Sam Hocking gets the plaudits from the team versus Kent – Photo John Beach

Cornwall’s skipper Ben Hilton on the charge against Kent – Photo John Beach

Cornwall staged a remarkable comeback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against a spirited Kent side at Medway RFC.

The win sets up Cornwall for a tilt at reaching Twickenham for the first time in a county championship final in fourteen years against reigning champions Hertfordshire next Saturday at Camborne. It promises to be a titanic struggle with the prize a final at rugby HQ on Sunday 26th May against in all probability Lancashire who triumphed today in the Roses match against Yorkshire at Fylde.

Cornwall enjoyed the use of the stiff breeze first half though they had to wait until the quarter-of-an-hour mark before registering their first points, a try scored by hooker Richard Brown with fly-half Paul Thirlby adding the extras.

Thirlby then added a couple of penalties as Cornwall established a useful 13-0 lead and looked well set to take command of the match.
However, Kent got back into it when they scored a try through Blackheath winger Richard Lankshear, which was converted by fly-half Rory Teague.
Thirlby kicked a third penalty just prior to half-time to put Cornwall 16-7 up at half-time.

The second half was a different affair with Kent putting Cornwall under the cosh for long periods.

Cornwall lost prop Craig Williams to injury, however young teammate from Redruth John Drew stepped off the bench for a Championship debut.

Further disruption came with the loss of Paul Thirlby, as Teague whittled away at Cornwall’s advantage before a Cornish error gifted Lankshear a second try, Teague’s conversion giving the hosts a 17-16 lead.

It looked like Cornwall were going to throw it all away, but they rallied and from a penalty they mauled towards the Kent line with No.8 Sam Hocking claiming the all-important try that full back Jake Murphy converted to put Cornwall ahead once more 23-17.

Ashley Lawton came on and made an important contribution with a try-saving tackle, the Camborne player is sure of a huge reception on his home turf next Saturday.

Kent laid siege to the Cornwall line in the closing moments and despite losing Barrie Chapman to the bin Cornwall saw the game out to set up next Saturday’s mouth-watering tie against Hertfordshire.

Kent 17 pts
Tries-Lankshear (2), Conversions- Teague (2),Penalty – Teague
Yellow Card – Lindfield (63)

Cornwall 23 pts
Tries – Brown, Hocking, Penalties – Thilby (3), Conversions – Thirlby, Murphy
Yellow Card – Chapman (80)

Kent: A Gallagher (Old Colfeians), R Lankshear (Blackheath), T May (Westcombe Park), D Bonner (Blackheath), B Summers (Loughborough University), R Teague (Blackheath), J Hosken (Old Elthamians), J Cleverley (Blackheath), J Bonner (Blackheath), S Goode (Canterbury), T Stradwick (Blackheath, capt), A Vanner (Old Elthamians), H Barton (Westcombe Park), J Lindfield (Blackheath), J Catt (Blackheath).

Replacements: H Fry (Westcombe Park), B McKinnell (Sheppey), J Green (Canterbury), B Johnson (Medway), T Chapman (Blackheath), C Kingsman (Canterbury), J Crust (Blackheath).

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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 Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Sam Hocking (unattached).

Replacements: Neal Turner, Jon Drew (both Redruth), Barry Chapman, (both Cornish All Blacks), Ashley Lawton (Camborne), Matt Shepherd (St Austell), Lewis Paterson (Cornish All Blacks), Steve Perry (Barnstaple).

Referee: Tom Davis (RFU)

Crowd: 500

Try scorer at Cinderford Craig Williams on the charge with Chris Fuca in support – Photo John Beach

Cornwall’s selectors have named an unchanged team for Saturday’s Bill Beaumont Cup match against Kent at Medway RFC kick-off 3 pm.
The only addition is on the bench with last season’s TASC Player of the Year Lewis Paterson (Cornish All Blacks) named as a replacement.

Further good news was the RFU hearing against both captain Ben Hilton and Barrie Chapman both of the Cornish All Blacks raised by Worthing was quashed leaving both players free to play.

Training took place at Redruth RFC last night with the forwards under the watchful eye of Cornish Pirates head coach Ian Davies along with Tom Rawlings, who is sadly still not fit to play.

Lineout drills were top of the agenda following Saturday’s performance at Cinderford and following Davies’ input looked much sharper.
The backs were put through their paces by Steve Perry, all under the watchful gaze of Dave “Benji” Thomas and the Cornwall selectors. Rhodri McAtee was in contention for a place but the selectors opted for the status quo with just Paterson coming in.

Said “Benji” Thomas we are travelling with our strongest squad, we are aware of the dangers Kent will pose us, with luck we will be able to match them and dent their confidence”.

“Hopefully we will once again enjoy some fine Cornish support, the boys responded to the backing at Cinderford, looking forward to more of the same at Medway”.

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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 Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Sam Hocking (unattached).

Replacements: Ben Priddey (Redruth & Royal Navy), Tom Hurdwell, Barry Chapman, (both Cornish All Blacks), Ashley Lawton (Camborne), Matt Shepherd (St Austell) Lewis Paterson (Cornish All Blacks), Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth).

Big hit from BJ Chapman Photo – John Beach

Craig Williams scores Cornwall’s second try – Photo John Beach

Cornwall made an almost perfect start to their Bill Beaumont Cup campaign with a hard-fought win over old rivals Gloucestershire at Cinderford’s Dockham Road ground.

A fourth try would have secured the Duchy a try-scoring bonus point, however this was a win to savour and it sets Cornwall up for another trip on the road when they travel next Saturday to Medway RFC to take on Kent, who were defeated in their opening match by reigning county champions Hertfordshire 50 – 26.
Cornwall had a couple of late changes as Martin Rice (flu) and Darren Semmens had to pull out on the eve of the game. Cornish All Blacks Tom Hurdwell was drafted into a six man bench.

Despite a crowd made up mostly of Cornish supporters, Cornwall got off to the worst possible start as some slack tackling allowed Gloucestershire’s captain lock Will Warden to gallop in for an opening try, which fly-half Mike Wilcox converted.

This set-back gave Cornwall a jolt and they soon roared back to level the scores when flanker Sam Matavesi claimed Cornwall’s first try following a powerful drive from the black and gold forwards. Paul Thirlby kicked the conversion.

Gloucestershire continued to dominate proceedings; however Cornwall’s defence had stiffened up following their early lapse, eventually Gloucestershire found a breach as winger Lloyd Stapleton kicked over the cover to gather and score in the corner for an unconverted try to lead 12 – 7.

Thirlby reduced the deficit with a well-struck penalty. Cornwall then enjoyed a period of domination leading up to half-time. Accidental off-side denied Cornwall a certain try, then Thirlby missed a penalty attempt to leave Cornwall trailing just 12-10 at the break.

Cornwall made a perfect start to the second half scoring a second try as prop Craig Williams powered over with Thirlby again on cue with the extras.
Trelawny’s Army was now in full cry sensing a famous win could be on the cards.

Cornwall then lost skipper Ben Hilton to the sin-bin and this gave Gloucestershire an advantage that they exploited following a drive from a line-out the ball was moved wide for centre Barney Pascall to score and Wilcox to convert for a 19-17 lead.

Again roared on by the marvellous travelling support Cornwall piled on the pressure near the Gloucestershire line. Winger Nev Codlin was shown a yellow card for a professional foul and Cornwall took full-advantage. From a scrum No.8 Sam Hocking picked and drove over for Cornwall’s third try. Thirlby once again kicked a fine conversion for a five point lead.

Gloucestershire looked to come again as Mr Kitt played almost 10 minutes of time added on, but Cornwall held on despite losing Ben Priddey to the sin-bin in the dying moments.

The Cinderford clubhouse echoed to the strains of “Trelawny” after the final whistle.

After the game Cornwall coach Dave “Benji” Thomas gave his reaction. “I think that was an awesome performance, everyone who came on the field today gave their all, they played with fantastic pride and passion and that made all the difference”.

“Gloucestershire had a lot of possession but our defence was good, the boys tackled their hearts out, I know we conceded a couple of soft tries, but our defence won the game today”.

“Despite conceding that early try the boys picked up their game and showed character in the end our picking and driving game wore down Gloucestershire and in the end our fitness told. Sam Matavesi is a very strong young man and when he’s got the ball and he’s on the charge he takes some stopping. However it was a fantastic team performance and the boys can go away with a lot of pride today”.

“We have got some work to do, the line out never really functioned and no doubt Alan Paver (forwards coach) will look at that this week before we travel to Kent”.

Trelawny’s Army are running a coach to Medway RFC next Saturday for the game against Kent. Contact Bryan Llewellyn on 01209 213959.
For those travelling be aware of major road works on the M 25 near Gatwick, allow extra time for travelling.

Gloucestershire 19 pts
Tries – Warden, Stapleton, Pascall, Conversions – Wilcox (2)
Yellow Card – Codlin (67)
Cornwall 24 pts
Tries – Matavesi, Williams, Hocking, Penalty – Thirlby, Conversions (3) Thirlby
Yellow Cards Hilton (55), Ben Priddey (80)

Gloucestershire (Cinderford unless stated): Chris Hawkins, Nevaro Codlin, Barney Pascall (Richmond), Kai Done, Lloyd Stapleton, Mike Wilcox, Sam Arnott (Southend); Chris Bundy, Sam Wilkes (Moseley), Mark George (Stourbridge), Will Warden, Capt (Richmond), Joe Joyce (Bristol/Dings Crusaders), Will Foden, George Evans.

Replacements: Joe Smart, Nick Selway, Dale Critchley, Luke Allen, Danny Pointon, Liam Hemming (Old Centralians), Spencer Sutherland (Esher)

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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 Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Sam Hocking (unattached).

Replacements: Ben Priddey (Redruth & Royal Navy), Tom Hurdwell, Barry Chapman, (both Cornish All Blacks), Ashley Lawton (Camborne), Matt Shepherd (St Austell) Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth).

Referee: Rowan Kitt (RFU)

Crowd: 350

Cornwall’s man-of-the-match: Sam Matavesi

Sam Hocking scores Cornwall’s third try – Photo John Beach

Sam Matavesi scores Cornwall’s first try against Gloucestershire – Photo by John Beach

CORNWALL got their Bill Beaumont Cup campaign off to the best possible start with a hard fought 24 – 19 win over old rivals Gloucestershire at Cinderford’s Dockham Road ground.

Despite going behind to an early try from Gloucestershire’s skipper Will Warden which fly-half Mike Wilcox converted, Cornwall struck back in kind with a try scored by flanker Sam Matavesi with Paul Thirlby adding the extras.

Cinderford winger Lloyd Stapleton scored a second try for Gloucestershire, which remained unconverted.

Before half-time Thirlby reduced the arrears with a well-stuck penalty to leave Cornwall trailing by two points 12-10 at half-time.

Cornwall upped the pace in the second half taking the lead with a try scored by Redruth’s Craig Williams with Thirlby once again on cue with the conversion.

Cornwall lost skipper to the sin bin before Barney Pascall put the homeside ahead with a well-taken try that Wilcox converted for a 19-17 lead.

As the game reached it’s climax Cornwall put the pressure on. Gloucestershire lost a man to the bin, the Cornwall forawrds upped the anti. From a scrum near the Gloucestershire line No.8 Sam Hocking broke to score the match winning try, Thirlby slotted the conversion and Cornwall lead 24-19.

Despite 6-7 minutes of time added on and Cornwall again reduced to fourteen men the black and golds saw the game out to secure a vital first win.

In the other game in the group Hertfordshire defeated Kent 50 – 26.

Gloucestershire 19 pts

Tries – Warden, Stapleton, Pascall, Conversions – Wilcox (2)

Yellow Card – Codlin (75)

Cornwall 24 pts

Tries – Matavesi, Williams, Hocking, Penalty – Thirlby, Conversions (3) Thirlby

Yellow Cards Hilton (65), Ben Priddey (80)

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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 Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Sam Hocking (unattatched).

Replacements: Ben Priddey (Redruth & Royal Navy), Tom Hurdwell, Barry Chapman, (both Cornish All Blacks), Ashley Lawton (Camborne), Matt Shepherd (St Austell) Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth).

Gloucestershire (Cinderford unless stated): Chris Hawkins, Nevaro Codlin, Barney Pascall (Richmond), Kai Done, Lloyd Stapleton, Mike Wilcox, Sam Arnott (Southend); Chris Bundy, Sam Wilkes (Moseley), Mark George (Stouurbridge), Will Warden, Capt (Richmond), Joe Joyce (Bristol/Dings Crusaders), Will Foden, George Evans.

Replacements: Joe Smart, Nick Selway, Dale Critchley, Luke Allen, Danny Pointon, Liam Hemming (Old Centralians), Spencer Sutherland (Esher)

Referee: Rowan Kitt (RFU)

l-r Tom Hendrickson, Mike Roach, Max Bodilly & Matt Bolwell photo by Simon Bryant/Iktisphoto. Mobile: 07990592945.

Following on from last week’s press call with the Cornish Pirates Acting CEO Josh Lewsey and his wish to strengthen links with educational establishments around the Duchy; the first tangible evidence of the Pirate’s renewed focus was shown this week at Truro College when it was announced that four gifted young Cornish rugby players are being given the opportunity to combine study and training as they look to develop their sporting careers.

The four lucky players to be picked for this new initiative are;

Matt Bolwell – A flanker from Wadebridge, Matt has played for England at under 18s level having recently helped England retain their FIRA-AER Justin Bridou Championship at that level with Bolwell scoring England’s first try in the final against France played in the Stade des Alps in Grenoble.

Tom Hendrickson – A product of the Pirates youth section, Tom is a New-Zealand born centre who has played for Cornwall under 20’s and for South West under 20s. Tom also attended the Divisional U.20 Festival at Welbeck College over Easter narrowly missing out on selection for the England Counties U.20 tour to Georgia later this month.

Mike Roach – Prop Mike comes from Penzance. His honours include representing Cornwall through the age groups up to under 20’s level. He has also played with the Cornish All Blacks.

Max Bodilly – Another product of the Pirates youth section, and a Newlyn lad, Max has also played for Cornwall under 20’s. He is a full-back and can also play at half-back as been playing for the St. Ives club this season under the guidance of Joff Rowe and former Pirate Ceiron Thomas.

Now post 18, Matt, Tom and Max will be progressing from their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence to continue their education by following the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching at Truro College.

Mike will be following a vocational course at Penwith College.

Having played rugby for Truro College in the Rugby Football Union’s AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) League for two years, the four players will become Exeter Chiefs Academy members, where they have already had an association, and they will potentially be on a two year loan to the Cornish Pirates. It is envisaged that this will not only allow them to gain experience in the Championship, or locally at National league level, but will also, as mentioned, enable them to importantly combine their studies with training and playing.

As you can imagine the youngsters are thrilled with the opportunity to continue both their studies and rugby apprenticeship in Cornwall.

Mike Roach. “It’s a great opportunity for me it’s ideal studying down at Penwith College and linking my rugby with the Pirates. I’ve had a bit of experience with the Cornish All Blacks but I have really focused the majority of my rugby with Truro College and the Exeter Academy games this season.

Roach is looking forward to learning new skills and improving his technique from the Pirates coaching team. “Ian Davies is a fantastic coach and along with senior players such as Alan Paver I am hoping to really improve my game and learn from these guys.

Max Bodilly is looking forward to sampling life at a Championship Club. “I am looking forward to progressing and gaining experience from amongst others Harvey Biljon and Gavin Cattle. I have played at half back for a while but Exeter wanted me to move to full back and I feel that has benefited my game. It’s a big step up from playing at St. Ives, hopefully I can get some game time because that is key to development.

Head coach at the Cornish Pirates, Ian Davies, commented:

“We have had an excellent working relationship with the Exeter Chiefs over the last few seasons and this new venture is another part of that partnership. It is also fantastic that we can build a stronger foundation with Truro College which will be a key aspect for the Cornish Pirates moving forward.”

Robin Cowling, on behalf of Truro College, added:

“For the the last few years Exeter Chiefs and the Cornish Pirates have developed a close working partnership over dual-registered players, that are allowed under the rules of regional academies. It is a partnership that has created a win win situation for both the players and clubs.

“This new venture with the Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs and Truro College will also be a win win situation for players and clubs and the player’s education at Truro College. One of our aims with academy players is to look after their development both on and off the field, and this is a great opportunity with the college tailoring their timetable to fit around their rugby training with the Cornish Pirates.”

Cornwall’s head coach Dave “Benji” Thomas, was having to overcome the loss of influential flanker Tom Rawlings for Saturday’s Bill Beaumont Cup opener against Gloucestershire at Cinderford kick-off 3 pm.

The Cornish All Black star has not recovered in time from injury and had to pull out.

In his place comes Redruth and Royal Navy backrower Ben Priddey. Priddey has been in excellent form for his club and featured last Saturday in the Inter-Services match between the Army and Royal Navy at Twickenham.

On to the bench comes experienced hooker Darren Semmens who has spent the past season with the Cornish Pirates.

Ashley Lawton (Camborne) has also been called up to the squad. Lawton has enjoyed a fine season with the Cherry and Whites and scored a try in their play-off defeat last Saturday against Old Centralians.

Gloucestershire as expected have named a side based mostly on the Cinderford side and will be captained by Richmond’s Will Warden.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said “We are now entering the business end of the season; no matches are easy and away to Gloucestershire will certainly not be easy!!!”.

Cornwall face 3 games in the opening group stages in May before the final that is held at Twickenham on Sunday 26th May.

Cornwall head coach Dave “Benji” Thomas said – “The 2013 season will be very challenging, and this first match has allowed us to include some players who were not available for the Tamar Cup squad. From an initial squad of 35 we have now selected our 22; other players will be available for the next game. No one’s place is guaranteed, and competition for squad places is still very much available to all”

Cornwall travel to face Gloucestershire on Friday evening before facing the opposition at Cinderford RFC on Saturday 4th May. The following week they travel to Kent to play at Medway RFC before the home match against Hertfordshire which will be played at Camborne RFC on Saturday 18th May.

Cornwall Captain Ben Hilton said; – “Player’s club seasons have now ended, and it is testament to the boys to extend their season to represent Cornwall” He further commented “The players really respond to the vocal and knowledgeable fans, and urged them to come along and support the team at all of the games”

LATE CHANGE: It looks like the selectors have finally plumped for Sam Matavesi (Plymouth Albion) to start Saturday’s game in place of Tom Rawlings in the back row. Ashley Lawton (Camborne) is confirmed as replacement in place of Josh Lord.

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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 Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Sam Hocking (unattatched).

Replacements: Darren Semmens (unattatched), Martin Rice, Barry Chapman, Ben Priddey (Redruth & Royal Navy), Matt Shepherd (St Austell) and Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth), Ashley Lawton (Camborne).

Gloucestershire (Cinderford unless stated): Chris Hawkins, Nevaro Codlin, Barney Pascall (Richmond), Kai Done, Lloyd Stapleton, Mike Wilcox, Sam Arnott (Southend); Chris Bundy, Sam Wilkes (Moseley), Mark George (Stouurbridge), Will Warden, Capt (Richmond), Joe Joyce (Bristol/Dings Crusaders), Will Foden, George Evans.

Replacements: Joe Smart, Nick Selway, Dale Critchley, Luke Allen, Danny Pointon, Liam Hemming (Old Centralians), Spencer Sutherland (Esher)

Photo hooker Richard Brown against North Midlands at Camborne RFC last season

By Bill Hooper TASC Press Officer, Photo, Simon Bryant/Iktisphoto. Mobile: 07990592945.

There is a strong Redruth representation in the Cornwall squad picked for the opening Bill Beaumont Cup match at Cinderford RFC against Gloucestershire this Saturday kick-off 3 p.m.

The Redruth half back pairing of Paul Thirlby and Greg Goodfellow will hope to dictate play, whilst the formidable Redruth front row of Darren Jacques, Richard Brown and Craig Williams will look to get the nudge up front.

Damian Cook partners Cornwall’s skipper Ben Hilton (Cornish All Blacks) in the boiler house, whilst Redruth club captain Chris Fuca will look to bring his outstanding club form to the county side.

On the wing the flying Tom Notman, who has been in some scintillating form of late, will look to finish with style.

The Cornish All Blacks also have a good representation, despite centre Lewis Paterson (unavailable) and flanker Mike Rawlings (injury) missing. Apart from skipper Hilton, Tom Rawlings will be his usual busy self in the back row. Sam Hocking, a former Cornwall Player of the Year, comes in at No.8 and brings a wealth of experience. The former Plymouth Albion player will be looking to make a big impact.

Out in the backs All Blacks Jake Murphy, Richard Bright and Neilson Webber are all proven finishers. Steve Johns formerly of Plymouth Albion but now with National League 1 side Coventry will form the mid-field partnership with Webber.

The bench looks very strong with Ben Priddey back from playing for the Royal Navy last weekend against the Army at Twickenham, man-of-the-match from the Tamar Cup Martin Rice, All Black BJ Chapman, Albion’s Sam Matavesi, but a Cherry and White at heart, St Austell’s Matt Shepherd, another hero from Cornwall’s Tamar Cup win against Devon, and the former England Counties pair of Josh Lord and Lewis Vinnicombe.

Cornwall: Jake Murphy; Richard Bright (both Cornish All Blacks), Steve Johns (Coventry), Neilson 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), Tom Rawlings (Cornish All Blacks), Sam Hocking (unattatched).

Replacements: Ben Priddey (Redruth & Royal Navy), Martin Rice, Barry Chapman, Josh Lord (all Cornish All Blacks), Sam Matavesi (Plymouth Albion), Matt Shepherd (St Austell) and Lewis Vinnicombe (Redruth).

The Cornish Pirate’s final game of the season at the Mennaye against Jersey (won 28-24) was also the swansong for many of the current squad.
Amongst those know to be moving on is prop forward Paul Andrew a local lad who has made tremendous progress whilst being at the Pirates.

The former Cornwall U.20 star and indeed past Trelawny’s Army U.20 player of the year has signed for Aviva Premiership side Worcester Warriors for next season.

After the final whistle against Jersey, Paul gave us his thought’s about his time at the Cornish Pirates and his impending move to England!

“I’ve got so many good memories to take with me from my five years here. Two RFU Championship finals and of course a British & Irish Cup final win over Munster at Camborne, I’ve seen some good boys come and go during my time here but as a proud Cornishman it’s been a real privilege to play for the Cornish Pirates. I shall miss so many of the players and people involved with the club who have become firm friends. I am moving on for now, but who knows maybe in the future I could get a chance to return”!

Despite being signed whilst former coach Richard Hill was still in charge, Paul knows he will have to impress new coach Dean Ryan the former Gloucester coach and SKY pundit.

“Next season is going to be a big challenge for me, hopefully I can make an impact up there and break into the squad, but I am really excited by the prospect. Dean Ryan is coming in up there, he’s well-known and been part of the SKY team analysing rugby for them and this season was involved with Scotland during the Six Nations. He knows the game inside out and I am looking forward to learning from him and taking my game to the next level.
Paul won’t be alone if he fancies a group round for a pasty supper”.

“I will be joining a little Cornish group up there with centre Josh Matavesi –the Flying Cornish-Fijian – and former Pirate flanker Sam Betty who hails from just outside Truro, but I am sure after a few weeks I’ll be settled in at my new club and raring to go”.

Acting Cornish Pirates CEO Josh Lewsey talking to local media about his plans

Photo Simon Bryant

On Wednesday morning at the Mennaye Acting CEO of the Cornish Pirates, former England full back and World Cup winner, Josh Lewsey shared with the assembled members of the local media his vision to plot the Cornish Pirates course towards the Aviva Premiership.

The first thing that strikes you as you would expect is Josh’s total commitment to the job in hand and a firm belief that with the right structures and people in place he can deliver and put in place the right framework for success.

Of course the key is the delivery of the Stadium, which will open the door to the Premiership when the time comes, but for now the emphasis is to put in place his vision to take the club forward both on and off the field, it’s a vision shared by the coaching staff of Ian Davies and Harvey Biljon.

Looking to reverse the decline in spectator numbers that started to set in when the club relocated back from Camborne, Lewsey said that feedback from the supporters had suggested that the match day experience at the Mennaye was not good enough.

“We have to look at what we are offering on match days, not just that but what we are doing around that at a commercial level, we need to speculate to accumulate and upgrading the facilities that we offer will assist in re-connecting with the community.

To that effect the bulldozers will soon be in with the demolishing of the main grandstand and the rebuilding of a new grandstand over the summer along with the installation of floodlights at the ground.

Lewsey feels very strongly that the club has to re-establish lines of communication with the rest of Cornwall and to get the club’s message across to people from further afield, to this purpose the appointments of a full-time commercial manager and a full-time community manager are key to this process.
He also feels strongly that there is a strong regional connection that people will buy into, the feeling of belong to and coming from Cornwall is a strong sense of identity is something the Cornish Pirates need to tap into. “All my friends and former players from Wasps and England who are coming down for the weekend at St. Agnes they see the potential down here and they are extremely envious.

He is also under no illusion as to the challenges he faces to win over hearts and minds of those who remain sceptical to the idea of the Cornish Pirates and what they stand for.

“If the people of Cornwall get behind this club then I really do believe that it can become the Munster of English rugby. If people don’t get behind it then it won’t and that would be a great opportunity lost and something that will be very regretful.

“Ultimately people want to see quality sport, you saw the effect of the Olympic Games in London last year what it means, what it can do to galvanise people and ways to breaking down barriers, if you produce enough of a quality product and people have ownership of that, then that’s the opportunity. It’s trying to get people to see the bigger picture.

“We want to create an environment which appeals to greater cross-section of people to attend games. We want to see families and younger people coming into the ground to enjoy the match day experience that’s vital to grow the match day attendance with the values we aim to put in place I feel that will appeal to a younger generation of supporter.

On the playing side Lewsey hopes to have the Cornish Pirates capable for the Premiership by 2015, but that it would not be done by throwing money for a short- term fix, instead the club will be looking to identify young talented players to progress with the Cornish Pirates.

To that end connections are being put in place with local colleges and schools across the county.

The team will be back into training on June 10th and with a fitness program put in place by Faye Downey the squad will be put through their paces.

Training will be moved around the county during pre-season to further build community ties across Cornwall.

In another move to reconnect with the community a Cornish Pirates 7’s side will be entered into the Newquay 7’s with players picked from other Cornish clubs. There will also be an opportunity for this side to play at Twickenham against a British & Irish Lions 7’s side in mid August as part of a touch tournament.

The Cornish Pirates will play a friendly against Saracens at the Honourable Artillery Company ground situated near the City on Thursday August 22nd, with a further game against a Cornwall Select XV, with every club in the county being involved in the team, to be played at a revamped Mennaye on Friday 30th August under the new lights.

All in all exciting times lie ahead.

Photos courtesy of Simon Bryant Cornwall skipper Ben Hilton holds Tamar Cup aloft, TASC Chairman Phil Trevarton present Martin Rice with man-of-the-match award.

CORNWALL comfortably if unspectacularly retained the Tamar Cup against old foes Devon on a damp misty evening in Plymouth.

Cornwall were forced into making some late changes for the game with prop forward Darren Jacques (Redruth) not recovered from an ankle injury and flanker Tom Rawlings (Launceston) also missing through injury.

Martin Rice (Launceston) came into the front row and enjoyed a fine game capped by scoring Cornwall’s second try of the game during the second half. His performance on the night deservedly saw him named Trelawny’s Army man-of-the-match and pick up the award in memory of our late Chairman and much respected local rugby journalist Paul Bawden.

There was a good contingent up from St Austell RFC there to cheer on their boys in the Cornwall squad fly-half Matt Shepherd and replacement lock Adam Pearce. Saints have enjoyed a fine season and this was a fitting acknowledgement to the club.

Cornwall dominated opening period of the game but couldn’t turn possession into points.

Eventually Cornwall’s domination paid off as they were awarded a penalty from a scrum which saw Shepherd open Cornwall’ s account after 13 minutes.

Cornwall then began to string a few moves together with one such move involving centre Lewis Paterson forwards Chris Fuca, Damien Cook and Josh Lord just seeing the final pass go astray.

On the half-hour mark another flowing Cornish move saw full back Jo Parma heading for the corner only for Saltash’s Max Venables to save the day for Devon.
Pressure continued to mount on the Devon line with Paterson’s long pass reaching the onrushing Tom Notman on the wing, the Reds flyer finished in some style from 20 meters out in the marquee corner of the ground. Shepherd added the extras with a fine conversion from the touchline to put Cornwall 10-0 up.

Devon had a period of pressure prior to half-time, which resulted in Cornwall’s Richard Bright being yellow carded for a professional foul.

During the second half Cornwall despite numerous changes continued to dominate the game. It was good to see former Cornish Pirate and now of Plymouth Albion Rhodri McAtee come on his pace certainly injected some impetus into Cornwall’s play.

Cornwall got a lineout near the Devon line which Chris Fuca took to set up a driving maul which saw Rice power over for Cornwall’s second try. Shepherd maintained his fine kicking record with the conversion to make it 17-0 and the game was safe for the Black and Golds.

The biggest roar of the night came from the St Austell contingent as lock Adam Pearce made his county debut on 71 minutes.

Devon looked to salvage some pride with a score but Tom Goodman was denied by a great tap tackle by Jamie Salter, whilst Richard Friend was hauled down close to the line, Cornwall cleared the danger and saw out the rest of the game despite losing Paterson to a late yellow card for a professional foul.

Cornwall skipper Ben Hilton proudly held aloft the Tamar Cup having received the trophy from Devon RFU President Maureen Jackson.

Devon 0 pts

Cornwall 17 pts
Tries – Notman, Rice, Penalty – Shepherd, Conversions – Shepherd (2)
Yellow Cards – Bright (34), Paterson (80)

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

Replacements (all used): L Vinnicombe (Redruth), B Drew (Redruth), J Salter (Plymouth Albion), M Hearn (Camborne), R McAtee (Plymouth Albion), A Pearce (St Austell), A Hosking (Redruth), L Duke, BJ Chapman, T Hurdwell (all Cornish All Blacks).

Referee: Mr D Parrett

Trelawny’s Army Paul Bawden Memorial Cornwall man-of-the-match: Martin Rice (Cornish All Blacks)

Crowd: 500

Footnote: Felt sorry for the poor maid who’s the PA announcer at Albion. Some rascal (no names) told her that Cornwall’s fly-half was non other than Cornwall Team Secretary Ewart White! At one point Ewart was in line for the man-of-the-match award!!!

Eventually the poor maid had to concede that the information she had been given was an error and that Matt Shepherd was in fact Cornwall’s fly-half. The “culprit”, member of a well known rugby family from Camborne, was last seen wearing a rather natty hat with pint in hand!!