Report & Photos by Ben Gilby

London Cornish head into the London Two South Promotion Play-Off on the back of a 41-17 win at Weybridge Vandals this afternoon.

The game was a rather strange affair in so far that Cornish scored thirty-one of their forty-one points in either the opening twelve minutes or the final twelve minutes – in between there was very little of note for the good number of visiting supporters to enjoy – other than the glorious spring sunshine and the hog roast on offer on the patio of The Vandals clubhouse!

Any thoughts that The Black & Golds would be distracted by the upcoming London Two South promotion play-off game were dispelled as they took the lead within 55 seconds. A super break from Craig Chatley saw Weybridge struggle to hold back the pacy attack, and a recycle saw Harry Somers over the line. Josh Allison kicked the conversion and it was 7-0.

It took only six more minutes for Cornish to extend their lead when a clearance kick from Vandals’ Darren Lockyer was caught by Josh Allison. The ball found its way to Matt Hakes, who galloped through the centre, with any number of home defenders trailing in his wake, an offload to Tim Homan saw further yards made before a final pass put in Robin Heymann to score with ease. The conversion attempt missed.

At this stage, it seemed as if Cornish could score at will, and the third try came after just 12 minutes. Phil Dale weaved through the midfield before putting in Will Carew-Gibbs, and the hooker rampaged through the ’22’ to score an exceptional effort. Allison added the extras, and the score-line was now 19-0.

An absolute cricket score looked highly likely at this point, but Weybridge, to their credit established an immediate foothold in the game shortly after. An impressive move between Cassian Bramham-Law, James Wellden, Craig Decoteau and Dave Stewart saw a large number of metres made. Cornish may have snaffled the ball, but the territory made in this move would prove to be a telling factor as, shortly afterwards, Vandals won a penalty at the scrum and winger Harry Reed dived over to score. Ryan Humphrey’s conversion missed.

The try caused a major change in momentum as Weybridge enjoyed the majority of possession in the last twenty minutes of the first half. Therefore, it was not a surprise when they managed to get another try back after 36 minutes. A poor pass by Cornish was taken by Cassian Bramham-Law, who combined with Dave Loubser. The move was stopped by ‘The Exiles’, but only with the concession of a five metre scrum. From this, number eight Darren Livett grounded the ball. Humphrey missed the conversion, and ‘The Black & Gold’s’ lead was reduced to 19-10 at half-time.

Photo – Rich Skinnard streaks away from the Vandals’ cover

Cornish started the second half on the front foot, with Harry Somers at the heart of most of the best play during this time. Ten minutes into the second half, they managed to extend their lead as, from a scrum, a mighty shove in the maul saw Tim Homan ground the ball. Josh Allison added the extras, and the score was out to 26-10.

However, the visitors went back into their shells after this score, with Weybridge regaining their hold on the game once more, and from another scrum gained close to the posts, Darren Livett dived over to score his second of the game for The Vandals. Ryan Humphrey kicked his first conversion of the game, and the game was back in the mix again at 26-17.

As the match entered the final quarter, it became increasingly physical and there were a number of incidents which, on another day, could have seen cards of either colour brandished by the referee – however, on this occasion, the official kept his cards firmly tucked away in his pocket. With eight minutes left, Cornish were handed a penalty in a central position, which Josh Allison successfully kicked to extend the lead to 29-17, and extinguish any hopes Weybridge may have had of ending their season with a win.

Photo – winger Robin Heymann fends off a tackle

There was over ten minutes of stoppage time played at the end of the game, and Cornish came good once more with some quite sparkling play which proved that, when ‘The Black and Golds’ played remotely near their best, Vandals could simply not cope with them. After a sensational interplay between Allison, Hakes and Lloyd, the visitors were pinged for not releasing. However, Weybridge’s attempt at clearing their lines only saw the ball run back. Harry Somers and Rich Skinnard combined before the referee ended the attack for crossing. Once more Vandals could not clear successfully, and Rich Skinnard stepped on the gas to obliterate the home side’s defence and score a glorious try. The conversion from Josh Allison missed.

There was still time for one further try for ‘The Exiles’, and what another superb one it was. Weybridge were on the front foot, and were well inside the Cornish ’22’ – a poor pass was knocked-on and picked up by Rich Skinnard who had the time and space to show his quite staggering turn of pace. A 70 metre run of incredible speed was never going to be stopped and he grounded the ball for the sixth Exiles try of the afternoon. Josh Allison had the last say of the afternoon with his conversion.

London Cornish finish the season in second place in London Two South-West, their highest ever league placing. They now have a free weekend ahead of them to prepare for the trip to Rochester on 25th April to take on Medway in the London Two South Promotion Play-Off match – quite possibly the biggest match in our club’s 52 year history.

Photo – Todd Prisk in action against Gloucestershire

Following a gruelling weekend at Welbeck College, Loughborough with the South West Under 20s competing in the Divisional Festival Redruth duo lock and County Under 20s skipper Todd Prisk and prop Tommy Phillips have been selected for the England Counties Under 20s squad to tour Hungary in June, where they will play a Hungarian Barbarians XV and Hungary Under 23s. They will be the first national representative side from England to visit Hungary.

In total nine Cornwall players were selected to represent the South West, a major achievement in itself. In addition St. Ives prop Jay Tyack and Hartpury College centre Jack Simmons have been selected as non-travelling reserves.

Photo – prop Tommy Phillips

The other players involved who didn’t get selected but who did so well get to get that far were Redruth’s Dan Rutter, and Tommy–Lee Southworth, Truro’s Tom Eley, Pirates Amateurs Rhys Brownfield and Camborne’s Neil Stanlieck.

Not unsurprisingly Yorkshire, who defeated Cornwall in the Under 20s County Championship semi-final , have five players in the squad, but only three who featured at Camborne, No.8 and skipper Josh Burridge, hooker Will Scholey and flying winger Rob Rekis.

Photo – Neil Bayliss, pleased with Cornish All Blacks’ recent form.

A wet and windy Sunday afternoon saw what could well be the last cross-Tamar derby for at least a season as the Cornish Pirates’ 27-16 win over Plymouth Albion creaked open further the relegation trap door on their Devon rivals.

Pirates’ tries came via Kieran Hallett, Chris Morgan and Paul Andrew, with former Albion star Hallett kicking the rest of the points.

The win ensures Championship rugby at the Mennaye next season.

Read George Thorpe’s match report in the link.

In National League 2, the Cornish All Blacks got maximum points for the second week running with a fine 29-5 win over Old Elthamians at Polson Bridge.

Ed Holmes and Matt Shepherd both crossed twice with Kieron Lewitt adding the rest of the points from his boot.

Suzanne Cleave’s report in the link.

Redruth suffered another away day horror losing 50-7 at Dorking. Robin Wedlake scored their only try converted by Ashley Hosking, whilst to cap it all Rhodri McAtee suffered a break that has ended his season.

Ed Bawden’s report in the link.

In Tribute South West 1 West, both our sides suffered away day defeats, for St. Austell it proved to be the loss that broke the Camels’ back confirming relegation back to Western Counties West next season after a two-year stint at this level.

Saints went down 31-10 at Avonmouth Old Boys with Ian Venner and Hugh Noot scoring unconverted tries.

Camborne lost at Bideford 35-24, despite the hosts being reduced to fourteen men during the first half.

Alex Ducker, Kevin Mankee and skipper Steve Kenward scored the Cherry and Whites’ tries with Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.

In Tribute Western Counties West; Wadebridge Camels 36-7 win at St. Ives virtually condemns the Hakes back to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.

Matt Ballard (2), Mark Kempthorne, Jack Bolton, Gary Gynn and Dom Hawkey all scored tries for the Camels with Bolton kicking three conversions.

For St. Ives Tom Nicholas scored a try converted by Jamie Prisk.

Truro lost at Devonport Services 18-13, Luke Trescothick with their only try converted by Eggy Williams, with Jake Champion chipping in a couple of penalties.

Penryn went down at Tavistock 38-31. Martin Strick and Josh Chambers (2) scored tries whilst Strick added two conversions and a penalty with Matt Horton also kicking three penalties.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish were given a walkover by Tadley to confirm their play-off berth.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash and Crediton are locked at the top of the table with the title set to be decided when Ashes visit Crediton on 18^th April.

Saltash maintained their bid for the title with a 45-0 win at Bodmin. Will Morton (2), Ryan Cruickshanks (2), Steve Hillman Brian Veneables and brother Max all scored tries with Max Veneables kicking five conversions.

Pirates Amateurs defeated Bude 19-14 on the Mennaye thanks to tries from Lee Edwards, Mike Roach and Harry Hudson, Steve Evans and Trev Dugdale each kicked a conversion.

For Bude, Adam Black and Bradley Janes scored tries both converted by Olly Denford.

Hayle won at home against Honiton 20-5. Josh Rule and Neil Mitchell scored tries for the Lions which were both converted by Scott Harvey who also landed a couple of penalties.

Falmouth were given a walkover by Liskeard-Looe.

Easter weekend sees the usual touring fixtures with Old Dunstonians and Imperial Medics both down in the Duchy.

Easter Saturday will also see the return Rodda’s Milk Cup fixture as Camborne entertain Redruth!

Easter Sunday will also see the Penryn Easter 7’s.

Finally good luck to the Cornwall Under 20 lads who will be at Welbeck College over Easter for the Divisional Festival, and looking to make the England Counties Under 20s tour to Hungary in May.

Photo – Tom Kessell scorer of one of the Pirates’ tries at Bedford

The Cornish Pirates 31-21 win against Bedford Blues on Friday night at Goldington Road sees them safe for another season in the Championship.

Tries were scored by Tom Kessell, Matt Evans and a brace from Craig Holland, who was making his 50^th appearance for the Pirates.

Laurence May kicked nine points, with his replacement Kieran Hallett also landing a penalty.

Next Sunday the Cornish Pirates host Plymouth Albion, who are still battling relegation: it promises to be a feisty affair.

Read Gavin Cattle’s reaction in the link.

Match report in this link.

No National League 2 to report, but England Counties were in Périgueux playing France Fédérale.

All the points came from the boot with Counties’ Chris Johnson landing eight penalties for a 24-15 win. Launceston’s Ben Hilton played in the game that attracted a crowd of 3,500.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a good win for Camborne at home to Avonmouth Old Boys 47-18. Town scored seven tries, with Alex Ducker romping home for three, Cameron Bone (2), Tony Whittle and skipper Steve Kenward. Dave Mankee kicked the rest of the points.

Not such good news for St. Austell, whose two season stint at this level hangs by a thread following their 20-5 reversal at Tregorrick Park to Thornbury,  Ian Venner with their only try.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro edged an entertaining derby at home to Wadebridge 25-22. Adam Gayton, Matt Cross and Ben Teasdale scored Truro’s tries with “Eggy” Williams kicking the other points. For the Camels, Will Pengelley, Dom Hawkey and Jack Oulton all scored tries with James Grubb kicking the rest of their points.

Penryn won another close encounter against Okehampton 21-17. Adam Hughes, Josh Chambers and Andy Seviour scored the Borough’s tries, which Matt Horton converted.

St. Ives lost heavily at Wellington 71-0.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish lost their title decider at Tottonians 26-14.

They will now seek to earn a home play-off spot from their final two fixtures.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, congratulations to Saltash who, after defeating South Molton 87-18, can look forward to Western Counties West rugby next season. Ashes ran in thirteen tries with both Max Veneables and Will Morton bagging hat-tricks. Veneables also kicked eleven conversions.

Pirates Amateurs had a fine 53-3 win over Bodmin, with veteran  Richard Carroll getting a couple of tries.

Hayle lost at home to Withycombe 21-18. Rob Goodman and Damien Lynes scored the Lions’ tries and Scott Harvey kicked the other points.

Falmouth went down 11-9 at Honiton. Justyn  Irons kicked all their points.

Bude picked up a point at Paignton despite losing 40-27. Joe Wilson (2) and Harry Goodrun (2) got their tries.

Liskeard –Looe lost 92-5 to Exeter Saracens.

Well done to Jack Nowell with his brace of tries against France as England won a curious but nevertheless enthralling match 55-35. Not very often you watch an international with twelve tries!!

Whilst the attack coaches will be purring with delight, the defence coaches will be tearing their hair out!

Viewing the game would have been much more pleasant without the constant need of people leaving their seats every few minutes!! One guy in my row went 8 times!!! Why? It’s ruining the Twickenham experience!

Max Bodilly’s brace of tries weren’t quite enough for Exeter Chiefs, who relinquished their hold on the LV=Cup losing 23-20 to Saracens with the last kick of the match.

Good to hear that former Red Aaron Penberthy has pencilled a further one year deal with Championship side Jersey.

Jack Innard and Stu Townsend both helped England to the 6Nations Under 20 title with the 24-11 win over France in Brighton.

Finally, some sad news this weekend. Alf Lawton, father of Camborne and Cornwall player Ashley, and a great supporter of Cornish rugby, sadly passed away on Saturday. Alf was a great contributor on the TASC forums and loved the banter. We shall miss him on the touchline. Thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

Photo – Dan Rutter looks to make a break past Yorkshire hooker Will Scholey

Saturday’s rugby action centred on the two National League 2 South games, but not exclusively!

The Cornish All Blacks finally chalked up a bonus point win this season 29-8 at Clifton, thanks to tries from BJ Chapman, Darren Semmens, Chris Courtier and Ryan Westren.

The win moves them above Clifton and 10 points off the relegation zone.

Redruth went down at home to champions elect Henley Hawks 28-13.

The Reds scored unconverted tries through Kyle Marriott and Rhodri McAtee, whilst Murray Westren kicked a first-half penalty.

It’s another weekend off for the clubs next weekend, as England Counties (including Launceston’s Ben Hilton) take on France Fédérale in Périgueux on Friday night.

The only other league game affecting a Cornish side was in Tribute Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels lost at Okehampton 22-3.

The Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-finals took place last weekend, resulting in another Camborne versus St. Austell final.

At the Recreation Ground, Camborne were given a stern test by Truro before running out winners 24-5. Former Truro player Ben Kemp scored one of two Camborne tries with the other being dotted down by Alex Ducker, whilst Dave Mankee kicked fourteen points. Darren Jacques powered over for Truro’s sole points.

At Penryn, St. Austell had to battle hard to overcome the Borough 22-20. Tries from Dan Pearce, James Martin and a Penalty-try plus the kicks from Andy Ashwin saw the Saints home. For Penryn, Andrew Seviour and George Jones scored tries with the boot of Martin Strick getting the other points, sadly for Penryn a last-gasp 40 metre penalty attempt by Matt Horton faded and Penryn’s hopes of an upset were dashed.

The final is set for Saturday 2 May, venue and kick-off time to be confirmed by the Cornwall RFU.

Jack Nowell scored his second England try, and his first at Twickenham in the red rose shirt, as England retained the Calcutta Cup 25-13 against Scotland. Well done Jack!

Former Pirate Blair Cowan had a very good game for Scotland.

Jack Innard and Stu Townsend both came on for England Under 20s in their 26-11 win over Scotland in Darlington on Friday evening.

On Sunday both Jack Stanley and Billy Keast were involved with England Under 18s in the defeat to Wales 23-18 at St Helens.

Camborne & Truro School’s Cameron Sayer scored in the Independent Schools Lambs 73-26 win over the Boys Clubs of Wales prior to their tour to North America.

On Sunday, Cornwall Under 20s lost their semi-final to Yorkshire 63-3 at Camborne. Read the previous blog entry about the game.

Members of Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club were present at Camborne last Sunday to not only cheer on the Cornwall Under 20s but to also make a donation towards the travelling expenses of the nine Cornwall players selected to take part in the Divisional Festival at Welbeck College, Loughborough over Easter.

Players in the picture l-r Dan Rutter, Tommy Phillips, Neil Stanleick, Rhys Brownfield, Jack Simmons, Ian Gordon (TASC), Todd Prisk, Tommy-Lee Southworth and Ian Morgan (CRFU coach). Players missing Tom Eley and Jay Tyack

Photos by Simon Bryant Iktis photo.

UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

CORNWALL 3 – 63 YORKSHIRE

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground with Photos courtesy Of Simon Bryant Iktis photo

Cornwall’s dream of a first Twickenham final at this level since 2002 were ruthlessly crushed by a Yorkshire side full of running who ran in eleven tries. Six coming from a potent back three of full-back Robbie Davidson and wingers Rob Rekis and man-of-the-match Ben Magee, who bagged a hat-trick.

Photo – Cornwall prop Tommy Phillips feels the force of Yorkshire’s Brodie Wilson

After the match Cornwall coach Bryn Jenkins held his hand up and conceded that there were no complaints: “On the day we were beaten by a very good team, we had hoped for better but it just wasn’t to be. Naturally I am very disappointed for the lads and all the hard work they have put in this season, it’s the furthest we have come for twelve years.”

Whilst in the Yorkshire camp head coach Anthony Posa was delighted with his side’s fine performance: “I am really proud of the lads today, we have travelled a long way not knowing what to expect but everything clicked. Credit to Cornwall who threw everything at us near the end to try and get a score but we held out and that was equally satisfying.”

Yorkshire kicked off in bright sunshine with stiff breeze at their backs and immediately had Cornwall under pressure camping in the 22.

The Cornish scrum hitherto a major force found themselves under pressure from the Yorkshire pack as the visitors elected to scrum a penalty from five meters out, the drive saw skipper and No.8 Josh Burridge claim the opening try.

Less than two minutes later Yorkshire were in again as the ball was moved wide to the speedy Rekis who romped in at the scoreboard corner. Fly-half Chris Bell was on cue with the conversion, the first of four successful kicks in the tricky wind.

Cornwall were clearly rattled and it got worse when moments later centre Jack Simmons was yellow carded for a clumsy tackle that caused a major dust up between both sets of players. Yorkshire lock Declan Dunn was also sent to the cooler for his involvement in the fracas leaving both sides with fourteen men.

It didn’t appear to affect the Yorkshire lads too much as further powerful, straight running aided by some missed first up tackles saw centres Elliot Morgan and Oliver Fewtrell cross before the half-hour mark for a 26 point lead.

Photo – Rhys Brownfield kicked Cornwall’s only points

From a rare Cornish incursion up to the Yorkshire 22, centre Rhys Brownfield kicked a penalty.

Leading up to half-time both sides again found themselves down to fourteen men as props Tommy Phillips (Cornwall) and Joe Fell (Yorkshire) were sin-binned for an altercation.

Cornwall need a good start to the second half to stand any chance of making a fist of it, instead it was more of the same from Yorkshire.

A loose kick out the Cornwall 22 was gathered by the impressive Rekis who set off on a diagonal run to link with fellow wing Magee, the Ilkley flyer raced into the Park Gate corner with consummate ease.

Photo – Jack Simmons tries to evade Yorkshire’s James Thompson

Cornwall had a brief moment of territory down in the Yorkshire 22, with the Redruth duo of Dan Rutter and Phillips almost manufacturing a scoring chance.

Yorkshire countered in style with Magee slipping a tackle and notching his second score, suddenly Yorkshire were 3-36 ahead.

Any thoughts of a second half comeback had been well and truly blown asunder as Cornwall continued to chase shadows.

Further tries from Magee, Fewtrell, Davidson lock George Hedgley and Rekis put the icing on the cake for Yorkshire, whilst for Cornwall the sound of the final whistle couldn’t come quickly enough.

The White Rose will play Berkshire in the final on 3 May, after they accounted for Eastern Counties in a tighter affair 32-30.

Cornwall 3 pts

Penalty – Brownfield

Yellow Cards – Simmons (18), Phillips (35)

Yorkshire 63 pts

Tries – Burridge, Rekis (2), Morgan, Fewtrell (2), Magee (3), Davidson, Hedgley, Conversions – Bell (4)

Yellow Cards – Dunn (18), Fell (35)

Cornwall: C Swan, A Taylor (both Cardiff Met), J Simmons (Hartpury Coll), R Brownfield (Pirates Ams), J Woodward (Wadebridge Camels), D Rutter, S Fox; T Phillips, T-L Southworth (all Redruth), J Tyack (St. Ives), T Prisk (Redruth, Capt), A Hughes (Penryn), S Furse (Newquay Hornets), J Haines (Cornish All Blacks), N Stanleick (Camborne).

Replacements (all used): J Martin (Truro), R Stevens (Hayle), D Marsh (Truro), A Smith (Redruth), L Hattam (Exeter Uni), L Thomas (Redruth), T Eley (Truro).

Yorkshire: R Davidson (Hull), R Rekis (Blaydon), E Morgan (Northumbria Uni), O Fewtrell (Leeds Beckett Uni), B Magee (Ilkley), C Bell (Huddersfield), J Thompson (Newcastle Uni); J Fell (Otley), W Scholey (Newcastle Uni), C Ward (West Park Leeds), D Dunn (Otley), G Hedgley (Darlington MP), J Coser (Harrogate), B Wilson (Durham Uni), J Burridge (Capt, Wharfedale).

Replacements (all used): N Jackson (Cleckheaton), H Wales (Otley), L Harris (Leeds Uni), J Plunkett (Cleckheaton), J Walker (Huddersfield), E Hinchcliffe (Heath), T Battye (Doncaster Phoenix).

Referee: Chris Newton (SW Group)

Crowd: 563

Man-of-the-match:  Ben Magee (Yorkshire) three tries and showed plenty of pace and willingness to run with the ball.

Further photos courtesy of John Ashton from Yorkshire in link 1   & link 2

Photo by – Simon Bryant Iktis photo

I am sure that everybody involved with The Pirates was as disappointed as me as the proceedings at the Strategic Planning Committee meeting in Truro came to their conclusion. I know that the confused ending will have brought total dismay to everyone.

On Radio Cornwall this morning I was asked whether or not I was angry with the outcome. I have experienced many emotions during the last 24 hours, including anger, but it is now time for a period of reflection where the emotion of anger may not be the most useful emotion to focus upon.

Last evening, the SPC made a mess of their voting arrangements. Instead of a supermarket we have the prospect of multiple supermarkets, instead of limiting further new home approval we now have the prospect of over 1,000 newly approved homes, instead of limiting air pollution and traffic congestion we have the new prospect of adding to these problems. While these problems were being created, we failed to invest in the future by failing to approve a £10M gift to the County through the infrastructure development of S4C. This may be difficult to follow but this is what happened last evening. I am sure that this will be the subject of further review because it was embarrassing to watch.

However from our perspective we have to recognise the following:

• The West Langarth application was deferred – it is NOT refused
• A 3 month deadline is imposed to resolve the various outstanding issues
• Stadium for Cornwall continues to have planning consent

Late into last evening and during today, the Stadium partners have been consulting to determine what we do next. Further discussions are planned after the weekend.

To all our stakeholders, I would like to express my thanks for all the messages of support that have been received. They are much appreciated. Your continued support will be equally appreciated as the Stadium partners with the S4C Group continue to work together to find the solution for S4C and for the problems created by the SPC last evening on the advice of their legal and planning advisors.

Why is Sport (Pirates) and Education (Truro & Penwith College) combining together to create an inspirational community centre in Truro so difficult to understand? It works in other parts of the UK, why does Cornwall want to be so different and lose the opportunities from which other counties are currently benefitting?

Don’t lose the faith! It’s merely half-time!

Ian
Chairman Cornish Pirates

By Bill Hooper TASC Press Officer & Photos Simon Bryant Iktis photo

CORNWALL make two changes to the starting XV that took the field against Kent for Sunday’s semi-final clash with Yorkshire at Camborne RFC kick-off 1pm.

The Under 20s will be looking for a first Twickenham final since 2002, when they lost to Hampshire 27-14.

The following season they again reached the semi-finals only to lose to Yorkshire 39-12 at Redruth a game in which Yorkshire winger Nick Cooper starred.

Cornwall will once again be weary of the danger the white rose possesses out-wide with wingers Rob Rekis – five tries in the last two games – and Ben Magee being closely watched.

The pack also has notably players with back row George Hedgley having been close to Scotland Under 20 selection this season, whilst lock Stuart Nel and No.8 Tom Berridge are more than a handful.

Fit again Jake Woodward returns to the wing following his four tries scored for the Camels against Torquay last Saturday, whilst in the pack hooker Locryn Williams is unavailable his place is taken by Redruth’s Tommy-Lee Southworth.

On the bench there are further changes with Hayle’s Russell Stevens, Redruth’s Adam Smith and Luke Hattam, now playing at Exeter University, coming in.

Since the win over Kent the Cornwall squad have been preparing in earnest for the tough challenge they know Yorkshire will pose. Bryn Jenkins & Mike Rawlings coaches of the forwards said: “The whole squad were on a bit of a high following the victory in Kent but we soon bought them back to ground. We will be missing a couple of guys Locryn Williams who travels to New Zealand and Tony Pellow through injury. Selection has been difficult with a number of guys putting in good performances and some guys have missed out for this important game.”

Whilst Cornwall coach Ian Morgan added: “Since the quarter final victory we have trained on Sunday mornings with a final session against Camborne School of Mines which has proved beneficial.”

Photo – Tommy Phillips another young Cornish prop with a growing reputation

The Cornwall RFU hope for a big turnout of supporters on Sunday to cheer the boys on to Twickenham.

The gates to the ground will be open at 12 with the clubhouse open earlier for those who wish to attend and saviour the atmosphere. Entry is by the purchase of a programme which costs £3; Camborne RFC will have the clubhouse open for alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages and light refreshments on sale.

CRFU President John Grindle said: “This is a tough game for Cornwall having to face an unbeaten Yorkshire team. I am sure the squad will do their very best to put on a creditable performance in front of a home crowd. I would like to thanks Camborne RFC for hosting the fixture and the sponsors of the Cornwall U20 Shirts Kelsall Steele.”

Photo – Cornwall fly-half Dan Rutter equally at home at 9 or 10 for Redruth

Whilst CRFU Chair Denis Preece said: “The team had a superb result against Kent, and will hopefully benefit from a large and vocal crowd turning out at Camborne RFC on the 15 March to cheer on the young black and gold team!!” We really need to have as many supporters as possible attending and supporting the guys.”

Cornwall Under 20 team manager Chris Lea said: “We are now into cup competition rugby, one game away from a Twickenham final. For those guys not involved we know they will be disappointed, but as a squad we want them at Camborne to support and be a part of the semi-final experience. 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 U.20: C Swann, A Taylor (both Cardiff Met), J Simmons (Hartpury Coll), R Brownfield (Pirates Ams), J Woodward (Wadebridge Camels), D Rutter), S Fox; T Phillips, T-L Southworth (all Redruth), J Tyack (St. Ives), T Prisk (Redruth, Capt), A Hughes (Penryn), S Furse (Newquay Hornets), J Haines (Cornish All Blacks), N Stanleick (Camborne).

Replacements: J Martin (Truro), R Stevens (Hayle), D Marsh (Truro), A Smith (Redruth), L Hattam (Exeter Uni), L Thomas (Redruth), T Eley (Truro).

Travelling Reserves: Z Noseda (Truro), T Sandercock (Cornish All Blacks), R Burley (Penryn), A Hayler (Loughborough Uni & RAF)

On Sunday in the Greene King Championship, the Cornish Pirates slipped to another home defeat this time at the hands of Rotherham Titans 28-10 and with it saw their slim hopes of a play-off place this season all but extinguished.

It was a frustrating performance from Kernow’s finest, especially with the St. Piran’s festivities around the game and of course an eye on this Thursday’s vital Planning Committee meeting at County Hall which will decide the fate of the stadium plans.

Tom Kessell scored the Pirates’ only try with a lovely angled run to the posts, he will no doubt be doing likewise for Northampton next season, whilst Bristol bound prop Jamal Ford-Robinson was on his rampaging best.

Max Bodilly, not for the first time this season, showed his attacking prowess and proved a constant thorn in the Titans’ side.

You can read Phil Stoneham’s WMN report in the link.

Also Ian Davies’ reaction in this link.

Thursday’s result is the one the Pirates and Cornwall are hanging on!

In National League 2 South a mixed day for our Cornish sides. Redruth picked up only their second win on the road this season 29-20 at relegation haunted Dings Crusaders.

The Reds lost Greg Goodfellow to stomach bug prior to the game, also had four yellow cards in the game, and then lost Rhodri McAtee with a shoulder injury.

On came young Dan Rutter to acquit himself well once again and enhance his growing reputation.

You can read Ed Bawden’s WMN report in the link.

The Cornish All Blacks slipped up at home against in-form Cambridge 28-7 with just a try from Barrie-John Chapman converted by Kieron Lewitt to show.

It was a performance that DoR Neil Bayliss described as ‘the worst performance this season by far!’

You can read Suzanne Cleave’s WMN report in the link.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a day to forget for both Cornish clubs, but for St. Austell the mire has become even stickier.

A 40-5 loss at Wells now sees the Saints six points adrift of safety with four games to play! Dan Pearce scored the Saints only try.

Camborne lost at Thornbury 32-11, Rob Floyd scoring their try and Alex Ducker a couple of penalties.

Both sides will now turn their attention to this Saturday’s Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-finals against Penryn and Truro respectively.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro won the derby against St. Ives 49-18 leaving the Hakes in a perilous position.

Dan Marsh, Chris Gilbert, Jake Seviour, Darren Jacques, Luke Tidball (2), Eggy Williams and Ieuan Boon scored Truro’s tries, with Williams also kicking three conversions and a penalty.

For St. Ives, Tom Murray and Sam Heath scored tries and Jamie Prisk kicked eight points.

Wadebridge Camels put Torquay Athletic to the sword 92-5 at the Molesworth Field, with Cornwall Under 20 star Jake Woodward scoring four of their thirteen tries! James Grubb kicked twelve conversions!

Penryn lost 14-11 at Kingsbridge, Jack Willey with the try and Martin Strick with a couple of penalties.

In London 2 SW London Cornish defeated Old Alleynians 18-16. See previous blog entry for a match report by Ben Gilby.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Saltash and Crediton continue their dual at the top of the table. Both sides look assured of promotion and the title will be decided on the final day of the season when Saltash travel to Crediton!

Saltash defeat former leaders Withycombe 31-14, whilst Crediton had a walkover against Liskeard-Looe, who will look to re-group in Cornwall 1 next season.

Pirates Amateurs surprisingly lost at South Molton 21-12, whilst Bude defeated OPMs 38-14.

Falmouth won the derby against Hayle 27-16, with Bodmin dipping out at home to Paignton 19-20.

In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup pool matches, Illogan Park defeated Redruth Albany 76-13, Roseland won at Camelford 30-0 and Lanner defeated Helston 50-7. The game between Veor and St. Agnes was postponed.

Here’s hoping Jack Nowell will keep his place for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match against Scotland at Twickenham. Go Jack!

Well done to Jack Stanley who played for England Under 18s in their win over Scotland Under 18s 39-27 up at Kingston Park, Newcastle.

Tom Parker is still going great guns in Brittany with Vannes currently top of their pool in Fédérale 1 despite losing at Tyrosse 35-32 on Sunday. Next up the derby against Saint Nazaire in three weeks time

Tom will also be turning out for a Brittany Select against a Basque Select in Bayonne on Saturday 21^st March.

Sunday as you all know, Cornwall Under 20s play Yorkshire Under 20s for a place in the County Championship Final at Twickenham. More on this blog during the week.

Photo – centre Jackson Szabo looks to evade tackle

London Cornish 18-16 Old Alleynians

Report & Photos by Ben Gilby

London Cornish overcame a virus sweeping through the squad, a mid-game injury and a very strong opposition to record a vital 18-16 win over Old Alleynians at The REMPF.

Prior to the game, ‘The Exiles’ lost three key players in captain Dave Theobald, vice-captain Luke Spells and lock Harry Somers to a stomach virus, which also affected several others who did play. The upshot of this was a return for Mark Osei-Tutu at number eight, who returned from almost six weeks out injured last weekend for the 2s when he scored a hat-trick of tries at Old Reigatian in the Zoo Sports Shield Division Three. Tim Homan was also back, for the first time since the beginning of January, with Tom Baker making his first start at fly-half.

Alleynians are always stubborn opposition with a nasty habit of upsetting teams in good form, and they started well on a sunny afternoon, with a strong breeze taking the edge off of what would otherwise have been a very mild afternoon. Playing with the wind behind them in the first half, the Dulwich side showed an early example of their prowess with a glorious behind-the-back off load by their superb full-back Gareth Wynn, which was picked up by Tom Unwin. The visitors’ scrum-half nudged a grubber kick through which forced a line-out within five metres of the Cornish line. Any advantage this may have given Alleynians was soon frittered away as ‘The Exiles’ won a penalty from the throw and cleared the danger.

Just a minute later, it was Cornish’s turn to launch a clever kick through as a sensational kick for territory from Tom Baker gained the home side huge metres. Alleynians secured the resulting line out, but lost possession soon afterwards, and the ball was picked up by Jackson Szabo, who went on a scything run, leaving countless attempted tacklers in his wake as he sprinted home from over 25 metres to score the game’s opening try after seven minutes. Josh Allison’s conversion attempt into the fierce breeze missed.

Photo – Debutant fly-half Tom Baker on the move

However, the lead was not to last long. Just three minutes later, Wynn launched a pass that to several people on the touchline appeared to be slightly forward. The pass was snaffled up by Tom Shanahan who flew through to score. Wynn’s conversion was good, and Alleynians were ahead 7-5 after 12 minutes.

After two tries in three minutes, the assembled spectators would have to wait another fifty for the next one to come along, but there was still plenty of intrigue to occupy those at The REMPF.

Old Alleynians were operating at a high intensity, always looking for quick ball, and use of their speedy backs on a dry playing surface – but it was Cornish’s own speed merchant who launched the next attack. Jackson Szabo probed through the midfield, combining with Ievers, Carew-Gibbs, Chatley and Baker in an impressive move, but the Dulwich based visitors dealt with the danger.

Shortly afterwards, a great kick through from Allison pushed Alleynians back to within 20 metres of their try line. A rolling maul was launched, with Ben Ievers in control of the ball, but when grounded it was short, and once more Alleynians cleared.

Just before the half-hour mark, The Black and Golds, already disrupted by a stomach virus in the squad suffered a further set back when former Premiership player Simon Brading had to leave the field injured. Brading had only returned from a long term injury at the end of January, and had been in influential form so fingers will be firmly crossed that this will not be a serious knock. His replacement was Tim Homan, making a welcome return to the first team.

Old Alleynians had much of the remainder of the first half, and fly-half Ed Nethersole launched a superb kick through which forced Cornish to throw in to a line-out just five metres from their own line. The pressure built, and eventually the visitors were awarded a penalty which Wynn kicked to stretch their lead to 10-5.

Cornish had one further chance to reduce the arrears before the break when they were awarded a penalty to the right of centre. Allison’s kick into the wind was adjudged to be good by the touch judges, but the referee decided otherwise, stating that he felt it had gone over one of the uprights.

The second half opened with Josh Allison having another chance to kick for goal, within three minutes, and this time, with the benefit of the wind, there was no problems. Alleynians’ lead had been cut to just 10-8.

However, just as they did in the meeting between the two sides at Dulwich in late November, Alleynians’ had the best of the first twenty minutes of the second half, and built an identical 16-8 lead to the one they had done so in that previous encounter. Cornish were forced onto the back foot as the visitors built a succession of attacks, with the home side conceding a number of penalties in a short space of time. Gareth Wynn opted to kick for goal each time, and against the wind, two of his three opportunities were successful.

Photo – lock Ben Ivers soars high for lineout ball

Cornish’s response to this adversity was highly impressive – they rallied, and although weakened by illness and injury, they displayed a sheer bloody-minded determination that this was not going to be a game they would lose. From an Old Alleynians error – a kick going out on the full – the ‘Black and Golds’ gained a line-out on the visitors ‘22’, a great piece of combination play between Ben Devonport, Will Carew-Gibbs and Mark Osei-Tutu set up the attack, before the ball was finally grounded by Tim Homan. Josh Allison’s conversion attempt was good, and with sixteen minutes left, Cornish were just a single point behind at 15-16.

With Cornish now in ascendancy, with eight minutes left, they finally re-took the lead that they last held early in the opening stanza. ‘The Exiles’ were awarded a penalty which was kicked to touch. Alleynians attempted clearance kick only found Josh Allison who went on an impressive fifteen metre run before being halted, the resulting move saw another penalty conceded by the visitors. Allison stepped up and sent the ball between the uprights for 18-16.

Alleynians hit back and ensured that the remainder of the match made difficult viewing for Cornish supporters, as the outcome of the game rested on a knife-edge. Replacement Joshua Grant-Butler broke through, but was stopped by a superb tackle by Cornish’s Will Carew-Gibbs, but soon after a penalty was conceded, just to the right of centre, well within Gareth Wynn’s range. However, the difficulty that Josh Allison had kicking into the wind in the first half now beset the Alleynian full-back, and his kick was wide. Despite several further close shaves, Cornish held on to record an absolutely vital victory.

London Cornish’s two wins over Old Alleynians this season have been by a cumulative total of just five points. There is no doubt that ‘The Exiles’ emerging victors in this game was down to the fact that they are in the habit of knowing how to close out tough matches. This was a game won in great adversity – several players suffering from a stomach virus, an injury to the influential Simon Brading – plus a superb opposition, who must take great credit and pride from their own performance.

Cornish now have a free weekend ahead of them before a huge clash with league leaders Tottonians on the horizon in a fortnight’s time.