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.”

By Bill Hooper at Twickenham

Lancashire’s fly-half Chris Johnson, who kicked fifteen points, masterminded his side’s Bill Beaumont Cup triumph over a courageous Cornwall side that almost pulled off a remarkable comeback only to see the Red Rose county finally secure their 22nd County Championship title as young winger Ben Rath sped in for his side’s fourth try with just three minutes left on the clock.

When Johnson kicked the final conversion to put Lancashire nine points up at 35-26, Cornwall knew the game was up and that there would be no 4th title to add to the Duchy’s successes of 1908, 1991 and 1999.

Disappointingly, Cornwall committed far too many errors, especially during the first half. They were left playing catch up rugby for most of the game compounding their frustration by conceding points soon after scoring themselves.

However, the Cornish forwards were tremendous, the front row of Darren Jacques, Richard Brown and Craig Willimas had their opposite numbers in all sorts of bother, whilst locks Damian Cook and skipper Ben Hilton were in the thick of the action, however it was flanker Sam Hocking who once again stood out with some huge carries, no tries this time but a massive work rate and contribution to Cornwall’s cause.

With Twickenham bathed in glorious sunshine, and England and the Barbarians having provided a fitting warm-up game, it was Cornwall who registered the opening points as Lancashire were penalised just inside their own half. Paul Thirlby took on the kick and sent it between the uprights to huge cheers from the massed Cornish crowd.

Cornwall’s advantage was short-lived as they were penalised for going off their feet. Johnson stepped up to level the scores.

The warning signs were evident for Cornwall every time Lancashire moved the ball wide; it came as no surprise when winger Nick Royle finished off a blistering attack in the corner following some good back play from Rath and Sean Taylor. Johnson was on cue with the conversion for a useful 10-3 lead.
Thirlby having missed moments earlier with a penalty attempt, kicked his second of the game to cut the deficit.

Almost immediately Lancashire had scored a second try as further fine back play put No. 8 Dominic Moon in the clear.

Cornwall brought Tom Rawlings into the back row in place of Ashley Lawton. Scrum-half Greg Goodfellow set off on one of his trademark breaks that saw him almost up to the Lancashire 22, sadly the ball was lost forward as looked to off-load.

Cornwall despite exerting tremendous pressure in the set-piece were falling foul of referee Mr Falla who continued to penalise them.

To make matters worse Cornwall conceded a third try as they looked to move the ball from their own half saw a pass intercepted with Royle the happy recipient galloping in for his second score. Johnson’s conversion putting his side 22-6 up and Cornwall were facing a mountain with just over thirty minutes played.

Cornwall got a penalty from a scrum, which Jake Murphy kicked to the corner. From the catch and drive Cornwall got another penalty that was taken quickly with centre Nielson Webber, though tackled short, able to plant the ball over the try-line. Thirlby couldn’t add the extras but that score gave Cornwall heart as half-time approached.

Cornwall looked fired-up at the beginning of the second half; the forwards looked to dictate play. Penalties came Cornwall’s way with Murphy kicking for the corner. Another driving maul was heading for the Lancashire try-line until it was halted illegally by Lancashire prop Daniel Birchell. Mr Falla ran under the posts to award the penalty-try with Birchell invited to spend ten minutes in the bin. Thirlby’s conversion brought Cornwall right back into the game at 18-22.
Johnson and Thirlby swapped penalties as the game moved into the final quarter. But once again Johnson gave his side some breathing space with a neat drop-goal for a seven point margin.

With the clock ticking down, Cornwall needed a try; it came from a catch-and-drive with Goodfellow slipping the ball to Lewis Vinnicombe, the Redruth flyer crossed in the corner. Thirlby’s conversion would have tied the scores but he miss-cued his attempt to leave Lancashire with a slim advantage.
Johnson again turned provider to set up the title clinching score for Rath and crush Cornish hopes.

Despite the loss the huge Cornish crowd at Twickenham cheered their heroes in appreciation of their efforts over the past month to get Trelawny’s Army back to rugby HQ.

Cornwall 26 pts
Tries – Webber, Penalty-try, Vinnicombe, Conversion – Thirlby, Penalties – Thirlby (3)

Lancashire 35 pts
Tries – Royle (2), Moon, Rath, Conversions – Johnson (3), Penalties – Johnson (2), Drop-goal – Johnson
Yellow Card – Birchell (53)

CORNWALL: Jake Murphy, Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Nielson Webber (Cornish All Blacks), Tom Notman, Paul Thirlby, Greg Goodfellow; Darren Jacques, Richard Brown, Craig Williams, Damian Cook (all Redruth), Ben Hilton, Capt, (Cornish All Blacks), Chris Fuca (Redruth), Sam Hocking (un-attached), Ashley Lawton (Camborne)
Replacements (all used): Neal Turner, Jon Drew, Luke Collins (all Redruth), Tom Rawlings (Cornish All Blacks), Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Steve Perry (un-attached), Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth)

LANCASHIRE: Sean Taylor (Preston Grasshoppers), Nick Royle (Vale of Lune), Chris Briers (Fylde), Jack Ward (Preston Grasshoppers), Ben Rath (Fylde), Chris Johnson (Fylde), Steve Collins (Sedgley Park); Dan Birchall (Fylde), Jon Matthews (Otley), Simon Griffiths (Fylde), Paul Arnold (Fylde), Louis McGowan, Capt, (Sedgley Park), Jon Nugent (Stade Dijonnais), Steve McGinnis (Fylde), Dominic Moon (Preston Grasshoppers)

Replacements (all used): Pete Altham (Fylde), Gareth Gore (Preston Grasshoppers), Phil Mills (Preston Grasshoppers), Evan Stewart (Fylde), Phil Baines (Preston Grasshoppers), Tom Webb (Fylde), Andy Riley (Sedgley Park)

Referee: Wayne Falla (RFU)

Crowd: 20,000 plus

Cornwall–man-of-the-match: Sam Hocking

Lancashire–man-of-the-match: Chris Johnson

McAtee in action for Redruth against Clifton in November 2011

McAtee in action last Saturday for Cornwall against Hertfordshire – Photos Simon Bryant

Former Cornish Pirate Rhodri McAtee has signed for National League 2 South Redruth for next season.

McAtee who last season played for Plymouth Albion in the RFU Championship has signed for the Reds on a player/coach basis.

McAtee has previously spent periods on loan at the Redruth club and has always thrilled the Redruth crowd with his pace and play. The Welsh Whippet is a crowd pleaser and his pace has brought Rugby World Cup 7’s honours with Wales.

McAtee, 29, says “I’ve been looking forward to signing a lot – I came for a couple of game before and really liked it here, and the other players are great, so I’m very happy to be back.”

Regarding his coaching role, Rhodri is looking to tap into his long experience of professionalism. “I’ll be hoping to help move the team on, bringing with me what I’ve picked up over the last 10 years or so.”

McAtee’s has been enjoying playing for Cornwall this month, being part of the team who defeated Hertfordshire to book a place at Twickenham on Sunday, but he won’t be joining the 12 other Redruth players at the headquarters of English rugby.

Redruth’s Director of Rugby Adrian Edwards is delighted at McAtee’s arrival, saying “He complements the excellent squad we already have and he’ll bring his skills from a professional environment to Redruth Rugby.”

A firm favourite at the Mennaye many Pirate supporters were sorry to see Rhodri depart the far south west at the end of last season.

McAtee’s wealth of experience will be invaluable to the young Redruth backs as the side looks to build on last season’s encouraging fourth place finish in the league.