Everyone is saying that it’s going to be even more important to win your home games in National League 2 South this season such is the tightness in playing abilities.

So it was good to see Redruth build on their good 2 points they got a Bournemouth last Saturday with a 26-14 win against Exmouth at the Rec.
The “Cockles” were making their first league visit to Redruth and they had plenty of familiar faces in their side, John Fabian, Richard Bolt and of course Richard Bright part of Cornwall’s side that got to Twickenham and all former Launceston players. Jon Hill on the bench who knows a thing or two about winning at Redruth.

Young Cornish prospect Luke Chapman, a star from last season’s England u.18’s and who has been part of the set up at Truro College now with Exeter Chiefs and on loan at Exmouth.

Once again it was the Redruth pack that laid the foundations of the win 26-14 and with tries from McAtee, Fuca, Penalty-try and the last gasp effort from Goodfellow the bonus point was collected too. Man-of-the-match Murray Westren kicked three excellent conversions and had a fine game.

Good to see Lewis Vinnicombe back and Owen Hambly as well. Whilst Westren continues to improve with each game, youngsters like Jake Rayment and Harry Baker are developing all the time.

Cracking try from Bright for the visitors showing us he hasn’t lost his try-scoring touch with the move back to his home town.
After a narrow win at home last week a 2 point loss for the Cornish All Blacks at Clifton 22-20.

Ben Hilton and Kieron Lewitt scored tries for the All Blacks with Lewitt kicking ten points.

In Tribute South West 1 West, game of the day had to be at Tregorrick as St. Austell took on Wadebridge Camels in an eagerly awaited derby in front of a crowd of 550.

There were nine tries in the game with the Saints helping themselves to six in a 38-15 win.

Scorers for the Saints were Ashley Taylor (2), Ian Venner, Alex Welland, Curtis Newberry and Matt Shepherd, with skipper Shepherd kicking four conversions.

For Wadebridge Harry Woodward (2) and Dan Lumb scored un-converted tries.

Camborne made the trip to bottom side Coney Hill and came away with a 27-15 win.

Despite scoring a first half try through Ryan Spargo and a penalty from Dave Mankee Camborne trailed at the break 12-8.

Despite the atrocious conditions Town ran in three further tries in the second half from Rob Floyd, Dave Roberts and Will Webster with Mankee adding a couple of conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Penryn defeated Bude 41-18 at the Memorial Ground despite trailing 13-5 at the break. Winger Alex Ducker helped himself to three tries with other scores coming from Ollie Evans, Andrew Seviour and George Jones with Jake Seviour kicking four conversions and a penalty.

For Bude Adam Black and Richie Herzog scored tries with Harry Goodrun kicking two penalties and a conversion.
Truro had a good win at Tavistock 34-14. Theo Gayton (2), Chizz Gilbert, Matt Cross and Ashley Riches all scored tries for Truro with Riches adding a penalty and three conversions.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, the local derby at the Sports centre went the way of the home side as Newquay Hornets defeated Hayle 20-17 despite trailing 17-7 at the break.

The Lions scored three first half tries through Rob Goodman, Martin Strick and Talan Daniels with Strick nudging over one conversion. Hornets got a first half try from Tim Eustice which Sam Cullen converted.

Second half Cullen kicked a penalty and then converted Connor Riley’s try to tie up the scores before stepping up to kick the winning penalty two minutes from time.

Falmouth drew 18 all at OPM’s. Toby Mears and Simon Bailey scored tries for the Eagles whilst the boot of Jeremy Irons kicked the rest of the points.

Pirates Amateurs are still without a win, though they came close, losing at home to Crediton 21-20. Aaron Hall, Ben Noyce and Kieron Brownfield all scored tries with Kelvin James kicking a conversion and a penalty.

Tiverton won at Moorlands against Saltash 40-14. Hillman and Horton got the Ashes tries with Max Venables adding both conversions.
Veor lost at home to Withycombe 62-10 with Stone and Arthur getting tries for the home side.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 leaders Liskeard & Looe defeated School of Mines 17-12, Bodmin thrashed Stithians 62-7, Helston defeated St. Agnes 22-17 and Perranporth won at Ponsmere Valley 32-12 against Roseland.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 leaders Illogan Park won 75-7 against St. Day, Lankelly-Fowey defeated Redruth Albany 28-15 and Camelford beat St. Just 19-12.

The Cornish Pirates had a big win in the British and Irish Cup winning 53-10 on the west coast of Scotland at Ayr.

That gives the Cornish side a maximum ten points from their opening two fixtures.

Next week it’s back to Championship rugby and a trip to Oxford to face London Welsh.

Congratulations to Cornish Pirates head coach Ian Davies who has been asked to coach the Barbarians squad for their Remembrance Day fixture against Combined Services at the Brickfields Plymouth on Tuesday November 12th kick-off 7-15 pm.

It was Cup weekend for London Cornish in the SE area of the Intermediate Cup and they won at Tunbridge Wells 15-3.

Like many I was both shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Bobby Tonkin, part of that great Camborne side from the mid 70’s through to the early 80’s. He played for Cornwall on 27 occasions, playing in prestigious friendlies against South African Barbarians, United States of America, Canada and Capt. Crawshay’s.

A prop who could also hook Bobby went on to enjoy a fine career as a coach after his playing days with Camborne, Hayle, St. Ives and with Penzance & Newlyn as they began their climb through the leagues towards professional rugby.

I am sure all Cornish rugby supporters would wish to send their condolences to Bobby’s family at this sad time.

Congratulations to Cornwall 18 Group on their win in Devon last weekend and the best of luck up in Bristol when they take on Dorset & Wilts and Buckinghamshire.

What a great game of rugby between the Cornish Pirates and Ulster Ravens in the British & Irish Cup on Friday night down at the Mennaye.

The atmosphere was great just a shame that there was not more than around 1,350 to witness such a great advert for the B&I Cup.

Aaron Carpenter picked up from a scrum to run in the Pirates opening try after just 8 minutes.

Ulster Ravens showed they could play a bit, stringing together some fine phases of play resulting in fly-half James McKinney putting the Ulstermen ahead with a couple of penalties.

Pirates re-took the lead with a penalty from fly-half Angus Sinclair, then scored a second try from turnover ball, a strong tackle on an Ulster player saw the ball go loose with skipper Gavin Gattle – playing his 200th game for the Pirates – reacting the first to gather and pass to winger Mike Pope who went all the way to score.

Ravens’ skipper lock Lewis Stevenson put in a big drive towards the Pirates’ line and when the ball was worked back the ball went wide for winger Peter Nelson to score in the Old Western National Corner, to leave the Pirates 13-11 up at the break.

McKinney made up for his missed conversion before half-time to give the visitors the lead with an early second half penalty.

Pirates full-back Kieran Goss showed a fine turn of speed as he flew into the Newlyn Gate Corner for the Pirates’ third try.
With Ravens’ flanker Mike McCornish sin-binned for a professional foul, Sinclair kicked a further two penalties either side of a penalty for Ulster by McKinney to nudge the Pirates into a 24-17 lead.

Pirates’ grater fitness paid off during the final quarter, as the Pirates again made the most of turnover ball with winger Matt Evans racing in to secure the bonus point. Sinclair added the conversion and Kieran Hallett, on as a replacement, completed the scoring with a late penalty.

Next Saturday the Pirates make the trip to take on Scottish Premiership side Ayr who lost their opening game in the Cup at Jersey 28-16.
See the statement from Dicky Evans about his future commitment with regard to the management structure of the club in the link to WMN site.

In National League 2 South on Saturday, the Cornish All Blacks snatched a late win in stoppage time thanks to a last-gasp try from prop Tim Mathias, to win 34-33!

A seesaw game saw the other tries for Launceston scored by Lewis Paterson (2), Ryan Westren and Mike Rawlings with Kieron Lewitt’s reliable boot adding three conversions and a penalty.

Redruth secured try-scoring and losing bonus points in a 39-32 defeat at Bournemouth.

Redruth’s forwards bagged all four of their tries with Richard Brown, playing at flanker, getting the first. Prop Darren Jacques celebrated his Trelawny’s Army Player of the Year Award he received this week in fine style with a brace of tries, whilst lock Damien Cook got the Reds’ fourth try.

Fly-half Murray Westren kicked twelve points with his final penalty securing the losing bonus point.

In Tribute South West 1 West, St. Austell continued their fine start to the campaign with a well-earned draw at Thornbury 22-22. Adam Pellow, Dan Pearce and Mark Martin all crossed the whitewash for the Saints with Matt Shepherd adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.

Camborne had another hard-fought win, this time at home to Clevedon 33-20.

Tries for the Cherry & Whites were scored by wingers Adam Notman and Rob Floyd with fly-half Dave Mankee and replacement Aaron Hunt also bagging tries in a bonus point win.

Mankee’s boot added thirteen points.

Wadebridge Camels were undone at home by two late tries as North Petherton took the honours winning 27-19.

Matt Ballard, Jack Scott and Harry Woodward all scored tries for the Camels with Ryan Johns adding a couple of conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro defeated St. Ives in an entertaining Cornish Derby at St. Clements 39-20.

Jake Champion, Karl Ranscombe, Adam Gayton, James Murdoch and Tom Hatfield (2) all crossed the Hakes’ line with Champion kicking a conversion and penalty and Hatfield converting both his scores.

For St. Ives, Neil Corin bagged a couple of tries and Sean Stevens bagged his side’s third. Jamie Prisk kicked a conversion and a penalty.

In the battle a t the foot of the table, Bude got a first win 10-0 over Paignton at Bencoolen with a couple of un-converted tries scored by Adam Black and James Comber.

Penryn will be disappointed with their loss at Kingsbridge 22-3. Jake Seviour saved a whitewash with a late drop-goal.

In London 2 SW, a good win for London Cornish at Portsmouth 30-8. The exiles scored five tries with lock Harry Somers getting the final score.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, there were two Cornish Derbies; Hayle got the better of Veor 48-5.

Stefan Osborne (2), Scott Harvey (2), Rob Goodman (2) and Doug Arnull alls cored tries for the Lions with Martin Strick kicking five conversions and a penalty. For Veor Andrew Hitchens scored a first half try.

Falmouth edged a win over Newquay Hornets at the Rec 22-21. Sam Burke, James Dobson, and Tom Spiller scored tries for the Eagles with Jeremy Irons adding a couple of conversions and a penalty.

For the Hornets, Harry Pendrick and Ashley Mann scored tries with veteran Ian Morgan kicking a conversion and three penalties.
Saltash lost at Exeter Saracens 33-15.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, there was a big win for Liskeard & Looe over St. Agnes 94-0. The Lions ran in fourteen tries in their win over Aggie.
Bodmin won at Perranporth 41-17, Stithians defeated School of Mines at Penryn 20-18 and Helston won at home against Roseland 35-10.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Illogan Park won at Lankelly-Fowey 53-17, whilst St. Just beat Redruth Albany at Trewergie 27-24. St. Day played their first game of the season, after being forced to concede their opening two fixtures, defeated Camelford 28-20.

As a footnote re the Pirates game against Ulster Ravens. Does anyone remember the last time Ulster visited Cornwall?
Well it was 1st September 1991 when they played Cornwall at Redruth with a side that included six Irish Internationals. For the record Ulster won 27-6 scoring two tries (worth four points then), five penalties and two conversions. For Cornwall Kevin Thomas kicked a couple of penalties. Cornwall’s captain that day Graham Dawe!

It must be A.G.M. time and our Cornwall Player of the Year Presentations.

Player’s Shields awaiting presentation

Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club held their A.G.M. yesterday at the St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.

The Army were delighted to have as guests for the evening officials from the Cornwall R.F.U. including President Ken Plummer, Chairman Denis Preece and Cornwall Team Secretary Ewart White.

There was also a very special welcome for the newly appointed Cornwall coaches; Graham Dawe and Ian Morgan.

Club Chairman Phil Trevarton reported on a very successful year for the club, the highlight of which was Cornwall getting to Twickenham.

The highlight of the evening were the player awards; with Redruth prop forward Darren Jacques receiving the “Bill Osborne” Memorial Shield as Cornwall Player of the Year as voted for by the club members. He said. “This award tops off a great year for me especially with the year Cornwall have had, the only thing that’s missing is not having won at Twickenham and that really is going to spur the boys on again this year as we strive to go one better.”

Photo – Darren Jacques receives his award from Cornwall Team Secretary Ewart White

The “Tony Mead” Memorial Shield went to Cornwall U.20’s skipper from last season flanker Neil Broadbank, who will still be eligible to play at this level again this season. He said. “It’s a great honour to be voted for this award, there are some fine former winners of this shield who have gone on to do well in the game and I am sure this will inspire me to progress further in my rugby career.”

Photo – Neil Broadbank with the “Tony Mead” U.20 Shield

There were further presentations made to Alan Mitchell, who stood down as Hon. Sec of the Cornwall R.F.U. last June and who is a past Chairman of the Army, and to long-serving Membership Secretary Thelma Sweet who has also stood down.

There was also the presentation to St. Austell Brewery of two match balls, which hopefully in time will be displayed in their visitor centre, one from this season’s match against Hertfordshire and the second a 1991 signed ball from the county final against Yorkshire at Twickenham, which fittingly Graham Dawe was on hand to make the presentation along with CRFU President Ken Plummer to St. Austell Brewery’s John Treglown, who also happens to be TASC’s President and a former Cornwall player in his own right.

Photo – former England Internationals Graham Dawe (right) and Ken Plummer (centre) present a signed match ball from Cornwall’s epic 1991 County Final win to St. Austell Brewery’s John Treglown

Hot on the heels of the Cornish Pirates success against Moseley on Friday night came news on Monday that the club is set to abandon it’s experiment with Friday night rugby after just two Championship matches!

I am not too sure how you can make a sound judgement that Friday night rugby can be deemed a failure after such a short space of time, though I do feel that another point made in Dicky Evans’ statement about the club reverting to play all home games on a Sunday afternoon was the telling factor, namely a 21% drop off in the number of season ticket renewals.

That figure, plus the associated spend that goes with it on match day, is to me the stat that set the alarm bells ringing early doors!
It will be interesting to see (hopefully it will!) if the return to Sunday afternoon rugby (2-30 or 3 pm please!) will bring the revenue flows back on course for the rest of the season.

Back on the field the Cornish Pirates made it three wins from four with a five point success against Moseley at the Mennaye winning 28-13.
Tom Riley helped himself to a brace of tries whilst, Jack Andrew and Mike Pope also crossed the whitewash. Pope’s try was a cracker, having hacked the ball on the winger judged the pick up to perfection before cutting in-field to score by the posts.

This Friday, (confirmed by the club), Pirates entertain Ulster Ravens in their first B&I Cup match with a 7-45 pm kick-off.

In National League 2 South, Redruth ground out a try bonus point with the final play of the game thanks to a try from scrum-half Ashley Hosking. Oh my word what a pig’s ear they made out of having a man advantage for all but the first four minutes when Taunton scrum-half Stuart Townsend was red carded for a stamp on Reds’ fly-half Murray Westren.

Redruth soon led 14-0 thanks to tries from skipper Chris Fuca and flanker Kieran Smith both converted by Westren. However, Taunton fought back. Redruth scored a third try early in the second half through the excellent Jake Rayment to lead 19-8.

Taunton hit back with two unconverted tries, luckily for the Reds Gary Kingdom had an off day with the boot or else, to make it a one point game 19-18. Hosking’s final flourish ensuring the win 24-18!

No such joy for the Cornish All Blacks as they lost to Ampthill & District 56-11. BJ Chapman scored a try with Jake Murphy adding a penalty and drop-goal for the All Blacks as they led 11-10. The home side then went on the rampage scoring 46 unanswered points!

In Tribute South West 1, a great day at St. Austell with the visit of RFU President Bob Reeves marking the club’s golden anniversary.
In what has been described as a “feisty game” Saints defeated Hornets (The Weston swarm) 26-17 with tries from Ian Venner, Adam Kellow, Dan Pearce and Mike Davey with Matt Shepherd adding a couple of conversions. Saints also won the yellow card battle 3/2!

Wadebridge Camels enjoyed a big win at Coney Hill 50-15. Tries for the Camels were scored by Luke Bazeley, James Grubb, Jack Scott, Will Pengelly (2) and Dom Hawkey (2). Ryan Johns kicked a further 15 points.

Camborne lost at table toppers Cleve 27-16. Shaun Buzza got Town’s try with Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, there was a tense Cornish Derby at the Memorial Ground where Penryn just got the better of Truro 16-15. Josh Chambers scored the Borough’s only try with Jake Seviour’s boot kicking the rest of the points. For Truro Adam Gayton and Carl Ranscombe scored tries with Karl Martin kicking a conversion and a penalty.

St. Ives got their first win of the current campaign with an impressive 33-27 win over Torquay Athletic at Alexandra Road. Neil Corin (2), Ben Taylor, Tyler Gendall and Josh Semmens scored the Hakes’ tries with Kieran Harvey and Jamie Prisk both kicking a couple of conversions.

Bude are sadly still rooted to the foot of the table as they lost again this time at Okehampton 55-5. Joe Wilson with Bude’s sole try.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish lost at home to unbeaten Gosport & Fareham 30-20. Phil Frances, Will Carew-Gibbs and Mark Osei-Tutu scored the exiles tries with Luke Spells adding a conversion and penalty.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Hayle backed up their win at Falmouth last week with a 55-12 win at home to Withycombe. Alex Thornton (2), Doug Arnull (2), Rob Cutter, Scott Harvey, Talan Daniels (2) and Scott Murray all scored tries for the Lions with Harvey adding five conversions.

Falmouth had a big win at Veor 62-17, whilst there were losses for Newquay Hornets 31-0 at home to Crediton, Pirates Amateurs at home to Tiverton 37-6 and Saltash at Moorlands 22-13 to Honiton.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard & Looe lead the way with two wins the latest 68-0 at Lux Park against Roseland. Bodmin are on their heels after defeating Camborne School of Mines 36-17. St. Agnes won at Stithians 44-24 and Helston beached Perranporth 28-10!

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Illogan Park lead the way, following a 58-5 win over Redruth Albany. Camelford beat Lankelly-Fowey 31-22. St. Day were forced to concede for the second week running this time at St. Just. They hope to be able to field a side against Camelford this Saturday.

WINNER OF THE BILL OSBORNE MEMORIAL SHIELD

Following the fantastic run by the Cornwall team in this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup in reaching the Twickenham final, it was always going to be a very difficult decision as to whom to vote for as our Cornwall Player of the Year.

There were so many candidates throughout the team who put their hands up as potential winners.

In the end a close poll saw REDRUTH PROP FORWARD DARREN JACQUES emerge as the player with the most votes, narrowly defeating two former winners of the award, skipper Ben Hilton in second place and Sam Hocking, third.

Darren Jacques – Photo by Simon Bryant/Iktisphoto

The cornerstone for any side is it’s pack, the front row is where it all begins. Jacqusey excels not only in the tight but also in the loose as a fine all round player.

He has for many seasons been one of the crowd’s favourites and this award fully justifies his commitment and service to the Cornwall team.
Jacques has been a stalwart of the Redruth pack for many seasons and captained the Reds from 2009-11.

Photo – Simon Bryant / Iktisphoto

He previously played for Penryn before moving to the Reds. Jacques has also represented the Barbarians and played for England Counties
This season saw him notch his 25th county appearance.

The winner of the TONY MEAD MEMORIAL SHIELD CORNWALL U.20 PLAYER goes to last season’s Cornwall U.20’s skipper NEIL BROADBANK who also plays for REDRUTH.

Broadbank a fine flanker made a few appearances for the Reds during their National League 2 South campaign last season.

He also made the final trials for England Counties U.20 squad narrowly missing out on selection for the tour to Georgia.

Broadbank is currently at university in Exeter.

As you will have seen from my previous entry I took in Camborne’s home Tribute South West 1 West league match against Cullompton last Saturday.

Always a pleasure to visit Crane Park and catch up with the Cherry and Whites and following on from their disappointment in the play-offs last season to re-enter the National Leagues, Camborne hope to go one better this time around.

Play-offs are always a lottery and the best way to avoid them is to finish in the automatic promotion place (s) and that really must be their aim this season.

Despite some below par performances in their opening three league games, especially the loss at Bridgwater, Camborne showed against Cullompton that they will again be there or there about’s come the end of the season.

Five tries in a 34-13 success against a side that had shipped just sixteen points in their opening three league fixtures was a very pleasing outcome for the Cherry and Whites’ coaching staff and set them up nicely for a stiff test on the road when they travel to un-beaten Cleve this Saturday.

And there is strength in depth at the club as on Saturday the Second XV took on Lanner with seven of last season’s Cornwall Cup winning side lining up to face the re-formed village side. For the record Lanner won 24-17 in what proved to be an entertaining match on the Crane Park pitch.

Sticking with South West 1 West, St. Austell enjoyed their trip to South Devon winning 54-0 at Sidmouth. Paul Winterbottom (2), Ian Venner (2), Ben Chenoweth (2), Matt Shepherd and Dan Pearce all scored tries for the Saints with Shepherd converting all but one!

Wadebridge Camels were not to be outdone as they enjoyed a big win at home defeating Clevedon 50-15. Skipper Gary Gynn opened up the Camels try count as the visitors led 10-0 early doors. That set the scene for a Camels try-fest as Matt Ballard, Ryan Johns (2), Jack Oulton (2), Jake Grubb and James Grubb all crossing the whitewash. Johns kicked five conversions to end the match with a 20 point haul.

In the Greene King IPA Championship on Saturday, the Cornish Pirates travelled to last season’s National League 1 Champions Ealing Trailfinders and came away from West London with a 31-17 win.

Left wing Kieran Goss scored a couple of tries with prop Jack Andrew, hooker Aaron Carpenter and scrum-half Tom Kessell all scored tries for the Pirates for a bonus point win. Kieran Hallett helped himself to three conversions.

In National League 2 South, mixed fortunes for both Cornish sides. The Cornish All Blacks had Jake Murphy to thank for a last gasp 21-18 win over Hartpury College. Murphy had a field day with the boot kicking six penalties to add to an earlier success from Kieron Lewitt before the full-back was stretched off from the field with a neck injury (we all wish Kieron well for a swift recovery).

Sadly for Redruth early promise failed to turn into points as they lost 27-15 at Chinnor trailing just before half-time 20-3 with a Murray Westren penalty all to show for, the Reds rallied to score a good try just on the break through Luke Jones with Westren adding the extras.

Redruth nudged closer with an un-converted try scored by prop Darren Jacques but that was as good as it would get for the Reds as Chinnor ran in an interception try to kill the game.

Worrying for the Reds were injuries to Max Bodilly, and Matt O’Leary, hopefully they will both be fit for the visit of Taunton Titans this Saturday.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Penryn lost for the first time this season as an injury-time penalty gave Torquay Athletic a 26-24 win. Colin Campbell and Andrew Seviour scored tries for the Borough with Jake Seviour kicking fourteen points.

Truro enjoyed a big win at St. Clements 48-0 against Paignton. Tom Hatfield, Ashley Lawton (2), Luke Trescothick, Adam Gayton, Matt Cross, Karl Ranscombe and James Murdoch all scored tries with Karl Martin kicking the other points.

Bude lost at home to Wellington 15-5 with No.8 James Comber getting their only points with a try.

St. Ives lost at Teignmouth 45-3. Jamie Prisk with their sole points from a penalty.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish lost 25-13 at Tottonians. Matt Hakes scored the exiles try with Matt Spells kicking the conversion and a couple of penalties.

The Tribute Cornwall & Devon League saw only one Cornish win as Hayle won 21-15 at Falmouth in the local derby of the day. The Lions had Martin Strick’s boot to thank for the win. Both sides scored three tries but Falmouth failed to land any conversions.

Talan Daniels, Tony Williams and a penalty-try award made up the Lions three tries, whilst for the Eagles Tony Whittle, Tom Edmonds and Olli Church all crossed.

Pirates Amateurs are still waiting for their first win of the season as they lost for the fourth game this time 18-0 to Exeter Saracens.

Saltash, still in shock from their heavy loss at Exeter Uni the previous week, lost again on the road this time at Withycombe 22-10. Ryan Cruickshank scored all their points with a try conversion and a penalty.

Veor lost at Crediton 30-5. Winger Gareth Mankee getting an un-converted try for the visitors.

It was the first round of league matches in both Tribute Cornwall Leagues 1 & 2.

In Cornwall 1 there were wins for Liskeard & Looe at Perranporth 58-7, Camborne School of Mines defeated St. Agnes at Penryn 22-11, Bodmin won at Helston 17-5 and finally Roseland beat Stithians 17-12.

In Cornwall 2, Illogan Park won at home to Camelford 51-14 and St. Just pipped Lankelly-Fowey 15-14. The game between Redruth Albany and St. Day resulted in a home walk/over for Albany as St. Day had front row problems. Hopefully St. Day will soon have sufficient players back to compete again.

TRIBUTE SOUTH WEST 1 WEST

CAMBORNE 34 – 13 CULLOMPTON

Camborne made it back-to-back home wins witha five try win against a Cullompton side that until today had conceded just sixteen points during their opening three league games, reports Bill Hooper from the Recreation Ground.

Playing against a stiff wind during the first half the Cherry and Whites pack were in rampant form. There was an inspirational performance from skipper, No.8 Dave Roberts, who carried a tremendous amount of ball, whilst the front row of Nigel Endean, Sam Bartle and Will Webster were always in the thick of the action, along with lock James Goldsworthy who caught the eye in the lineout and in the loose.

Camborne took the lead on 10 minutes when a penalty was kicked to the corner, from the catch-and-drive by Goldsworthy the ball was moved wide with centre Steve Kenward crashing over in a pile of bodies.

In the tricky wind fly-half Dave Mankee kicked an excellent conversion.

From the re-start Camborne were caught offside presenting Cullompton with a chance to claw back three points, which centre and skipper Adam Pearce gratefully accepted.

Camborne continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges and it was no surprise that they doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark when another good drive from the forwards was finished off with a second try scored by lock Shaun Buzza, Mankee was again on the money with the extras.

Cullompton enjoyed their best period just prior to half-time. Pearce was unlucky when a penalty attempt cannoned off an upright, but he was on cue with the conversion to wing Paul Baker’s try to make the half-time score 14-10 to Town.
Camborne came out fired up for the second half and before long they had scored a third try as full back Joe Parma took scrum-half Dean Pascoe’s pass to dot down.

Tempers became a little frayed resulting in Cullompton’s flanker Sean Mardell sin-binned for some foul play.

Mankee stretched Camborne’s advantage with the resulting penalty from in front of the sticks.

Flying winger Rob Floyd made the most of a blindside break to score Camborne’s bonus point try in the scoreboard corner.

Cullompton reduced the deficit with a penalty kicked by Pearce and no doubt harboured hopes of snatching a losing bonus point, but those hopes were dashed as Floyd was put in with a delightful pass from replacement Joel Matavesi to score his second try of the game and Camborne’s fifth.

Centre Grant Thirlby who had assumed kicking duties from the departed Mankee, kicked an excellent touchline conversion to complete the scoring for a 34-13 score-line.

Camborne 34 pts
Tries – Kenward, Buzza, Parma, Floyd (2), Conversions – Mankee (2), Thirlby, Penalty – Mankee

Cullompton 13 pts
Try – Baker, Conversion – Pearce, Penalties – Pearce (2)
Yellow Card – Mardell (56)

Camborne: J Parma, R Floyd, S Kenward, G Thirlby, A Hunt, D Mankee, D Pascoe;
N Endean, S Bartle, W Webster, S Buzza, J Goldsworthy, G Hall, R Spargo, D Roberts (capt).

Replacements (all used); L Hocking, M Woolcock J Matavesi

Cullompton: M Richards, P Baker, A Pearce (capt), T Harold, M Busch, A Brooks, J Shere; J Woof, D Driscoll, C Grant, O Reed, O Kittow, J Turner, S Mardell, A Ford

Replacements: A Isaac, S Vercoe, A Longden

Referee: Darren Curry (Cornwall RRS)

Crowd: 453

REDRUTH got their season up and running on Saturday with a deserved 38-7 win over Southend who had won their opening two matches.

It’s been a tough few weeks for head coach Ashley Morcom as his side struggled to find form and for the renowned Reds pack to get to grips with the scrum laws.

Also in the run up to the Southend game the fact that two key back row players, Ashley Lawton and Owen Hambly left the club. Lawton has moved on to play for Truro, whilst Hambly has decided to call it a day.

On the plus side No.8 Matt O’Leary has come up from Pirates Amateurs and two players have joined on loan from the Cornish Pirates, both backs, Matt Bodilly and Luke Jones.

All three were in the match day squad to face Southend.

You can read my match report in today’s Western Morning News
in the link.

After the euphoria of their derby win against the Reds last Saturday the Cornish All Blacks came back to earth with a nasty bump away to Canterbury losing 33-25.

The All Blacks were always playing catch-up rugby as they shipped two early tries.

Centre Lewis Paterson (2) and scrum-half Richard Friend scored tries for the visitors with Jake Murphy kicking two conversions as well as a penalty and a drop-goal.

On the plus side, the game saw the return to action of Neilson Webber – following his injury back in June with England Counties in Belgium, also back row Barrie Chapman following his ban which saw him miss the County Final for Cornwall.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne are yet to hit top form as evidenced by their loss last week at Bridgwater; however they had just enough to see off the challenge of Bideford at the Recreation Ground 16-7 to record their second win of the season.

The Cherry & Whites’ only try was scored by full-back Joe Parma, with fly-half Dave Mankee kicking the other points.

St. Austell also have two wins as they defeated Chard 29-10 at Tregorrick Park. Saints ran in five tries for the bonus point win with Matt Shepherd, Ashley Taylor, Curtis Newberry, Ian Venner and Dan Pearce all crossing. Man-of-the-match Shepherd also kicked a couple of conversions.
Wadebridge Camels slipped to defeat at Cleve 37-25. James Grubb scored a try and kicked two penalties and a couple of conversions in a 15 point haul, whilst Jake Grubb and Will Pengelley also crossed for the visitors.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Penryn made it three win on the trot with a 19-13 win over last season’s Cornwall & Devon League Champions Teignmouth. Borough left it late again with Alex Ducker scoring a late try to win the game. Jake Seviour kicked four penalties and the conversion.

Elsewhere it wasn’t such good news for Cornish clubs, St. Ives lost at Alexandra Road 23-21 to Tavistock for a third straight loss. They had a late conversion to tie the scores but sadly for the Hakes the kick was missed. Ben Taylor scored a try and the referee awarded St. Ives a penalty-try, Jacob Ninnis kicked three penalties and a conversion.

Truro lost heavily at Okehampton 39-3. Karl Martin kicked Truro’s only points with a penalty.

Bude also were on the wrong end of a 42-14 loss at Ivybridge. Freddie Saxon scored a try for the Seasiders, whilst Ollie Denford kicked the conversion and another for a penalty-try award.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish won at home against Teddington 47-22. Ben Gilby’s report in the link.

It was a blank day for Cornish clubs in the Cornwall & Devon League, not one win!

Saltash were over-run by Exeter University 103-3 with Max Veneables kicking their only points.

Newquay Hornets’ good start to the season was ended as they lost at the Sports Centre to Tiverton 26-15. Tivvy made the most of a Hornet’s player in the bin scoring three tries!

Brad Rusborough, and Scott Trainor both scored tries for the Hornets with Sam Cullen adding a penalty and conversion.

Pirates Amateurs lost 23-10 at the Mennaye to Honiton. Charlie Goldsworthy and Steve Kent scored unconverted tries for the home side.

Hayle lost at home to Crediton 20-11. Rob Cutter scored the Lions’ only try with Martin Strick landing a couple of penalties.

Finally, Falmouth went down at home to Withycombe 22-20. Tom Spiller and Tony Whittle scored tries for the Eagles with Paul Saberton kicking ten points.

In the Area Final of the RFU Junior Vase, Liskeard & Looe defeated Bodmin 28-8 and will play the winners of the Devon Final on December 21st.

On Friday evening I saw the Cornish Pirates first Friday night game in this season’s Greene King IPA Championship.

It was a cracking atmosphere as you get with an evening game under lights.

Picture – PIRATES’ HEAD COACH IAN DAVIES DOES A POST MATCH INTERVIEW WITH KERNOW KING – PHOTO – SIMON BRYANT IKTISPHOTO

Despite a good start the Cornish Pirates eventually went down 27-20 to Leeds Carnegie with a late second try and conversion salvaging a losing bonus point for the Cornish side.

An early Kieran Hallett penalty was added to with a try from skipper Gavin Cattle which Hallett converted for 10-0.

Some poor first up tackling proved costly for the Pirates as Leeds No.8 Ryan Burrows made a storming run into the Pirates’ 22. The ball was moved wide as the Pirates’ scrambled back to cover before a cross-field kick put centre Fred Burdon in.

More slack tackling helped Leeds to a second try scored by winger Jonah Holmes which fly-half Glyn Hughes converted to put the Yorkshire side 12-10 up.

Hallet and Hughes then swapped penalties to leave Leeds 15-13 up at the break.

With lock Gary Johnson sin-binned early in the second half for the Pirates, Leeds took full advantage with scrum-half Craig Hampson scoring their third try which Hughes converted.

It was then left to Pirates’ Old Boy Dave Doherty to show his renowned pace and seal Leeds the try-scoring bonus point.

It was certainly a match of attrition for the Cornish Pirates as skipper Cattle, prop Max Maidment, flanker Alex Cheesman and hooker Rob Elloway all departed the fray with injuries, Cattle’s neck injury being the most concerning as he was taken off in an ambulance post match.

Picture – Replacement scrum-half Tom Kessell on the break – PHOTO BY SIMON BRYANT IKTISPHOTO

To their credit they rallied and scored a late try through full-back Craig Holland, to which replacement Andrew Sinclair added the conversion for the losing bonus point.

Next weekend Tribute Cornwall 1 & 2 clubs begin their league campaigns.

Settled down to watch the Greene King IPA Championship Double Header from Sandy Park on Sunday.

What a cracking couple of game. First a great contest between Jersey and Plymouth Albion with the Devon boys pulling away in the end to win 41-27.
Good to see former Pirates Grant Pointer, Ben Maidment, Drew Locke and Aaron Penberthy all in the Jersey side, whilst for Albion Sam Matavesi came on during the second half, also former Cornish All Black and Mount’s Bay star Pale Nonu started in the centre for Albion.

Then to the main event from a Cornish perspective with Sky’s Miles Harrison and Bristol Old Boy Stuart Barnes delivering the commentary.
Everyone expected a comfortable win for Bristol, but it didn’t turn out that way. Not at all!

Instead the Cornish Pirates upset the applecart to grind out a 23-21 win, despite Bristol scoring a try at the death and having a conversion to tie the scores, but sadly for them Adrian Jarvis’ conversion flew to the left of the Sandy Park uprights in the swirling wind.

The Pirates fought like tigers, Alan Paver, Laurie McGlone, Rob Elloway and Gavin Cattle led by example, whilst newcomers like Rheon James, Joel Conlon and James Sandford all stood out. Darn it they all stood out!

Bristol certainly had the possession and good territory, but the Pirates tackled their hearts out.

Lock Sandford scored the Pirates’ first try from a tremendous drive by the forwards to put his side 5-3. Kieran Hallett kicked the conversion and then a penalty for 10-3.

Both Hallett and Jarvis then kicked a couple of penalties to leave the Cornish side 16-9 up at the break, which was good as they were down to fourteen men with hooker Elloway in the bin.

Bristol struck early in the second half as flanker James Merriman scored a try and Jarvis tied the scores with the conversion.
The breakthrough for the Cornish Pirates came with their second try scored by winger James Tincknell, who had only put pen to paper for the Pirates this week. It was a great moment for the young man who has battled his way back from the injuries suffered in a dreadful road accident last year that almost cost him his life. The try was a beauty, straight off the training paddock.

Hallett kicked the conversion and the Pirates led 23-16.

Bristol threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Pirates eventually crossing out wide through centre Luke Eves, but Jarvis couldn’t tie the scores to leave Bristol Director of Rugby, Andy Robinson looking less than pleased!

So, this Friday it’s all roads to the Mennaye as the Pirates welcome Leeds Carnegie for the first Championship match under lights with a 7-45 pm kick-off.

So the first of this season’s Cornish Derbies in National League 2 South decisively went the way of the Cornish All Blacks 31-10 over their old rivals Redruth at Polson Bridge.

That result will certainly go part way to expunge the hurt the East Cornwall side endured last season when the Reds did the double over them.
When the fixtures were released I have no doubt that the Launceston side had Saturday 14th September well-ringed on the club calendar with the order in bold black underlined “Pay Back”.

With the return of players to the club such as scrum-half Lewis Webb, lock Bryn Jenkins and centre Ryan Westren, Launceston were always going to be a tougher proposition this time round.

The game couldn’t have started any better for Launceston with a try in the opening minute scored by full back Kieron Lewitt.
Redruth came back into it and according to reports appeared to dominate in the scrums. They created opportunities with lock Luke Collins felled just short of the line.

They did eventually tie the scores as winger Dean Bonds scored a well-worked try.

Another area of concern will be the goal-kicking as Brett Rule missed with the conversion and a penalty chance before the break.

However, it was either side of half-time that the match was effectively won. Launceston scored their second try through prop Tim Mathias and then winger Liam Yeo scored almost as quick as Lewitt in the first period, the full-back adding both conversions for a 19-5 lead.

Cheered on by the home support the Cornish All Blacks wrapped up the try-scoring bonus point with a fourth try scored by centre Lewis Paterson with Lewitt kicking his third conversion.

Redruth, through skipper Chris Fuca, making his 200th appearance for the Reds, scored a consolation try, sadly it was too little and far too late.
Lewitt then wrapped up the win as he scored Launceston’s fifth try to send the Polson faithful home in good heart.

In Tribute South West 1 West, St. Austell bounced back from their loss at North Petherton last week with a fine win in North Devon at Bideford 38-12. Paul Winerbottom, Ashley Taylor, Curtis Newberry, Sam Tank, Hugh Noot and Matt Shepherd all crossed for the Saints with shepherd kicking four conversions.

Wadebridge Camels put their loss at Camborne the previous week behind them as they won at home against Cullompton 10-6. Cameron Lees scored the Camel’s try with Ryan Johns adding the conversion and a penalty.

Camborne travelled to Bridgwater & Albion and came away with a 14-0 defeat.

In Tribute Western Counties West a last-gasp penalty from Rob Banks gave Penryn a 29-27 win at Tavistock. The game was nip and tuck for 80 minutes. Once again Borough’s Alex Ducker scored a hat-trick of tries with George Jones opening the try count for the visitors.

Jake Seviour added three conversions before Banks match winning strike at the death to make it two wins out of two for the Borough.
Truro won a tight match at St. Clements against Wellington 16-15. Carl Ranscombe scored Truro’s try with Karl Martin adding the conversion and three penalties.

Bude slipped to a second defeat at home as Devonport Services won 10-5. Freddie Saxton scored an un-converted try for the Seasiders.
St. Ives also slipped up for the second week running as they lost again on the road this time at Burnham-on-Sea 37-12. Josh Semmens and Treve Polglase scored tries for the Hakes with Jacob Ninnis kicking a conversion.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish got their league campaign under way with a trip to Guildford. Sadly for our exile club they couldn’t get an opening day win as they lost 22-10, however reports say the team performed well against one of the favourites for promotion to London 1 South.
In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth Eagles played their opening fixture and won at Crediton 12-8 with tries from hooker Ollie Church and fly-half Edmunds who converted his own try.

Newquay Hornets got a second win with an 18-15 victory at Exeter Saracens. Full-back Ben Bradley scored a couple of tries with Liam Freeman kicking eight points.

The other “Cornish Derby” saw Saltash defeat Pirates Amateurs at Moorlands 23-16.

Hillman and Horton scored the Ashes’ tries with Max Venables kicking the rest of the points.

Veor again found the going tough as they slipped to second defeat this time 73-0 at Tiverton.

In the RFU Junior Vase Area Semi-Finals, Liskeard Looe defeated Stithians 28-5 to set up an Area Final next Saturday against Bodmin who beat Helston 52-14.

Look in again tomorrow as I look at the Cornish Pirates opening Greene King IPA Championship match which they are playing against Bristol this
afternoon at Sandy Park, Exeter.