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;

Redruth’s Neil Broadbank is set to skipper Cornwall as they get their County Championship U.20 campaign underway on Sunday when they take on Dorset & Wilts at North Dorset RFC kick-off 2-30 pm, reports Bill Hooper.

Team Secretary Chris Lea said “The boys are excited about the prospects for this season. Coach Tom Rawlings has had a selection day for new players to break into the squad followed by two training sessions.

“A good number of the squad experienced the successes of last season and will hope to go one better and qualify out of the South West group that does not include Gloucestershire this season. The team also includes two players who went on to the South West trials with Kyle Moyle being successful and selected to the SW side”. Moyle was also voted Trelawny’s Army U.20 Player of the Year from last season.

Other names from last season’s backs Sam Chapman, Jack Kessell, Luke Asbridge and Chris Chew, whilst among the forwards apart from skipper Broadbank, Mike Roach, Duncan Hales, Ted Alsopp, Anthony Dickenson, Brogan O’Keefe, Jordan Duke and Chris Instance are all involved once more.

One name missing from the opening fixture is winger Aron Struminski, who, it is understood, was not released by his university for this match.

This season the squad is again coached by Tom Rawlings and Steve Kenward with Mike Rawlings providing assistance.

The selectors will no doubt be waiting to see how players come through Saturday’s matches with many involved in league and Tribute Cornwall Cup matches.

Cornwall U.20: J Kessell (Redruth), L Edwards (Cornish All Blacks), T Hendrickson (Truro College), S Chapman (Cornish All Blacks), W Pengelly (Wadebridge Camels), K Moyle (St. Ives), L Asbridge (Bath Uni); M Roach (Cornish All Blacks), A Brewer (Wadebridge Camels), Z Cinnamond (Wadebridge Camels), D Hales (Cornish All Blacks), T Prisk (St. Ives), C Instance (Stithians), N Broadbank (Redruth) (Capt), N Stanleick (St. Ives).

Replacements: K Brownfield (Pirates Amateurs), T Alsopp (UWIC), B O’Keefe (Truro), A Dickenson (UWIC), J Duke (Cornish All Blacks), D Tout (Bude), C Chew (UWIC)

Cornwall U.20’s fixtures 2012/13

Sunday 11^th November v Dorset & Wilts (North Dorset RFC) ko 2-30 pm

Sunday 2^nd December v Somerset (Redruth RFC) ko 2-00 pm

Sunday 10^th February v Devon (Ivybridge RFC) ko 2-30 pm

Always a pleasure to watch rugby at the Memorial Ground in Penryn and last Saturday was no exception.

Having been soundly beaten up in North Devon the previous Saturday by old rivals Bideford, Penryn were keen to put the record straight against their rivals from North Cornwall, Bude.

The match was played in difficult conditions with a heavy hail storm just prior to kick-off making the ground treacherous!

Penryn, however coped the better with the conditions to run out deserved 27-12 winners over the Seasiders.

Penryn’s forwards were the key, especially their fine backrow of Daniel Booth, skipper Jordan Rose and Grant Randlesome.

After fly-half Jake Seviour kicked Penryn into the lead with a penalty converted tries by Booth and Rose saw Penryn to a healthy 17-0 lead at half-time.

The Borough pushed on in the second half with a third try, probably the pick of the scores, scored in the clubhouse corner by winger Richy Bray.

Bude finally got on the scoreboard with an un-converted try from replacement Charlie Dicker.

Dan Laity then got Penryn’s fourth and final try after being driven over.

Bude got a second try near the end scored by centre Duncan Tout, which was converted by Dan Pearce.

There was plenty of other rugby going on too with Camborne School of Mines playing and defeating Redruth Albany 32-3 on the reserve’s pitch in a Tribute Cornwall League 2 game.

In the RFU Championship, Cornish Pirates travelled up to Moseley and once again the match ended in a draw 9-9. Former Pirate Olly Thomas kicked all the points for Moseley, whilst Aaron Penberthy did the same for the Pirates.

In National League 2 South, Redruth suffered their first big defeat of the season losing 47-15 against a strong Hartpury College side. Despite trailing just 16-12 at half-time Redruth were undone during the second half. Paul Thirlby scored a try a conversion and a penalty with Owen Hambly getting the other try.

The Cornish All Blacks faired better defeating Lydney 17-12 at Polson. Mike Rawlings and Josh Lord scored the tries with Kieron Lewitt adding both conversions and a penalty.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Wadebridge Camels will feel themselves unlucky not have got more from their 23-22 defeat at Oldfield. Sean Johns scored a first half try for the Camels but by half-time they trailed 20-5. They fought back with two converted tries from Cam Lees and Gary Gynn.

Camborne travelled to league pacesetters North Petherton and gave them a good game before going down 19-10. Ashley Lawton got the Cherry & Whites try with Dave Mankee adding the conversion and a penalty.

In the other games played in Tribute Western Counties West, leaders St. Austell defeated Bideford at Tregorrick 17-6. Matt Shepherd and Ian Venner scored the Saint’s tries with Shepherd kicking the other points.

Truro lost once again this time at Tavistock 29-8 Matt Ayres kicked a first half penalty, with Carl Ranscombe getting a try.

Up in London 2 SW, a welcome win for London Cornish as they defeated Camberley 36-15. Luke Spells, Nick Harlock (2), Conor O’Daly and Phil Francis with Spell’s boot adding the remaining points.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives didn’t top the fifty point mark this week, winning 48-7 over Crediton. Another eight tries for the Hakes with Neil Corin getting a couple as did Tom Barker. Ben Wheeler, Ben Taylor, Rob Rowe and Cieron Thomas got the other tries with Thomas adding four conversions.

Saltash defeated Falmouth Eagles 35-12 at Moorlands. Rixson, Carroll,  Veanables (2) and Morton scored the tries with Veanables kicking the other points.

Hayle had a good win at Plymouth Barbarians 16-13. Doug Arnold got the Lions’ try with Martin Strick adding the other points with a conversion and three penalties.

Pirates Amateurs beat Liskeard/Looe at the Mennaye 30-5. Liam Walsh, Ryan Forrester, Matt O’Leary (2) scored the Pirates’ tries with adding a couple of conversions and a penalty, Will Banks dropped a goal. For the Lions Brad Burchell scored a try.

Newquay Hornets lost at OPM’s 30-7, George Fox scored the Hornets try, which Liam Freeman converted.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Camelford won at Lankelly-Fowey 21-5, their first ever league win!  Stithians defeated Helston 15-9, and St. Agnes defeated Roseland 24-11

In only other game played in Cornwall League 2 Bodmin beat St. Day 22-0.

Congratulations to Josh Matavesi (Worcester Warriors), but Camborne to the core, who has been selected for Fiji during the Autumn Internationals and is also doubling up as their press officer. Fiji begin their tour at Twickenham on Saturday against Chris Robshaw’s England.

Spent an enjoyable afternoon at St Clements last Saturday taking in Truro’s Tribute Western Counties West match against league leaders St. Austell. The visitors finally prevailing 38-23.

It proved to be an interesting game marred sadly by the injury to Saints’ winger Sam Rhodes which saw the player eventually transported off to hospital.

The good news this week is that the injury to Sam is not as bad as first feared. Naturally we wish him all the best and hope to see him back on the paddock before too long.

Trailing at half-time by 17-8 Truro fought back during the third quarter to lead 18-17 before the game was delayed for 50 minutes due to the forementioned injury.

When the game restarted St Austell got an early score and never looked back to maintain their fine run. Skipper Andy Ashwin had a fine game for the Saints, whilst winger Luke Trescothick was the standout player for Truro.

For Truro prop Chris Gilbert and Trescothick (2) scored tries, whilst Justyn Irons kicked 2 penalties and a conversion. St. Austell finished with five tries scored by James Earp (2), Rhodes, Alex Welland and Sam Tank. Matt Shepherd converted all five scores and kicked a penalty, which was no mean feat in the tricky wind.

Elsewhere in this league the results were less encouraging for the other two Cornish Clubs. Bude lost at home to Okehampton 21-17, Dan Pearce scored all their points as they let slip a 17 point lead.

Penryn lost at Bideford heavily 70-0!

Penryn host Bude this Saturday, in what looks already a vital game at the wrong end of the table for both these sides.

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates got back to Championship action with Leeds the visitors at the Mennaye, despite the difficult conditions Pirates won 21-8. Matt Evans and Gary Johnson got the tries whilst Kieran Hallett added the other points with the boot. It’s good to see Jack Nowell having a good run down at the Pirates at the moment once again he showed his paces against Leeds.

Read Bill Sobey’s match report here   plus his post match interview with head coach Ian Davies here

In National League 2 South Redruth won at Lydney 31-23. Lewis Vinnicombe (2), Tom Duncan (this guy can’t stop scoring tries!) and Sam Parsons (in his final game) scored the tries for the Reds. Ashley Hosking kicking the points.

At Polson the Cornish All Blacks defeated Taunton 39-24 with Lewis Paterson, Liam Yeo, Josh Lord (2) and Ben Hilton scoring the tries and Kieron Lewitt kicking the points.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne beat North Dorset 39-15. Town scored tries through Dean Pascoe (2), Richie Kevern, Adam Kevern, Cameron Bone and Ashley Lawton. Dave Mankee’s boot adding the rest of the points.

Wadebridge Camels beat Clevedon 33-15. Matt Ballard, Dom Hawkey, Jack Scott, Will Pengelly (2) all scored tries whilst James Grubb landed four conversions.

Another disappointing result for London Cornish in London 2 SW with defeat at Guildford 43-18. Cornish have a lengthy injury list at present, which is making selection a headache.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives won 55-0 at Wessex with Kyle Moyle bagging a hat-trick of tries to put him on 22 for the season thus far! Ben Wheeler, Richard Hunt, Ian Veale, Ryan Trudgeon, Ben Taylor and Rob Rowe all crossed as well. Ceiron Thomas landed five conversions.

Saltash won at Crediton 23-5 as did Liskeard / Looe at Lux Park against OPM’s 30-21. Hayle won the Penwith derby 16-9 against Pirates Amateurs, whilst Falmouth and Plymouth Barbarians drew 13 – all at the Rec. Newquay Hornets lost 42-12 at Withycombe.

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Perranporth won the derby against St Agnes 34-22 at Ponsmere. Helston beat St Just 15-3 and Veor defeated Stithians 29-20.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 there were wins for Bodmin, Illogan Park and Camborne Schoolof Mines.