SUPER REDS DOWN HAWKS

REDRUTH 17 – 11 HENLEY HAWKS

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

Ducks may well have enjoyed the conditions at the Rec on Saturday, but it was the Redruth forwards who savoured the weather as they “drowned” the Hawks to record a morale-boosting win against the league leaders.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks with the club making headlines for the wrong reasons, however there can be no disputing with the results over the past two weeks that the players and coaching staff are determined to do their bit for the club and the supporters.

The reaction from his players was exactly what Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adrian Edwards was expecting. He said. “It’s not just about the result today, but when you look at what’s happened at the club over the past two weeks. The win today coupled with last week’s win at Shelford and the whole club’s togetherness and attitude of everybody has been fantastic, I think that’s been brilliant for the club and I am so pleased for everyone involved”.

Edwards was also able to dispel rumours about any players leaving the club. “I have spoken to other clubs to be honest with you the contracts are there to be had. There has been talk about one or two players, and like with Peter Joyce you would never stand in the way of a player bettering themselves, but at the moment no one has said they want to leave and they all want to get on with the job at Redruth”.

Aside from events off the park, Edwards turned to his charges latest performance. “I thought that last week’s first half performance was as good as it gets, but today to go in 17-3 up topped that. Our scrums and lineout was good and we had a bit of control our defence was good, they (Henley) had the ball for the first seven minutes and they didn’t get anywhere. Things like that shows character, if you haven’t got it there areas such as your defence can tend to go quite quickly. Yes a great first half performance from us”.

Edwards also had warm words of praise for full-back Murray Westren a late call up on the morning of the match and who fielded the constant barrage of high balls that rained down on him with great maturity.  “Steve Evans called me this morning when he learned that Lewis Vinnicombe had to drop out due to work commitments, we discussed the various options he felt that Murray could do the job and his judgement was proved to be spot on, what a great debut in those conditions I take my hat off to him for a great game”.

Playing up the slope, Henley enjoyed territory and possession during the opening ten minutes, however they found the Redruth defence a tough nut to crack, all they had to show for their endeavours was a penalty kicked by fly-half James Comben.

Redruth’s forwards began to get the upper-hand with the front row of Darren Jacques, Richard Brown and Craig Williams putting the Hawks’ front row under huge pressure in the set-piece. Locks Luke Collins and Damien Cook along with the back row of skipper Chris Fuca Ben Priddey and Tom Duncan worked tirelessly.

That domination culminated with the award of a penalty-try by referee Jonathan Healey as the Hawks pack infringed as Redruth drove towards the line from a scrum. Paul Thirlby kicked the conversion to put Redruth 7-3 up after 13 minutes.

Henley were putting up the high ball with Westren, Tom Notman and Nick Simmons dealing with the threat.

A fine charge into the Henley half by Jacques led to a penalty allowing Thirlby to extend the Redruth’s lead.

With their tails well and truly up Redruth looked for another score before the break.

Further fine work from the forwards saw Duncan felled just short of the line, however Brown was on-hand to claim the try, which was finally awarded by the referee after a moment or two’s reflexion and no little encouragement from the home crowd!

Thirlby’s conversion gave Redruth the cushion they required at half-time.

Redruth came out in a changed strip for the second half having donned their white shirts at half-time, not that they stayed white for long.

With conditions worsening all the time it was likely to be an up-hill struggle for the Hawks and so it proved to be.

Thirlby missed with a penalty chance to extend Redruth’s lead after 45 minutes.

Henley threw everything they had at the Reds, however the home defence soaked up the Hawks attacks.

Comben managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty after 62 minutes, however their frustrations grew and were compounded with a yellow card for their winger Xavier Andre whose high tackle on Westren was more clumsy than dangerous.

With just four minutes remaining Henley finally breeched the Redruth defence when replacement Dave Manning crossed toward the Piggy lane corner in the gathering gloom to give his side a losing bonus point.

Redruth saw out the final few moments to record a well-deserved win and send their  drenched supporters home in good heart.

Redruth have no game next week and will resume their National League 2 South campaign on Saturday 8th December with a trip to Southend.

Posted in Bill's Blog


CORNWALL U.20’S RING CHANGES

CORNWALL’S selectors have made six changes to the side beaten by Dorset & Wilts for their second Under 20’s County Championship Pool game against Somerset at Redruth this Sunday kick-off 2 pm.

In the backs Jamie Prisk (St Ives) comes in at full-back, both wingers are changed with Kyle Speare (Bude) and Luke Tidball (Cornish All Blacks)  getting the nod, whilst at scrum-half Luke Asbridge (Bath University), an original selection for the opening game, returns.

The pack also sees some changes, Ted Alsopp (UWIC) comes in at hooker, whilst in the back row Matt Bolwell (Cornish All Blacks) comes in.

On the replacements bench scrum-half Max Bodilly (St Ives) has recovered from injury and makes the match day squad.

 

Cornwall U.20: J Prisk (St Ives), K Speare (Bude), T Hendrickson (Redruth & Truro College), S Chapman (Cornish All Blacks), L Tidball (Cornish All Blacks), K Moyle (St. Ives), L Asbridge (Bath Uni); Z Cinnamond (Wadebridge Camels), T Alsopp (Truro & UWIC), M Roach (Cornish All Blacks), D Hales (Cornish All Blacks), T Prisk (St. Ives), C Instance (Stithians), N Broadbank (Redruth) (Capt), M Bolwell (Cornish All Blacks).

Replacements: K Brownfield (Pirates Amateurs), A Brewer (Wadebridge Camels), B O’Keefe (Truro), N Stanleick (St Ives), M Bodilly (St Ives), J Ninnes (St Ives), L Edwards (Cornish All Blacks).

Remaining pool fixture

Sunday 10th February 2013 vs. Devon at Ivybridge RFC kick-off 2-30 p.m.

Posted in Bill's Blog


SAINTS FALL AT THE SEASIDE

St. Austell’s great run in the league came to an end at Bude on Saturday when the league leaders in Tribute Western Counties West succumbed to a 14-5 loss to the Seasiders. After a scoreless first half St. Austell took the lead with a try from Ian Venner, however Bude replied with tries from Paul Cholwill and Dan Pearce with Pearce adding both conversions for a famous win.

Truro got back to winning ways with a much-needed success at home to Wellington 15-13. Justyn Irons and Isaac Scoble crossed for the city side with Jake Champion kicking a penalty and conversion.

Penryn picked up a couple of points at Devonport Services as they went down 33-28. Alex Ducker (2), Ben Trevaskis and Josh Chambers all crossed for the Borough with Jake Seviour kicking the other points.

There was no RFU Championship games last weekend as the Championship XV took on, and lost, to the New Zealand Maori at Doncaster. The Championship XV skipperd by Cornish Pirates captain Gavin Cattle lost 52-21. Cattle was joined in the team by club mates Alan Paver and Phil Burgess.

In National League 2 South two Cornish wins on the road to report, Redruth at Shelford 28-6. A great result for the Reds in light of the continuing financial difficulties the club are undergoing. Tries were scored by Ben Priddey (his first try since returning from Camborne), Tom Notman, Lewis Vinnicombe and Nick Simmons, Paul Thirlby adding a conversion and a couple of penalties.

Redruth held their meeting with supporters last night to discuss their financial plight. One hopes that a way forward can be found  for the benefit of all concerned.

The Cornish All Blacks won at Bournemouth 27-22. Richard Bright, Richard Friend and Tim Mathias scored the tries with Kieron Lewitt bagging all three conversions and a couple of penalties.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a mixed day for our Cornish sides. Camborne are up to second in the league following a 33-7 win over Bridgwater & Albion at the Rec. The Cherry & Whites’ tries were scored by Dave Roberts (2), Rob Floyd, Adam Kevern and Malcolm Hearn. Dave Mankee added four conversions.

Wadebridge Camels slipped up at home to Cullompton 24-7, Will Pengelly scored their only try with James Grubb adding the extras.

In London 2 SW, another disappointing result for London Cornish as they shipped 45 points at Chobham. Final score 45-27!

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives kept the band waggon rolling as they dispatched Falmouth on their own patch 46-17. It was another seven tries for the Hakes with Josh Ninnes scoring four! Other tries went to Neil Corin (2) and Kyle Moyle. Ceiron Thomas added four conversions and a penalty. For Falmouth Paul Saberton (2) and Tom Spiller scored tries with Spiller adding a conversion.

Two Cornish derbies saw Newquay Hornets defeat Pirates Amateurs 56-10 at the Sportscentre and Saltash win at Hayle 37-22, whilst Liskeard/Looe enjoyed a win at Lux Park over Plymouth Barbarians 17-11.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, leaders Veor suffered a first defeat at the hands of Helston 18-0, Perranporth made up for their loss in the Cup the previous weekend to Stithians defeating them 28-27, whilst Roseland got a second win of the season defeating St. Just 52-0.

In Cornwall 2, the top two met at Clifden Park with Bodmin defeating Camborne SoM 32-16 to remain top. St. Day beat Camelford 64-12, whilst Illogan Park won another derby encounter this time at Trewirgie against Redruth Albany 47-12.

Bad luck to Cornwall Ladies who lost to Somerset 45-22 at Ivel Barbarians on Sunday.

News from our Cornish lads playing in France, Tom Parker played for Vannes in a local derby against St Nazaire in Federale 1, Vannes lost 38-18 and poor Tom got a yellow card after just 2 mins, a personal record he tells me! Though Tom is credited with scoring one of his side’s tries he tells me that it was his second row partner who actually scored.

Whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers drew 19-19 at Le Castanet in their group.

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES’ BEST HAUL OF THE SEASON SO FAR!

A busy weekend of rugby live and on the box saw me take in Redruth v Dings Crusaders on Saturday, France v Australia in the evening (thank you ESPN, or should that be MERCI!), and on Armistice Day Cornish Pirates versus Rotherham Titans.

At some point I will catch up on England’s win over Fiji, congratulations to Josh Matavesi on getting his fourth cap for Fiji when he came on as a second half replacement, kicking the conversion for Fiji’s second try.

Also New Zealand’s win at Murrayfield.

Let’s start at the Mennaye, a lovely autumn day, however a little apprehension amongst the home fans as to how it would go, Pirates were down to the bare bones with their dual registered players involved in the LV= Cup (another unloved cup competition, but more of that later).

They needn’t  have worried as the Cornish Pirates served up their best performance of the season with a 53-21 win.

Despite going behind to an early drop-goal from Titans’ fly-half Garry Law, Pirates responded with the boot of Aaron Penberthy and an opening try from the impressive Laurie McGlone.

Down to 14 men as lock, Toby Freeman (ex. Penryn) was sin-binned Titans conceeded further tries  Pirates’ forwards Rob Elloway and Phil Burgess crossed before half-time as the home team turned around  22-9 up.

Soon after half-time Pirates had the bonus point in the bag as Burgess crossed for his second try. Burgess then turned to provider as his pass put Junior Fatialofa in at the Newlyn Gate corner. Lock Gary Johnson was next to get on the scoresheet as he was driven over.

Titans replacement prop Ed Stagg bagged a couple of tries for the Titans to make the score-line respectable, but Pirates finished with a late flourish as wing Ben Mercer sneaked in at the Old Western National Corner, then Burgess completed his hat-trick picking up a loose ball near half-way he showed his pace to score under the posts.

Pirates head coach Ian Davies was pleased with the result but still feels his side is very much work in progress. He said. “It was an eighty minute performance, it was good in parts and not so good in other parts! We will take fifty points, you can’t be too disappointed when you score that many points, but we are work in progress, we will go away and look at what went well and work on the areas that didn’t quite work so well today.

Rotherham’s Toby Freeman though happy to be back in Cornwall was less please with his side’s result on the day. “I am happy to be back in Cornwall, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been back, but it wasn’t the result we were looking for, fair play to the Pirates they executed well today wheras we didn’t. Their execution was spot on we were a little bit laboured in parts of our play .

Congratulations to Alan Paver, Phil Burgess and Gavin Cattle who have been selected to play in the RFU Championship XV next Saturday against New Zealand Maori at Doncaster’s Castle Park ground. Latest news is that Gavin Cattle has been selected as skipper of the Championship XV.

In National League 2 South, Redruth battled to a good win over Dings Crusaders 21-0. Winger Tom Notman and replacement scrum-half Greg Goodfellow scored the Reds’ tries with Paul Thirlby kicking a conversion and three penalties.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Hayle travelled to Tiverton and drew 18-18, thanks to a late try from winger Rob Goodman.

It was a bit of a mixed bag in the quarter-finals of the Tribute Cornwall Cup. Sadly the ties between Camborne v Truro and Newquay Hornets v St. Ives resulted in walk-overs for the Cherry & Whites and the Hakes, never a satisfactory affair. However the two other ties played resulted in exciting games.

Having defeated Bude the previous week at home, Penryn travelled with high hopes to North Cornwall, however they found Bude a different proposition on their own patch.

Jake Seviour put the Borough 10-0 up with a try, conversion and penalty. Kyle Speare reduced the deficit with an un-converted try. Prop Jason Bolt scored a second try for Bude, which Dan Pearce converted for a 12-10 lead.

Seviour snatched back the lead for Borough with a second penalty, however Pearce kicked the winning penalty with just a couple of minutes remaining.

At Tregorrick it was a repeat of last season’s memorable final between St. Austell and Wadebridge Camels and once again Camels came out on top…just 26-23!

Matt Ballard scored first for the Camels, before Treve Murley levelled it for Saints with Matt Sheppard adding the conversion for a 7-5 lead.

Camels then surged ahead with James Grubb landing a penalty and then tries from Sam Stone and Dom Hawkey converted by Grubb for 20-7 advantage.

Back roared the Saints, Sean Haley scored a try, Sheppard kicked a penalty and Andy Ashwin dropped a goal to cut Camels advatage to 20-18.

Grubb kicked a couple of penalties to give Camels a bit of breathing space, but Saints scored another try by Sam Tank to set up a tense finish, Camels however hung on for the win.

In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup there were wins for Veor 54-0 at Redruth Albany, Camborne School of Mines 67-12 against St. Day, Stithians 29-14 at Perranporth. The game between St. Agnes and Helston was abandoned with Aggy leading 8-0 after 15 minutes when the referee was injured.

Also on Sunday Cornwall U.20’s began their County Championship campaign with a defeat against Dorset & Wilts at North Dorset RFC. The score was 28-21 to the twin counties. Chris Instance, Duncan Hales and Kyle Moyle scored Cornwall’s tries with Moyle adding all three conversions.

Cornwall’s next match is on Sunday 2nd December at Redruth RFC when they take on Somerset, kick-off 2 pm.

For all those connected with Redruth RFC please make a note in your diary with regards to the notice below;

OPEN MEETING AT REDRUTH RFC TUESDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2012 at 8.00 p.m. All members, supporters, sponsors, players Mini/Junior parents and those with an interest in Redruth Rugby are invited to an Open Meeting on Tuesday 20th November to discuss and plan the way ahead for the Club in the current economic climate.
Posted in Bill's Blog


BROADBANK SET TO LEAD CORNWALL U.20’S

Redruth’s Neil Broadbank is set to skipper Cornwall as they get their County Championship U.20 campaign underway on Sunday when they take on Dorset & Wilts at North Dorset RFC kick-off 2-30 pm, reports Bill Hooper.

Team Secretary Chris Lea said “The boys are excited about the prospects for this season. Coach Tom Rawlings has had a selection day for new players to break into the squad followed by two training sessions.

“A good number of the squad experienced the successes of last season and will hope to go one better and qualify out of the South West group that does not include Gloucestershire this season. The team also includes two players who went on to the South West trials with Kyle Moyle being successful and selected to the SW side”. Moyle was also voted Trelawny’s Army U.20 Player of the Year from last season.

Other names from last season’s backs Sam Chapman, Jack Kessell, Luke Asbridge and Chris Chew, whilst among the forwards apart from skipper Broadbank, Mike Roach, Duncan Hales, Ted Alsopp, Anthony Dickenson, Brogan O’Keefe, Jordan Duke and Chris Instance are all involved once more.

One name missing from the opening fixture is winger Aron Struminski, who, it is understood, was not released by his university for this match.

This season the squad is again coached by Tom Rawlings and Steve Kenward with Mike Rawlings providing assistance.

The selectors will no doubt be waiting to see how players come through Saturday’s matches with many involved in league and Tribute Cornwall Cup matches.

Cornwall U.20: J Kessell (Redruth), L Edwards (Cornish All Blacks), T Hendrickson (Truro College), S Chapman (Cornish All Blacks), W Pengelly (Wadebridge Camels), K Moyle (St. Ives), L Asbridge (Bath Uni); M Roach (Cornish All Blacks), A Brewer (Wadebridge Camels), Z Cinnamond (Wadebridge Camels), D Hales (Cornish All Blacks), T Prisk (St. Ives), C Instance (Stithians), N Broadbank (Redruth) (Capt), N Stanleick (St. Ives).

Replacements: K Brownfield (Pirates Amateurs), T Alsopp (UWIC), B O’Keefe (Truro), A Dickenson (UWIC), J Duke (Cornish All Blacks), D Tout (Bude), C Chew (UWIC)

Cornwall U.20’s fixtures 2012/13

Sunday 11th November v Dorset & Wilts (North Dorset RFC) ko 2-30 pm

Sunday 2nd December v Somerset (Redruth RFC) ko 2-00 pm

Sunday 10th February v Devon (Ivybridge RFC) ko 2-30 pm

Posted in Bill's Blog


“BOROUGH” BOUNCE BACK WITH WIN OVER BUDE

Always a pleasure to watch rugby at the Memorial Ground in Penryn and last Saturday was no exception.

Having been soundly beaten up in North Devon the previous Saturday by old rivals Bideford, Penryn were keen to put the record straight against their rivals from North Cornwall, Bude.

The match was played in difficult conditions with a heavy hail storm just prior to kick-off making the ground treacherous!

Penryn, however coped the better with the conditions to run out deserved 27-12 winners over the Seasiders.

Penryn’s forwards were the key, especially their fine backrow of Daniel Booth, skipper Jordan Rose and Grant Randlesome.

After fly-half Jake Seviour kicked Penryn into the lead with a penalty converted tries by Booth and Rose saw Penryn to a healthy 17-0 lead at half-time.

The Borough pushed on in the second half with a third try, probably the pick of the scores, scored in the clubhouse corner by winger Richy Bray.

Bude finally got on the scoreboard with an un-converted try from replacement Charlie Dicker.

Dan Laity then got Penryn’s fourth and final try after being driven over.

Bude got a second try near the end scored by centre Duncan Tout, which was converted by Dan Pearce.

There was plenty of other rugby going on too with Camborne School of Mines playing and defeating Redruth Albany 32-3 on the reserve’s pitch in a Tribute Cornwall League 2 game.

In the RFU Championship, Cornish Pirates travelled up to Moseley and once again the match ended in a draw 9-9. Former Pirate Olly Thomas kicked all the points for Moseley, whilst Aaron Penberthy did the same for the Pirates.

In National League 2 South, Redruth suffered their first big defeat of the season losing 47-15 against a strong Hartpury College side. Despite trailing just 16-12 at half-time Redruth were undone during the second half. Paul Thirlby scored a try a conversion and a penalty with Owen Hambly getting the other try.

The Cornish All Blacks faired better defeating Lydney 17-12 at Polson. Mike Rawlings and Josh Lord scored the tries with Kieron Lewitt adding both conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Wadebridge Camels will feel themselves unlucky not have got more from their 23-22 defeat at Oldfield. Sean Johns scored a first half try for the Camels but by half-time they trailed 20-5. They fought back with two converted tries from Cam Lees and Gary Gynn.

Camborne travelled to league pacesetters North Petherton and gave them a good game before going down 19-10. Ashley Lawton got the Cherry & Whites try with Dave Mankee adding the conversion and a penalty.

In the other games played in Tribute Western Counties West, leaders St. Austell defeated Bideford at Tregorrick 17-6. Matt Shepherd and Ian Venner scored the Saint’s tries with Shepherd kicking the other points.

Truro lost once again this time at Tavistock 29-8 Matt Ayres kicked a first half penalty, with Carl Ranscombe getting a try.

Up in London 2 SW, a welcome win for London Cornish as they defeated Camberley 36-15. Luke Spells, Nick Harlock (2), Conor O’Daly and Phil Francis with Spell’s boot adding the remaining points.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives didn’t top the fifty point mark this week, winning 48-7 over Crediton. Another eight tries for the Hakes with Neil Corin getting a couple as did Tom Barker. Ben Wheeler, Ben Taylor, Rob Rowe and Cieron Thomas got the other tries with Thomas adding four conversions.

Saltash defeated Falmouth Eagles 35-12 at Moorlands. Rixson, Carroll,  Veanables (2) and Morton scored the tries with Veanables kicking the other points.

Hayle had a good win at Plymouth Barbarians 16-13. Doug Arnold got the Lions’ try with Martin Strick adding the other points with a conversion and three penalties.

Pirates Amateurs beat Liskeard/Looe at the Mennaye 30-5. Liam Walsh, Ryan Forrester, Matt O’Leary (2) scored the Pirates’ tries with adding a couple of conversions and a penalty, Will Banks dropped a goal. For the Lions Brad Burchell scored a try.

Newquay Hornets lost at OPM’s 30-7, George Fox scored the Hornets try, which Liam Freeman converted.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Camelford won at Lankelly-Fowey 21-5, their first ever league win!  Stithians defeated Helston 15-9, and St. Agnes defeated Roseland 24-11

In only other game played in Cornwall League 2 Bodmin beat St. Day 22-0.

Congratulations to Josh Matavesi (Worcester Warriors), but Camborne to the core, who has been selected for Fiji during the Autumn Internationals and is also doubling up as their press officer. Fiji begin their tour at Twickenham on Saturday against Chris Robshaw’s England.

Posted in Bill's Blog


SAINTS MARCH ON

Spent an enjoyable afternoon at St Clements last Saturday taking in Truro’s Tribute Western Counties West match against league leaders St. Austell. The visitors finally prevailing 38-23.

It proved to be an interesting game marred sadly by the injury to Saints’ winger Sam Rhodes which saw the player eventually transported off to hospital.

The good news this week is that the injury to Sam is not as bad as first feared. Naturally we wish him all the best and hope to see him back on the paddock before too long.

Trailing at half-time by 17-8 Truro fought back during the third quarter to lead 18-17 before the game was delayed for 50 minutes due to the forementioned injury.

When the game restarted St Austell got an early score and never looked back to maintain their fine run. Skipper Andy Ashwin had a fine game for the Saints, whilst winger Luke Trescothick was the standout player for Truro.

For Truro prop Chris Gilbert and Trescothick (2) scored tries, whilst Justyn Irons kicked 2 penalties and a conversion. St. Austell finished with five tries scored by James Earp (2), Rhodes, Alex Welland and Sam Tank. Matt Shepherd converted all five scores and kicked a penalty, which was no mean feat in the tricky wind.

Elsewhere in this league the results were less encouraging for the other two Cornish Clubs. Bude lost at home to Okehampton 21-17, Dan Pearce scored all their points as they let slip a 17 point lead.

Penryn lost at Bideford heavily 70-0!

Penryn host Bude this Saturday, in what looks already a vital game at the wrong end of the table for both these sides.

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates got back to Championship action with Leeds the visitors at the Mennaye, despite the difficult conditions Pirates won 21-8. Matt Evans and Gary Johnson got the tries whilst Kieran Hallett added the other points with the boot. It’s good to see Jack Nowell having a good run down at the Pirates at the moment once again he showed his paces against Leeds.

Read Bill Sobey’s match report here   plus his post match interview with head coach Ian Davies here

In National League 2 South Redruth won at Lydney 31-23. Lewis Vinnicombe (2), Tom Duncan (this guy can’t stop scoring tries!) and Sam Parsons (in his final game) scored the tries for the Reds. Ashley Hosking kicking the points.

At Polson the Cornish All Blacks defeated Taunton 39-24 with Lewis Paterson, Liam Yeo, Josh Lord (2) and Ben Hilton scoring the tries and Kieron Lewitt kicking the points.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne beat North Dorset 39-15. Town scored tries through Dean Pascoe (2), Richie Kevern, Adam Kevern, Cameron Bone and Ashley Lawton. Dave Mankee’s boot adding the rest of the points.

Wadebridge Camels beat Clevedon 33-15. Matt Ballard, Dom Hawkey, Jack Scott, Will Pengelly (2) all scored tries whilst James Grubb landed four conversions.

Another disappointing result for London Cornish in London 2 SW with defeat at Guildford 43-18. Cornish have a lengthy injury list at present, which is making selection a headache.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives won 55-0 at Wessex with Kyle Moyle bagging a hat-trick of tries to put him on 22 for the season thus far! Ben Wheeler, Richard Hunt, Ian Veale, Ryan Trudgeon, Ben Taylor and Rob Rowe all crossed as well. Ceiron Thomas landed five conversions.

Saltash won at Crediton 23-5 as did Liskeard / Looe at Lux Park against OPM’s 30-21. Hayle won the Penwith derby 16-9 against Pirates Amateurs, whilst Falmouth and Plymouth Barbarians drew 13 – all at the Rec. Newquay Hornets lost 42-12 at Withycombe.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Perranporth won the derby against St Agnes 34-22 at Ponsmere. Helston beat St Just 15-3 and Veor defeated Stithians 29-20.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 there were wins for Bodmin, Illogan Park and Camborne Schoolof Mines.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PARSONS SIGNS OFF WITH A TRY BEFORE GOING DOWN UNDER

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground

It was a great way for Redruth centre Sam Parsons to sign off at the Recreation Ground on Saturday scoring the Reds second try of the game and taking the man-of-the-match award in Redruth’s 44-14 win over Chinnor.

As he heads down to Australia to begin a new life he will take with him plenty of happy memories from playing rugby in Cornwall. “I’ve had a great time playing here at Redruth, the club has been very good to me, I came here from Mount’s Bay where I dislocated my shoulder, struggled back and then we had that awful season in National 1 and I fell out of love with rugby to be honest but coming to Redruth really rekindled my love of the game so I am really grateful to the Reds for that.

“This trip has been in the planning for some time and it’s a wonderful opportunity that I can’t pass up so whilst I am sorry to be leaving I am also looking forward to discovering a new life.

This season has arguably seen Parsons’ playing some of his best rugby. “I don’t know why it is but this season it all seems to have clicked, getting used to playing with the boys around me and the style of rugby we are playing this year really suits my game. It’s probably my best form since I’ve been here.

Parsons’ career has seen him playing with amongst others the Cornish Pirates, Mount’s Bay, Redruth and for Cornwall. Asked if he could pick out a highlight “It wasn’t actually playing in Cornwall but the last game Redruth played in National League 1when we stepped off the bus at Wharfedale and we walked through a tunnel of nosie, there must have been well over two hundred and fifty Redruth supporters there that day. That just showed how much this club means to those supporters who had travelled all that way despite the fact that we were already relegated. That for me was the best feeling in rugby I’ve experienced.

Parsons will not be hanging up his boots while in Australia. “I am going to sign for a club called Hamilton Hawks who play in the Hunter Valley league in Newcastle, New South Wales. Redruth will always have a special place in my heart, they say “Once a Red always a Red”, and that’s absolutely true, I shall follow their results and I wish the club all the best.

Parsons will play his final game for Redruth this Saturday when the Reds travel to play Lydney at Regentsholme before heading off to Australia.

Posted in Bill's Blog


REDRUTH STORM TO ANOTHER BIG WIN

Having lost their unbeaten record the previous week at Worthing Redruth bounced back with a fine seven-try win over Chinnor on Saturday in National League 2 South.

Redruth started the game with three tries during the opening 17 minutes thanks to scores from Frazer Kellythorn (2) and Sam Parsons. It was Parsons ‘ final match at the Rec before heading off to Australia. He will play his final game for the Reds this Saturday at Lydney. I am sure all Cornish rugby fans will wish him well.

Four further tries came during the second half with Tom Duncan (2) Chris Fuca and Owen Hambly making it a fine half for the backrow union. Final score 44-14 and the Reds are up to second in the league.

Not such a good day for the Cornish All Blacks who lost at Clifton 38-25. Richard Bright, Richard Friend and BJ Chapman scored the All Blacks’ tries with Kerion Lewitt adding the other points with the boot.

The Cornish Pirates were in British & Irish Cup action playing on Tayside against Dundee High. The Pirates recorded a good win by 32-6. Tries came from Phil Burgees (2), Jack Nowell and Grant Pointer. Aaron Penberthy kicked three conversions and two penalties to complete the scoring. All Dundee High could muster were a couple of penalties from Jamie Urquhart. Pirates top pool 3, as the Championship program resumes this Sunday with a tough game against Leeds Carnegie at the Mennaye kick-off 2-30 p.m.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne slipped up at Cullompton losing 27-12. Ashley Lawton and Laurie Manna scored tries for Town with Dave Mankee kicking a conversion.

Better news from Wadebridge Camels who won at Paignton 34-8. Jack Scott (2), Jack Grubb, Cameron Lees, Adam Collings and James Hawken all crossed for Camels with James Grubb adding a couple of conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell maintained their fine form with an eighth win this time at the expense of visitors Wellington 21-8. Two tries from flnaker Paul Winterbottom and eleven points fromj the boot of Matt Shepherd saw the Saints home to remain top of the table.

At Penryn, the Borough saw off Truro thanks to a last-gasp penalty from Jake Seviour in a 25-22 win. Both sides scored a couple of tries, Alex Ducker and Dan Booth for the Borough, whilst Justyn Irons scored both tries for Truro. Seviour and Ranscombe converted both tries, however Seviour out-kicked Ranscome on the penalty count 2-1.

Bude, despite putting up a good fight at Kingsbridge lost 55-19. Olly Denford and Dan Pearce scored Bude’s tries with Pearce kicking two conversions.

In London 2 South West, London Cornish suffered another disappointing result going down at home to Effingham & Leatherhead by 40-15.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives contine to steam-roll  the opposition this time with another half-century of points against Tiverton 50-8. Jake Ninnis (2), Ben Jenkins, Tom Nicholas, Raphael Baragwanach, Neil Corin and Kyle Moyle all scored tries with Ceiron Thmoas adding six conversions and a penalty.

After a few indifferent results, Saltash got a big win at Moorlands against poor old Wessex 88-5. Max Venables getting five of ashes tries!

Pirates Amateurs defeated Falmouth 37-20 in the local derby at the Mennaye. Ryan Forrester (3) Trev Dugdale (2) and Cas James scored the homeside’s tries, whilst Oliver Church, Matt Kee and a Penalty-Try award accounted for the Eagles tries. Rhys Brownfield kicked the points for the Ams, whislt Tom Spiller kicked a penalty and conversion for Falmouth.

OPM’s defeated Hayle 29-22, Martin Strick kicked five penalties for the Lions and converted Rob Goodman’s try.

Newquay Hornets defeated Liskeard & Looe 68-0 at the Sportscentre.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, there were wins for Veor, Roseland and St. Agnes, whilst in Cornwall 2, Camborne School of Mines, St. Day and Bodmin all recorded victories.

Many eyes were looking up towards Exeter on Saturday, so the very first Heineken Cup tie this far west can’t go without mention. Despite a good start from the Chiefs, Clermont -Auvergne proved to have too much fire-power winning 46-12, scoring thirty-six points during the second-half.

Much has been written about Wesley Fofana’s first try when his foot clearly was on the line but not spotted by the officials, however the same officials didn’t check to see that Clermont flanker Gerhard Vosloo had scored what looked a perfectly good try in the first half for Clermont! Flanker Julien Bonnaire was immense for “Les Jaunards” as was scrum-half Morgan Parra, who despite the jeering of the home crowd kicked his goals. Fofana (2), Napolioni Nalaga (2), Bonnaire and Kiwi Sitiveni Sivivatu scored the tries for Clermont who now head pool 5.

Posted in Bill's Blog


WELCOME WIN FOR CORNISH ALL BLACKS

With the British & Irish Cup taking over the concerns of clubs from level 2, it meant that National League 2 South provided the main focus as far as league rugby was concerned for Cornish fans.

The Cornish All Blacks finally won at Polson for the first time in the league this season with a comprehensive 38-6 win over Southend. Ben Hilton, Toby Borrow, James Tripcony and Lewis Paterson. Kieron Lewitt chipped in with three conversions and four penalties.

A sight to gladden many a Launceston supporter and rugby fans across Cornwall was the return of prop Martin Rice.

Bill Sobey from the Western Morning News has an interview with Rice in the link  

Redruth’s winning run came to an end at Worthing as they lost 27-25 on the south coast.

An eventful game saw the lead change hands no less than five times and saw Worthing prop Joe Burns and Redruth’s scrum-half Greg Goodfellow red carded following a spear-tackle on the Red’s scrum-half who made very clear to the perpetrator his feelings!

Redruth’s three tries were scored by the front row union, two to prop Darren Jacques and one for Tom Blackburn on his Redruth debut. Paul Thirlby kicked a conversion and three penalties. Redruth also lost flanker Owen Hambly to the sin-bin during the game.

The Cornish Pirates entertained Welsh Premiership Carmarthen Quins at the Mennaye on Sunday in the British & Irish Cup. A 44-32 win saw the home side get their campaign off to a good start, but they  made hard work of it after they trailed at half-time 20-13!

Pirates changed their side for the cup fixture giving game time to squad members. Fly-half Aaron Penberthy had an eventful game, a first half sin-binning but also contributing nineteen points to his side with five conversions and three penalties. Of worry though was another injury for flanker Chris Morgan who looks to have broken his arm.

Dick Straughan’s match report for this is cornwall website can be found in the link , whilst Bill Sobey has an interview with head coach Ian Davis in this link  

This Saturday see’s the Pirates fly north of the boarder to take on Dundee High at Mayfield. As a matter of interest Ian Nimmo now with Newport Gwent Dragons has played for both the Pirates and Dundee High.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne are sitting in second place behind runaway leaders North Petherton. Town’s latest success was against Clevedon whom they beat 27-19 at the Rec. Trailing  6-12 at half-time Camborne took the game to ther opponents in the second half with flanker Ashley Lawton putting in a big game. Tries came from winger Adam Notman and fly-half David Mankee, with the Mankee adding five penalties and a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels slipped to defeat at home to Cleve 14-6. Jamie Grubb kicking both Camel’s penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell won at Tavistock 31-23. Saints scored five tries through Rob Jeffs, James Earp, Jack Grigg, Alex Welland and Matt Shepherd with Shepherd also kicking three conversions.

The three other Cornish clubs at this level all lost, Truro at home to Okehampton 11-3, Penryn at Wellington 24-21, despite scoring three converted tries through Grant Randlesome, Jordan Rose and Alex Ducker, whilst Bude lost to Ivybridge at Bencooleen  20-13, Ollie Denford with a try which was converted by Dan Pearce who also landed a penalty and a drop.

London Cornish were involved in the first round of the SE Intermediate Cup and fell at the first hurdle at home against Brighton Blues 32-0. Cornish made a few changes to their customary lineup but on the day were beaten by the better side fron London 2 SE.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League there was a top of the table clash as leaders Teignmouth entertained St. Ives and it was the Hakes who came away with a 23-15 win.

Tries from Neil Corin, Kyle Moyle and Jacob Ninnis paved the way for the blues, whilst fly-half Ceiron Thomas added a conversion and three penalties. The win puts St. Ives just one point behind Teignmouth.

There was a Cornish derby at the Memorial Park as Hayle entertained Newquay Hornets. The Lions winning a tight game 21-19. Hornets let slip a 19-7 lead as Hayle came from behind Both sides scored three tries. Tallan Daniels, Sam Newman and Joe Chadwick, whilst Martin Strick crucially added all three conversions. For Newquay, Harry Pendrick, Chris Ricketts and Ashley Taylor all crossed but kicker Ryan Johns could only manage tow conversions.

Saltash lost at Tiverton 22-12, whilst Liskeard&Looe are still without a win after losing at Withycombe 31-10.

Pirates Amateurs drew at Crediton 13-13, Ryan Forrester scored their try with Rhys Brownfield adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.

Falmouth lost at home against OPM’s 39-14 with a couple of converted tries from skipper Simon Bailey their sole consolation.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Veor look set to bounce back to the Cornwall and Devon League following another big win this time at home to St. Agnes.

Stithians are also unbeaten folowing their win against St. Just 50-15.

In the other game played Helston just edged out Roseland 10-7.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 Bodmin lead the way following their second win 52-10 at Illogan Park.

Camborne School of Mines are second after beating Camelford 20-10 up on the North Coast.

St. Day enjoyed a comfortable win at Lankelly-Fowey 44-10.

With it also being the first weekend of Heineken Cup rugby mention of Exeter Chiefs brave effort in Dublin against the holders Leinster losing only 9-6. Their match on Saturday at Sandy Park against Clermont-Auvergne promises to be a cracker!

Olly Barkley played well for Metro-Racing against Munster on a quagmire of a pitch at the Stade de France. Les ciels et bleus won 22-17.

Also in France keeping an eye on Tom Parker’s club Vannes in Federale 1, a good win for the Bretons 31-7 over Niort, whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers side beat FC Lourdes, one of the great names of the past in French rugby 34-7.

 

 

 

Posted in Bill's Blog


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