Not the best start for either of our National League 2 South sides last Saturday.

Redruth’s 35-27 defeat at the Recreation Ground to demoted Cambridge was a very frustrating affair.

The Reds certainly didn’t endear themselves to referee Phil Watters who appeared to constantly penalize the home side at scrum time.

It looks like the new scrum interpretations are going to be a lottery in the lower leagues. Oh what joy!!

The frustrations boiled over with the yellow card to flanker “Kizzie” Smith in the first half for a dangerous tackle and then in the second a red card to scrum-half Greg Goodfellow for dangerous play.

Redruth kicked a lot of ball away and in truth their chase wasn’t too organised allowing players of the like of Cambridge full back Jim Wigglesworth to run back at them. Some of their tackling also left a lot to be desired!

To their credit Redruth fought their way back to come away with a try-scoring bonus point of their own, which was of some comfort to the home fans.

It could have been two points if Brett Rule’s final conversion attempt (or one of the two other kicks he missed) had gone over. C’est la vie!

Numbers for the Reds have been a problem during pre-season and I feel that manifested itself in Saturday’s performance. No doubt Director of Rugby Adrian Edwards and Head Coach Ashley Morcom will be looking for numbers this week as they build for the first local derby of the season at Launceston next Saturday.

Neither was it a good start for the Cornish All Blacks who lost 21-9 at Shelford.

They will be focused for the visit of the Reds who completed a league double over the Polson boys last season.

They will not lack for motivation to put that right next Saturday. It promises to be a full-on Cornish Derby.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne got off to a fine start with a 29-23 win over Wadebridge Camels. Cameron Bone, Grant Thirlby, Leigh Hocking and a penalty-try award ensured the try-scoring bonus point as well. Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.

For the Camels a losing bonus point to take back to North Cornwall with tries from Will Pengelly and Sean Johns. Ryan Johns kicked the rest of the Camels’ points.

St. Austell, despite a bright start went down 31-22 at North Petherton. Mark Martin, Matt Shepherd and Paul Winterbottom scored tries for the Saints with Shepherd adding a penalty and two conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West. A good start to the league campaign from Penryn who defeated newly promoted St. Ives 36-15. There was a hat-trick of tries for winger Alex Ducker with centre Josh Chambers and scrum-half Taron Peacock also crossing the whitewash. Jake Seviour kicked three conversions and a couple of penalties.

St. Ives, who just had a Jamie Prisk penalty to show for their efforts scored a couple of late tries through Ben Taylor and Josh Semmens with Prisk kicking a conversion.

Josh Lord’s first league game in charge of Truro ended in defeat at Ivybridge 28-12. Two late tries by the home side denied Truro a losing bonus point. Carl Ranscombe and Ieuan Boon both scored tries for the City boys with Darryl Richards adding a conversion.

Bude lost their opening fixture at Bencoolen 50-12 to Burnham-on-Sea.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League; There was a good win for new boys Veor as they defeated Exeter Saracens. Arthur kicked 17 points for the home side with Shubble getting their try.

Saltash made a great start at OPM’s winning 42-15. Joe Skinnard (3), Steve Hillman (2), Max Venables and Tom Croft all scored tries for the Ashes with Venables’ boot adding the other points.

A good start for Newquay Hornets at the Sports centre as they defeated Honiton 20-16. Hopefully the Hornets will be buzzing near the top as the season progresses. A big plus is that former Brixham backs coach and recently appointed backs coach to the Cornwall County side Ian Morgan is helping out with Newquay this season.

Tiverton pipped Hayle 27-25 with a last-gasp conversion earning the win. Doug Arnull, Tallan Daniels and Lewis Laity scored tries for the Lions with Martin Strick kicking the rest of the points.

Pirates Amateurs lost at the Mennaye 38-15 to a useful looking Exeter University side that won promotion from Devon 1 last season and may well feature near the top of the table once again.

Kelvin James and Nick Hitchens scored tries for the Ams with James also adding a conversion and a penalty.

In the RFU National Junior Vase, Bodmin had a walk over as St. Agnes couldn’t raise a side. Helston beat St. Just 34-10, Liskeard & Looe beat Illogan Park 29-0 and Stithians defeated Perranporth 14-6.

The Cornish Pirates ended their pre-season with a 58-7 win over Bath University at Bath’s Recreation Ground.

Slightly late, but more time to reflect on Friday night’s game at the Mennaye under the new lights.

I, for one, thought it was a tremendous evening with it’s own unique atmosphere, which you get at a floodlight game.

What a cracking occasion too for the Cornwall Clubs XV players ably led by skipper Nathan Chapman from Roseland RFC.

Matt Shepherd from St. Austell carried a threat whilst on the park as did Camel’s James Grubb, a late replacement for Camborne’s Dave Mankee.
It’s an occasion that all the Clubs XV players involved will cherish as a highlight during their playing careers.

Full marks too for keeping the Cornish Pirates at bay until 24 minutes.

On the Pirates’ side, Tom Kessell continues to grow in stature, the back row of Jake Parker, Matt Bolwell & Joel Conlon for this game showed the exciting potential of youth at the Pirates’ disposal this season. In the backs Aussie fly-half Angus Sinclair and winger Max Bodilly caught the eye.

It ended 69-0 but the real winner was rugby on such a special occasion.

The entertainment was good too, with Kernow King doing his stuff, sum bleddy boy!

Saturday saw me at Penryn watching their Tribute Cornwall Cup 1st round tie against Pirates Amateurs.

It proved to be a good match with both sides giving it a go. In the end Penryn’s greater fitness and pace in the backs told as they ran out 31-13 winners.

Borough ran in five tries with a brace each for winger Alex Ducker and all-action prop Dan Booth, whilst full back Josh Chambers sped in for the try of the day starting and finishing a move from his own 22.

Three of the four ties scheduled were played, which has to be an improvement on last season, with only the Hayle v St. Ives tie being a walkover for the Lions as the Hakes didn’t have enough registered players!

A friendly was played with St. Ives winning 20-3.

Elsewhere in the Cup, Saltash defeated Veor 79-14, and Truro travelled to Bude and won 19-14.

It was also the RFU Junior Vase 1st Rd. Bodmin had a walkover against St. Day, whilst Liskeard & Looe, St. Just, Stithians and Helston all progressed to Round 2 this Saturday.

Hot on the heels of the news that Cornish Pirates Acting CEO Josh Lewsey was relinquishing his role whilst remaining on the board as an advisor. The former England International, World Cup Winner and British Lion has been appointed as the new Head of Rugby for Wales.

I wish Josh well in his new role and trust that his six months trying to bang a few heads together in Cornwall (In a nice way I hasten to add!), will stand in him in good stead in the pressure cooker that is Welsh rugby.

Talking of Wales, how sad it was to learn of the passing of one of the true greats of Welsh rugby last week, Cliff Morgan.

A magician on the field as a fly-half and choirmaster of the post match singsong, he went on to enjoy a fine career in broadcasting with the BBC and ITV. Who could ever forget his memorable commentary of the Barbarians versus the All Blacks in 1973 at Cardiff Arms Park, sheer poetry. “Oh that fellow Edwards.” He so famously remarked at the try- scoring conclusion of one of the most breathtaking passages of play every witnessed on a field of play.

With Josh Lewsey’s term as acting CEO almost up it was anticipated that an announcement would be made as to his future role.
So yesterday’s announcement from Chairman Dicky Evans came as no surprise.

The statement read. “It was announced back in March that British Lion and World Cup winner Josh Lewsey had been appointed as Acting CEO/Performance Director at the Cornish Pirates for a six month period.

“Everyone will be aware that since Josh’s arrival it has been a very busy and productive time for the club, and with September fast approaching there is welcome news that his commitment to the club is for the longer term, staying on as an advisor to the board. As from October Josh will be working elsewhere but has agreed to help the club continue it’s new approach and hopefully achieve the long term aim of becoming a Premiership club.

“From October Rebecca Daniell is upgrading her role from Business and Finance Controller to Acting CEO until the New Year. At that time we will have a much clearer idea of the impact on finances of the change to Friday night floodlit rugby, the new marketing initiatives and the impact of Josh’s input on the team performances. We will then regroup again to look at the 2014-2015 horizons.

“On behalf of the Board I would formally like to express our appreciation for his huge impact on our Club and rugby in the Cornwall republic generally. It has been massive and from 4000 miles away like riding a Tiger by the Tail. He has always had the financial constraints of any player recruitment in his thinking processes and is well aware of the financial constraints surrounding a club in the Far West that doesn’t have the facilities or catchment area to generate funding for bigger squads/better facilities.

“Obviously those who have met him will know he is a driven man and a modern day Pied Piper.

“Let us hope all his hard work in the last six months results in top class rugby at a packed exciting venue. Josh certainly deserves this.

“I also feel sure he will be equally successful and innovative in his new role and we wish him the very best for the future.

Photo – Josh Lewsey along with Dave Martin Cornwall rep to the RFU and Cornwall Clubs XV Players Ben Taylor (St. Ives), Harry Martin (Falmouth), Nathan Chapman (Roseland), who will skipper the side on the night and Daryl Harding (St. Agnes).

Speaking at Redruth R.F.C. last night at the conclusion of the third of the Cornish Pirates’ Road shows around the county Lewsey was confident that the structures he had put in place over the summer would progress the Cornish Pirates.

“I don’t think today’s announcement is going to make a huge change, my tenure was for six months on a consultancy basis, we’ve made some big changes in the time and my commitment, not just to the club but also rugby in the county, is for the longer term.

“I am delighted to be asked to maintain commitment there and I hope to do so for the long term.

“It’s been a big challenge to put in place the framework within the six months, but this isn’t about me it’s about the club and the whole county. This is very much a long game in putting in place these structures.

Photo by Simon Bryant – Josh Lewsey, Nathan Chapman (Roseland) and Captain of Cornwall Clubs XV & Kenny Plummer President Cornwall RFU

“Friday’s match (vs. Cornwall Clubs XV KO 7-30 pm) is symbolic of our new beginning of working with the Cornwall RFU and ALL the clubs in the county, this evening the Pirates are here training at Redruth RFC one of the most iconic club grounds in Cornwall. Hopefully we will see the fruits of our hard work with people coming to see professional rugby on a Friday night when our League campaign gets under way.

“Cornwall is very much my home now, but as I have said from the outset the only people who will give Cornwall the chance of having a side competing at the top level of rugby are the Cornish people themselves.

Josh has taken a keen interest in how the squad has been shaping up over the summer. “I feel that the squad are physically very well prepared and I feel that they are very well focused on the tasks ahead.

“There is a greater emphasis now on individual performance and progression along Premiership lines.

“We’ve recruited a lot of young guys, many with connections to Cornwall, and just as off the field we have put long term plans in place, likewise on the field. This side is not going to win the Championship this season, but it will develop and be ready when the club is in a position to make that push. Hopefully the style of rugby we are going to endeavour to play will please the crowd, it’s about a progressive path for the longer term.

It’s been all go down at the Mennaye this summer, not just refurbishment of the ground with new floodlights, and yes I am one of those looking forward to a Friday night game under the new lights, nor pre-season training with Ian Davies and Harvey Biljoen putting their charges through their paces not just at the Mennaye but around the Duchy too, but off the field. I reckon CEO Josh Lewsey’s Range Rover has clocked up a few miles as he criss-crossed Cornwall pressing the flesh and spreading the word of the Pirate’s new dawn.

Not just in Cornwall but further afield with Thursday’s game at the HAC against Saracens a great showcase in the City which will hopefully help further the Cornish Pirates’ as an attractive brand for potential investors for that push towards the Premiership when the time is right.
Then there is the eagerly anticipated fixture against a Cornwall XV, which comes on the back of Cornwall’s great run to get to the Bill Beaumont Cup Final at Twickenham last May.

It’s just a week to go to the already well-publicised match between the Cornish Pirates and a Cornish Clubs XV taking place at the Mennaye Field on Friday 30th August (ko 7.30pm).

The special game, displaying a more collaborative and inclusive approach towards Cornish Rugby and also celebrating the opening of the Pirates’ new floodlights and hospitality facilities, promises to be part of a celebratory festival weekend, as there is not only rugby on Friday but also a triangular tournament on the Saturday (ko 5pm) involving the Cornish Pirates, Cinderford and St. Austell. One ticket (a two day festival pass) will cover admission to both days – see ticket information below.

The Cornish Clubs squad will be drawn from all Cornish clubs, thus providing a great opportunity for one player from each and every club to take the field against professional players who will this season be competing in the Greene King IPA Championship and British & Irish Cup competitions.
All Cornish clubs are being asked to nominate three players from whom the final squad will be selected, and the chosen squad will then be coached by ‘Benji’ Thomas, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver.

The Cornish Clubs XV will also be provided with a specially designed and cleverly impressive playing shirt, displaying the county of Cornwall image and incorporating names of the clubs. The players are also being asked to wear their club shorts and socks (Barbarians-style!), and each player representing their clubs will also be invited to bring along their club’s mascot, suitably attired in their club colours and/or flag, if possible.

It is envisaged that all of the clubs will help make this a truly festive rugby occasion, displaying all that is best in Cornish Rugby, with a big crowd expected.

Besides the new floodlights, a new PA System, plus a new and upgraded Marquee hospitality facility, the immensely popular ‘Kernow King’ will be in attendance throughout, with other entertainment also provided by popular band ‘Blue Horyzon’. There will also be and RNLI presence, face painting and a Hog Roast.

Ticket information: As mentioned above, one ticket will cover the matches being played on both the Friday and the Saturday. Tickets priced £15 for Adults & Concessions and £1 only for children under 16 (under 5s are free), can be purchased on-line at www.cornish-pirates.com and from the Cornish Pirates ticket office 01736-331961, open Monday to Friday from 9am – 12 noon.

They will also be available at the gates on the match days.

Season Ticket holders should note that their season ticket covers their admission to the games but for stand season ticket holders it does not guarantee them their chosen seat. The advice is to arrive early – note the gates and hospitality tent on each day will be open two hours before kick-off.

In further news;

The Cornish Pirates rugby team will be supporting the RNLI as their chosen charity for the 2013/14 season. The partnership will mean regular appearances by volunteers of the RNLI at home games and Cornish Pirates team members will also wear a ‘Proud to support’ RNLI logo on their shorts.

Photo By Simon Bryant

The Pirates, who play in the Green King IPA Championships, have close links to the RNLI, not least because there are four former players who are now part of the lifesaving team at the Penlee lifeboat station. They are Coxswain/Mechanic Patrick ‘Patch’ Harvey, Dave Pascoe, Wayne Davey and Adrian Bick. John Blewett, who tragically lost his life in the Penlee lifeboat disaster, was also a former player and popular captain of the 3rd XV.

Lifeboat crew volunteers and lifeguards from the RNLI met some of the Cornish Pirates players on the beach at Gwithian near Hayle on Friday, where they were supported by the club’s CEO, Josh Lewsey MBE, community manager James Coles and media officer Phil Westren, plus their famous mascot Captain Benbow. Amongst the RNLI team was Patch Harvey who says he’s delighted to see the Cornish Pirates and the RNLI working together. He commented:

“We share so many values. The RNLI looks to its volunteers and its staff being selfless, dependable, trustworthy and courageous and the Cornish Pirates ask much the same of their players. We all work close to the sea too so there’s that link and I’m always amazed how many of the RNLI crew in West Cornwall have ties to the club that go back over many years. I hope this partnership will benefit our charity and help ensure people know more about us and our friends in the Cornish Pirates.”

Phil Westren from the Cornish Pirates said: “Everyone in Cornwall will be aware of the importance of the RNLI and the role played by its crew members, for whom we have the utmost respect.”

He added: “The players will be honoured to wear the ‘Proud to support’ RNLI logo on their shorts and during the season we will naturally be keen to help raise funds for what is a much cherished charity.”

A positive RNLI presence will be seen at a number of Cornish Pirates games this coming season, starting with the match against the Cornish Clubs XV to be played on Friday 30th August (ko 7.30pm).

Besides the RNLI, it should also be noted that the Cornish Pirates expect to continue supporting other worthy charitable causes as they importantly have in the past, including the Children’s Hospice SW.

Footnote: A short video featuring ‘Patch’ Harvey from the RNLI, and Josh Lewsey and Phil Westren from the Cornish Pirates is available to download from the RNLI online news centre. The interviewer is Tamsin Thomas, who is the RNLI’s Public Relations Manager for the south west.

Behind the scenes, following Cornwall’s defeat to Lancashire in the Bill Beaumont Cup Final, negotiations have been taking place to find a replacement for Dave “Benji” Thomas as county coach for the 2013/14 campaign.

Finally yesterday evening the suspense was lifted with the naming of both Graham Dawe and Ian Morgan to lead the County’s challenge next season.

As soon as Thomas announced that the Twickenham final would be his swansong then Dawe was the name on almost everyone’s lips to succeed Cornwall’s longest serving coach who took the side to the title in 1991 and the runner’s up spot in 1989, 92 and 2013.

Dawe was of course part of Thomas’ side that famously lifted the County title in 1991 in that never-to-be-forgotten extra-time win over Yorkshire in front of a full-house at Twickenham.

Dawesy played for England, Bath, Sale, Plymouth Albion and Launceston. He was involved with the England Squad for ten years and played in the 1987 and 1995 World Cups. He won 14 major trophies during 12 years at Bath before moving on to Sale and also represented the Barbarians, South West, and Cornwall. Graham became player-coach of Plymouth Albion in 1999. He is believed to be the first 50 year old to play professional rugby, turning out for Plymouth Albion in the Championship and British & Irish Cup. He guided Plymouth from the bottom of National League Three South to the RFU Championship. He also helped Devon to County Championship success much to the chagrin of many Cornishmen!

Dawe said “I am looking forward to coaching the Cornwall senior squad, and working with Ian Morgan in preparing the squad for the 2014 County Championship Campaign. Although I have other commitments in the game I feel it is a great honour to be asked to coach a County team that has so much Rugby history and passion for the County Championship”.

Morgan has played for Cornwall, RAF, Combined Services, Camborne, Lydney, Redruth, Penryn, St. Ives and Brixham and coached St Ives, Brixham, Cornwall 20’s, Cornwall Senior 15, RAF, & Combined Services.

Morgan said “I am really excited about coaching Cornwall; it is something I have wanted to do for a long time. It will be great to work with Dawesy, I have known Graham for a long time now and I think we will work well together”. He went on to say “There is a lot of exciting talent in Cornwall and hopefully we can put a team together and go one better this season!! The players will have learned from that experience and that will only help the squad, I can’t wait to get started”.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said “Graham and Ian will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the CRFU”. He went on to say, “Personally and on behalf of the rugby community of Cornwall, I offer a big warm welcome to both of them”.

Chair of the CRFU Denis Preece joined in the warm welcome for both men and went on to say; – “These appointments will allow us to build on the good work of last few seasons. They will add to the set up that we currently operate, and I am sure will bring a new focus to everyone involved with the County squad”.

By Phil Westren Cornish Pirates’ media officer

When rugby starts again at the Mennaye Field on Friday 30th August, the already well-publicised match between the Cornish Pirates and a Cornish Clubs XV (ko 7.30pm) promises to be part of a celebratory festival weekend.

Popular ‘Kernow King’ will entertain at the Mennaye Field

Not only rugby on Friday, there is also a triangular tournament on the Saturday (ko 5pm) involving the Cornish Pirates, Cinderford and St. Austell, and it has been decided that one ticket (1 two day festival pass) will cover admission to both days – see ticket information below.

The special game scheduled for the Friday evening takes place as part of a more collaborative and inclusive approach towards Cornish Rugby and will celebrate the opening of the Pirates’ new floodlights and hospitality facilities.

The Cornish Clubs squad will be drawn from all Cornish clubs, thus providing a great opportunity for one player from each and every club to take the field against professional players who will this season be competing in the Greene King IPA Championship and British & Irish Cup competitions.

All Cornish clubs are being asked to nominate three players from whom the final squad will be selected, and the chosen squad will then be coached by ‘Benji’ Thomas, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver.

The Cornish Clubs XV will also be provided with a specially designed and cleverly impressive playing shirt, displaying the county of Cornwall image and incorporating names of the clubs. The players are also being asked to wear their club shorts and socks (Barbarians-style!), and each player representing their clubs will also be invited to bring along their club’s mascot, suitably attired in their club colours and/or flag, if possible.

It is envisaged that all of the clubs will help make this a truly festive rugby occasion, displaying all that is best in Cornish Rugby, with a big crowd expected.

Besides the new floodlights, a new PA System, plus a new and upgraded Marquee hospitality facility, the immensely popular ‘Kernow King’ will be in attendance throughout, with other entertainment also provided by popular band ‘Blue Horizon’ and others. There will also be face painting and a Hog Roast.

Ticket information: As mentioned above, one ticket will cover the matches being played on both the Friday and the Saturday. Tickets priced £15 for Adults & Concessions and £1 only for children under 16 (under 5s are free), can be purchased on-line at www.cornish-pirates.com and from the Cornish Pirates ticket office 01736-331961, open Monday to Friday from 9am – 12 noon.
They will also be available at the gates on the match days.

Season Ticket holders should note that their season ticket covers their admission to the games but for stand season ticket holders it does not guarantee them their chosen seat. The advice is to arrive early – note the gates and hospitality tent on each day will be open two hours before kick-off.

20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Honouring the Cornwall Rugby Squad
May 2013

At
Lostwithiel Golf Club
Saturday 24th August 2013
8.00pm for 8.30 pm

Come along and meet the players, coaches and C.R.F.U officials for a get-together.

Guest of Honour is BENJI THOMAS, who will be presented with a T.A.S.C. 20th Anniversary award.

We are putting on a buffet including dessert, and are offering T.A.S.C. members and partners a special anniversary price of £6.00.

If possible we will arrange a mini-bus from the west—contact Bryan Llewellyn, and from the east contact Paul Ferris. The fare will be £5 providing each bus has 15+ passengers.

Those wishing to stay at the golf club please ring 01208 873550. Bed and Breakfast will cost £75 per couple.

Those who would like to attend the event please contact me, Ian Gordon, with a cheque payable to T.A.S.C. at my home address. Please remit by 15th August as I’ll need numbers for catering. My home address is as on the back pages of this newsletter. Any queries please ring 01579 32060.

I look forward to seeing you there,

Ian Gordon, Hon. Sec.

Once again two Cornishmen were in an England rugby team that lifted a world championship.

Just as Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman featured for England on that memorable night in Sydney in 2003 when they defeated Australia to lift the Rugby World Cup, both Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie, products of Penzance & Newlyn RFC mini-juniors and Truro College, played a major role in England U.20’s second half comeback to defeat Wales 23-15 at the stade de la Rabine in Vannes.

Both players are now with Exeter Chiefs and along with fellow Chief’s Sam Hill, who last season featured at the Cornish Pirates in the RFU Championship, and Henry Slade made it a night to remember for southwest rugby as all England’s points were scored by players from the Exeter club. Nowell and Hill with both the tries, whilst Slade’s boot kicked the conversions and three penalties.

A few seasons back Nowell enjoyed a spell with Redruth playing in National League 1scoring some memorable tries, so his success at this level comes as no surprise to those who have been following his progress ever since. During the second half of the last Aviva Premiership campaign he was commanding a starting berth in the Chiefs match day squad.

Luke Cowan-Dickie playing at hooker has been one of the revelations of the whole tournament with no less a player than former All Black skipper Sean Fitzpatrick paying him a glowing tribute on Sky TV.

Well done lads, you are both the toast of Cornwall.

England Counties rounded off their short tour to Belgium with a comfortable win over the national side, nicknamed the Black Devils, at the Stade Leburton in Tubize on Sunday.

Belgian rugby has made great progress over the last few seasons, they now compete in the top tier of the FIRA-AER European Nations cup against the likes of Georgia and Romania.

Having already won in mid-week against a Belgian President’s XV by 78-0 at the Kituro club ground in Brussels, Counties went into the “test match” as firm favourites.

Cornwall’s skipper and Cornish All Black Ben Hilton started the match in the second row, whilst Redruth prop Darren Jacques had to be content with starting from the bench having started the mid-week match.

Sadly, Cornish All Black Nielson Webber had to miss the match against Belgium having picked up an injury against the President’s XV.
Despite weathering an early spell of Belgian pressure, Counties soon took command with fly-half and former Cornish Pirate Ollie Thomas kicking a penalty after 10 minutes.

Counties then ran in two tries through full back Chris Harris, and winger Sean Taylor before Italian referee Guiseppe Vavarini awarded Counties a penalty-try as the Belgian scrum buckled with hooker Julien Massimi in the bin.

Just on the half hour mark Taylor bagged his second try and with three conversions from Thomas Counties had a commanding 29-0 lead.
Counties didn’t let up before the break with further touchdowns arriving via Chris Johnson and flanker Tom Stradwick with winger Jim Wigglesworth involved in both scores. Thomas added the extras to leave England Counties 43-0 up at the break.

The Black Devils, got some reward at the start of the second half as flanker and captain Andrew Neill scored an un-converted try.
However, it was to prove just a minor blip for the Counties as they continued to dominate though they didn’t trouble the scoreboard again until the final quarter by which time Redruth’s Darren Jacques was on the field in place of Robbie Kalbraier.

Wigglesworth finally got reward for his endeavours with a fine try and then with the last play of the game Caldy’s Harry Broadbent scored Counties final try. Thomas added both conversions for a final score of 57-5.

Counties Team Manager Michael Old said: “We’re really pleased with how the week has gone, the boys deserve enormous credit for not only buying into collective goals, but also for putting in two very good performances at the end of a long domestic season.

“We knew that Belgium were going to want to take us on up front but we managed to match their physicality and create space for the guys out wide who played some excellent rugby. The Belgians have been wonderful hosts and its been another very successful trip both on and off the field.”
The final word went to Preston and Lancashire winger Sean Taylor, whose two tries saw him take his tour total to four.

“It’s been absolutely amazing to come out here and play for a national team, and I will certainly be doing everything I can to try and put myself in the frame for next year,” he said.

“The rugby we have played highlights the serious amount of quality in the National Leagues, and it’s been a learning curve for the younger guys, as well as a reward for the experienced campaigners.

“Belgium are a good team, with recent exposure at a high level, so we knew we’d be made to work hard. To score tries as a winger is always nice, but some of the boys have been incredible since we got together, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or two go on to bigger things.
“From a personal point of view, the rugby has pushed my game on but the activities off the field have been just as special – no one’s ever asked for my signature after a game, so that’s something I will always remember!”

Belgium 5 pts
Try – Neil
Yellow Card – Massimi (30)

England Counties 57 pts
Tries- Harris, Taylor (2), Johnson, Stradwick, Wigglesworth, Broadbent, Penalty – Thomas, Conversions – Thomas (7)

BELGIUM 15.Paul-Henri Nghangué (Gennevilliers FRA), 14.Eliott Van Trappen (Boitsfort), 13.Thibaut André (Soignies), 12.Guillaume Brebant (Boitsfort),11.Frédéric Rongé (Kituro), 10.Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort), 9.Simon Marote (ASUB), 1.Norman Wende (La Voulte FRA), 2.Rahaël Olive (Périgueux FRA), 3.Jérôme Wey (Châlon FRA), 4.Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB), 5.Pierre Hendrickx (Boitsfort), 6.Andrew Neil (Tournefeuille, Capt), 7.Julien Morelli (Bastia FRA), 8.Thomas De Molder (Lyon FRA),

Replacements : 16.Maxime Jadot (Pau FRA), 17.Nicolas Fernandez (ASUB), 18.Julien Massimi (Arras FRA ), 19.Cyrilla Nana (Anderlecht), 20.Mika De Molder (Boitsfort), 21.Denis Eppe (Boitsfort), 22.Kevin Williams (Kituro), 23.Antoine Duchenne (Boitsfort)

ENGLAND COUNTIES:15 Chris Harris (Tynedale & Northumberland) 14. Sean Taylor (Preston & Lancashire) 13. Chris Johnson (Fylde & Lancashire) 12. Rhys Owen (Loughborough & North Midlands) 11. Jim Wigglesworth (Cambridge & Yorkshire) 10. Ollie Thomas (Moseley & North Midlands) 9. Matt Heeks (Rosslyn Park & Eastern Counties); 1. Robbie Kalbraier (Blaydon & Northumberland) 2. Matt Hall (Blaydon & Northumberland, CAPTAIN) 3. Mark George (Stourbridge & Gloucestershire) 4. Chris Wearmouth (Blaydon & Durham) 5. Ben Hilton (Launceston & Cornwall) 6. Tom Stradwick (Blackheath & Kent) 7. James Lindfield (Blackheath & Kent) 8. Adam Kettle (Doncaster & Cheshire)

Replacements:16. Darren Jacques (Redruth & Cornwall) 17. Mike Hill (Birmingham Bees and North Midlands) 18. Brett McNamee (Old Albanian & Hertfordshire) 19. Royce Cadman (Hull Ionians & Yorkshire) 20. Harry Broadbent (Caldy & Cheshire) 21. Chris Hallam (Doncaster & Yorkshire) 22. Heath Stevens (Plymouth & East Midlands) 23. Nevaro Codlin (Cinderford & Gloucestershire)

Referee: Giuseppe Vivarini (FIR)

Crowd:2,000

Photos – by Simon Bryant Top Darren Jacques, middle skipper Ben Hilton, bottom Cornwall coach Dave “Benji” Thomas

TWICKENHAM REACTION
By Bill Hooper from the pitch side at Twickenham

At the end of a fantastic game of rugby and following the players receiving their medals from Bill Beaumont, I managed to catch up with Cornwall’s head coach Dave “Benji” Thomas and some of the players for their take on the day.

Despite losing once again against a very good Lancashire side, Benji wanted to look at the positive moments from the day. “Yes I am gutted to have lost, but I am really gutted for all the fantastic support that Cornwall had here this afternoon. It was phenomenal to see the number of Cornish people in the stands and all the messages of support we had from all over Cornwall and all over the country from expatriate Cornish men and women wishing us the best of luck.”
“The boys gave it 120% but today it just wasn’t quite enough. The Lancashire boys play in higher leagues than most of our players and I think that showed in much of what happened today. We made a mistake and they capitalised and scored points either with the boot or tries. You can’t afford to make those mistakes and they immediately profit from it.”

“I thought our forwards played really well, we out-scrummaged them our mauls worked really well. Sam Hocking had a fantastic game for us as he has all the way through the campaign, but all the players have stepped up, I think we have again raised the bar of county rugby and it augers well for next season.
Despite the fact that the Cornwall scrum was in the ascendancy throughout “Benji” was perplexed by the referee’s interpretation especially during the first half. “We didn’t get any favours there despite being the dominate scrum, we could have had a number of penalties as we destroyed their scrum, instead he penalises us! Then in the second half he gave us the penalty-try!”

When reflecting on his time as county coach stretching on and off back to 1975. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it working with some exceptional players finishing off with the great squad of players we had here today.”

“However, I will be continuing working with the development of younger players, so hopefully I will unearth a few more gems for Cornwall yet!”
Cornwall’s skipper Ben Hilton couldn’t hide his disappointment having collected his runners-up medal from the RFU president’s box.

“I am very disappointed. A great occasion, a great performance to a degree. All for the bounce of the ball or an off-load we would have been right there. Right now the disappointment is very raw, I am running through in my mind all the decisions in the game and asking myself did we do the right thing. Naturally I am devastated for our marvellous supporters who have made a great effort to come here today to support us. If anyone needed a win it was us today without them we would never have got here.”

Hilton was also perplexed by some of the referee’s interpretations. “I kept asking him for his reasons, but all kept saying was that we were not doing things for him in the right way! I think it was very clear to the spectators what was going on. On another day we would have got those key scores.

Also Hilton agreed that Cornwall hadn’t helped themselves by allowing Lancashire to pick up scores as Cornwall had themselves scored points. “That was a big problem we got a little over zealous in our 22 making breaks and trying to finish off in first phase very risky in a final. The ball goes loose and we are in trouble.”

Did he hoped to return to Twickenham with Cornwall. “I hope so I will do everything I can to come back and win this.”

Redruth’s Darren Jacques was disappointed with the final result but full of praise for the fantastic Cornish support.

“We knew we were strong up front and they looked to match us, they tackled well and counter-rucked well but it seemed every time we made a mistake their backs capitalised on it. They had some very sharp operators in their back-line fair play to them.”

“It’s very disappointing, we wanted to do it for the fantastic support, all the boys did. The Cornish support has been terrific all the way through the championship.”

“I was disappointed with the way the ref penalised us in the scrums during the first half. He pinged me twice for scrummaging when we were the dominant scrum and turned the ball over on their put in! They take their prop off as they are struggling and then at the next scrum he gives us a penalty because they can’t take the pressure. I thought the referee did a good a job but at times they are baffling!

“I don’t want to take anything away from Lancashire because they did play some fine rugby.”

“That second half performance from us was based on our team spirit. I’ve never played in front of such a great crowd as today.”

“I am looking forward to going on tour to Belgium with England Counties. I’ve got into the side thanks to the performances of the Cornwall squad so I am very thankful to all the boys.” Darren will be joined on the tour by Cornwall skipper Ben Hilton and centre Nielson Webber.

“I do feel I still have some unfinished business after today’s result, but whether I can commit to a full county program after a long hard league season I am not sure, I have got a young family and need to spend time with them, but if Cornwall need a prop for a one off game I will not let Cornwall down.”