IT was a typical Cornish derby between these two National League 2 South sides. Full of passion and commitment from both sets of players roared on by a good sized crowd bearing in mind the 6 Nations was being played that afternoon. Many from Redruth made the trip East believing that this could be the year that Redruth, finally got that elusive win at Launceston’s Polson Bridge ground.

Redruth should have been much further ahead at half-time with amount of possesion and territory they enjoyed during the first half. Launceston cause was not helped by having two players in the sin-bin and four four minutes having to play with just thirteen men. A combination of factors left Redruth just 10-3 up at half-time and Launceston knew they had a chance in the second half and they almost staged a remarkable comeback to snatch the win. Redruth, however hung on to record a first ever win in the league at Polson 10-9 and keep their promotion bid on course.

You can read my report from the Trelawny’s Army site in the link you can also read the report by Bill Sobey from the Morning News in this link

On Sunday in the RFU Championship, the Cornish Pirates secured a 31-18 win against Doncaster Knights to lift them once more into a play-off position. The game marked the 300th game for prop Alan Paver. Sadly an early injury curtailed Paves apperance. Read Bill Sobey’s report in the link

In Tribute South West 1 West, having taken a 19-15 lead away at Clevedon early in the second half, the Cherry & Whites looked to have let the game slip away after scrum-half Dean Pascoe was red-carded and another play in the bin to trail 32-19. Town never-say-die attitude capped a fine turnaround for a 33-32 win. Martin Woolcock (2), James Galsworthy, Adam Kevern and Sam Bartle scored the tries with Dave Mankee kicking four conversions.

Wadebridge Camels turned the tables on Cleve who won at the Molesworth Field earlier in the season. Camels won 16-8. Tom Rowe and Sean Johns scored unconverted tries in the second half whilst James Grubb kicked a couple of penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell kept their promotion chances on track with a 73-3 win over Tavistock at Tregorrick. Matt Shepherd (2), Sam Tank (2), Alex Welland (2), Adam Pearce, James Earp, Adam Kellow and Marcus McCoan scored the Saint’s tries with Shepherd kicking all ten conversions and a penalty.

Fly-half Jake Seviour scored twenty-one of Penryn’s twenty-six points when they defeated Wellington 26-17 at the Memorial Ground. George Jones scored the other try for the Borough.

Bude had a good win at Ivybridge 27-23. Kyle Speare, Harry Goodrun and Duncan Tout all crossed for the North Cornwall side with fly-half Dan Pearce kicking the other points.

Truro secured a share of the spoints at Okehampton with a 10-all draw. Will Martin scored Truro’s try with Jake Champion adding the conversion and a penalty.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish’s injury woes continue to haunt them as they lost 31-6 to Guildford.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, it was top playing second at Alexandra Road as St. Ives took on top boys Teignmouth. In the end it was the Hakes who came out on top winning 18-14. Richard Humphries and Nicholls scored the tries for St. Ives with Ceiron Thomas kicking the rest of the points. St. Ives are now just one point behind Teignmouth att he top of the table.

Saltash lost at home to high-flying Tiverton 15-6, whist Liskeard/Looe won the basement battle with Withycombe 6-0. Pirates Amateurs beat Crediton 19-9. Craig Stevens Jimmy Tresize and Matt Nicholas scored the Ams’ tries. Kelvin James added two conversions.

Falmouth lost a close game at OPM’s 26-21. Kieron Rodda and James Instance scored the Eagles’ tries with Rob Banks kicking eleven points.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, congratulations to Veor who have clinched promotion back to the Cornwall & Devon League next season following a 66-0 win at Perranporth. St. Agnes remain in second place after defeating St. Just 80-10. Roseland and Stithians shared the spoils 13-13.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Camborne School-of-Mines defeated St. Day 82-0, Illogan Park beat Lankelly-Fowey 51-7, whilst a close tussle saw Camelford defeat Redruth Albany 27-22.

What a weekend of rugby. The start of the RBS Six Nations and three thrilling first round matches to kick-off the 2013 version, whilst locally Redruth’s loyal supporters finally had their first home game of 2013.

And with Worthing Raiders rolling up in the Red City sitting top of National League 2 South what a match to savour. We wern’t disappointed. Redruth started slowly but were still in at half-time trailing just 10-5. Then a marvellous second half as the Redruth pack got on top of Worthing to grab a bonus point win 26-22. Good to see Aaron Penberthy back at Redruth for 2/3 weeks getting some game time as part of his re-hab following surgery on inguinal hernias. To cap a fine 20 minute run out Aaron was on hand to score the winning try!

After the match Worthing’s coach Kieron Dawson made an astonishing attack on referee Nick Williams. “We could have played here until Christmas and never have won. I dont want to take anything away from Redruth, they are a strong side but I am sick of saying nothing. It was exactly the same last year with the same referee. We never got a 50-50 decision, he reset the scrum five meters out when it should have been ten and one of the Redruth scores came when the player was clearly in touch!

You can read my Western Morning News report in the link

The Cornish All Blacks surprisingly lost at Southend 20-17. Read Dick Benson-Gyles report from the Morning News in the link

So all this sets up next Saturday’s Cornish “el classico” as Redruth seek once again to win at Polson in the league (something they have not achieved since the advent of league rugby). It’s going to be another cracking Cornish derby. So set your TV’s to record for the 6 Nations and get to Polson Bridge for a great Cornish rugby occassion. Kick-off on Saturday is 2-30 pm.

Very little league rugby elsewhere involving Cornish Clubs last Saturday, however in Tribute Cornwall & Devon League the East Cornwall derby saw Saltash defeat Liskeard/Looe 26-8. Members of Trelawny’s Army were at the game to present match balls to Saltash in recognition of their successes last season.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 Camborne School of Mines had a big win over Camelford 97-0, whilst Bodmin defeated 25-7.

In the RFU Intermediate Cup SW Final St Austell defeated Berry Hill 47-17. Saints scored tries through James Earp, Sam Tank, Adam Kellow, Marcus McCoan and Matt Shepherd. Shepherd also kicked five conversions and four penalties. On the road to Twickenham St. Austell will next play Wimborne in two weeks time.

Read more ›

CAMBORNE 34 – 22 WADEBRIDGE CAMELS

Camborne warmed the hearts of their supporters on a bitterly cold afternoon with a bonus point win over their Cornish rivals in a pulsating Tribute South West 1 West encounter at the Recreation Ground to maintain their promotion challenge.

Camborne winger Luke Johnson enjoyed a fine game scoring two of the Cherry and Whites five tries amongst a personal point’s haul of 19 to cap a man-of-the-match performance.

Camborne got off to a great start with an opening try scored by scrum-half Dean Pascoe after just 90 seconds.

The home side continued to carry the game to their opponents with the Cherry and Whites’ backline posing a constant threat to the Wadebridge line.

Wadebridge looked to play their way back through their forwards using the driving game of No.8 Gary Gynn.

Fly-half Josh Taylor saw a penalty attempt come back off a post as the Camels continued to be frustrated on the scoreboard.

Instead it was Camborne who went further ahead with a second try scored by centre Laurie Manna who sliced his way through the cover to score a well-worked try on 23 minutes putting the Cherry and Whites 10-0 up.

Camels pressure eventually saw the visitors get some reward. Loose line out ball in the Camborne twenty-two was snaffled by Wadebridge lock Dan Lumb who charged over in the scoreboard corner. Taylor kicked a good conversion to cut the deficit to just three points on the half-hour mark.

The North Cornwall side went back on the attack moving the ball wide, however Johnson profiting from an interception on his own ten metre line showed great pace to run in Camborne’s third try of the first half. The young winger now assumed kicking duties and calmly converted his own score to put Camborne 17-7 ahead.

Camels were having to play catch up rugby and the pressure was telling, Taylor missed another penalty attempt and other opportunities were spurned.

Instead Camborne rounded off the half with a fourth try, a good period of pressure saw Manna and No.8 Dave Roberts put Johnston in for his second try, his conversion leaving the Cherry and Whites 24-7 up at the break.

Taylor kicked an early penalty for the Camels to reduce the deficit to 24-10.

Johnson almost scored a third try only to be denied by the Camels’ cover from a chip and chase.

Camborne did get a fifth try on 60 minutes when attacking towards the scoreboard corner Pascoe put in a deft kick over the scrum for winger Rob Floyd to gather and score. Johnson kicked a fine third conversion, as he did a penalty, just moments later to put Camborne 34-10 up.

Wadebridge to their credit didn’t let their heads drop and fought back to score a couple of late tries through replacement Miles Davey and scrum-half Adam Collings with James Grubb adding the conversion with the final kick of the game.

Camborne: J Parma, R Floyd, L Manna, S Kenward, L Johnson, R Kevern, D Pascoe; N Endean, S Bartle, M Hearn, J Griffiths, B Kemp, M Woolcock, J Goldsworthy, D Roberts (capt)

Replacements (all used): J Jackson, J Court, J Lamsin

Tries- Pascoe, Manna, Johnson (2), Floyd, Cons – Johnson (3), Pen – Johnson

Wadebridge Camels: C Lees, S Johns, W Pengelly, J Grubb, D Hawkey, J Taylor, A Collings; G Bilkey, M Ballard, Z Cinnamond, D Lumb, M Grubb, B Collings, S Stone (capt), G Gynn

Replacements (all used): M Angwyn, R Treleven, M Davey

Tries – Lumb, Davey, Collings, Cons – Taylor, J Grubb, Pen – Taylor

Referee: Simon Lord (CRRS)

Camborne-man-of-the-match: Luke Johnson

Crowd: 447

Three cracking first half tries put the Cornish Pirates on course for the quarter-finals of the British and Irish Cup at cold but sunny Mennaye on Sunday.

A 34-14 score-line sounds impressive enough, but hats off to Dundee High who fought all the way and enjoyed some good periods of possession.

Sadly Scottish International Rory Lamont who is on the comeback trail following his serious injury last February whilst playing for Scotland against France at Murrayfield was not able to play at the Mennaye, he was however at the ground and mingled and chatted to supporters who wished him the best.

Great to also see Tom Duncan come off the bench and make his Pirates debut. During the second half the Pirates fielded an all Cornish front row with Paul Andrew, Darren Semmens and Peter Joyce! It’s great to see local talent given a chance to play at this level with a local team in Cornwall.

You can read my report on the match in the link here.

I like the British and Irish Cup and it is refreshing to have two Head Coaches on Sunday Ian Davies and Ian Rankin (Dundee High), both speak highly of the competition, you can sense their enthusiasm for the Cup  in their post-match interviews and that has to be a good thing for the British and Irish Cup to progress.

The Cornish Pirates will travel to Carmarthen Quins on Saturday knowing a win will guarantee a home quarter-final, however wins in Wales are not always easy to come by!

On Saturday in National League 2 South a brace of wins for our Cornish sides. Redruth played their first game of 2013 with a 26-3 win at Bournemouth.  Tom Notman scored two tries with other scores coming from Fraser Kellythorn and Craig Bonds with Paul Thirlby adding three conversions. The game was brought to an end after 64 minutes by referee Veryan Boscowen due to the heavy rain, the result will in probability stand.

The Cornish All Blacks maintained their fine run with an impressive 32-10 win over Dings Crusaders at Polson Bridge. Ben Hilton, Richard Bright (2) and Richard Friend scored the All black’s tries with Kerion Lewitt adding the other points with the boot.  Read Dick Benson-Gyles report from the Morning News in the link.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne followed up their excellent win at home against Old Reds with an important away win at Chard 11-8. Despite playing most of the game with 14 men following Ashley Lawton’s red card, Camborne kept their try-line intact and nicked the win thanks to a try from Joe Parma and a couple of Dave Mankee penalties.

Next up for Camborne are Wadebridge Camels at the Rec.

Camels got back to winning ways with a 27-21 win over Bridgwater & Albion. Camels tries came from Sam Stone, Ben Collings and Gary Glyn with Josh Taylor converting all three tries and adding a couple of penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell continue to make the pace, Okehampton the latest victimes at Tregorrick 25-11. Alex Welland (2), Rob Jeffs and Scott McNally got the tries for the Saints with Matt Shepherd’s boot kicking five points.

Truro got a welcome win beating Honiton 15-10 at St. Clements.  Tim Gay and Shaun Roseveare got the tries with Jake Champion kicking the other points.

Penryn went down at Torquay Athletic 47-15. Chris Hillier and Matt Paxman got the Borough’s tries with Matt Horton’s boot adding the rest of the points.

Bude lost another tight game at Bencoolen, 13-12 to Devonport Services. Harry Goodrun and Kyle Speare scoring the North Cornwall side’s tries.

Up in London and London Cornish lost at Teddington 34-13 in London 2 SW.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League with St. Ives getting a walkover against Plymouth Barbarians, Pirates Amateurs could not prevent Teignmouth from maintaining their lead at the top as the South Devon side won 47-12. Dan Lugg and Ryan Forrester scored tries for Amateurs.

Falmouth Eagles won the Cornish derby against Hayle at the Rec 16-11. The Lions raced off to an 11-0 lead with a try from Danny Clackworthyand a couple of penalties from Martin Strick, then Hayle lost Rob Cotter to a red card and the tide turned. Two Rob Banks penalties brought Falmouth back then winger Ollie Church scored the vital try which Banks converted for the lead. A third Banks penalty sealed the win for Falmouth.

All other games in the league were postponed.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Veor beat Helston 38-9 to remain top.

Stithians (3rd) beat Perranporth (2nd) 27-12 and are now just two points adrfit of Perran with a game in-hand.

Roseland won at St. Just 46-7 but both these sides are looking doomed for Cornwall 2 next season.

In Cornwall 2, leaders Bodmin were heading for defeat at St. Day when the game was abandoned after 65 mins after a mass brawl in a game that had already seen three red cards! The score was 19-0 to St. Day at the time.

Camborne School of Mines won at Trewergie 31-8 against Redruth Albany. Camelford against Lankelly-Fowey was postponed.

On Sunday St. Agnes booked a place in the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-finals following a 25-13 win against Helston at Enys Parc.

The first league Saturday, for most of our Cornish sides, proved to be an exciting one filled with hight drama and tension.

The Cornish Pirates played their second festive fixture on New Year’s Day earning an important 32-17 bonus point win over Bristol at the Mennaye.

Having already triumphed on Boxing Day up at Plymouth Albion 9-5, the win put the Pirates up to fourth until the remaining fixtures were played out last weekend.

Phil Burgess, Kieran Hallett, Ben Mercer and Tom Riley scored the tries with Hallet’s boot adding the other points.

The only blip was the subsequent banning by the club of Alan Paver for four weeks over an “incident” with Bristol prop Jason Hobson, which saw Hobson sent off.

This weekend it’s back to British and Irish Cup action with an attractive looking fixture against Scottish side Dundee High. The Taysiders were in good form last weekend winning at Currie 35-12 with Rory Lamont scoring one of their four tries. It looks unlikely that the Scottish International will make the trip to the Mennaye, however many of the Dundee players will be pushing for a place in the Scottish Club’s XV for the upcoming matches against France Federale in Bourgoin and Irish Clubs at Ayr.

With Redruth obliged to sit it out last weekend as they had no fixture (should have entertained Rugby Lions), the Cornish All Blacks had the stage to themselves and they certainly exhibited their improving form with a fine 26-18 win at Hartpury College. Lewis Paterson scored two fine tries both converted by Keiron Lewitt, who also added a couple of penalties, whilst Jake Murphy dropped a couple of goals for good measure.

In the local leagues match of the day had to be at Camborne as third placed Town entertained second placed Old Redcliffians. The match was settled with the final kick of the game as fly-half Dave Mankee kicked a fifth penalty to snatch a 22-20 win. Joe Parma scored a try which Mankee also converted. Town stay third but are now just six points behind Old Reds.

Wadebridge Camels had a bad day at the office as they lost in Somerset 43-5 at Chard. Matt Ballard with a first half try for Camels.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell maintain the pace at the top winning 22-15 at Kingsbridge. Alex Welland (2), Tom Miles and Hugh Noott scored the tries with Matt Shepherd adding a conversion, this game saw the return of  No.8 Adam Kellow who came off the bench  for his first game since February 2011 following a serious knee injury.

A good win for Penryn at Okehampton 24-22.  Alex Ducker Adam Seviour and Jake Seviour scored the Borough’s tries with Jake Seviour kicking the other points.

Bude lost at home to Torquay Athletic 19-8. Richard Herzog scored the only try for the homeside with Dan Pearce kicking a penalty.

Truro also lost, 17-11 at Exeter Saracens. Ollie Seagrove got a try for Truro with Jake Champion kicking a penalty and dropping a goal.

London Cornish made it three wins on the trot in London 2 SW with an 18-15 win over second placed Tottonians.

In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League. A Penwith Derby as Pirates Amateurs entertained St. Ives. The Hakes got the win thanks in part to the boot of Cieron Thomas and tries from Brett Rouncefield and a Penalty-try award.

For the Ams, Ashley Weston scored a try against his old club with Rhys Brownfield kicking a couple of penalties.

Hayle defeated Crediton 22-10, with Rob Cutter, Jamie Edwards, Scott Harvey and Adam Strick all scoring tries for the Lions.

Falmouth Eagles downed Withycombe 27-15 at the Rec, Gareth Lever (2), Paul Saberton and Kieran Rodda all scored tries with Rob Banks kicking the points.

Newquay Hornets lost at home to Tiverton 12-10. Tim Eustace scoring for the Hornets with Liam Freeman adding the conversion and a penalty.

Liskeard/Looe enjoyed a fine win at Lux Park beating Wessex 52-0. Mark Moody and Brad Burchell both scored a couple of tries in the Lions eight-try haul.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Perranporth beat St. Just 83-0, whilst Helston just got the better of Stithians 15-14. St. Agnes had a walkover against Roseland.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 a walkover for Bodmin over Camelford, but a game was played as a friendly.  St Day beat Illogan Park 44-5. Redruth Albany won 18-5 at Lankelly-Fowey.

RODDA’S MILK CUP

REDRUTH 17 – 5 CAMBORNE

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

Camborne gave a spirited account of themselves before eventually succumbing to Redruth’s greater fitness during the final quarter in a closely fought Boxing Day derby in front of a good sized crowd.

Having seen the previous Saturday’s league game against Launceston postponed and with no other game until January 12^th away at Bournemouth, Redruth’s Director of Rugby Adrian Edwards was keen to give as many of his squad some valuable game time.

“It was a real character test, Camborne played well and put us under the pump at times and some of the guys had to raise their game. Conditions were very difficult to play any decent rugby, but fair-play to Camborne they played well and gave it a real go. In games such as these some people sometimes expect too much, we’ve had a good workout Camborne made us work very hard”.

“Sometimes when we’ve not played for a week we tend to be a little rusty, we had a good build up to the Launceston game and with it being called off it’s disappointing and can affect your next game perhaps we saw little of that today, but still we will take the win and use it in the context of the season towards our next game”.

For Camborne skipper Dave Roberts was pleased with the way his side fronted up against the Reds. “We came out of the blocks flying we had all of the possession during the first fifteen minutes and created a few chances only to be held up over the line or knock the ball on in promising positions”.

“This was a good warm up for our next league game against Old Redcliffians who are currently second in our league, Redruth gave us the work out we needed especially in contact situations. We are looking to build at Camborne and this will only help us towards our ultimate goal which is to get back into the National Leagues”.

“We will look forward to taking on Redruth again at Easter and on today’s showing we hope to improve on today’s performance and pull off a nice surprise on our patch”

The heavens opened just prior to kick-off to add yet more water to an already very wet and muddy pitch.

Redruth kicked off playing down the slope; however it was the Cherry and Whites who settled the quicker.

In quick succession Camborne went close to getting an opening try through winger Rob Floyd, then prop Will Webster was held up over the Reds’ line and thirdly when centre Richie Kevern kicked through towards the Redruth line only for Dean Bonds to get back and save a certain try.

Camborne pressure finally told as former Red Luke Johnson scored a try in the Frame Suite corner on eight minutes.

Camborne fly-half Dave Mankee couldn’t add the extras but at that point Camborne were well worth their lead!

Redruth looked to play their way back into the game and were finally rewarded with good field position to launch a sustained attack on the Camborne line. The Redruth pack began to get the upper-hand, from a scrum near the Camborne line both Redruth locks drove for the line with Luke Collins getting the touchdown.

Ashley Hosking couldn’t add the extras in the difficult conditions for kickers.

Redruth were certainly enjoying the greater possession as the game moved into the second quarter. The back three of Murray Westren, Tom Notman and Dean Bonds looked to run the ball back at the opposition, whilst in the forwards, Damien Cook, Chris Fuca and Darren Jacques were catching the eye.

For the Cherry and Whites, skipper Dave Roberts was in thick of the action along with Ashley Lawton, Jamie Moore and Ben Kemp, whilst in the backs Floyd was full of running as was Johnson.

Just before half-time Redruth finally took the lead, following a series of penalties near the Camborne line, Redruth went for a quick tap penalty which resulted in centre Frazer Kellythorn powering over under the posts, Hosking added the extras for a 12-5 interval lead.

Redruth freshened up their side at half-time with Tom Duncan Owen Hambly and Matt Gidlow on for Collins, Broadbank and Brown.

Camborne elected to change their shirts and brought Dean Pascoe on for Jason Jackson at scrum-half.

With the pitch cutting up, control was at a premium as both sides continued to make errors.

Tempers finally boiled over with a dust up in the Frame Suite corner, which saw Hambly dispatched to the cooler for ten minutes.

Camborne were unable to make the most of the advantage and the game was effectively ended when replacement Neil Turner scored Redruth’s third and final try just moments from the end to confirm the Reds retention of the Rodda’s Milk Cup.

Redruth 17 pts

Tries – Collins, Kellythorn, Turner, Conversion – Hosking

Yellow Card – Hambly (70)

Camborne 5 pts

Try – Johnson

Redruth: M Westren, T Notman, D Bonds, F Kellythorn, C Bonds, A Hosking, N Simmons; D Jacques, R Brown, D Job, D Cook, L Collins, B Priddey, N Broadbank, C Fuca (capt)

Replacements (all used): T Duncan, O Hambly, M Gidlow, G Thirlby, N Turner, R Kessell, J Kessell, B Drew, J Drew, K Smith, J Rayment

Camborne: J Parma, R Floyd, R Kevern, S Kenward, L Johnson, D Mankee, J Jackson; M Hearn, S Bartle, W Webster, J Moore, B Kemp, A Lawton, J Goldsworthy, D Roberts (capt)

Replacements (all used): D Pascoe, L Manna, N Endean, C Bone, M Goldsworthy, M Woolcock

Referee: Simon Lord (CRRS)

Crowd: 1,054

Redruth-man-of-the-match: Damien Cook

Trelawny’s Army Tony Pill Memorial Cup Man-of-the-match award: Chris Fuca (Redruth)

There may well be a lot of traffic heading into Cornwall on Saturday as the up-country folk make their way down to their second/third homes for Christmas,but there will be a sizeable amount of traffic heading east up the A.30 for the Cornish derby between Launceston and Redruth at Polson Bridge.

For eighty minutes both sides will be at it hammer and tongs for bragging rights to take into the New Year.

Despite Redruth’s large win back in September when they beat the Cornish All Blacks 46-24, Launceston have improved greatly and I predict another close affair with victory going to the side that best holds it’s nerve under the extreme pressure of a derby encounter.

The other intriguing perspective form a Cornish point of view is that this is virtually a trial match for the County Championship team in May and no doubt the county selectors will be out in force on Saturday at Polson.

If you can’t make it to Polson then BBC Radio Cornwall will be providing full match commentary with Dick Straughan and Dave Jenkins behind the mics.

A little further west there is also a re-arranged local derby in Tribute Cornwall & Devon League as St. Ives entertain Hayle. The Hakes and the Lions will again be doing battle on Boxing Day this time at Hayle’s Memorial Park for the Bay Shield.

Talking of Boxing Day there are two other major rugby encounters in the duchy that day. Redruth will play Camborne for the Rodda’s Milk Cup and Falmouth will be at home to the Borough (Penryn). There are also various matches against President’s XV at other clubs not forgetting Pirates Amateurs against Brooksy’s Barbarians at the Mennaye 2 pm.

Last weekend’s action saw the Cornish Pirates consolidate their position at the top of pool 3 of the British & Irish Cup completing back to back wins over Swansea at St. Helens. Their 30-10 win coupled with Carmarthan Quins slip up at Dundee High puts the Cornish Pirates in a strong position with two pool games to play. Despite trailing to an early Swansea try the Pirates fought their way back for a famous win on Welsh soil. Dick Straughan’s match report can be found in the link

Differing results for our National League 2 sides as they prepare for this Saturday’s encounter. Redruth had a good win over Clifton thanks to a strong second half performance. My match report is in the link    whilst Launceston despite shipping three early converted tries to leaders Worthing they fought back only to go down 28-12. Liam Yeo and Lewis Paterson getting their tries.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Cambone slipped up at Thornbury 15-10, Dave Mankee kicked the points and a conversion for the penalty-try.

Wadebridge Camels defeated leaders North Petherton 30-15. Sean Johns, Dan Lumb and two from Matt Ballard were the Camels try-scorers with James Grubb kicking the other points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell will see in the New Year as league leaders following another impressive win, 43-17 over Ivybridge. Sam Tank grabbed a hat-trick of tries to add to his already impressive haul for the season, Ian Venner, Alex Welland and Matt Shepherd scoring the other tries. Shepherd kicked five conversions and a penalty.

Bude visited near neighbours Bideford and came away with a 5 all draw, Dan Speare got the vital score.

Penryn beat Kingsbridge 5-0 at the Memorial Park, Colin Campbell with the only try of the game in the first half.

Truro had a much-needed win to boost morale winning 14-8 against Devonport Services at St. Clements. Jack Tidball got the try with Jake Champion kicking three penalties.

Up in London 2 SW two late tries from Nick Harlock saw London Cornish to a 26-12 win over Old Alleynians.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League St. Ives kept the pressure on leaders Teignmouth with a good win over OPM’s 39-14. Ben Taylor, Tom Nicholson, Sam Heath, Neil Corin and Joe Prisk all crossed for the Hakes with Ceiron Thomas kicking the other points.

Saltash defeated Pirates Amateurs at Moorlands 16-3. Will Morton and Ryan Cruickshanks scored tries for the Ashes  with Max Venables kicking three penalties.

Liskeard/Looe suffered a defeat at Tiverton going down 59-3, whilst Falmouth also lost in Devon 24-0 at Crediton. Newquay Hornets had no joy at Teignmouth losing 40-0.

Hayle had a good win at Wessex winning 22-13. Martin Strick (2) and Talan Daniels scored the tries with Strick kicking the other points.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Veor pipped Sthithans 15-14 to stay top of the table, Perranporth lost at near neighbours St. Agnes 16-8, whilst Helston won at St. Just 17-15.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 leaders Bodmin defeated Camelford 55-0, St Day beat Illogan Park 10-0 and Redruth Albay had a walk-over as Lankelly-Fowey couldn’t raise a side.

All it leaves me to do is to wish “One & All” a very Merry Christmas or as we say in Cornwall “Nadelik Lowen”

THE CORNISH PIRATES maintained their top spot in pool 3 for the British & Irish Cup with a 27-9 win over Welsh Premiership side Swansea at the Mennaye.

Pirates scored two tries one in each half through flanker Joe Buckle and No.8 Laurie McGlone. The boot of Kieran Hallett accounted for the other points.

The return fixture at St Helens will be played next Sunday.

The injury list at the Pirates continues to grow with news that flanker Phil Burgess is likely to be out for up to six weeks with a broken jaw, which occured in the game against Bedford last month.

Some good news with the Pirates announcing the signing of Kyle Moyle from St Ives. The young back has been in fine form for the Hakes and Cornwall U.20’s this season. It has been announced that he will go on loan to Launceston in the New Year.

Both our National League 2 sides had good wins as the re-match between the two looms ever closer. The Cornish All Blacks won at Polson 34-27 against Canterbury. Mike Rawlings (2), Josh Lord, Kieron Lewitt and Neilson Webber scored the All Black’s tries with Lewitt’s boot adding the other points.

Redruth won at Southend 22-15. With Tom Duncan (2) and Craig Bonds scoring the Red’s tries and Paul Thirlby kicking the points.

Saturday 22nd December and Polson Bridge is the place to be to see Launceston v Redruth in what will be a “cracker” of a game to get Christmas off on the best foot!

In Tribute SW1 West another big win for Camborne as they ran in nine tries against Paignton in a 68-12 win at the Rec. Ashley Lawton (2), Joe Parma (2), Jamie Moore, Dave Roberts, Malcolm Hearn, Ben Kemp and Richie Kevern. Dave Mankee bagged all nine conversions as the Cherry and Whites keep the pressure on in 3rd place.

After a few indifferent results Wadebridge Camels got back to winning ways with a 69-5 win at home to North Dorset. Camels scored eleven tries with Sean Johns (3), Matt Ballard (2), Dom Hawkey, Sam Stone, Adam Collings, Jack Scott, Matt Angwyn and Jamie Taylor all crossing the whitewash. James Grubb kicked seven conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell chalked up another win on the road winning at Exeter Saracens 24-14. Sam Tank, Ben Chenoweth, Adam Pearce and Rob Jeffs scored the Saints tries with Matt Shepherd kicking a couple of conversions.

Penryn had a good win at Honiton 14-10 with Alex Ducker scoring a try and Matt Horton kicking three penalties.

Bude drew at home with Wellington 21-21. Full back Harry Goodrun and replacement Adam Black scored the tries for Bude with Dan Pearce kicking the other points.

Truro lost 30-6 at Bideford.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish recoreded a welcome win with a 33-10 success at KCS Old Boys.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St Ives maintain the pressure on leaders Teignmouth winning 27-0 at Lux Park against Liskeard/Looe. Rob Rowe, Neil Corin, Cieron Thomas and Jacob Ninnes all scored tries for the Hakes with Thomas adding two conversions and a penalty.

Hayle were unable to help their near-neighbours as they lost at home to Teignmouth 62-29. Joel Cameron, Doug Arnull (2) and a Penalty-Try saw the Lions pick up a point.

Pirates Amateurs lost at Withycombe 11-7, Lee Edwards scoring a try which Ryan Forrester converted.

Saltash won at Newquay 29-8, whilst Falmouth lost at home to Tiverton 18-12.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Veor beat St Just 95-7 with Devan Stone scoring six of Veor’s thirteen tries. St. Agnes won 22-15 at Helston and Perranporth won 17-0 at Ponsmere against Roseland.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Camborne School of Mines scored twenty tries as they defeated Lankelly-Fowey 127-24. Illogan Park won 45-19 at Camelford and leaders Bodmin were awarded a walkover as Redruth Albany couldn’t raise a side.

Good to see Olly Barkley in good form with Racing Metro as he helped them to a win over Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup.

Well done Exeter Chiefs on their maiden win in the Heineken Cup winning at Parc Y Scarlets 22-16.

If you happen to be free on Sunday 10th February next, then jump in the car and venture to Ivybridge RFC to cheer Cornwall U.20’s against their counterparts from Devon. At stake will be qualification for the next phase of the U.20’s County Championship. Quite simply a win for Cornwall will see them through and it will be a fitting reward for skipper Neil Broadbank and the rest of the Cornwall squad ably coached by the Rawlings brothers and Steve Kenward.

Sunday’s 69-0 win over Somerset in the Redruth mud allied with Devon’s inability to get a bonus-point win over Dorset & Wilts gives the black and golds all the incentive they need. Many will remember Cornwall’s fine win over Devon at Hayle last season, none more so than Broadbank who made his debut that day and scored a fine try.

You can read my match report on the main Trelawny’s Army site along with some great photos taken by John Beech in the link here.   

Also on Sunday the Cornish Pirates beat Nottingham in a tight game 11-10 in the RFU Championship a much needed boost to the Pirates’ league campaign before their back-to-back British and Irish Cup games against Swansea. Read Bill Sobey’s match report in the link

The other news involving the Cornish Pirates was the news that Redruth duo Owen Hambly and Tom Duncan had signed for the Championship club on Sunday. With Redruth’s on-going financial difficulties it has come as no surprise that the Pirates have moved quickly to secure the services of two of Redruth’s star players. For Hambly it is a second spell with the Cornish Pirates. I am sure everone will want to join me in wishing both players well. It is understood that both players will still be available to Redruth during the current season.

Last weekend was due to be a free Saturday for many clubs but with many games postponed the previous Saturday many games were rearranged.

No games for either Redruth or the Cornish All Blacks, they resume next weekend.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne travelled to South Devon and came away with a fine 23-22 win. Six penalties from Dave Mankee and a try from Joe Parma saw the Cherry & Whites home.

A much depleted Wadebridge Camels found Thornbury in good form as the hosts ran out winners 34-10. Ben Scott and Lee Betts got the Camel’s tries.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Penryn had a much needed win over Exeter Saracens 56-17 , whilst Truro lost at home 16-0 to Torquay Athletic.

Leaders St. Austell had a tussle with visitors Devonport Services 26-20. Alex Welland (2), Matt Shepherd and Ben Chenoweth got the Saint’s tries with Shepherd adding a couple of penalties.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, leaders Teignmouth defeated Falmouth 39-3. Newquay Hornets enjoyed a good win across the Tamar at Plymouth Barbarians 56-0 with Ashley Taylor grabbing three of Hornets eight tries. Liam Freeman not only scored two tries but bagged all eight conversions.

Hayle won the battle of the Lions as they won at Lux Park 20-18 against Liskeard-Looe. Pirates Amateurs won at the Mennaye 27-16 against OPM’s.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Veor overcame a 24-0 deficit to win at St. Agnes 27-24, Stithians won at St. Just 29-0 and Roseland won at home 26-0 against Helston.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, School of Mines won at Illogan Park 68-38, Bodmin at Lankelly-Fowey 48-17, whilst St.Day won at Trewergie against Albany 37-7.