By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground

It was a great way for Redruth centre Sam Parsons to sign off at the Recreation Ground on Saturday scoring the Reds second try of the game and taking the man-of-the-match award in Redruth’s 44-14 win over Chinnor.

As he heads down to Australia to begin a new life he will take with him plenty of happy memories from playing rugby in Cornwall. “I’ve had a great time playing here at Redruth, the club has been very good to me, I came here from Mount’s Bay where I dislocated my shoulder, struggled back and then we had that awful season in National 1 and I fell out of love with rugby to be honest but coming to Redruth really rekindled my love of the game so I am really grateful to the Reds for that.

“This trip has been in the planning for some time and it’s a wonderful opportunity that I can’t pass up so whilst I am sorry to be leaving I am also looking forward to discovering a new life.

This season has arguably seen Parsons’ playing some of his best rugby. “I don’t know why it is but this season it all seems to have clicked, getting used to playing with the boys around me and the style of rugby we are playing this year really suits my game. It’s probably my best form since I’ve been here.

Parsons’ career has seen him playing with amongst others the Cornish Pirates, Mount’s Bay, Redruth and for Cornwall. Asked if he could pick out a highlight “It wasn’t actually playing in Cornwall but the last game Redruth played in National League 1when we stepped off the bus at Wharfedale and we walked through a tunnel of nosie, there must have been well over two hundred and fifty Redruth supporters there that day. That just showed how much this club means to those supporters who had travelled all that way despite the fact that we were already relegated. That for me was the best feeling in rugby I’ve experienced.

Parsons will not be hanging up his boots while in Australia. “I am going to sign for a club called Hamilton Hawks who play in the Hunter Valley league in Newcastle, New South Wales. Redruth will always have a special place in my heart, they say “Once a Red always a Red”, and that’s absolutely true, I shall follow their results and I wish the club all the best.

Parsons will play his final game for Redruth this Saturday when the Reds travel to play Lydney at Regentsholme before heading off to Australia.

Having lost their unbeaten record the previous week at Worthing Redruth bounced back with a fine seven-try win over Chinnor on Saturday in National League 2 South.

Redruth started the game with three tries during the opening 17 minutes thanks to scores from Frazer Kellythorn (2) and Sam Parsons. It was Parsons ‘ final match at the Rec before heading off to Australia. He will play his final game for the Reds this Saturday at Lydney. I am sure all Cornish rugby fans will wish him well.

Four further tries came during the second half with Tom Duncan (2) Chris Fuca and Owen Hambly making it a fine half for the backrow union. Final score 44-14 and the Reds are up to second in the league.

Not such a good day for the Cornish All Blacks who lost at Clifton 38-25. Richard Bright, Richard Friend and BJ Chapman scored the All Blacks’ tries with Kerion Lewitt adding the other points with the boot.

The Cornish Pirates were in British & Irish Cup action playing on Tayside against Dundee High. The Pirates recorded a good win by 32-6. Tries came from Phil Burgees (2), Jack Nowell and Grant Pointer. Aaron Penberthy kicked three conversions and two penalties to complete the scoring. All Dundee High could muster were a couple of penalties from Jamie Urquhart. Pirates top pool 3, as the Championship program resumes this Sunday with a tough game against Leeds Carnegie at the Mennaye kick-off 2-30 p.m.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne slipped up at Cullompton losing 27-12. Ashley Lawton and Laurie Manna scored tries for Town with Dave Mankee kicking a conversion.

Better news from Wadebridge Camels who won at Paignton 34-8. Jack Scott (2), Jack Grubb, Cameron Lees, Adam Collings and James Hawken all crossed for Camels with James Grubb adding a couple of conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell maintained their fine form with an eighth win this time at the expense of visitors Wellington 21-8. Two tries from flnaker Paul Winterbottom and eleven points fromj the boot of Matt Shepherd saw the Saints home to remain top of the table.

At Penryn, the Borough saw off Truro thanks to a last-gasp penalty from Jake Seviour in a 25-22 win. Both sides scored a couple of tries, Alex Ducker and Dan Booth for the Borough, whilst Justyn Irons scored both tries for Truro. Seviour and Ranscombe converted both tries, however Seviour out-kicked Ranscome on the penalty count 2-1.

Bude, despite putting up a good fight at Kingsbridge lost 55-19. Olly Denford and Dan Pearce scored Bude’s tries with Pearce kicking two conversions.

In London 2 South West, London Cornish suffered another disappointing result going down at home to Effingham & Leatherhead by 40-15.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives contine to steam-roll  the opposition this time with another half-century of points against Tiverton 50-8. Jake Ninnis (2), Ben Jenkins, Tom Nicholas, Raphael Baragwanach, Neil Corin and Kyle Moyle all scored tries with Ceiron Thmoas adding six conversions and a penalty.

After a few indifferent results, Saltash got a big win at Moorlands against poor old Wessex 88-5. Max Venables getting five of ashes tries!

Pirates Amateurs defeated Falmouth 37-20 in the local derby at the Mennaye. Ryan Forrester (3) Trev Dugdale (2) and Cas James scored the homeside’s tries, whilst Oliver Church, Matt Kee and a Penalty-Try award accounted for the Eagles tries. Rhys Brownfield kicked the points for the Ams, whislt Tom Spiller kicked a penalty and conversion for Falmouth.

OPM’s defeated Hayle 29-22, Martin Strick kicked five penalties for the Lions and converted Rob Goodman’s try.

Newquay Hornets defeated Liskeard & Looe 68-0 at the Sportscentre.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, there were wins for Veor, Roseland and St. Agnes, whilst in Cornwall 2, Camborne School of Mines, St. Day and Bodmin all recorded victories.

Many eyes were looking up towards Exeter on Saturday, so the very first Heineken Cup tie this far west can’t go without mention. Despite a good start from the Chiefs, Clermont -Auvergne proved to have too much fire-power winning 46-12, scoring thirty-six points during the second-half.

Much has been written about Wesley Fofana’s first try when his foot clearly was on the line but not spotted by the officials, however the same officials didn’t check to see that Clermont flanker Gerhard Vosloo had scored what looked a perfectly good try in the first half for Clermont! Flanker Julien Bonnaire was immense for “Les Jaunards” as was scrum-half Morgan Parra, who despite the jeering of the home crowd kicked his goals. Fofana (2), Napolioni Nalaga (2), Bonnaire and Kiwi Sitiveni Sivivatu scored the tries for Clermont who now head pool 5.

With the British & Irish Cup taking over the concerns of clubs from level 2, it meant that National League 2 South provided the main focus as far as league rugby was concerned for Cornish fans.

The Cornish All Blacks finally won at Polson for the first time in the league this season with a comprehensive 38-6 win over Southend. Ben Hilton, Toby Borrow, James Tripcony and Lewis Paterson. Kieron Lewitt chipped in with three conversions and four penalties.

A sight to gladden many a Launceston supporter and rugby fans across Cornwall was the return of prop Martin Rice.

Bill Sobey from the Western Morning News has an interview with Rice in the link  

Redruth’s winning run came to an end at Worthing as they lost 27-25 on the south coast.

An eventful game saw the lead change hands no less than five times and saw Worthing prop Joe Burns and Redruth’s scrum-half Greg Goodfellow red carded following a spear-tackle on the Red’s scrum-half who made very clear to the perpetrator his feelings!

Redruth’s three tries were scored by the front row union, two to prop Darren Jacques and one for Tom Blackburn on his Redruth debut. Paul Thirlby kicked a conversion and three penalties. Redruth also lost flanker Owen Hambly to the sin-bin during the game.

The Cornish Pirates entertained Welsh Premiership Carmarthen Quins at the Mennaye on Sunday in the British & Irish Cup. A 44-32 win saw the home side get their campaign off to a good start, but they  made hard work of it after they trailed at half-time 20-13!

Pirates changed their side for the cup fixture giving game time to squad members. Fly-half Aaron Penberthy had an eventful game, a first half sin-binning but also contributing nineteen points to his side with five conversions and three penalties. Of worry though was another injury for flanker Chris Morgan who looks to have broken his arm.

Dick Straughan’s match report for this is cornwall website can be found in the link , whilst Bill Sobey has an interview with head coach Ian Davis in this link  

This Saturday see’s the Pirates fly north of the boarder to take on Dundee High at Mayfield. As a matter of interest Ian Nimmo now with Newport Gwent Dragons has played for both the Pirates and Dundee High.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne are sitting in second place behind runaway leaders North Petherton. Town’s latest success was against Clevedon whom they beat 27-19 at the Rec. Trailing  6-12 at half-time Camborne took the game to ther opponents in the second half with flanker Ashley Lawton putting in a big game. Tries came from winger Adam Notman and fly-half David Mankee, with the Mankee adding five penalties and a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels slipped to defeat at home to Cleve 14-6. Jamie Grubb kicking both Camel’s penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell won at Tavistock 31-23. Saints scored five tries through Rob Jeffs, James Earp, Jack Grigg, Alex Welland and Matt Shepherd with Shepherd also kicking three conversions.

The three other Cornish clubs at this level all lost, Truro at home to Okehampton 11-3, Penryn at Wellington 24-21, despite scoring three converted tries through Grant Randlesome, Jordan Rose and Alex Ducker, whilst Bude lost to Ivybridge at Bencooleen  20-13, Ollie Denford with a try which was converted by Dan Pearce who also landed a penalty and a drop.

London Cornish were involved in the first round of the SE Intermediate Cup and fell at the first hurdle at home against Brighton Blues 32-0. Cornish made a few changes to their customary lineup but on the day were beaten by the better side fron London 2 SE.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League there was a top of the table clash as leaders Teignmouth entertained St. Ives and it was the Hakes who came away with a 23-15 win.

Tries from Neil Corin, Kyle Moyle and Jacob Ninnis paved the way for the blues, whilst fly-half Ceiron Thomas added a conversion and three penalties. The win puts St. Ives just one point behind Teignmouth.

There was a Cornish derby at the Memorial Park as Hayle entertained Newquay Hornets. The Lions winning a tight game 21-19. Hornets let slip a 19-7 lead as Hayle came from behind Both sides scored three tries. Tallan Daniels, Sam Newman and Joe Chadwick, whilst Martin Strick crucially added all three conversions. For Newquay, Harry Pendrick, Chris Ricketts and Ashley Taylor all crossed but kicker Ryan Johns could only manage tow conversions.

Saltash lost at Tiverton 22-12, whilst Liskeard&Looe are still without a win after losing at Withycombe 31-10.

Pirates Amateurs drew at Crediton 13-13, Ryan Forrester scored their try with Rhys Brownfield adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.

Falmouth lost at home against OPM’s 39-14 with a couple of converted tries from skipper Simon Bailey their sole consolation.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, Veor look set to bounce back to the Cornwall and Devon League following another big win this time at home to St. Agnes.

Stithians are also unbeaten folowing their win against St. Just 50-15.

In the other game played Helston just edged out Roseland 10-7.

In Tribute Cornwall 2 Bodmin lead the way following their second win 52-10 at Illogan Park.

Camborne School of Mines are second after beating Camelford 20-10 up on the North Coast.

St. Day enjoyed a comfortable win at Lankelly-Fowey 44-10.

With it also being the first weekend of Heineken Cup rugby mention of Exeter Chiefs brave effort in Dublin against the holders Leinster losing only 9-6. Their match on Saturday at Sandy Park against Clermont-Auvergne promises to be a cracker!

Olly Barkley played well for Metro-Racing against Munster on a quagmire of a pitch at the Stade de France. Les ciels et bleus won 22-17.

Also in France keeping an eye on Tom Parker’s club Vannes in Federale 1, a good win for the Bretons 31-7 over Niort, whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers side beat FC Lourdes, one of the great names of the past in French rugby 34-7.

The Cornish Pirates’ latest reversal at London Scottish has brought about murmurings of disquiet amongst some.

There is no question that just two wins from the opening six games is not a return that the club would have hoped for as the Championship makes way for the opening fixtures in the British & Irish Cup this weekend.

This was always going to be a season to tread water, with the stadium plans still a little way off before coming into fruition, the Pirates find themselves between a rock and a hard place.

It may well be that the B&I Cup will prove to be the focal point for this season.

Pirates begin their campaign at home to Welsh Premiership side Carmarthan Quins on Sunday, kick-off 3 p.m.

You can read Phil Westren’s match report from the Cornish Pirates Offy site in the link

In National League 2 a mixed day for our two Cornish sides. Redruth made it five wins out of five with a 36-19 win over Canterbury at the Rec. Five first half tries, including a hat-trick from winger Lewis Vinnicombe set the Reds on the road to victory. Man-of-the-match scrum-half Greg Goodfellow scored a memorable solo try, whilst skipper Chris Fuca finished off a move involving forwards and backs.

The second half was much scrappier with No.8 Tom Duncan getting the only Reds try of the half. Paul Thirlby added three conversions.

The Cornish All Blacks found leaders Henley Hawks too hot to handle at Dry Leas especially when having prop Neil Bayliss dismissed for a second yellow card offence early in the second half. Already trailing 19-10 Hawks made sure of the win. Scrum-half Neil Webber got the All Blacks try with Kieron Lewitt adding the kicks. Final score Henley 26-13 Launceston.

A good day for Cornwall in Tribute South West 1 West with wins for both Camborne and Wadebridge Camels. Camborne won at Cleve 24-19 thanks to tries from Dave Roberts, Laurie Manna and Aaron Hunt. Dave Mankee adding three penalties.

Camels won at Sidmouth 29-14 with tries from Will Pengelly (2), Sam Stone and Adam Collings. James Grubb kicking three conversions and a penalty.

Those wins put Camborne second and Camels third in the table handily placed.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell march on at the top of the table after defeating Torquay Athletic 41-31 at Tregorrick. Saints ran in seven tries from Matt Shepherd, Sam Rhodes, Alex Welland, James Earp, Sam Tank, Mark Martin and Sean Haley. Shepherd adding four conversions.

Twelve man Truro held out for a win at Kingsbridge 28-26. With Jack Tidball sent off and two players in the bin Truro kept their opponents at bay in a torrid finale.

Penryn defeated Tavistock 53-29. Brough’s tries came from Dan Booth (2), Alex Ducker (2), Andy Seviour (2), Grant Randlesome and skipper Jordan Rose, with Jake Seviour adding two conversions and three pealties.

Bude slipped to the bottom of the table when they lost at Honiton 16-14. Dan Tout and Luke Dunkin scored the tries for the North Cornwall side with Dan Pearce the conversions.

A good win for London Cornish in London SW2. On the weekend when the club were celebrating their golden jubilee in Newquay, Cornish won 20-8 at Old Reigatian.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives continue to nkeep the pressure on near the top of the table after a 32-5win over Withycombe. Once again Kyle Moyle, who this week received the Tony Mead Memorial Shield as our Cornwall U.20 player for 2012, got on the scoresheet with a brace of tries. Dean Rainey and Louis Stevens scored the other tries for the Hakes while Ceiron Thomas kicked the other points.

Saltash suffered a second defeat losing at Moorlands 14-11 to Teignmouth.

Pirates Amateurs had a good win at home against Wessex 41 – 16, whilst Newquay Hornets got the better of Falmouth 43-22 at the Sportscentre.

On Saturday at Redruth the draw was made for the Quarter-finals of both the Tribute Cornwall KO Cup and the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup.

Tribute Cornwall KO Cup

St. Austell v Wadebridge Camels

Camborne v Truro

Bude v Penryn

Newquay Hornets v St. Ives

Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup

Redruth Albany v Veor

St. Agnes v Helston

Camborne SoM v St. Day

Perranporth v Stithians

All Quarter-final ties for both cup must be played by 10th November 2012.

A first half try hat-trick from winger Lewis Vinnicombe helped secure Redruth’s fifth win on the trot reports Bill Hooper from the Recreation Ground.

With barely sixty seconds on the clock Vinnicombe flew in at Hellfire corner for the opening try and then barely four minutes later the winger was in again in the same corner having brilliantly handed-off the covering Canterbury player.

Despite the early double blow the visitors got back into the game with a try and conversion from fly-half Tom Best.

Redruth elected to scrum a penalty near the Canterbury line the long pass from scrum-half Greg Goodfellow found Vinnicombe who again crossed in Hellfire corner for his third try.

The try-scoring bonus point was secured just after the half-hour mark as Redruth broke away downfield with Craig Bonds slipping the scoring pass to skipper Chris Fuca.

With half-time fast approaching Redruth scored a fifth try through Goodfellow who set off from a ruck just on halfway dummying his way through the Canterbury cover to score a fine individual try near the posts. That try capped a fine performance from the scrum-half that saw him deservedly take the man-of-the-match award.

Paul Thirlby converted the final two scores of the half to give the Reds a deserved 29-7 advantage at half-time.

The second half proved a scrappier affair than the first for the Reds. No.8 Tom Duncan once again got on the score-sheet as he drove over for Redruth’s sixth try after 53 minutes. Thirlby added his third conversion.

Redruth then made changes from the bench, which allowed Canterbury to score a couple of tries during the final quarter from both their centres David Devlin-Jones and Alex Veale the later score was converted by Best.

Canterbury looked to salvage a try-scoring bonus point of their own near the end but stout Redruth defence kept them out despite losing lock Damien Cook to the sin-bin with five minutes to go.

Redruth 36 pts

Tries – Vinnicombe (3), Goodfellow, Fuca, Duncan, Conversions – Thirlby (3)

Yellow Card – Cook (75)

Canterbury 19 pts

Tries – Best, Devlin-Jones, Veale, Conversions – Best (2)

Redruth: T Notman, L Vinnicombe (M Westren 50), C Bonds, S Parsons, F Kellythorn, P Thirlby (N Simmons 62), G Goodfellow; D Job (D Jacques 47), R Brown (N Turner 72), P Joyce, C Bailey, D Cook, O Hambly, C Fuca (capt) (N Broadbank 62), T Duncan.

Canterbury: M Beaumont, A Moss, D Devlin-Jones, A Veale, M Melford (A Kwaku 11), T Best, P Marshall (C Tandy 40); J Green, T Rogers, M Pinnick (S Goode 58), T Sherson, J Darley, R Comfort (R Corr 21), S Rogers, P Kelly (capt) (N Wakefield 62),

Referee: Nick Williams (RFU)

Crowd: 809

Redruth-man-of-the-match: Greg Goodfellow

Kyle Moyle receives Tony Mead U.20 Shield from Peter Richmond

Lewis Paterson receives the Bill Osborne Shield from Peter Richmond

Cornish All Blacks centre Lewis Paterson has been voted Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club Player of the Year for 2012 following his outstanding performances for Cornwall during the Duchy’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign in May. He was also a key member of the Cornwall side that wrested back the Tamar Cup from Devon in a thrilling win at Polson Bridge just prior to the Championship

Paterson received the “Bill Osborne Memorial Shield” from BBC Radio Cornwall’s sports reporter Peter Richmond at the club’s Annual General Meeting held at the St. Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre last Wednesday evening.

Despite the Cornish All Blacks’ indifferent start to the League campaign Paterson has been showing good try-scoring form for his side and is certainly a crowd favourite at Polson and hopes to be involved with Cornwall during the 2013 campaign.

Paterson was delighted with his award. He said. “I am really delighted to have received this award and to see my name alongside some of the finest players to have worn the black and gold shirt in recent seasons. To be ranked alongside previous winners such as Ben Hilton and Ryan Westren is a massive honour.

“Hopefully we will be able to build on last season’s results when we commence the 2013 Bill Beaumont Cup campaign. Having come so close last season the squad are determined to go all the way to Twickenham”.

The “Tony Mead Memorial Shield” for the Cornwall U.20 Player of the Year went to Kyle Moyle. The fly-half was the lynch-pin of Cornwall’s fine run in last season’s U.20 County Championship. Having played last season for the Cornish All Blacks, Moyle moved during the summer to the St. Ives club where he is enjoying fine form with the “Hakes” having scored nine tries in their last two matches! He said. “It’s an honour to get this award and I’d like to thank all those who voted for me”.

The highlight for the youngster in the black and gold jersey last season was the win over Devon at Hayle. “To beat Devon who travelled to down to Hayle with some good support was a big win for the boys and really capped a fine campaign, which just saw us missing out on progressing to the quarter-finals”.

It was a miserable Sunday afternoon down in Penzance with the wet conditions making for a forward orientated game. So it was no surprise that Newcastle Falcons grinded out the win  they looked for without too much panache from the former Premiership outfit by 25-3.

I have no doubts that the Falcons will be soaring high next season back in the top echelon of English rugby.

An early Gopperth penalty was cancelled out by Hallet’s kick on 19 minutes. Sadly that was to be the closest the Pirates would get to the Falcons.

As half-time approached Gopperth had nudged Newcastle 6-3 ahead before hooker Rob Vickers burrowed over from close range, Gopperth’s conversion putting the Falcons 13-3 up.

With conditions becoming increasingly difficult it was left to the forwards and when Tongan Taiasina Tu’ifua got over for Newcastle’s second try mid-way through the half the game was a as good as won. Gopperth’s conversion making it 20-3.

In the final minute from a rolling maul winger Tom Catterick got in amongst his forwards to claim his side’s third try for a final score of 25-3.

Falcons coach Dean Richards thoughts in the link here    

Dick Straughan’s Cornishman report in the link here

In National League 2 South, a win for the Cornish All Blacks as they won at Dings Crusaders 30-19. All Blacks notched the try scoing bonus point as well thanks to scores from Kieron Lewitt, Lewis Paterson (2) and Richard Bright. Lewitt also kicked two conversions and a couple of penalties.

Spike Rainford’s thought’s in the link from Western Morning News

Redruth made hard work of defeatong Bournemouth at the Rec 18-13. No.8 Tom Duncan crossed for a couple of tries with Paul Thirlby kicking the other points. Despite the win Forwards Coach Ashley Morcom felt that his side hadn’t got going and needed more go forward ball.

You can read my full match report from the Western Morning News here

In Tribute South West 1 West. Two wins for our Cornish sides. Camborne got back to winning ways defeating Chard 37-11. Callum Davies, Jason Jackson, Rob Floyd, Dave Roberts, Sam Bartle, Dave Mankee and Aaron Hunt all crossed for the Cherry & Whites.

Wadebridge Camels made it a second win on the bounce defeating Bridgwater& Albion 32-23 in Somerset. Richard Treleven, Sam Stone, Will Pengelly, Matt Ballard and Dom Hawket all scored tries for the Camels, whilst James Grubb added a couple of conversions and a drop-goal.

In Western Counties West, St. Austell made it win number four thanks to a late conversion of his own try by Matt Shepherd. Saints other try-scorers were Andy Ashwin, Rob Jeffs and Paul Winterbottom in their 24-22 win at Okehampton.

A good win for Truro at Honiton 26-24. Tries came from Matt Ayres and Carl Ranscombe. Justyn Irons kicked the other points.

Penryn defeated Torquay Athletic at the Memorial Park 29-16. Alex Ducker, Tom Hobin, James Martin, Matt Biggins and skipper Jordan Rose all crossed for the Borough with Ducker adding a couple of conversions.

Another tough afternoon for Bude as they went down to a fourth defeat this time 43-3 at Devonport Services.

In London 2 SW London Cornish playing their second league game on the road lost to Tottonians 35-12.

In the Cornwall & Devon League. St. Ives won 72-0 at Plymouth Barbarians. Kyle Moyle notched six of the Hakes eleven tries with former Pirate Ceiron Thomas, Jacob Ninnis, Neil Corin, Josh Palmer and Ben Taylor also scoring tries. Thomas landed six conversions and a penalty.

Saltash won at Moorlands  45-21 against Withycombe with Joe Skinnard claiming three tries. Other scores went to Will Morton, Woods and Lewis Wells.

Liskeard & Looe earned a good draw at home against Crediton 19 all.

Falmouth won at  Hayle 24-11. Newquay Hornets got a first win at home to Wessex 39 – 5.

Pirates Amateurs lost at the Mennaye on Saturday 29-15 to Teignmouth.

With both Cornwall 1 and Cornwall 2 starting next week it was Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup 1st Rd.

St. Just last season’s beaten finalists were knocked out in the first round by Helston 18-8, whilst Veor had a big win at Illogan Park 60-19. See the results page for the other scores.

Over in France after last week’s losses for our two local lads there was success this weekend.

Tom Parker’s Vannes side won at home against Marmande 35-11, whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers team were too good for Saint Medard winning 50-3. Sadly for Ed though he picked up an injury!

It looks like Brett Rule will be returning to Cornwall following an injury he picked up in pre-season with his new club RC Vigo in Spain. Brett requires an operation and will be out of action for a while. We all wish him well on his recovery.

Bristol got a modicum of revenge for last season’s defeat in the semi-finals with a win over the Cornish Pirates at the Memorial Ground. A final flourish saw them turnaround a one point deficit with just eight minutes left on the clock to finally run-out 29-17 winners.

Matt Evans again crossed the whitewash for the Pirates dotting down his sixth try in three games, however the worrying scenes at the final whistle saw the Canadian flyer stretched off, though thankfully it looks like the tough Cannuck will be back in fray before too long. Thought Tom Kessell at scrum-half had another good game as did centre Tom Riley. It was also good to see Chris Morgan coming on as a replacement following his injury.

Match report from the WMN here.

No game for Redruth last Saturday, so all eyes were on Polson Bridge where the Cornish All Blacks were looking for their first win against a useful Hartpury College side. In the end it ended honours even at 24 all.

Match report from the WMN here  

In the Tribute League in South west 1 West, Camborne’s mini run came to end as they lost at Old Redcliffians 25-19, whilst Wadebridge Camels recorded a first win against Chard 25-10 at the Molesworth Field. Camels scored tries from Adam Collings and Sam Stone, whist the trusty boot of James Grubb added the other points.

In Western Counties West, St. Austell march on with a third win. Their 24-18 success over visitors Kingsbridge. A couple of tries from Sam Tank and kicks from Matt Shepherd saw the Saints home.

Penryn got a win at home against Okehampton 35-24. Tries were scored by Gavin Laycock (2), Richard Burns, Tom Hobean, and Andy Sevior. Dave Pascoe kicking the goals.

Truro lost a ding-dong match at St. Clements 25-24 to Exeter Saracens. Lee Pengilly, Issac Scoble and Matt Ayres, with kicks from Chevy Read and Ayres.

Bude lost once again this time at Torquay Athletic 49-12. The North Cornwall side’s points came from tries scored by Ollie Denton and Phil Horton, with Dan Pearce landing a conversion.

Up in London 2 SW London Cornish’s opening league fixture ended in defeat at Portsmouth 18-13. Flanker Andrew Dinwiddie scored exiles try with centre Luke Spells kicking the other points.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, St. Ives won again to record their third win, though they only have 9 points due to a points deduction carried over from last season. The latest win was a derby success over Pirates Amateurs 44-14 at Alexandra Road.

Saltash also made it three win from three with a 17-6 win over Plymouth Barbarians.

Hayle drew at Crediton 13 all, but there were defeats for the other Cornish clubs, Liskeard & Looe 25-9 at Wessex, Falmouth 62-17 at Withycombe and Newquay Hornets 51-10 at Tiverton.

I mentioned last week that former Cornish All Black Tom Parker and former Redruth player Ed Carne were both about to start their league campaigns in Federale 1 (level 3) in France last weekend. Sadly it was not a winning start for either. Tom Parker’s Vannes side lost their opener at Tyrosse 26-9, whilst Ed’s Nevers team lost a tight game at Saint Junien 32-20.

REDRUTH 46 – 24 CORNISH ALL BLACKS

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth

Redruth gave a cracking display of attacking rugby to deservedly take the spoils in the first derby this season against their old rivals the Cornish All Blacks in National League 2 South.

It was the Reds’ greater fitness and physicality, especially at the breakdown which laid the foundations for a resounding win which delighted their backs coach Steve Evans. He said. “That was very satisfying, it’s not every day that you can score forty-six points against a Launceston side. We had a slow start the previous week up at Taunton, but to come out and score seventeen points – including three tries in the first fifteen minutes – was very pleasing. I think today you saw the rewards of the hard work the boys have put into pre-season, to be able to produce a score-line like that. Every time we had the ball we looked dangerous and we were trying things, if we had had a bit more ball I think we could have scored even more points today”.

For the vanquished, All Blacks skipper Tom Rawlings put on a brave face and was fulsome in his praise in congratulating the Reds on their win. He said. “You never want to lose in a derby game like we did today, we did well to get back with two good tries in the first half, at half-time we looked to push on in the second period but sadly we just fell apart, it’s very frustrating but we did show some character to score two late tries to get something from the game, but fair-play to Redruth they played us off the field, were good in all areas and deserved the win on the day.”

Prop Peter Joyce led out the side in front of the home fans on his final appearance before joining RFU Championship side the Cornish Pirates to thunderous applause of appreciation.

The opening try came from a quickly taken tap penalty near the All Blacks’ try-line following an opening period of sustained pressure. Centre Sam Parsons took the tap to power over after just five minutes.

It got even better for the vocal Redruth faithful just moments later as scrum-half Greg Goodfellow exploited a gap ten meters out to dart in under the posts for the Reds second try, which fly-half Paul Thirlby converted.

Then after thirteen minutes further Redruth pressure saw lock Luke Collins stretch out to dot down a third try for his side. With a 17-0 score the Reds were well in command.

The All Blacks finally managed to get some field position moving the ball along the backline allowing winger Luke Tidball a recent signing from Truro to cross in the Piggy lane corner. Full-back Kieron Lewitt landed a fine conversion from near the touchline.

Redruth continued to look lively with recent signings from Newquay Hornets centre Romy Vassell and Frazer Kellythorne catching the eye, whilst in the forwards props Darren Jacques and Joyce put in some big charges as did No.8 Tom Duncan. Whilst for the All Blacks the Rawlings brothers were always a handful in the rucks and mauls, whilst outside centre Lewis Paterson constantly looked for a gap and Tidball looked sharp and took his try very well.

Thirlby kept the scoreboard ticking over in the Reds’ favour with a couple of penalties, however it was to the All Blacks who got the next try, following a powerful forward drive towards Hellfire corner, prop Tim Mathias barged over for a second Launceston try.

Thirlby brought the first half scoring to an end with his third penalty to make it 26-12 at the break.

You sensed that for the All Blacks to have any way back into the game that they need the first score of the second half.

Instead it was to be the Reds who carried on in the same vein. A fumble in a lineout by Tripcony saw the ball fall to Redruth, the ever alert Kellythorne ran through a static defence to score the bonus point try, Thirlby added the extras for a 33-12 lead.

The All Blacks compounded their misery as flanker Mike Rawlings gave away a needless penalty in front of the posts. The frustration boiled over as All Blacks No.8 Josh Lord and replacement winger Lewis Vinnicombe got involved in some handbags, which warranted no more than a telling off from referee Nick Williams. Shortly after following another penalty award to the Reds some chat-back from Mathias saw his side marched back another ten meters. Thirlby made sure of the points on each occasion.

With just over ten minutes remaining Redruth got their fifth try, a good run out of his own half by Duncan was taken on almost to the try-line by replacement flanker Neil Broadbank, tackled just short the youngster had the presence of mind to off-load to the supporting Collins who got his second try of the game, Thirlby’s conversion putting the Reds 46-12 ahead.

In the final minutes the All Blacks looked to get something from the game and they succeeded with a couple of late tries from winger Richard Bright and replacement prop Mike Roach to take a try-scoring bonus point back up the A.30.

The final whistle saw the Redruth crowd on their feet to cheer the winners of the aptly billed “Inferno in Kernow!”

Next weekend Redruth have a weekend off due to the demise of Rugby Lions, whilst the Cornish All Blacks will look to kick-start their season at Polson against Hartpury College.

Redruth 46 pts

Tries – Parsons, Goodfellow, Collins (2), Kellythorne, Penalties – Thirlby (5), Conversions- Thirlby (3)

Cornish All Blacks 24 pts

Tries – Tidball, Mathias, Bright, Roach, Conversions – Lewitt, Murphy

Redruth: C Bonds, T Notman (L Vinnicombe 50), R Vassell, S Parsons, F Kellythorne, P Thirlby, G Goodfellow (T Peacock 64); D Jacques, R Brown (N Turner 70), P Joyce (C Williams 56), L Collins, D Cook, C Fuca (capt) (N Boradbank 53), O Hambly, T Duncan

Cornish All Blacks: K Lewitt (R Friend 50), R Bright, L Paterson, S Chapman, L Tidball, J Murphy, N Webber; T Mathias (A Meredith 71), T Hurdwell, N Bayliss (M Roach 66), J Tripcony, B J Chapman, M Rawlings, T Rawlings (capt) (L Duke 77), J Lord (M Bolwell 66)

Referee: Nick Williams (RFU)

Crowd:1140

Redruth-man-of-the-match: Darren Jacques

Early season form is always a good pointer, Sunday’s derby battle between the Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion was no different.

Having battled in relegation play-offs, it looks like Albion may well be challenging further up the table this season. Truth is they really should have won this game but goal-kicker fly-half Paul Roberts had an off day with the boot converting just one of his kicks at goal from six attempts.

The Pirates’ hero at the death was Rob Cook, back on loan from Gloucester following Grant Pointer’s dislocated shoulder last weekend in Jersey. His penalty in time added on secured an improbable 19-17 win.

Mention too for winger Matt Evans who scored both of the Pirates’ tries at this early stage of the season he’s well ahead on the club’s try-scoring stakes on five with the other players still to register!

You can read Dick Straughan’s match report here from the thisiscornwall site further reaction also from skipper Gavin Cattle from Bill Sobey in the Western Morning News here

Saturday saw another fiercely contested local derby as Redruth got the better of Launceston in National League 2 South. The final score-line of 46-24 to the Reds was probably not the result many pundits would have predicted. These matches are usually close affairs, but once again as last season the Cornish All Blacks look to be starting the season slowly.

My report for the thisiscornwall website can be found here.

To read the fuller report then watch out for Thursdays’ West Briton.

In Tribute South West 1 West Camborne made it two wins with a workmanlike win over visitors Thornbury, Tries from winger Shane Woods and No.8 Dave Roberts and eleven points from the boot of Dave Mankee saw the Cherry & Whites home.

Wadebridge Camels slipped to a second defeat this time away at North Petherton 24-15. Camels scored tries through Matt Ballard and Adrian Cullis.

In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell provided the only bright spot winning their second game to maintain their fine start. Victory at Ivybridge was earned by 24-18 thanks to tries from Matt Shepherd, Sam Tank, Steve Howarth and Ben Chenoweth, with Shepherd adding a couple of conversions.

Truro slipped to defeat at Devonport Services 24-17. Whilst Penryn lost for the second time, this time at Kingsbridge 53-20 as did Bude at Bencoolen to Bideford 25-5.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Saltash share top spot with a second bonus point win this time at Pirates Amateurs 26-12, thanks to tries from Richard Skinnard (2), Joe Skinnard and Kieran Ardnell. Max Venables adding three conversions. For the Pirates Ams Rhys Brownfield kicked four penalties.

St. Ives also made it two wins with a 17-3 win at OPM’s. Tries for the Hakes came from Rob Nicholas and Sean Stephen whilst fly-half Ceiron Thomas kicked a couple of penalties and a conversion.

Falmouth also recorded a second win with a 38-12 win over Crediton at the Rec. Simon Bailey, Rob Banks, Gareth Lever, Tom David and Paul Saberton all crossed for the Eagles with Banks converting all five tries and a penalty.

Hayle got their season off to a good start with a 32-12 win over Wessex. Liskeard & Looe lost at Lux Park to Tiverton 17-15 and Newquay Hornets lost also at the Sportscentre to Teignmouth 43-15.

Voting has now closed for Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club Player of the Year awards. Both awards will be announced publicly at our Annual general meeting at the St. Austell Brewery Visitor centre on Wednesday October 3rd. We are delighted that BBC Radio Cornwall’s reporter Peter Richmond will be on hand to present the player’s shields.