ST. AUSTELL SECURE PROMOTION TO SOUTH WEST 1 WEST

ST. AUSTELL achieved promotion in front of their home fans some 800 plus at Tregorrick last Saturday when they defeated Exeter Saracens 38-5 putting them 11 points clear of second place Bideford with just one more game to play.

Saints scored six tries with a brace from Matt Shepherd who also kicked four conversions. Other tries came from Sam Tank, Mark Martin, Adam Kellow and Jack Nelson.

Penryn finished their home program with a good win defeating Honiton 34-3. Dan Booth, George Jones, Gareth Tedstone and Lewis Vague all scored tries for the Borough with Jake Seviour adding all four conversions and a couple of penalties.

Truro couldn’t do much against play-off bound Bideford, the North Devon side winning 20-3 at St. Clements with just a Jake Champion penalty to show of their efforts.

Bude lost a tight game at Wellington 23-22. Dan Pearce and Kyle Speare (2) scored their tries with Pearce kicking a penalty and two conversions.

Both Truro and Bude will enjoy next season at this level.

In the RFU Championship, the Cornish Pirates completed their away program with their televised visit to Meadow Lane to take on Martin Haag’s Nottingham. The Green & Whites have had a great season having qualified for the play-offs. An entertaining game saw the homeside hold on for a narrow 28-26 win. For the Pirates tries were scored by Matt Evans (2), skipper Gavin Cattle and Kieran Hallett, Hallett also added a couple of conversions whilst in the first half Aaron Penberthy booted over another conversion.

Pirates will end their season this Saturday at home to Jersey. It will be an opportunity to see the departing players one final time.

In National League 2 South, Redruth finally ended their losing run defeating Southend 38-22 with tries scored by Chris Fuca (2), Tom Notman (2), Neal Turner and the by now obligatory Penalty-try! Paul Thirlby kicked four conversions in the difficult wind.

Launceston had no joy on their trip to Canterbury losing 10-0.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne beat Paignton 51-0 in a mud bath. Despite the conditions the Cherry & Whites scored seven tries through Ben Kemp, Ashley Lawton, Aaron Hunt, Steve Kenward, James Moore, Adam Notman and Grant Thirlby. Dave Mankee landed three conversions and a couple of penalties with Thirlby also kicking a couple of conversions.

Camborne need to win their final game of the season at home to Oldfield Old Boys to secure a play-off berth.

Wadebridge Camels won 22-16 at North Dorset. Adam Collings (2) a penalty-try and a try from Matt Ballard – his 22nd of the season and a new club record – saw Camels home

In London 2 SW, London Cornish playing their final game of the season ensured they stay up with a fine win over Portsmouth 38-10. Well done, it’s been a tough season but in the end they have celebrated their 50th anniversary in some style with back to back wins in their final two games.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Teignmouth made sure of the league with a 29-0 win over Hayle.

St. Ives finish runners-up and are also promoted despite being awarded the points against relegated Liskeard/Looe a friendly game was played with the Hakes winning 43-0.

Falmouth lost at Tiverton 32-0, whilst at the Mennaye Pirates Amateurs lost to Withycombe 20-12. Saltash defeated Newquay Hornets 15-12.

Cornwall have selected a useful side to defend their Tamar Cup against Devon at Plymouth Albion’s Brickfields Stadium on Monday night kick – off 7-30 pm.
Disappointingly the small number of Cornish Pirates’ players who have been training with the Cornwall squad have been withdrawn by the club and as I understand will not be participating in Cornwall’s County Championship campaign this season!

Cornwall still have a number of players to call on who are unable to make the Tamar Cup fixture notably from Plymouth Albion
However on a positive note, Pirate’s head coach Ian Davies along with players Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver will continue to assist Dave “Benji” Thomas and Steve Perry in preparing the squad.

Cornwall will use this game as preparation for their opening Championship match against Gloucestershire.
Both Cornwall and Devon have agreed to use up to twenty five players during the game.

Cornwall: J Parma (Camborne), R Bright, N Webber, L Paterson (all Cornish All Blacks), T Notman (Redruth), D Mankee (Camborne), M Shepherd (St Austell); D Jacques, R Brown, C Williams (all Redruth), B Hilton (All Blacks, capt), D Cook (Redruth), C Fuca (Redruth), T Rawlings, J Lord (both All Blacks).

Replacements: N Simmons (Redruth), L Yeo (All Blacks), L Vinnicombe (Redruth), S Perry (Barnstaple), M Rice (All Blacks), J Salter (Plymouth Albion), M Hearn (Camborne), L Collins (Redruth), J Goldsworthy (Camborne), L Duke (All Blacks).

Posted in Bill's Blog


MUNSTER’S LATE SHOW BRINGS CURTAIN DOWN

A STOPPAGE time try scored by the men in red (only they wore blue) sent the Cornish Pirates tumbling out of the British & Irish Cup at the Quarter-Final stage last Sunday at the Mennaye.

The 10-9 loss effectively ended their season with just pride to play for in their remaining three RFU Championship fixtures. The first being their game at Rotherham Titans this evening followed by the Sky game at Nottingham on Sunday with Jersey rounding off the season at the Mennaye on Saturday week.

It will be a chance to bid a fond farewell to players who are moving on such as Paul Andrew (Worcester Warriors), Phil Burgess (England 7’s) and a well deserved retirement for Wes Davies who has served the Pirates so well having enjoyed two spells at the club.

Others too, will no doubt be playing their final game in the famous shirt, whilst some will no doubt be back once the “contract negotiations” are cut and dried!

Great to read news from Dicky Evans about plans to revamp the Mennaye with a new main stand and new flood lights amongst some of the works planned. This will give the Pirates greater flexibility in playing games with no doubt a few evening kick-offs to look forward to. You can read Dicky Evans’ statement in the following link.

Dick Straughan’s match report can be found in the following link

It was a day of mixed fortunes and big scores for both our National League 2 clubs. The Cornish All Blacks beat relegated Barking 74-10 scoring eleven tries at Polson Bridge. Whilst for Redruth their end of season woes continued with a 61-19 defeat at promotion chasing Henley Hawks.

Launceston v Barking match report from WMN here.

Henley Hawks v Redruth WMN match report here.

As widely expected Redruth scrum-half Greg Goodfellow got a three week ban for his red card at Canterbury. He will be available for Redruth’s final league game of the season against Taunton and for Cornwall’s County Championship campaign.

However, it looks like Launceston’s Mike Rawlings could miss the County Championship due to injury.

In the local leagues, Camborne kept up their push for a play-off place with an entertaining 43-20 win over Sidmouth. Ashley Lawton scored a couple of tries with Dave Mankee, Adam Notman, Luke Johnson and skipper Dave Roberts crossing the whitewash. Mankee kicking the rest of the points.

Wadebridge Camels had a narrow win at home against Thornbury 32-30. Sean Johns, James Grubb, Adam Blackmore and Cam Lees scored the Camels’ tries with James Grubb kicking the other points. That win lifts the Camels up to fifth in Tribute SW 1 West.

In Tribute Western Counties West, despite losing at Devonport Services last Saturday 27-24, St. Austell are all but crowned Champions as their nearest challengers Bideford failed to claim a bonus point win. The title should be sealed at Tregorrick when the Saints take on Exeter Saracens. Matt Shepherd scored a brace of tries with Jack Grigg and Adam Pearce also crossing. Shepherd also kicked two conversions.

Penryn with a few players missing and others playing out of position, won at Exeter Saracens 36-20. Grant Randlesome, Ethan Patterson (2), Gareth Tedstone, Alex Ducker and Lewis Vague. Ducker adding three conversions.

Bude defeated Tavistock 31-20 to ensure they remain at this level next season. Luke Dunkin, Olly Denford and Kyle Speare scored the tries with Dan Pearce kicking the other points with the boot.

Truro are just above Bude in the table as they lost at Torquay 29-13. Ashley Riches scored a try for the City boys near the end which Jake Champion converted to add to two penalties kicked earlier by Justyn Irons.

Up in London 2 SW London Cornish won their vital game at Old Alleynian 44-15 to finally banish any fears of the drop in their 50th season! Read DoR Dickon Moon’s report in the link

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Champions-elect Teignmouth won at Falmouth 36-0.

Runners-up St. Ives won the derby against Hayle 25-7. For the Hakes Neil Corin (2), Tyler Gendall and Ellis Cox scored tries with Max Bodilly kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Pirates Amateurs lost at OPM’s 31-14. Matt Nicholas and Stephen Osbourne crossing for the Ams with Rhys Brownfield adding a conversion.

Saltash won the East Cornwall derby and Liskeard/Looe 41-15. Max Vennables scored 26 points with two tries, other tries came from Sean Crawford, Joe Skinnard and Josh Webb. For the Lions who will be plying their trade in Cornwall 1 next season, Lewis Elliot, Ben Kitto and Gareth Cook scored tries.

Finally, congratulations to Wadebridge Camels prop Zac Cinnamond who has been selected for the England Counties U.20 tour to Georgia next month. See link

Posted in Bill's Blog


BRIGHTON GIVE SAINTS THE BLUES

SADLY, there was no glorious win to take St Austell RFC to rugby HQ in the semi-final of the RFU Intermediate Cup last Saturday. The Saints fell at the penultimate hurdle at Brighton’s Waterhall Playing Fields ground by 31-19, they did cover themselves in glory and did both St Austell and Cornwall proud.

Read Paul Hayes match report from the Saints website in the link here

Also Director of Rugby Steve Murley’s thoughts in the link here.

St Austell will now concentrate on finish their league season and be crowned Tribute Western Counties West Champions.

Congratulations to Camborne and Veor who ensured a “Town” double with victories in the Tribute Cornwall RFU Cup Finals at Penryn on Easter Saturday. Camborne defeated holders Wadebridge Camels 22-0, whilst Veor overcame Stithians 17-9.

Camborne v Wadebridge Camels report in the link

Veor v Stithians report in this link

There was some league action over the weekend on Easter Sunday the Cornish Pirates took on Bedford Blues in the RFU Championship. It was a game the Pirates needed to win to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive. Sadly it was not to be as the Blues won at the Mennaye 26-18. You can read Woll’s match report from the Official site in the link

In National League 2 South more misery for Redruth as they slipped to a fourth defeat on the trot as they lost at the Rec to Shelford by 36-28. Bill Sobey’s match report from the Morning News can be found here

There was better news for Redruth on Easter Monday when they retained the Rodda’s Milk Cup at Camborne 43-31. You can read my report in this link

Better news from Polson were the Cornish All Blacks defeated Bournemouth 35-22, with Lewis Paterson grabbing a couple of tries. You can read Dick Benson-Gyles report from the Morning News in the link

In Tribute Western Counties West Truro played their outstanding fixture at Wellington but lost 51-24.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Pirates Amateurs defeated Newquay Hornets 13-8

In the final game outstanding in Tribute Cornwall 2 bottom side Lankelly-Fowey finished on a high defeating Camelford 17-10.

Congratulations to Truro College boys Matt Bolwell and Luke Chapman who spent Easter over in France at the FIRA-AER Justin Bridou U.18 European Championships playing for England.

England won the final played at Grenoble’s Stade des Alps in front of a crowd of 15,000 against hosts France 27-22 with Bolwell scoring the first of England’s three tries in the final.

Also in action at the weekend was young Pirate Jack Stanley who played for England U.16’s against Italy at Litchfield. Jack is also in contention for this Saturday’s game against Wales.

This Sunday will see the Cornish Pirates’ Quarter-Final tie in the British & Irish Cup at the Mennaye against MUNSTER. Kick-off is 3-00 pm.

Posted in Bill's Blog


ST AUSTELL CLOSE IN ON TWICKERS FINAL

LAST weekend was certainly am important one in St Austell’s season with a comprehensive 48-10 win over Bude which has virtually confirmed them as Tribute Western Counties West Champions for 2012/13. One more win will make it cast iron certain but for Bideford to catch the Saints will require an extraordinary run of results.

Adam Kellow (2), Mark Vian, Matt Shepherd (2), Andy Ashwin, James Earp and Sam Tank all crossed for the Saints, whilst Shepherd added four of the five conversions with Ashwin the fifth. Dan Pearce scored all of Bude’s points with a converted try and a penalty.

This Saturday St. Austell travel to play Brighton Blues in the semi-final of the RFU Intermediate Cup. A Twickenham final would be the icing on the cake for a remarkable season. I am sure I speak for all in Cornwall in wishing St Austell; Good Luck on Saturday, they will do the town and Cornwall proud.

I watched the only other Western Counties West match involving a Cornish side on Saturday when Penryn entertained Devonport Services.It was a frustrating afternoon for the Borough faithful with 80% of territory and possession Penryn really should have won, however the Services defended stoutly and took the few chances that came their way.

Trailing 12-0 at the break it wasn’t until the final 10 minutes that Borough got a score when winger Alex Ducker rounded off a fine move in the College corner adding a fine conversion to boot. Ducker almost broke away for a second try moments later but the sticky pitch hindered the Penryn flyer. Services held out to end Penryn’s fine run of late. Final score 12-7 to the visitors.

With the Cornish Pirates RFU Championship match at Rotherham twice postponed within 24 hours and Launceston not having a match in National League 2 South it was left to Redruth to hopefully end their run of losses at Dings Crusaders. Sadly it was not to be as the home side won 16-14 to leave the Reds to contemplate another season at this level next term. Scrum-half Greg Goodfellow and winger Lewis Vinnicombe scored the Reds’ tries. For Vinnicombe it was his 100th try for the club! Some record. Paul Thirlby kicked the conversions.

In South West 1 West, Camborne kept up their challenge with a 20-13 win at Bridgwater & Albion. Joe Parma (2) and James Goldsworthy scored the Cherry & Whites’ tries with Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.

Wadebridge Camels went down 41-0 at Cullompton.

This Saturday Camborne and Wadebridge Camels meet in the Tribute Cornwall Cup Final at Penryn RFC kick-off 4-30 pm.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St Ives put their Cornwall Cup disappointment behind them with a 30-3 win over Falmouth to secure promotion back to Western Counties West next season. Ben Taylor (3), Josh Palmer and Ellis Cox scored the Hakes’ tries with Jacob Ninnes kicking the rest of the points. For the Eagles Rob Banks kicked a penalty.

Saltash won the other Cornish derby 41-22 against Hayle. Ryan Cruickshanks and Joe Skinnard both bagged a brace of tries with Will Morton a fifth for the Ashes. Max Vennables kicked all five conversions and a couple of penalties.

The final Saturday of matches in both Tribute Cornwall 1 & 2 saw the Champions confirmed. Veor’s win over St Agnes 26-5 see’s them confirmed champions and back into the Cornwall & Devon League next term. Stithians won at relegated St Just 75-5 and will be in the play-off against the runners-up from Devon 1.

Joining St Just in Cornwall 2 next season will be Roseland who signed off with a 12-11 win over Helston.

In Cornwall 2 Champions Bodmin beat Camelford 64-8, Illogan Park and St Day drew 24 all whilst Redruth Albany won at Lankelly-Fowey 33-15. Camborne School of Mines accompany Bodmin back up to Cornwall 1 next season.

Also on Saturday it’s the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup at Penryn RFC with the top two from Cornwall 1 battling it out. Veor v Stithians kicks off at 2-15 pm.

Congratulations to Luke Chapman and Matt Bolwell who this week have been in the French Alps competing with England U.18’s in the Justin Bridou FIRA-AER Championships. Wins over Portugal and Scotland see them in the final to be played on Saturday against France at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.

Also this weekend sees Redruth’s Neil Broadbank and Tom Hendrickson along with Camels Zac Cinnamond take part for the South West in the RFU U.20’s Festival at Welbeck College.

Easter weekend will see the arrival of tourists Old Dunstonians for their games against Penryn, Falmouth and Truro. Also on Sunday the Penryn Easter 7’s. Not forgetting the Cornish Pirates match against Bedford Blues at the Mennaye.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Fifty Shades of Beige – A 6 Nations Reprise Part 1

Fifty Shades of Beige – A 6 Nations Reprise Part 1.

Posted in Bill's Blog


CORNWALL STICK WITH PROVEN HILTON

THERE WAS REALLY no need for any black and gold smoke to billow out of the chimney at a chilly Truro College on Monday evening, as largely expected last season’s skipper Ben Hilton (Cornish All Blacks) was confirmed to lead the Duchy’s quest for a fourth county championship title in 2013.

Hilton, though confessed surprise at being re-appointed. He said.”The trend in recent years has been to appoint a fresh captain each season, having said that I am extremely honoured at being re-appointed. There are some excellent players in our squad anyone of which could easily have been appointed, Tom Rawlings (Cornish All Blacks), Chris Fuca and Darren Jacques (both Redruth) could easily have done a very good job. I know I can count on them to help me with the side and that is a big plus”.

“The whole squad really want to reward the loyal Cornish rugby supporters. Let’s give them something to celebrate!!”

Cornwall’s Head Coach Dave “Benji” Thomas was equally satisfied with the appointment. He said. “The 2013 season will be very challenging with away games to Gloucestershire and then Kent before our only home game against Hertfordshire on Saturday 18th May. Choosing the right leader for players from different clubs is important and Ben Hilton certainly meets our needs and can build on his leadership from last season.”

Chair of selectors Terry Carter was also pleased with Hilton’s appointment and by the encouraging turnout of the players on a cold Monday evening at Truro College. “Ben captained the side four or five seasons ago (when Cornwall travelled to Brittany) he then lost the armband but he has stuck with us through thick and thin despite having offers from another county to play for them. Last season he was an inspirational captain for us so I am delighted that he has been given another chance to lead the side, hopefully back to Twickenham!”

Away from County news and a quick review of league and cup matches over the past fortnight.

In the Championship the Cornish Pirates’ got back to winning ways with a hard-fought win over Moseley at the Mennaye 17-14. When it looked like their chances of making the play-offs had as good as evaporated, other club’s frailties have again opened the door and whilst the chink of light is small there is still a glimmer of hope!

Two big pieces of news from the Mennaye is the departure of Rod Coward as CEO, although he remains on the board of Penzance & Newlyn RFC and will continue to represent the club at the RFU.

In Rod’s place as an interim appointment come former England World Cup winner Josh Lewsey, who as many know has a home in St Agnes. As Dicky Evans said in his press release on the Pirates’ website “Why would Josh want to help the Pirates you may ask? His greatest passion is the advocating of Values through Sport to Communities and having a home in St Agnes, caring hugely about the county, is therefore keen to help a club and community for which he has a great affinity with.”

“Josh and I have been in touch for a couple of years on the future of rugby in Cornwall, the Pirates and the stadium and his advice to me behind the scenes has been invaluable.”

In National League 2 South, it looks like Redruth’s promotion hopes have been dealt a fatal blow with consecutive loses at home to Hartpury College and then last week at Canterbury. Whilst all is not lost the chances of promotion have receded and I reckon they will probably finish at best fourth in the league. The probable loss through suspension of scrum-half Greg Goodfellow who was red carded last Saturday will also hinder the Redruth side.

The Cornish All Blacks have also suffered two successive defeats losing on the road at both Lydney and Shelford, though a mid-table finish looks secure.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne having defeated North Petherton two weeks ago look likely to finish runners-up and go into a play-off against Old Centralians from Gloucester who are currently second in South West 1 East.

Camborne qualified for the final of the Tribute Cornwall Cup in an unsatisfactory way as opponents Bude pulled out of their semi-final clash. Camborne have reached the final without playing a game in the competition!

They will play the winners of Wadebridge Camels versus St Ives, which was called off on Saturday due a waterlogged pitch. The game is likely to be played this Sunday.

The Final will be played at Penryn RFC on Easter Saturday with a 5 pm kick-off. The Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup Final which will precede the main final will be between Tribute Cornwall League 1 Champions Veor and Stithians.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St Austell have now got a seven point lead over second place Bideford with just four games remaining and look like being crowned champions. Saints now know their opponents in National Cup semi-final Brighton Blues which will be played on Easter Saturday at Brighton.

Penryn are certainly finishing the season in fine form and their clash with fourth placed Devonport Services this Saturday will be interesting. They got revenge for their Cup defeat at Bude with a fine win at Bencoolen 39-18.

Truro steadied the ship with a home win over Honiton 16-13 to remain in mid-table.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League the top two look settled with both Teignmouth and St Ives going up.

Commiserations to Cornwall U.20’s who bowed out of the U.20 County Championship on Sunday when they lost to Devon 32-24 at Brickfields.

Congratulations to Luke Cowan-Dickee and Jack Nowell who both played for England U.20’s in their win against Wales on Friday which clinched the U.20’s Nations for the Red Rose.

In Santiago de Compostela, Tom Parker who hails from Truro, won an eighth cap for Spain playing in the second row in a 9-9 draw with Portugal.

Finally congratulations to Paul Andrew who has signed next season for Premiership side Worcester Warriors. Good to see one of our former Cornwall U.20 players getting to the Premiership.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PROMOTION FEVER STARTS TO HIT

THE FINISHING LINE is in sight when the beginning of March comes around and those clubs with a sniff of promotion start to believe that it could well be a possibility.

This season apart from the usual promotions from Tribute Cornwall League 1 & 2, which are pretty well dried and dusted, there is a fair bit to get excited about.

The Cornish Pirates though look to be out of the reckoning this season for a Championship play-off place. A top four finish was always going to be a big ask, especially with their small squad. In truth the home loss to London Scottish has done for them, that coupled with Bristol’s win last weekend at Bedford and another loss for the Pirates on the road at Otley against Leeds Carnegie makes a play-off place very unkikely. There is still the British & Irish Cup to play for and the tie against MUNSTER at the Mennaye on Sunday April 7th promises to be a cracker.

Read Dick Straughan’s match report in the link from WMN.

So back to the promotion contenders, let’s start with Redruth in National League 2 South. A second home win on the trot, with Lydney routed 69-0 to follow on from the win against Barking. Next up Hartpury College, who are tucked just behind the Reds in the table. Hartpury inflicted on the Reds their heaviest defeat in the league this season 47-15 back in November.

Whoever wins this game will go a long way towards securing either an automatic promotion spot or at the very least a play-off berth. It promises to be a cracker and bearing in mind the team selection by the Reds last weekend expect a surprise or two this weekend!

Bill Sobey’s match report from the Redruth v Lydney game is in the link

So in Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne are looking good and they too have a big game this weekend when they play NORTH PETHERTON at the Rec. Having won at North Dorset 19-17 last Saturday the news that Pethy had lost at home 56-10 to Chard was an unexpected bonus. Dave Mankee scored all the Cherry & White’s points with a try, conversion and four penalties.

Wadebridge Camels look set to stay put for another season following their defeat at Clevedon 29-18. Tom Rowe and Sam Stone scored tries for the Camels with James Grubb kicking the rest of the points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St Austell look to be back in the driving seat for automatic promotion following their big win at Tregorrick against Truro 45-3. For the Saints tries were scored by Alex Welland, Matt Shepherd (2), Sam Rhodes, Sam Tank, Ian Venner and Murray McCoan with Shephed kicking five conversions. For Truro Jake Champion kicked a penalty.

Penryn did St Austell a big favour turning over Bideford at the Memorial Ground 34-19. Alex Ducker scored three tries with Andrew Seviour and Matt Williams also crossing the whitewash. Ducker also added three conversions and a penalty. If only Penryn had played like this before Christmas!

Bude lost a tight gane at Honiton 19-18. Despite a couple of tries from the impressive Kyle Speare and eight points from Dan Pearce’s boot.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish crashed to another big defeat this time at home to Chobham 61-12. They should be safe from the drop but this has proved to be a very difficult season for our exile club, injuries have done for them, poor DoR Dickon Moon has had to spend a lot of time watching horse racing this season!

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St Ives are still chasing hard on the heels of Teignmouth, who did the Hakes a big favour defeating Tiverton last weekend. St. Ives had a walkover against Wessex.

Hayle won the Penwith derby against Pirates Amateurs 14-6 at the Mennaye. The Lions benfited from two penalty-tries both converted by Martin Strick. Rhys Brownfield kicked a couple of penalties for the Amateurs.

Saltash defeated Crditon 30-27, whist Newquay Hornets had a good win over Withycombe 24-20. OPM’s defeated Liskeard/Looe 20-15 the Lux Park Lions look set to drop back into Cornwall 1 next season.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, leaders Veor had a week off so Stithians win at Helston 77-5 keeps them in the play-off spot. St Agnes won at Roseland 24-17, whilst Perranporth had a walkover against St Just.

In Cornwall 2, Bodmin defeated Lankelly-Fowey 130-3, whilst School of Mines put their Bottle Match defeat behind them with a 22-21 win at Illogan Park. St Day won at Trewirgie against Albany 36-31.

Posted in Bill's Blog


ST AUSTELL 80 MINUTES FROM TWICKERS DATE

NO WHERE else to start this week than with St Austell’s win over Wimborne in the Final of the SW Intermediate Cup Final 14-8.

The win puts them in an away tie at either Brighton or North Walsham, neither of which will be easy, with the winner playing against the North/Midlands winners in the final at Twickenham.

That is in the future let’s savour the present. The Saints roared on by over 700 at Tregorrick were thrilled when Matt Shepherd kicked three penalties to give his side a 9-0 lead.

Despite Wimborne reducing the deficit with a penalty. St. Austell moved further ahead thanks to a try from Paul Winterbottom.

Despite being reduced to thirteen men with Winterbottom and Adam Kellow in the bin. Saints held fourteen man Wimborne until five minutes to play when the visitors scored an un-converted try.

That was as close as they got and St Austell held on for a famous win. More on the win from the Saint’s website in the link

In the RFU Championship a depleted Cornish Pirates’ side made the long trek to Kingston Park to take on leaders Newcastle Falcons. Aaron Penberthy back in a Pirates’ shirt for the first time since last November kicked the Cornish sides’ only points with a first-half penalty. Falcons ran out 50-3 winners. Read Phil Westren’s match report in the link

In National League 2 Redruth played one of their catch up games taking on and beating Barking 46-17. Eight tries for the Reds. However, and I hold my hand up as the guilty one, Darren Jacques only scored one not two of the Reds’ tries the other should have gone to skipper Chris Fuca! Tom Duncan did score three more tries to take him up to eighteen for the season, so Fucs has still got some catching up to do!! Read my report in the link.

Elsewhere, despite neither of our sides playing in Tribute South West 1, North Petherton regained top spot from Camborne despite dropping points in 25 all draw at Oldfield Old Boys. They are a point ahead with a game in hand.

In Tribute Western Counties West Bude won at home against Honiton 31-8. Despite trailing 8-3 at half-time the North Cornwall side ran in four converted second half tries from Freddie Saxton, Will Kingdon, Joe Wilson and Dan Pearce who added the other points with the boot.

Truro’s win at Ivybridge helped Bude leap over the Devon side in the league. Truro won 27-23. Former Redruth player Mark Lea (2), Will Martin and Jack Tidball scored Truro’s tries with Chevy Reed’s boot adding the rest of the points.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives got back to winning ways with a 27-16 win at Withycombe. Ben Taylor, Neil Corin, Josh Semmens and Sam Heath scored the Hakes tries with Ceiron Thomas kicking the rest of the points. The win consolidates St. Ives in second place.

Hayle won the all Cornish encounter at Newquay Hornets 16-12. Martin Strick scored all the Lions points with a try conversion and three penalties. For Hornets Perry Hughes and Connor Riley scored tries with Liam Freeman kicking a conversion.

Liskeard/Looe lost at Crediton 32-5. Baz Hocking with their only try.

Pirates Amateurs won at Wessex 35-6. Kevin Brownfield, Dan Lugg, Craig Stephens, Steve Kent and Josh Hoare scored the tries and Rhys Brownfield converted the lot.

Just one game in Tribute Cornwall 1 saw Stithians defeat St Agnes 38-5.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, leaders Bodmin were awarded a walk/over against St Day.

Saturday saw the annual Bottle Match between Royal School of Mines and Camborne School of Mines played up in London. Sadly CSM couldn’t bring the bottle back to Cornwall as RSM won 24-8 to retain the trophy for third successive year.

Cornish Pirates now know their quarter-final opponents in the British & Irish Cup, and it will be a repeat of the very first final as Munster will travel to the Mennaye on SUNDAY 7TH APRIL. The kick-off time will made known nearer the date as the game is subject to SKY SPORTS possible coverage.

CORNWALL U.20’S game against Devon will take place on Sunday 17th March kick-off 3 pm at Plymouth Albion’s Brickfields ground.

CORNWALL now know the venues of their AWAY games in this season’s BILL BEAUMONT CUP. Gloucestershire on Saturday May 4th at CINDERFORD RFC. Kent at MEDWAY RFC on Saturday May 11th both games kick-off at 3 pm.

Finally despite no Cornish interest this time round congratulations to England Counties for their win against France Federale at Ealing on Friday evening 27-7. It was the first time these two sides have played each other since 2010. Counties win sees them win back the Jean-Claude Baque Cup. For the record Blackheath’s Rory Teague kicked 17 points with tries scored by Olly Marchon (Old Albanians) and Nev Edwards (Rosslyn Park). For France lock Anthony Potente (Lavaur) scored a try with fly-half Julien Lavie (Langon) adding the conversion.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES SLIP UP AT HOME

The Cornish Pirates had a great opportunity on Sunday to cement fourth place in the RFU Championship with thier home game against London Scottish, however things didn’t quite go the their way! Despite leading 17-0 thanks to a couple of tries from winger Matt Evans both converted by Kieran Hallett who also added a penalty, Scottish, led by former Redruth No. 8 Kiwi Mark Bright staged a remarkable comeback to pip the Pirates 20-17 and thus dent their play-off hopes. Former Redruth players PJ Gidlow and Lewis Calder, who played at the Reds whilst on loan with Exeter Chiefs, contributed to the Exiles win, which sees them complete a season double over the Cornish side.

You can read Dick Straughan’s match report from the Morning News in the link

In National League 2 South Redruth’s euphoria of having won at Polson Bridge the week before was brought back to earth with a bump as the Reds lost 35-34 at Chinnor. Having fought back well and with a conversion to win the match it was not to be for the Reds who will now look to bounce back with three league games on the hoof back at the Rec starting with Barking on Saturday.

Read Ed Bawden’s match report in the link

The Cornish All Blacks bounced back from their derby loss with a moral-boosting win over Clifton at Polson by 39 – 21. Winger Richard Bright bagging two of the All Blacks’s six tries.

Dick Benson-Gyles report can be found in the link

In the Tribute leagues, South West 1 West, Camborne have gone top following their 26-12 win over Clevedon and former leaders North Petherton’s defeat at Old Redcliffians. True “Town” are just 1 point ahead of Petherton who still have 2 games in hand. For now Camborne can be happy to be at the head of the pack. Ashley Lawton, Sam Bartle (2) and Ben Kemp score the Cherry and White’s tries with Dave Mankee kicking a couple of penalties.

Wadebridge Camels defeated Paignton 55-7 at the Molesworth Field. Matt Ballard scored three of their nine tries with Richard Treleaven, Zac Cinnamond, Sean Johns, Will Pengelly (2) and Dom Hawkey, with James Grubb adding five conversions.

In Western Counties West, I took in the game between Truro and Penryn. A fine contest saw the Borough pip Trura 29-10 with tries from Alex Ducker, Jordan Rose, Josh Chambers and Ethan Pattison. Ducker also added three conversions, whilst Jake Seviour who went off injured kicked an early penalty. For Truro Karl Ranscombe scored a well-worked try with Jake Champion adding the conversion and a penalty. A big game in the Borough mid-field from Andrew Seviour who got my nod as man-of-the-match.

Bude shared the spoils with Kingsbridge 10-10. Kyle Speare scored their try with Dan Pearce kicking the conversion and a penalty.

St. Austell’s game at Wellington was postponed.

Up in London 2 SW another defeat for London Cornish as they lost at Camberley 17-8.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, St Ives slipped up at third placed Tiverton 41-12. Liskeard/Looe helped their relegation struggle with a 29-10 win over Newquay Hornets. Falmouth lost another Cornish derby this time at the Rec to Pirates Amateurs 20-15. Big news from Falmouth this week is that Truro’s coaching team of Phil Angove and Graham Whitemore will be taking over at the Rec next season, whilst Josh Lord will taking up a coaching role at Truro.

Saltash won at Wessex 31-5 and Hayle beat OPM’s 20-3.

In Cornwall 1. Champions elect Veor defeated Helston 42-6, while in the basement battle Roseland defeated St Just 21-5, though both sides will be in Cornwall 2 next season. There was a walkover for Stithians over Perranporth, though a game was played as a friendly.

In Cornwall 2. Camborne School of Mines warmed up for the “Bottle Match” with a 79-5 win at Redruth Albany. They will travel to London in good spirits for this weekend’s encounter with Royal School of Mines in 111th Bottle Match.

Camelford had a walkover against Lankelly-Fowey and Bodmin’s game at St Day was postponed.

Pirates & Redruth – Special Ticket Price Offers

The Cornish Pirates and Redruth RFC have agreed special ticket offers for the benefit of their supporters.

On presentation of their season ticket Cornish Pirates season ticket holders can gain entry to Redruth’s home matches for just £5 a game (normal admission prices are Adults £10/Concessions £8), whilst in turn members of Redruth RFC, on presentation of their membership cards, can gain entry to Cornish Pirates home matches for the ticket price of just £10 (normal match day prices are .
Adults £18/Concessions £15). Children under 16 are admitted ‘Free’ by both clubs.

It is important to stress that supporters can only take advantage of this new opportunity if they are Cornish Pirates Season Ticket holders or Members of Redruth RFC. The offer will start at the next home game of the respective clubs and it is intended that it will continue next season.
This announcement provides another example of goodwill with reference to the enhanced relationship that has developed between the Cornish Pirates and Redruth RFC and we will look at how we might further develop this relationship in the future.

Pirates v Moseley – Kick-off Change To 1.15pm

The Cornish Pirates can confirm that their next important home match in the RFU Championship against Moseley, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday 10th March, will now kick-off at 1.15pm and not 3pm as originally advertised.

England play Italy in the RBS Six Nations on the same day (ko 3pm), and with big screens showing the international game in the Travis Perkins Beer Tent at the Mennaye Field, rugby supporters will have the opportunity to watch both matches ‘live’.

Tickets for the Moseley game will be available on the day but as ever they are also available on-line at www.cornish-pirates.com, from the club’s ticket office open Mon-Fri 9am – 12 noon, and from certain Warrens shops about the county.

Posted in Bill's Blog


THE MAGIC CONTINUES TO CAST IT’S SPECIAL SPELL

Nothing else quite stirs the emotions of a Cornishman than to see the black and gold shirts with the Cornish bezants upon the backs of fifteen brave Cornishmen about to do battle on the rugby field. It’s “us” against “them” and inevitably the “them” come from across Tamar from that funny land called England!
Speak to any Cornish player who has played for Cornwall (50, 30 or 10 years ago) and they will all say them same thing. The huge pride and honour to say “I played for Cornwall!”

That continuing “magic” endures with the current crop of players who come May will once again done that famous shirt and “play for Cornwall”
On Monday evening Cornwall RFU had a players meeting at Kingsley Village, Fraddon the first step on this season’s county championship campaign.
It was a chance for officials, players and coaches to sit down and plan for what everyone hopes will be a return by the black and golds to Twickenham at the end of May.

Overseeing Cornwall’s preparations once again will be Dave “Benji” Thomas with Paul Trevaskis (Penryn) and Steve Perry (Barnstaple) also back in coaching roles.
“Tonight is the start of the preparations”, said Thomas. “Last year we had a similar get-together and it seemed to work well, so we have tried to replicate it again this season. We brought the players in laid down the ground rules, the style we wanted to play and everybody brought into it. Most of the players we invited are here the coaches, and county officials. We want to outline just what we expect from them and to build on what we felt was quite a successful year last year and we really want to take that forward”.

Present also at the evening were Cornish Pirates Head Coach Ian Davies, skipper Gavin Cattle and few Cornish Pirates players amongst the players assembled.
“To have input from people like Ian Davis, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver is tremendously important these are professional people who are involved at a very high level in the game, their input is going to be invaluable. Last season when we went up to play Hertfordshire we were faced with players who had been playing for Saracens and I am sure when Hertfordshire come down to Camborne in May there will be a fair few Saracens players involved again!

Cattle, was due to deliver a speech to the players as part of the evening. Thomas said. “Hopefully we will be getting help from the Pirates this year, obviously much will depend on how they progress in the Championship play-offs, but Ian Davies, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver all hope to have an input in our preparations.
Thomas also added. “We hope to have players from the Cornish Pirates, Plymouth Albion and also dual registered players from the Exeter Chiefs”. That was apparent with both Rhodri McAtee and Sam Hocking from Albion present along with Aaron Penberthy, Peter Joyce, Tom Duncan and Tom Kessell from the Pirates.

“We’ve got a large squad of some 35 plus players at the moment, which will have to be trimmed when we come to the Championship, but with games over such a short period we are likely to get injuries and players will get their chance, but they will have already “brought in” to the concept that we have for the campaign so that will make the transition much more seamless.

One man who knows what it means to play for Cornwall is current CRFU President Ken Plummer who played for Cornwall in the 1969 County Final against Lancashire at Redruth, and of course played for England on the wing.

“I am delighted to be President of Cornwall this season and I am very pleased to see such a good turnout of players here tonight, when the County Championship comes round we are all looking forward to it and I believe we are capable of having a good crack at it. It’s all about the players and wearing that Cornish shirt, the passion run through you and running out at Camborne or Redruth or even up country, it’s us against the English and it really is something very special”.

And Ken Plummer has a very simple request for all Cornwall supporters. “Please turn up! That’s what we need, back in my day we would have 10, 15,000 supporters at the ground and up country they would follow us in droves, that’s what we need, get behind the boys, they are all local boys all playing for Cornish clubs. If we play well then the crowds will turn up that I am sure of”.

It was always said that a crowd at Redruth was always worth five points to the Cornish side such was their support and singing, it inspired the Cornish players to greater deeds.

From a current players point of view you only have to talk to them to see how enthusiastic they are about playing for Cornwall for Cornish All Blacks’ skipper Tom Rawlings “It’s massive honour to be honest, the organisation last year and again this year is so much better now, but it’s all about pulling on that jersey and representing Cornwall, I get quite emotional running out with the boys knowing I am going to play for Cornwall, you go that extra mile because you believe in what you are representing”.

Redruth prop forward Darren Jacques has represented the Barbarians and England Counties but for him there is nothing like playing for Cornwall. “The boys are all keen to play for Cornwall we want to be part of the history of the County side. It would be nice to get back to Twickenham, I played there with Cornwall in 2008 when we played Northumberland in the Shield final (Cornwall lost 25-11), but it would be great to get back and play in the main final and emulate the wins of 91 & 99 at Twickenham that dream drives me on every year.

Last season’s Cornwall skipper Ben Hilton was equally delighted that following his call some 18 months ago for Cornwall to start preparing earlier that progress continues in the right vein but he also has no illusion that it’s going to be a very tough campaign. “Having two away games first makes it a very tough challenge but I think that with set-up we have got now then we are well-equipped to meet it head on. We have got the bulk of last season’s squad back again so they know what we are about. We want to build early using the Tamar Cup match just prior to the Championship to help cement our game plan and put us in good stead. We took a leaf out of Sir Clive Woodward’s coaching manual the little one percents, each little one added up to make the difference if we can continue with that this season then we can improve further. I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I can win the County Championship before I get too old!”

Posted in Bill's Blog


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