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.

REDRUTH 17 – 11 HENLEY HAWKS

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

Ducks may well have enjoyed the conditions at the Rec on Saturday, but it was the Redruth forwards who savoured the weather as they “drowned” the Hawks to record a morale-boosting win against the league leaders.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks with the club making headlines for the wrong reasons, however there can be no disputing with the results over the past two weeks that the players and coaching staff are determined to do their bit for the club and the supporters.

The reaction from his players was exactly what Director of Rugby and Head Coach Adrian Edwards was expecting. He said. “It’s not just about the result today, but when you look at what’s happened at the club over the past two weeks. The win today coupled with last week’s win at Shelford and the whole club’s togetherness and attitude of everybody has been fantastic, I think that’s been brilliant for the club and I am so pleased for everyone involved”.

Edwards was also able to dispel rumours about any players leaving the club. “I have spoken to other clubs to be honest with you the contracts are there to be had. There has been talk about one or two players, and like with Peter Joyce you would never stand in the way of a player bettering themselves, but at the moment no one has said they want to leave and they all want to get on with the job at Redruth”.

Aside from events off the park, Edwards turned to his charges latest performance. “I thought that last week’s first half performance was as good as it gets, but today to go in 17-3 up topped that. Our scrums and lineout was good and we had a bit of control our defence was good, they (Henley) had the ball for the first seven minutes and they didn’t get anywhere. Things like that shows character, if you haven’t got it there areas such as your defence can tend to go quite quickly. Yes a great first half performance from us”.

Edwards also had warm words of praise for full-back Murray Westren a late call up on the morning of the match and who fielded the constant barrage of high balls that rained down on him with great maturity.  “Steve Evans called me this morning when he learned that Lewis Vinnicombe had to drop out due to work commitments, we discussed the various options he felt that Murray could do the job and his judgement was proved to be spot on, what a great debut in those conditions I take my hat off to him for a great game”.

Playing up the slope, Henley enjoyed territory and possession during the opening ten minutes, however they found the Redruth defence a tough nut to crack, all they had to show for their endeavours was a penalty kicked by fly-half James Comben.

Redruth’s forwards began to get the upper-hand with the front row of Darren Jacques, Richard Brown and Craig Williams putting the Hawks’ front row under huge pressure in the set-piece. Locks Luke Collins and Damien Cook along with the back row of skipper Chris Fuca Ben Priddey and Tom Duncan worked tirelessly.

That domination culminated with the award of a penalty-try by referee Jonathan Healey as the Hawks pack infringed as Redruth drove towards the line from a scrum. Paul Thirlby kicked the conversion to put Redruth 7-3 up after 13 minutes.

Henley were putting up the high ball with Westren, Tom Notman and Nick Simmons dealing with the threat.

A fine charge into the Henley half by Jacques led to a penalty allowing Thirlby to extend the Redruth’s lead.

With their tails well and truly up Redruth looked for another score before the break.

Further fine work from the forwards saw Duncan felled just short of the line, however Brown was on-hand to claim the try, which was finally awarded by the referee after a moment or two’s reflexion and no little encouragement from the home crowd!

Thirlby’s conversion gave Redruth the cushion they required at half-time.

Redruth came out in a changed strip for the second half having donned their white shirts at half-time, not that they stayed white for long.

With conditions worsening all the time it was likely to be an up-hill struggle for the Hawks and so it proved to be.

Thirlby missed with a penalty chance to extend Redruth’s lead after 45 minutes.

Henley threw everything they had at the Reds, however the home defence soaked up the Hawks attacks.

Comben managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty after 62 minutes, however their frustrations grew and were compounded with a yellow card for their winger Xavier Andre whose high tackle on Westren was more clumsy than dangerous.

With just four minutes remaining Henley finally breeched the Redruth defence when replacement Dave Manning crossed toward the Piggy lane corner in the gathering gloom to give his side a losing bonus point.

Redruth saw out the final few moments to record a well-deserved win and send their  drenched supporters home in good heart.

Redruth have no game next week and will resume their National League 2 South campaign on Saturday 8^th December with a trip to Southend.

CORNWALL’S selectors have made six changes to the side beaten by Dorset & Wilts for their second Under 20’s County Championship Pool game against Somerset at Redruth this Sunday kick-off 2 pm.

In the backs Jamie Prisk (St Ives) comes in at full-back, both wingers are changed with Kyle Speare (Bude) and Luke Tidball (Cornish All Blacks)  getting the nod, whilst at scrum-half Luke Asbridge (Bath University), an original selection for the opening game, returns.

The pack also sees some changes, Ted Alsopp (UWIC) comes in at hooker, whilst in the back row Matt Bolwell (Cornish All Blacks) comes in.

On the replacements bench scrum-half Max Bodilly (St Ives) has recovered from injury and makes the match day squad.

Cornwall U.20: J Prisk (St Ives), K Speare (Bude), T Hendrickson (Redruth & Truro College), S Chapman (Cornish All Blacks), L Tidball (Cornish All Blacks), K Moyle (St. Ives), L Asbridge (Bath Uni); Z Cinnamond (Wadebridge Camels), T Alsopp (Truro & UWIC), M Roach (Cornish All Blacks), D Hales (Cornish All Blacks), T Prisk (St. Ives), C Instance (Stithians), N Broadbank (Redruth) (Capt), M Bolwell (Cornish All Blacks).

Replacements: K Brownfield (Pirates Amateurs), A Brewer (Wadebridge Camels), B O’Keefe (Truro), N Stanleick (St Ives), M Bodilly (St Ives), J Ninnes (St Ives), L Edwards (Cornish All Blacks).

Remaining pool fixture

Sunday 10^th February 2013 vs. Devon at Ivybridge RFC kick-off 2-30 p.m.

St. Austell’s great run in the league came to an end at Bude on Saturday when the league leaders in Tribute Western Counties West succumbed to a 14-5 loss to the Seasiders. After a scoreless first half St. Austell took the lead with a try from Ian Venner, however Bude replied with tries from Paul Cholwill and Dan Pearce with Pearce adding both conversions for a famous win.

Truro got back to winning ways with a much-needed success at home to Wellington 15-13. Justyn Irons and Isaac Scoble crossed for the city side with Jake Champion kicking a penalty and conversion.

Penryn picked up a couple of points at Devonport Services as they went down 33-28. Alex Ducker (2), Ben Trevaskis and Josh Chambers all crossed for the Borough with Jake Seviour kicking the other points.

There was no RFU Championship games last weekend as the Championship XV took on, and lost, to the New Zealand Maori at Doncaster. The Championship XV skipperd by Cornish Pirates captain Gavin Cattle lost 52-21. Cattle was joined in the team by club mates Alan Paver and Phil Burgess.

In National League 2 South two Cornish wins on the road to report, Redruth at Shelford 28-6. A great result for the Reds in light of the continuing financial difficulties the club are undergoing. Tries were scored by Ben Priddey (his first try since returning from Camborne), Tom Notman, Lewis Vinnicombe and Nick Simmons, Paul Thirlby adding a conversion and a couple of penalties.

Redruth held their meeting with supporters last night to discuss their financial plight. One hopes that a way forward can be found  for the benefit of all concerned.

The Cornish All Blacks won at Bournemouth 27-22. Richard Bright, Richard Friend and Tim Mathias scored the tries with Kieron Lewitt bagging all three conversions and a couple of penalties.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a mixed day for our Cornish sides. Camborne are up to second in the league following a 33-7 win over Bridgwater & Albion at the Rec. The Cherry & Whites’ tries were scored by Dave Roberts (2), Rob Floyd, Adam Kevern and Malcolm Hearn. Dave Mankee added four conversions.

Wadebridge Camels slipped up at home to Cullompton 24-7, Will Pengelly scored their only try with James Grubb adding the extras.

In London 2 SW, another disappointing result for London Cornish as they shipped 45 points at Chobham. Final score 45-27!

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives kept the band waggon rolling as they dispatched Falmouth on their own patch 46-17. It was another seven tries for the Hakes with Josh Ninnes scoring four! Other tries went to Neil Corin (2) and Kyle Moyle. Ceiron Thomas added four conversions and a penalty. For Falmouth Paul Saberton (2) and Tom Spiller scored tries with Spiller adding a conversion.

Two Cornish derbies saw Newquay Hornets defeat Pirates Amateurs 56-10 at the Sportscentre and Saltash win at Hayle 37-22, whilst Liskeard/Looe enjoyed a win at Lux Park over Plymouth Barbarians 17-11.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, leaders Veor suffered a first defeat at the hands of Helston 18-0, Perranporth made up for their loss in the Cup the previous weekend to Stithians defeating them 28-27, whilst Roseland got a second win of the season defeating St. Just 52-0.

In Cornwall 2, the top two met at Clifden Park with Bodmin defeating Camborne SoM 32-16 to remain top. St. Day beat Camelford 64-12, whilst Illogan Park won another derby encounter this time at Trewirgie against Redruth Albany 47-12.

Bad luck to Cornwall Ladies who lost to Somerset 45-22 at Ivel Barbarians on Sunday.

News from our Cornish lads playing in France, Tom Parker played for Vannes in a local derby against St Nazaire in Federale 1, Vannes lost 38-18 and poor Tom got a yellow card after just 2 mins, a personal record he tells me! Though Tom is credited with scoring one of his side’s tries he tells me that it was his second row partner who actually scored.

Whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers drew 19-19 at Le Castanet in their group.

A busy weekend of rugby live and on the box saw me take in Redruth v Dings Crusaders on Saturday, France v Australia in the evening (thank you ESPN, or should that be MERCI!), and on Armistice Day Cornish Pirates versus Rotherham Titans.

At some point I will catch up on England’s win over Fiji, congratulations to Josh Matavesi on getting his fourth cap for Fiji when he came on as a second half replacement, kicking the conversion for Fiji’s second try.

Also New Zealand’s win at Murrayfield.

Let’s start at the Mennaye, a lovely autumn day, however a little apprehension amongst the home fans as to how it would go, Pirates were down to the bare bones with their dual registered players involved in the LV= Cup (another unloved cup competition, but more of that later).

They needn’t  have worried as the Cornish Pirates served up their best performance of the season with a 53-21 win.

Despite going behind to an early drop-goal from Titans’ fly-half Garry Law, Pirates responded with the boot of Aaron Penberthy and an opening try from the impressive Laurie McGlone.

Down to 14 men as lock, Toby Freeman (ex. Penryn) was sin-binned Titans conceeded further tries  Pirates’ forwards Rob Elloway and Phil Burgess crossed before half-time as the home team turned around  22-9 up.

Soon after half-time Pirates had the bonus point in the bag as Burgess crossed for his second try. Burgess then turned to provider as his pass put Junior Fatialofa in at the Newlyn Gate corner. Lock Gary Johnson was next to get on the scoresheet as he was driven over.

Titans replacement prop Ed Stagg bagged a couple of tries for the Titans to make the score-line respectable, but Pirates finished with a late flourish as wing Ben Mercer sneaked in at the Old Western National Corner, then Burgess completed his hat-trick picking up a loose ball near half-way he showed his pace to score under the posts.

Pirates head coach Ian Davies was pleased with the result but still feels his side is very much work in progress. He said. “It was an eighty minute performance, it was good in parts and not so good in other parts! We will take fifty points, you can’t be too disappointed when you score that many points, but we are work in progress, we will go away and look at what went well and work on the areas that didn’t quite work so well today.

Rotherham’s Toby Freeman though happy to be back in Cornwall was less please with his side’s result on the day. “I am happy to be back in Cornwall, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been back, but it wasn’t the result we were looking for, fair play to the Pirates they executed well today wheras we didn’t. Their execution was spot on we were a little bit laboured in parts of our play .

Congratulations to Alan Paver, Phil Burgess and Gavin Cattle who have been selected to play in the RFU Championship XV next Saturday against New Zealand Maori at Doncaster’s Castle Park ground. Latest news is that Gavin Cattle has been selected as skipper of the Championship XV.

In National League 2 South, Redruth battled to a good win over Dings Crusaders 21-0. Winger Tom Notman and replacement scrum-half Greg Goodfellow scored the Reds’ tries with Paul Thirlby kicking a conversion and three penalties.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Hayle travelled to Tiverton and drew 18-18, thanks to a late try from winger Rob Goodman.

It was a bit of a mixed bag in the quarter-finals of the Tribute Cornwall Cup. Sadly the ties between Camborne v Truro and Newquay Hornets v St. Ives resulted in walk-overs for the Cherry & Whites and the Hakes, never a satisfactory affair. However the two other ties played resulted in exciting games.

Having defeated Bude the previous week at home, Penryn travelled with high hopes to North Cornwall, however they found Bude a different proposition on their own patch.

Jake Seviour put the Borough 10-0 up with a try, conversion and penalty. Kyle Speare reduced the deficit with an un-converted try. Prop Jason Bolt scored a second try for Bude, which Dan Pearce converted for a 12-10 lead.

Seviour snatched back the lead for Borough with a second penalty, however Pearce kicked the winning penalty with just a couple of minutes remaining.

At Tregorrick it was a repeat of last season’s memorable final between St. Austell and Wadebridge Camels and once again Camels came out on top…just 26-23!

Matt Ballard scored first for the Camels, before Treve Murley levelled it for Saints with Matt Sheppard adding the conversion for a 7-5 lead.

Camels then surged ahead with James Grubb landing a penalty and then tries from Sam Stone and Dom Hawkey converted by Grubb for 20-7 advantage.

Back roared the Saints, Sean Haley scored a try, Sheppard kicked a penalty and Andy Ashwin dropped a goal to cut Camels advatage to 20-18.

Grubb kicked a couple of penalties to give Camels a bit of breathing space, but Saints scored another try by Sam Tank to set up a tense finish, Camels however hung on for the win.

In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup there were wins for Veor 54-0 at Redruth Albany, Camborne School of Mines 67-12 against St. Day, Stithians 29-14 at Perranporth. The game between St. Agnes and Helston was abandoned with Aggy leading 8-0 after 15 minutes when the referee was injured.

Also on Sunday Cornwall U.20’s began their County Championship campaign with a defeat against Dorset & Wilts at North Dorset RFC. The score was 28-21 to the twin counties. Chris Instance, Duncan Hales and Kyle Moyle scored Cornwall’s tries with Moyle adding all three conversions.

Cornwall’s next match is on Sunday 2nd December at Redruth RFC when they take on Somerset, kick-off 2 pm.

For all those connected with Redruth RFC please make a note in your diary with regards to the notice below;