadie barged over for an un-converted try, however Hallett kept the Bristol at arm’s length with a peanlty.

Up on the TV gantry, opposite the main grandstand, Robinson was pacing around with increasing anxiety etched on his face!

He calmed momentarily when referee Garner awarded Bristol a second penalty-try, however Hallett banged over a couple more long-range penalties to keep the Pirates two scores ahead.

With time fast running out and Robinson looking glummer by the second, Jack Tovey crossed for the second try in the clubhouse corner to ensure Bristol had the crumb of two points to take hastily back up the A.30.

The final whistle was greeted by a huge cheer from the large Mennaye crowd who went home happy and will surely be back for more in two weeks time!

You can read Ian Davies’ post-match comments from WMN in the link.

CORNISH PIRATES: M Evans, M Pope, T Hendrickson, A Dancer (R James 78), C Holland, K Hallett, T Kessell; K Davies (M Walker 59), (F Deformes 74), R Elloway (J Innard 72), J Ford-Robinson, W Graulich (C Davey 68), D Barry, C Morgan (Capt), J Atkinson, L McGlone.

Replacements (not used): T Lowry, B Hopkin.

Scores – Tries: Elloway (2), Atkinson, Holland (2), Conversions: Hallett (4), Penalties: Hallett (3), Drop-goal: Evans

BRISTOL: J Wallace (N Robinson 55), T Benvenuti (G Watkins 60), J Tovey, B Mosses, D Lemi, M Morgan, D Peel (Capt) (C Hampson), J O’Connell, R Lawrence (R McMillan 48), J Hall (G Cortes 48), I Evans (M Sorenson 48), B Glynn, M Mama, O Robinson (J Ovens 64), M Eadie.

Scores – Tries: Penalty (2), Lemi, Tovey (2), Eadie, Conversions – Morgan (4)

Refreee: Greg Garner (RFU)

Crowd: 2,390

Cornish Pirates man-of-the-match: Craig Holland

Photo – Ian Gordon TASC Hon.Sec presents practice balls to Cornwall coach Mike Rawlings (left) and Cornwall Team Sec. Chris Lea (right)

Having lost agonizingly to Devon with the final kick of the game, Cornwall will have to travel to Kent in the national under 20 quarter-final to played on Sunday 15^th February.

It will be a tough ask for the Cornish lads with players such as skipper Todd Prisk and prop Tommy Phillips involved in a National League 2 South game on the Saturday at home against Worthing.

Straight after the final whistle coach Mike Rawlings confirmed the frustration felt by the Cornish boys on a result that they had let slip. He said, “The boys are feeling really fed up and they know that they have let themselves down, all they want to do now is get stuck into Kent and make amends.”

“We got off to a sluggish start and the intensity just wasn’t there. Second half we lifted our heads and started playing round the corner putting decoy runners in and hard pressing their defence and playing what was in front of us.”

“Some of our decision-making on the field was also questionable, when you have points on offer you really must take them in this sort of game.”

“We were also guilty of some indiscipline which really didn’t help our cause having five players sent to the bin is very disappointing from a coach’s point of view.”

“Having said that I felt that the boys dug in and showed great character to come back as they did especially during the early part of the second half and then again at the end when we thought we’d done enough to sneak the win.”

“With Todd and Tommy having played up at Canterbury for Redruth yesterday we knew we would have to manage them today, player welfare is paramount, perhaps we did lose a bit of intensity when they came off but all credit to the boys who came on.”

Turning his thought to Kent Rawlings continued, “I think we can go to Kent and get a result. We have got the calibre of player who can get us through. Hopefully we will have Locryn Williams and Jake Woodward back in the mix. We have a got a great crop of players. I was especially pleased with Sam Fox today who is comfortable on the ball and a good distributer, Rhys Brownfield too at centre these lads are now all playing senior rugby and it shows.”

“We shall be training each week in the lead up to the Kent game with perhaps a practice game thrown in to iron out a few things, we will travel in good heart.”

Match Report: London Cornish v Winchester: Saturday 24^th January 2015

London Two South West by DoR Dickon Moon, photos by Ben Gilbey 

London Cornish leapfrogged Winchester to take back 2^nd spot in London Two South West and close to within four points of leaders Tottonians. The 20-13 win completed the double over their title rivals, the victory underpinned by a dominant set piece display, finally wearing down the Hampshire visitors in an intense top of the table battle on a cold, breezy, but sunny winter’s day at the REMPF. The match was watched by a number of coaching teams from other clubs in the division, and by a number of the London RFU hierarchy.

Photo – No 8. Mark Osei-Tutu breaks from the scrum

The Exiles went into the game bereft of loosehead prop Mike Bond, back ups Oli Low and Hamish Cuming, both first choice centres Craig Chatley and Luke Spells, and last seasons top try scorer Rich Skinnard. To compound the issue, Cornish lost Nigel Johnston in the warm up, forcing them to blood 22 year old centre Joe Donnelly, whilst at full back Josh Allison also made his starting debut for the first team. If that was not enough, ‘The Exiles’ also overcame the loss of talismanic no 8 Mark Osei-Tutu before half-time in this game.

The opening exchanges saw little difference between the two sides, as a series of attacking forays, and handling errors saw possession bobbing and weaving between the sides, as both attempted to steady any early game nerves. From the off it was clear that Cornish were dominant in the tight, and on 6 minutes an early shove saw due reward for this dominance, Allison striking perfectly down the middle of the pitch with a penalty from 35 metres to dissect the posts for 3-0. The stranglehold Tom Lloyd, Will Carew-Gibbs and Skip Dave Theobald had in the match was not lost on the watching visiting coaching teams, nor was the way ‘The Exiles’ attacked the visitors lineout and drove them back with rolling mauls.

Despite going behind, the visitors started the stronger, with the back division offering numerous attacking sorties, running great lines of pace and strength, and the ensuing pressure saw a Cornish forward commit a high tackle after 12 minutes. Winchester’s Connor Breen was handed a free kick at goal from the edge of the twenty-two, only for the scrum half to misjudge his effort on the wind. Two minutes later, Breen would ensure that the same mistake was not made twice, and struck from a similar distance and angle, to level the scores at 3-3.

With the clock approaching 20 minutes, and with Winchester having coughed up their opening 5 lineouts under pressure from the Cornish twin towers of Ben Ievers and Harry Somers, possession was handed to the Black and Gold. The hosts had so far struggled to get close to the opposition twenty two, thanks to strong defence, so the boot came to their rescue one more. Following a big hit on Somers from his opposite number, and an ensuing disagreement, a penalty awarded a chance for Allison to strike at goal from some distance, and the full back made it two kicks from two, to take the score to 6-3.

Photo – lock Ben Ievers awaits the ball lineout time

Winchester responded as before with a number of exciting runs from the backs, and equally supported with pace and strength from their forwards, but home defences held firm, and despite getting into the 22 on a number of occasions, the visitors found the door firmly shut by fine scrambling defence, Matt Hakes making a particularly important steal on his 22 and joined in the work on the floor by back rows Andrew Eustace and Chris Anstey. The Exiles found similar frustrations at the other end of the field, but were rarely able to venture anywhere near Winchester’s twenty-two until the 35^th minute. Driving Winchester back at a scrum, Cornish 9 Rob Healey spun the ball to wing Joe Skinnard, him rounding his man, and sprinting down the left flank to draw the full back and send Osei-Tutu crashing across the whitewash for the fifteenth time in as many games (see photos from game). Allison adding the extras to extend the lead to 13-3, Cornish having taken points from every occasion that had come their way and defended superbly. Osei-Tutu was injured in the act of scoring, and could take no further part, Truro born Ben Devonport on at 8, him an even greater physical specimen than the man he replaced!

Cornish tails were now firmly up and continued to scrap their way up the field. However, Sir soon called for the warmth of the dressing room, and the Exiles found themselves ten points to the good.

As play resumed following an intense first forty minutes, time would tell as to which of the two groups of gladiators would last the distance and prevail in an arena dominated by high swirling winds and a blinding winter sun, and it seemed that, at least up until the hour mark, the winner could not be called, as first one then the other side gained the momentum.

Again breaks of pace, but perhaps with not as much strength as in the first half, put the Black and Gold defence under pressure, with them conceding a penalty right in front of the own posts. Breen placed a straight forward kick between the uprights to reduce the deficit to seven points. 13-6 after 43 minutes.

Five minutes later, Allison had the chance to increase the lead from 30 metres, as a Winchester forward was pinged for going off his feet at the breakdown, but his well struck  effort into a stiffening breeze fell agonisingly short.

The visitors by now sniffed an opportunity to exert further pressure, and a change of tactics saw them make changes of personnel, kick for the corner and use the pack to drive back the Exiles’ defence, as it was becoming increasingly evident that their running game was struggling to bear fruit. By the 56^th minute, the greengrocer finally delivered.

Having been under pressure with his throwing throughout, hooker Chris Searle threw quick and low to the front man. From there, numerous breaks and phases created a gap for Alex Lee to go over the line by the posts. Breen converted with ease to level the scores and put the game on a knife edge. Within a minute of the equalising score, Winchester had an opportunity to take the lead from 30 metres at the angle, but Breen fired his kick just wide of the left post.

However, act two of the half would see Cornish wrest back control, as the hosts combined crafted playmaking from fly half Phil Dale and his fellow backs, with an increased supply of ball created by forward dominance as Winchester tired from the relentless nature of a classic Cornish performance up front. This pressure began to tell in the concession of a series of penalties, as rolling mauls sapped energy and conceded field position. The Exiles grew in confidence and for the next fifteen minutes, pressure was applied with a diet of kicking for the right hand corner, line outs, driving runs and driving mauls. To a Cornishman, there is little more beautiful a sight than that of a driving maul at full steam and those watching could gorge on the tactic as the visitors set piece cracked. That they held on for so long is testament to Winchester’s defence, but on the 3 occasions they turned the ball over they failed to find touch with clearing kicks and found themselves right back where they came from. The referee’s patience snapped as a blatant attempt to collapse the maul 10 metres out was spotted, a yellow card given to the miscreant.  On 77 minutes, Winchester’s pack could hold no longer, and with another Cornish advantage after the visiting hooker tried the same tactic, Allison, Robin Heymann, Dale and Donnelly interchanged passes before finding Somers to crash the ball to 3 out and find his scrum half Healey, sniping as all good 9’s do, waltzing across the line with aplomb to place the ball under the posts. Allison made it four successful kicks from five to renew the seven point advantage at 20-13.

Photo – Centre Matt Hakes looks for a break

Winchester made a late surge towards the home twenty-two, only for Cornish to hold firm once more, and with Sir awarding another penalty, the ball was placed into touch for the final whistle.

A delighted Director of Rugby, Dickon Moon, gave his thoughts after the game: “A fantastic result against a strong Winchester side, that had gone ten straight league wins since we beat them at their ground, and to complete the double over them is great. I was particularly pleased with the last twenty minutes, and with the fact that we have coped with making so many changes, forced on us through a combination of unavailability and injury. We suffered another in the warm up, which meant we had to change our centre partnership, and we gave debuts to two players in the backline today, Josh Allison, and Joe Donnelly, who both acquitted themselves very well.”

“A big result, but I think the race (for promotion) between us, Winchester and Tottonians will still go down to the end of the season. You cannot take an eye off any match in this division, so attention now turns to next week, when thankfully we will have a number of those missing today back in action.”

“We had to win today to ensure that it was still a three horse race for the title, and I think we have done exactly that.”

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

By Bill Hooper at the Rutts Pitch Ivybridge

Matt Grieveson’s final penalty kick gave Devon a last-gasp win against Cornwall 31-29 and dashed Cornish hopes of a home quarter-final in this season’s Under 20 County Championship.

The result gives Devon a home quarter-final against Berkshire, whilst for Cornwall they will have to travel to the south of London to face Kent, both ties will be played on Sunday 15^th February.

It’s a game that Cornwall will on reflection know they should have won, especially as they led 26-16 mid-way through the second half having scored four tries and looking the stronger side.

Sadly some questionable decision making and five yellow cards – three in the closing minutes –  in the game saw the momentum shift in Devon’s favour, whilst injury time saw the lead change hands on three occasions to set up the dramatic finale.

Despite a bright start by Cornwall it was Devon who opened the scoring with a penalty from Newton Abbot fly-half William Castleton.

Cornwall then suffered the first yellow card as fly-half Sam Fox was sin-binned for a late tackle.

Castleton repeated the dose twice more as Devon went 9-0 up by 17 minutes and Cornwall had prop Tommy Phillips yellow carded for a tip-tackle.

Cornwall needed a score and it came from a good forward drive near the Devon line with skipper Todd Prisk getting the un-converted try.

Devon struck back almost immediately when winger Correy Whane manged to wriggle out of a tackle to score under the posts, Castleton added the extras for an eleven point lead.

As half-time approached Cornwall got a vital score through flanker Adam Hughes, the first of his brace, which Rhys Brownfield converted to leave Devon 16-12 up at the turn.

Cornwall upped their game early in the second half as the scrum began to dominate the Devon pack. Devon prop Ashley Crouch was dispatched to the sin-bin allowing Cornwall to score to quick tries through the excellent Hughes and then thanks to centre Jack Simmons following good play from replacement back Ashley Taylor. Brownfield added both conversions and Cornwall appeared well on the way at 26-16.

Sadly, the wheels then fell off the Cornwall wagon, a kickable penalty was turned down for a scrum and that came to nowt!

Devon then got a sniff when flanker Jack Ferguson scored a try which Grieveson converted to trail by just three points.

Cornwall lost replacements Sam Furse and John Tyler to the bin in quick succession whilst Devon also had prop Will Cole sent to the increasingly busy cooler.

Scrum-half Kier Murphy took a quick tap penalty to dart over the Cornish line for Devon’s third try and a two point advantage on the scoreboard as the clock ticked past eighty minutes.

Devon were then penalised for obstruction allowing Brownfield to kick Cornwall back into the lead. Could they hold on?

However, the final twist saw Cornish flanker John Haines sin-binned for dissent presenting Grieveson with a last-gasp chance to sneak the win, which he duly delivered in the gathering gloom and drizzle of a Devon winter afternoon.

Devon 31 pts

Tries – Whane, Ferguson, Murphy; Cons: Castleton, Grieveson; Pens: Castleton (3), Grieveson.

Yellow cards: Crouch 45, Cole 74.

Cornwall 29 pts

Tries – Prisk, Hughes (2), Simmons; Cons: Brownfield (3); Pens: Brownfield.

Yellow Cards: Fox 9, Phillips 20, Tyler 73, Furse 74, Haines 80+7.

Devon: S Fellowes (Teignmouth), C Whane (Newton Abbot), D Squire (Brixham), B Massingham (Ivybridge), J Bond (capt), W Castleton (both Newton Abbot), K Murphy (Tavistock), A Crouch (Barnstaple), J Daley (Devonport S), W Cole (Newton Abbot), C Edbrooke (Sidmouth), B J McDonald (Old Reds), Rouse (Exmouth), J Ferguson (Kingsbridge), B Hawley (Exmouth).

Replacements: S Harrison (Exeter Saracens), M Allen (Kingsbridge), R Hull (Sidmouth), J Walker, M Grieveson (both Ivybridge), L Stannard , T W (both Devonport S).

Cornwall (Redruth unless stated): T Eley (Truro), L Thomas, J Simmons (Hartpury College), R Brownfield (Pirates Amateurs), T Sandercock (Cornish All Blacks), S Fox (Wadebridge Camels), D Rutter; T Phillips, J Martin (Truro), J Tyack (St Ives), T Prisk (capt), A Marsh (Truro), A Hughes (Penryn), J Haines (Cornish All Blacks), N Stanleick (Camborne).

Replacements: S Furse (Newquay Hornets), A Smith, T-L Southworth, T Pellow (Penryn), ATaylor (Cardiff Met), R Stevens (Hayle), J Tyler (Penzance & Newlyn Colts).

Referee: Charlie Gayther (Gloucestershire RRS).

Crowd: 250

TASC Cornwall man-of-the-match: Adam Hughes (Penryn) scored two tries and worked tirelessly in the backrow.

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell has spoken of his delight after he was today named in Stuart Lancaster’s 34-man England training squad ahead of the opening RBS Six Nations clash with Wales.

Having missed last summer’s tour to New Zealand due to knee surgery, Lancaster brought the talented Cornishman back into his training squad for the Autumn internationals against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

And although the 21-year-old trained for all four weeks with the Red Rose country at their Pennyhill Park base, he was unable to add to his tally of five international caps.

The first of those, however, came a year ago when the former Truro College youngster was handed his Six Nations debut against France in Paris.

Nowell went onto feature in all five of last season’s Six Nations fixtures for England, including in Italy where he bagged his maiden try for his country in their 52-11 victory in Rome.

Now fully firing following some detailed surgery on his troublesome knee, Nowell says he is fully focused on getting back amongst Lancaster’s grand plans, particularly with the Rugby World Cup looming large on the horizon as well.

“I’m very pleased to be back in the squad,” said Nowell. “But the thing I’m most pleased about is getting back from injury and the trust Stuart has put in me. As he said previously, we would all have to fight for our positions again and I’m ready for that.”

Frustrated at times by his eagerness to get back to Chiefs action, Nowell knows the cautious approach from the Exeter medical staff has in fact helped him rediscover his form, which has included a number of tries already this season.

“It’s been a long 12 months and I was itching to get back every day,” he explained. “At the same time, I’m thankful for the time and effort everybody had put into me in terms of my rehab. I’ve come back strong, I’m playing well and it’s nice to have two legs again on the field.

“Looking back I needed that time to rest, but the operation was a huge success and I’ve come back more confident and knowing that my knee is not sore anymore.”

Getting back into the England starting XV, though, will be no formality for Nowell. The form of Jonny May and Anthony Watson has been impressive both for club and country, but the Exeter man says he is determined to attack the cause with everything he has got.

“It’s a big step up for sure,” said Nowell. “Anthony Watson played very well in the Autumn, as did a few others, but I know Stuart will give us all a fair chance, so I just have to attack it as best I can.”

A year ago, Nowell was the so-called ‘New Kid on the Block’ ahead of the 2014 Six Nations campaign, but having experienced the thrills and spills of international rugby, the gifted Chief is more confident about what lies ahead.

He continued: “Yes, I’m more confident, but I don’t think things have changed too much. It will be the same as last year in a lot of ways, so I’m not going to change as a player or as a person. I’m in the squad, which is great, and I want a start position the same as everyone else. The big thing Stuart and the coaches will want us to do when we meet us is attack everything and fight for our positions, so that’s exactly what I will do.”

Whilst Nowell was selected in Lancaster’s senior squad, fellow Chiefs Luke Cowan-Dickie (pictured), Dave Ewers, Henry Slade and Thomas Waldrom have all been rewarded for their impressive displays this season with a place in the England Saxons squad, who will also meet next Monday in London ahead of their upcoming clash with the Irish Wolfhounds in Cork.

Photo – Centre Rhys Brownfield will again be looking for points against Devon

Cornwall travel to Ivybridge in good heart for Sunday’s pool decider in this season’s Under 20 County Championship against old rivals Devon at Ivybridge RFC kick-off 2:30 pm.

The winners of this game can look forward to a home quarter-final against either Hertfordshire or Berkshire on Sunday 15^th February, whilst for the losers a long trip to Kent beckons on the same date.

Cornwall do have a one point advantage going into the game so a draw would also suffice for a home quarter-final.

As expected the squad has a familiar look with the majority of players who faced Gloucestershire retaining their places.

Speaking on behalf of the CRFU, President John Grindle said, “This is the second game in a tough west country pool. I want to thank the coaching team of Ian Morgan, Mike Rawlings, Bryn Jenkins, team manager Chris Lea and the back room staff and medics for their work in preparing the team for this important game.”

Coach Ian Morgan is under no illusions as to what the Cornish lads will face. He said, “The squad has gelled into a tight group but know they face a tough cross the Tamar game against Devon.”

Coaches will be monitoring their phones on Saturday evening hoping that the players come through their league matches unscathed for Sunday’s showdown.

Fellow coach Mike Rawlings said, “We have had to make a few enforced changes to the team after losing both Locryn Williams and Jake Woodward through injury. This season we have managed to get a number of guys into the squad and therefore selecting replacements is not difficult although there will be one or two disappointed guys.”

CRFU Chair Denis Preece said, “The team had a superb result against Gloucestershire but know they cannot rest on their laurels as Devon will be a tremendous test for these players especially after they defeated Gloucestershire away from home!”

Cornwall Under 20 team manager Chris Lea said, “The squad this season is a real mix of guys some with National League experience others now making the break into senior rugby. What we are trying to build is a continuous stream of players who can represent Cornwall at this level. For some, this is their last season at this level, others have one and some two / three seasons ahead of them and should not be disappointed if they are not in the starting XV.”

Cornwall U.20: Tom Eley (Truro), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Jack Simmons (Hartpury Coll), Rhys Brownfield (Pirates Ams), Tom Sandercock (Launceston), Sam Fox (Wadebridge Camels), Dan Rutter; Tommy Phillips (both Redruth), Joe Martin (Truro), Jay Tyack (St. Ives), Todd Prisk (Redruth, Capt), Dan Marsh (Truro), Adam Hughes (Penryn), John Haines (Launceston), Neil Stanleick (Camborne).

Replacements: Sam Furse (Newquay Hornets), Adam Smith , Tommy-Lee Southworth (both Redruth), Tony Pellow (Penryn), Ashley Taylor (St. Austell/Cardiff Met), Zac Noeda (Truro), John Tyler (Penzance & Newlyn Colts).

Travelling Reserves: Joe Bradford (Newquay Hornets), Kieran Down (Saltash), Russell Stevens (Hayle), Ryan Burley (Stithians).

STOP PRESS – Devon side announced