Peter Richmond, BBC Radio Cornwall

The league season is fast approaching and, as I am sure you will all agree, each of our Cornish clubs could do with as much publicity as it can get.

Peter Richmond from BBC Radio Cornwall needs no introduction. Peter tells me that rugby is far behind soccer & cricket in getting half-time & full-time scores to him, so he can relay them on to listeners.

Please could all clubs contact Peter by Twitter, Facebook or text with their scores so we can match the ’round ball sports’ with news & info.

Not everybody does Facebook or Twitter & such people rely on scores over the radio & press.

Report & photo Ben Gilby

London Cornish RFC’s Director of Rugby Dickon Moon has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Paul Smales Medallion, which is awarded annually to a Cornish man or woman, currently not living in Cornwall, who has made an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of the people and heritage of Cornwall.

Moon, who has also served on the Cornwall County Rugby side’s coaching staff in recent seasons has been the club’s Director of Rugby since 2003, and the citation on the award, given by the Gorsedh Kernow, notes his “outstanding service to Cornish rugby”.

Commenting on the announcement of his award, Dickon Moon said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, which I will accept in person on behalf of everyone associated with London Cornish RFC at the Gorsedh event in St Austell on September 5th. It is a timely boost for the club with the new season nearly upon us, and I continue to be immensely proud in my role with London Cornish RFC, our association with Cornwall RFU, and our strong links across Cornish rugby.”

The news of the award has been received with huge pride by those connected to London Cornish. Adrian Williams, who jointly founded the club back in 1962 spoke on behalf of everyone at the club when he said: “To have maintained the true traditions of Cornish Rugby in London for all these years is testimony to Dickon’s efforts and commitment.  As a fellow Redruth-born Cornishman, I am delighted for him and trust the boys will be able to secure promotion this year as a ‘thank-you’ for all that he has done over the years.”

NB: The medallion is named after Paul Smales who founded the Cornish Music Guild and the Cornish Literary Guild. He was chairman of the Cornish Barristers Association and forged links with the Cornish diaspora particularly the USA.

Guernsey 12   Cornish Pirates 71

By Phil Westren

For a second year running the Cornish Pirates faced Guernsey in a pre-season friendly match played at the Footes Lane Stadium in St. Peter Port.

The visiting Pirates won 62-8 last August and as expected they also won convincingly this time around, 71-12. However, the islanders also deserved due credit, not only for scoring two second half tries but also for being competitive throughout.

Guernsey tested the Cornish Pirates early on, but following two unconverted tries notched by wing Craig Holland and flanker Joe Atkinson the visitors went 10 points up.

By half-time the score was extended to read 0-24 thanks first to a try scored by centre Toby May and then the award of a penalty try. Fly-half Will Cargill slotted both conversions.

On a fine and balmy evening at Footes Lane the crowd had very much enjoyed the rugby on offer, enticed also with the smell of burgers cooking on the barbecue, and in a contest that the Pirates were always going to win with more than a bit to spare, they were quick to add to their tally in the second half when replacement centre Tom Hendrickson crossed for a converted score.

Photo – Simon Bryant: Pirates’ scrum-half Alex Day

A converted try for replacement prop Jack Andrew and a try for No. 8 Matt Bolwell made it 0-43, and a second try for Holland, converted this time by replacement Kieran Hallett, brought up the 50 mark.

There was, however, considerable credit to the home side, who play their competitive rugby in National League 3 London & SE, and for whom ‘Pirate’ scrum doctor Alan Paver guested on the night, as they admirably responded to display a purple patch in a contest that certainly provided a flowing display of rugby.

An interception led to a converted try for Guernsey scored by speedy replacement Anthony Armstrong, and although replacements Kyle Moyle and Adam Jamieson hit back with converted scores for the Cornish side, to the delight of the home support fly-half Glen Walters dotted the ball down to register Guernsey’s second five-pointer.

To complete the night’s scoring, Hallett had the last say with a try to which he also added the extras.

With support kindly given the Cornish Pirates by the Guernsey Sports Commission, after the best part of a week spent training on the island, and also cementing excellent community relations once more, this match had again proved a worthy occasion, for both teams.

Guernsey RFC head coach Jordan Reynolds has welcomed the Cornish Pirates visiting the island, as besides pluses acquired from game time he and his side had also during the week learnt much from training sessions taken by Pirates’ Director of Rugby Ian Davies, Ian’s coaching colleagues Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver, and squad members in general.

At the end of the game Ian felt that Guernsey had stepped up a mark from last year and he wished them a successful season. Commenting with reference to his own team’s performance, he said:

“Our aim was to bring energy to the game and to play at a high tempo, which we did.

“There are still areas to work on, as is always the case, and especially so in pre-season, which is what such games are about.”

Guernsey:   15 Matt Armstrong, 14 Ben Challinor, 13 Ned Brown, 12 Blair Campbell (capt), 11 Dave Davison, 10 Glen Walters, 9 Malcolm Barnes; 1. Alan Paver, 2 Tom Ceillam, 3 Layton Batiste, 4 Lewis Hillier, 5 Dale Martin, 6 Dom Rice, 7 Robin Le Cocq, 8 Matt Thomas.

Replacements (all used):   Alex Mills, Gus Brayah, Bradley Choules, Chris Ahne, Adam Nixon, Jim Elliot, Anthony Armstrong.

Cornish Pirates:   15 Bertie Hopkin, 14 Kyle Moyle, 13 Toby May, 12 Alex Dancer, 11 Craig Holland, 11 Will Cargill, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Tom Channon, 3 Francisco Deformes, 4 Marcus Garratt, 5 Will Graulich, 6 Joe Atkinson, 7 Alex Cheesman (capt), 8 Matt Bolwell.

Replacements (all used):   Rob Elloway, Jack Andrew, Adam Jamieson, Chris Morgan, Laurie McGlone, Jack Oulton, Mike Pope, Kieran Hallett, Rheon James, Tom Hendrickson.

Scorers:-

Guernsey – tries: Armstrong, Walters; con: Walters.

Cornish Pirates – tries: Holland (2), Atkinson, May, penalty try, Hendrickson, Andrew, Bolwell, Moyle, Jamieson, Hallett; cons: Cargill (4), Hallett (4).

Referee:   Craig Maxwell-Keys (RFU)

Cornish Pirates v Camborne Tuesday 25 August

Continuing the build up to their important home game opener in the Greene King IPA Championship – against Nottingham on Sunday 6 September (ko 3pm) – the Cornish Pirates will play the ‘Cherry & Whites’ of Camborne at the Mennaye Field on Tuesday evening, 25 August, kick-off 7:45pm.

The gates at the Mennaye Field will be open at 6.30pm on the night, and admission – sit or stand where you like – is just £5 for adults and £1 for children aged 5-16 (for under 5s it is free). For Cornish Pirates’ 2015-16 season ticket holders entry is free.

Charity Fundraising Match

One of Cornish grass roots rugby’s most enduring and popular characters is staging a Charity match at Camborne Rugby Club’s Recreation Ground on Sunday 30th August.

George Simmons began playing in Mining Division rugby in 1968 for the now defunct Ormdale, going on to represent Redruth Albany, Illogan Park and Veor. Remarkably, ‘Mad George’, as he is affectionately known, is still turning out nearly 50 years later for amongst others Camborne Veterans, Bolingey Barbarians and the Rucking Feasters at St Just.

Following a recent battle with cancer himself, George is seeking to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and the Sunrise Centre at Treliske, where he has been treated. The game, which kicks off at 2:30 pm, will see a combined Camborne/Veor XV lock horns with George’s Invitation XV, who will take to the field wearing striking pink jerseys generously sponsored by Mill Autoquip, supplied and specially designed by Kitworld.

A good sized crowd is expected, with a variety of children’s entertainment and refreshments available. Admission is £3 per adult with children free to come along to support this worthwhile event.

Picture by Simon Bryant Iktis photo – Cornish Pirates centre Tom Riley

The Cornish Pirates continued their pre-season preparations with hard-fought 31-29 win against Welsh Premiership side Aberavon at the Mennaye.

It was typical curate’s egg pre-season fare, good in parts, plenty of work to come as conceded Director of Rugby Ian Davies post match: “It was entertaining, both sides looked to throw the ball around, both sides scored some cracking tries, a few defensive lapses but it is what it is – pre-season.

“I was pleased with our performance at the breakdown and in the collision; we worked on that during the week knowing how Welsh sides go about that area. We didn’t drive too much today, that’s still work in progress but if it had a Championship game you would have seen more of that.

“We fell foul of the referee a little during the second half, having benefited from the decisions during the first half – just one of those things.

“We are having a look at Chris Morgan playing in the second row. It’s a natural progression, as we have got a lot of competition for places in the back row. I think John Stevens had a good game, probably man-of-the-match for me, he did really well playing the full eighty.

“We look to have great competition all over the park for places, and that’s got to be a good thing for the squad a whole. Maybe last year the gap between first and second team was greater, but now there are a lot who can put their hand for that first team berth.”

First half scores from Stevens No.8 Laurie McGlone and centre Tom Hendrickson, plus the boot of Kieran Hallett, put the Pirates in a good position at half-time 24-10.

The pick was McGlone’s training park score off the top of a lineout and a great angled burst to the line.

Aberavon, who had scored a couple of first half tries through impressive winger Aaron Grabham turned the game on it’s head with further tries from scrum-half Dave Pritchard, full back Richard Carter and replacement David Evans with fly-half James Garland converting two of the scores.

Pirates roused themselves during the final moments to snatch the win thanks to a converted try from Laurence May.

Congratulations to Luke Cowan-Dickie, who came on during the second half of England’s 19-14 win over France in the first of the warm up games for the Rugby World Cup, to earn a first cap.

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