PIRATES ARE HOME FOR SEMI

BRITISH & IRISH CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Munster v Ulster and Cornish Pirates v Doncaster Knights in BIC semis

Matches to take place April 23-25 with final on May 16

There is guaranteed to be one Championship side and one Irish side in the British & Irish Cup final after today’s [Wednesday] semi final draw pitched Munster against Ulster and Cornish Pirates against Doncaster Knights.

The draw for the semi finals of the British & Irish Cup took place in Cardiff this morning [Wednesday] and produced the following ties:

Semi final 1: Munster v Ulster
Semi final 2: Cornish Pirates v Doncaster Knights

The semi finals will take place on the weekend of April 23-25. Pirates will play their semi-final at Camborne on Sunday 25th April.

British & Irish Cup Tournament Director Terry Burwell said: “We now have two mouth watering semi finals for players, coaches and supporters of these clubs and provinces. There will also be an Anglo Irish final live on Sky Sports HD which will further showcase this exciting new cross-border competition.”

Speaking on behalf of the Cornish Pirates, CEO Rod Coward commented: “We were obviously hoping that the Cornish Pirates would receive a home draw in the semi-finals and I’m sure that our supporters are really looking forward to welcoming Doncaster Knights back to the ‘Rec’. We have the greatest respect for Doncaster and we are certainly not looking so far ahead, but the added incentive is that the winner of the game will then play either Munster or Ulster at home in the final.”

The winner of semi final 2 will have home advantage in the final, which will take place on Sunday, May 16 at 6pm, live on Sky Sports HD.

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PLAY-OFF’S ALREADY A THRILL

The first round of the RFU Championship promotion play-off’s has already thrown up some surprising results, not least Exeter Chiefs slip-up at Meadow Lane against Nottingham on Sunday by 20 – 9. The pundits prophecy of an Exeter Chiefs – Cornish Pirates semi-final already looks to be in tatters.

Not that the Cornish Pirates will be too downhearted about their 19-12 loss at Bristol on Friday night, a tight game and a losing bonus point to bring back to Cornwall against the promotion favourites is not a bad start. I think a lot of these games are going to be tight affairs and teams are going to have to maximise their points haul when in the “red zone”. The other game in this pool was also tight with Bedford just edging out Plymouth Albion, 10 – 9 at the Brickfields. It makes Sunday’s encounter at Camborne even more savoury than it already was. The loser of that game will to all intense and purpose be out of the running after only two games. Read the post match comments from Friday night from today’s Western Morning News in the link

So get along down to Camborne on Sunday, it won’t be pretty, it will be a tight nervous affair and don’t be surprised if a late, late drop-goal decides it!!

With Redruth having a day off, well most of the squad were involved in a sponsored row at ASDA Penryn with funds going to the club and the Handstand Appeal for Marshall Janson, it was left to the Cornish All Blacks to carry the Cornish flag on Saturday in National League 1. What a game it was too, 3rd place entertaining 2nd and the home side nicking a worthy 13-12 win over the Scottish exiles. Scottish No.8 Will Lip and a penalty try converted by Simon Amor gave the visitors a 12-3 half-time lead, Tony Yapp had kicked an early penalty for the Cornish All Blacks, Amor had missed a couple of kicks, the exiles certainly missed Frankie Neale on England Counties duty in France. In the second half the home side turned the tide with a try from skipper Tom Rawlings, which Yapp converted also the match winning penalty shortly after.

In the regional league in Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives won the battle of the fishermen with a 22-12 win at home against Brixham. Nic Hitchens scored two tries with hooker Ben Taylor and prop Craig Williams also crossing. Ian Morgan adding a conversion. It leaves the “Hakes” in 7th place in the league safe from any relegation worries.

In Tribute Western Counties West, leaders Camborne maintained their push for honours with a hard-fought 29 – 22 win at Tiverton. Winger Adam Notman scored a couple of tries for the Cherry & Whites, with Joe Parma scoring a third for the visitors. Shane Woods in the absence of Dave Mankee chipped in with four penalties and a conversion.

Wadebridge Camels maintain their push with a 74-0 win over bottom side Withycombe, Leigh Charles led the scoring with a hat-trick of tries and seven conversions. A brace too for Sean Hawkey on the comeback trail after his nasty injury last season.

Truro defeated Bude in the Cornish derby 24-10 at St. Clement’s Hill. Sean Roseveare, Luke Trescothick and Tim Gay scored Truro’s tries with Grant Thirlby adding three penalties and a conversion. Matt Trewin converted a penalty-try and a penalty for the visitors.

Penryn defeated early season pace-setters Kingsbridge 25-7 at the Memorial Ground. Grant Randlesome, Isaac Fields, Mike Slater and Darren Pellow all scoring tries for the “Borough”. Alex Stuthridge adding a conversion and penalty.

Newquay Hornets were forced to concede their match at North Petherton as they couldn’t field a front row. A friendly game with uncontested scrums was played, which the Somerset side won 34-14.

In London 2 SW, our exile club London Cornish lost at Bognor 32-3.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, St. Austell lost ground in the promotion stakes with a 13-9 loss at second place Exeter Saracens. Falmouth lost at Teignmouth by 9 – 7. Stithians enjoyed a good win at home against Crediton by 10-3. Two good wins in Devon for our local sides, Hayle winning 19-0 at Plymstock and Liskeard & Looe winning 22-10 at OPM’s. Saltash found league leaders Wellington too hot to handle losing at Moorlands 65-3.

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ENGLAND SUCCUMB IN HELL OF THE NORTH

France Fédérale 29 – 11 England Counties

At the Stade Velodrome, Roubaix

The Vélodrome in Roubaix is the historic finish of the one of the most gruelling one day classics in the cycling calendar, the famous Paris-Roubaix otherwise known as the Hell of the North, and on a wet night England Counties were steamrollered by the French pack into submission in their own Hell of the North in front of a crowd of some 2,500.

England came into the game with confidence following their impressive win at Stourbridge against Irish Clubs, France on the other hand had slipped up at Netherdale against Scottish clubs and were keen to make amends.

One of their changes saw the recall of Bertrand Artero of U.S. Carcassonne, who was one of the main architects of their fine win at Twickenham last season, in difficult conditions he once again proved to be England’s nemesis with a faultless kicking display, converting both France’s first half tries and five penalty kicks, one from over 45 meters for a personal tally of 19 points!

England did get off to a promising start with a penalty kick from full-back Frankie Neale of London Scottish, however France roared on by passionate support from the local crowd soon hit back with a try after 14 minutes from winger Mathieu Mercier (Castanet), from then on they didn’t look back,. England were undone once more on 28 minutes when flanker Joris Matheron (Monteux) scored France’s second try of the night, Artero’s two conversions plus a penalty on 32 minutes put the French in a commanding 17-3 lead. Just before half-time Neale gave England Counties a glimmer of hope with his second penalty for a half-time score of 17-6.

In the second half England continued to fall foul of Irish referee Mr. Stancey with Artero kicking further penalties to stretch France’s advantage to 23-6.

England did manage to pull one try back with a forward surge after 54 minutes, which saw Cambridge flanker Darren Fox claim an unconverted score. The only heartening moment in the game from an English perspective.

England’s frustrations become apparent as the game then degenerated, try scorer Fox being one of three players forced to spend 10 minutes on the sidelines.

Further penalties from the metronomic Artero on 60 and 80 minutes completed France’s win ensuring they kept hold of the Jean-Claude Baque Cup for another season.

If anyone has any doubts about what a game such as this means then the post-match comments from the French show just how much the win meant to them.

“The atmosphere around the ground was remarkable, commented La Seyne flanker Julien Capdeillayre, We felt the passion of the Roubaix crowd – the youngsters all around the pitch encouraging us – it was very special and lifted us”.

French coach Olivier Magne who knows a thing or two about being on the winning side against England summed it up thus “This match played here today will remain a special moment in these players memories. To beat England wearing the blue shirt of France in such an atmosphere is not something you will forget easily. Tonight is our little “Grand slam” for the ordinary club player.

Whilst disappointed the England management team were nevertheless fulsome in their congratulations to France. “At the end of the day I thought the French side played well, took their chances well, played in the right areas of the field and deserved their win,” said Counties Forward Coach Dave Baldwin. “Our problem was that we struggled all night to get good, clean, quick ball. We did win some ball early on, but it wasn’t really sufficiently sharp to allow us to get any ‘go forward’ into our game. The French also counter-rucked very well and won key ball in that department.”

Said Counties Manager Danny Hodgson: “It’s always very disappointing to lose by a score like that, but we knew the French had strengthened their side after defeat by the Scotland clubs and it just didn’t happen for us tonight. They were a better side than us on the night and deserved the win.”

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES CHART BRISTOL DOWNFALL

The Phoney War is over! The real meat of the Cornish Pirates’ season is now upon us The Play-Offs. Six games to decide who will progress to the Championship semi-finals, the top two from each of the two pools of four. First up for the Cornish Pirates a trip to the Memorial Ground at Bristol to take on the favourites for promotion to the Premiership. The weekend matches saw the Cornish Pirates final pool opponents decided and surprise, surprise it’s Dawsey’s Albion who have nicked a place at the death with a 20-13 win over Doncaster.

These matches should ensure “full house” signs up at the various grounds up and down the country, and for Pirates’ fans the thought of two westcountry derbies a tasty treat to savour.

Also this weekend the last four of the British & Irish Cup was decided with Munster and Ulster joining the Pirates and Doncaster, it really does promise to be a fascinating few weeks of rugby.

The Pirates completed their league program with a real curate’s egg performance down at the Mennaye on Saturday against London Welsh leading 24-6 at half-time, thanks to tries from Nicj Jackson(2) and “Ice” Havili, all converted by Rob Cook who also landed a penalty, the Pirates switched off in the second half as Welsh scored 22 unanswered points to nick the game 28-24. Chris Stirling conceded that the second forty was the Pirates worst half of the season, well they can’t afford any more slip ups like that second forty in the play-offs.

So Friday night in Bristol it is and I am sure that it’s going to be a cracking game to set the play-offs going. If you can’t make the game BBC Radio Cornwall will be covering the game live and of course Pirates TV will providing live coverage, book up quick to get your pass for the game.

In National League 1, The Cornish All Black’s fine run came to a halt at Esher as the league leaders won comfortably 29-3, Kieron Lewitt with the All Blacks only points. Worse news of all for the Cornish All Blacks was the news that centre Steve Perry has broken his jaw.

Redruth eased their relegation worries with a comfortable 42-10 win at home to Stourbridge, Lewis Vinnicombe scored twice and further tries came from Peter Joyce, Nathan Pedley, Matt Gidlow and youndg prospect Tom Cowan-Dickie. Adryan Winnan getting back to form after his long lay-off kicked three conversions and a couple of penalties.

I was very sorry to hear that Sam Heard is out for the rest of the season with injury following his call up to the England Counties game against Irish Clubs the other week. I wish Sam well for a good recovery.

In the regional leagues in Tribute Southwest 1 West, St. Ives lost 24-10 at Avonmouth Old Boys. Ben Taylor and Nick Hichens scoring a couple of late tries for the Hakes.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne and Wadebridge Camels have pulled clear of the pack. Camborne beat Tavistock 36-0 at the Recreation Ground to maintain top spot. Joe Parma (2), Sam Bartle, Cameron Bone, Adam Notman and Sam Matavesi all crossed for the Cherry & Whites, with Dave Mankee adding three conversions. Camborne have a one point advantage over Wadebridge Camels who won a high scoring Cornish derby at home to Truro by 44-22. Camels won the try count 6-3 with Matt Ballard getting a brace.

Camborne are due to play at Wadebridge on the last day of the league season on 10th April in what could be a championship deciding battle!

It was a disappointing day for our other sides in this league, Bude lost at home to Tiverton 17-15, whilst Penryn lost at Devonport Services 25-17, Newquay Hornets lost the plot at already relegated Withycombe gifting the home side only their second league win of the season 29-19!

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Wellington march on at the top following their 104-0 win over Plymstock. The best placed Cornish side are St. Austell 4th, they won at Crediton 11-6, with James Earp scoring their try, Andy Ashwin kicking a couple of penalties.

Falmouth won a Cornish derby over Liskeard & Looe 31-10 at the Rec, whilst Hayle won at home against OPM’s 25-8. High-flyers Exeter Saracens beat Saltash 57-5, whilst Stithians were forced to concede their match against against Bideford as they couldn’t raise a side.

Cornwall completed their U.20 County Championship program against Devon on Sunday at the Memorial Ground Penryn. Trailing by 31-8 at half-time the young Cornish players made a better fist of it in the second period before eventually losing the game by 36-15. Cornwall scored tries through Adam Lewarne (Redruth) and James Hawken (Launceston). Rob Banks (Penryn) kicked a penalty. Cornwall finished third in their group, with reigning Champions Gloucestershire advancing once more as the group winners having won all three of their games.

I was very sorry to hear the sad news on Friday that Paul Bawden had passed away that morning. Paul’s contribution to both rugby union and cricket in Cornwall was immense. With the CRFU he was Chairman of selectors as well as being heavily involved with the Colts for whom he was made a Life Member. As well as a reporter for the Packet, Paul reported for the Western Morning News, and Sunday Independent. I spent many a happy time sitting next to him at Redruth on the press benches and learnt much from him.

With Trelawny’s Army Paul was our Chairman from 1993 – 2004 and it was thanks to him that we were “accepted” by the CRFU, Paul always championed the needs of the spectators and supporters at County matches, the Falmouth Marine Band springs to mind, we all owed him a deep debt of gratitude for all he did for our cause.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.

Posted in Bill's Blog


PIRATES STORM INTO LAST FOUR

The Cornish Pirates booked their place in the last four of the inaugural British & Irish Cup thanks to a 26 – 20 win over Welsh Premiership side Newport at Camborne on Sunday.

The Pirates scored three tries through Rob Cook in the first half and then a couple during the second period from winger Nick Jackson and replacement flanker Blair Cowan. Cook also added three penalties and a conversion in tricky kicking conditions.

Newport who made a real game of it also managed three tries with winger Mike Poole scoring in either half and skipper No.8 Andrew Coombs scoring in the final move of the match.

Fly-half Chris Wannell kicked a first half penalty for the Black & Ambers and replacement Dan Griffiths converted the final try of the match.

A good crowd of 3,650 were treated to an exciting game of rugby and now await the draw for the semi-final.

Down in St. Ives, Devon retained the Tamar Cup with a 20-16 win over Cornwall.

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TAMAR CUP 2010 – CORNWALL SIDE NAMED

Cornwall have named their team for Sunday’s Tamar Cup clash against Devon at St Ives (3pm).

The named XV has five Redruth players, including scrum-half Mark Richards who will captain the side.

He will partner Camborne’s Dave Mankee at half-back.

Cornwall will be aiming to regain the trophy after losing 13-11 to Devon at Okehampton last season.

The team is: Luke Davison (Wadebridge Camels); Luke Trescothick (Truro), Steve Kenwood (Redruth), Steve Evans (Redruth), Chris Morris (Redruth); Dave Mankee (Camborne), Mark Richards (capt, Redruth); Gareth Tedstone (Penryn), Ben Taylor (St Ives): Ashley Morcom (Newquay Hornets); Will Penny (Redruth), Richard Tucker; James Mann (Penryn), A N Other, Matt Angwin (Wadebridge Camels).

Replacements: Adam Collins (Cornish All Blacks), Jake Murphy (Cornish all Blacks), Jamie Tresidder (Newquay Hornets), Ben Collins (Wadebridge Camels), Nigel Endean (Camborne), Chris McColl (Falmouth), Ben Hilton (Cornish All Blacks).

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EXCITING SEASON FINALE IN STORE FOR PIRATES

It’s been a while since I ‘ve written my blog, much has happened some good and some not so good in the world of Cornish rugby.

The Cornish Pirates are involved this weekend and next with the British & Irish Cup and should they prevail this afternoon against a second-string Exeter Chiefs XV then they will have every chance of progressing to the semi-finals should they defeat Welsh Premeirship side Newport next Sunday, however Newport are still in the mix and will be keen to progress, so a good tussle is in prospect at Camborne.

The pools for the play-offs are almost complete, the Pirates know their program and kick-off with a tough trip to Bristol. Tickets for the play-offs go on sale this Wednesday.

It’s been a tough few weeks for Redruth in National League 1 and the news from this week’s supporters meeting and the budget restraints that the club has had to adopt naturally raises doubts about the club’s ability to compete at it’s present level long-term. I think Redruth have to be applauded in tackling the problem head on and stating the facts plainly to it’s supporters and playing/coaching staff. I have no doubt that other clubs up and down the country and in Cornwall will be forced to adopt a similar approach. It’s a pity that the RFU seem to be totally apathetic to the plight of clubs at level 3 and below hoping to play National league rugby, the path of regionalization will inevitably lead to a lower playing standard.

The close season will be very interesting as players decide their best option for the future!

On the playing side the Cornish All Blacks continue with their strong finish to the season which currently sees them in third place as Esher and London Scottish battle it out for the one promotion spot, though Esher do have two games in hand over the exiles.

Redruth will hope for a mid-table finish and considering all the ups and downs of this season that would be a statisfactory achievement.

In the Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne can now concentrate on winning the league following their Intermediate Cup exit at the hands of Old Redcliffians. With Wadebridge Camels defeating Kingsbridge 29-10 doing the Cherry and Whites a huge favour. Camels have also given themselves a chance of a play-off spot.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish had a great win defeating London South Africa 56-6, an outstanding result for our exiles

Penryn continue to improve and are fifth following a 30-19 win over Withycombe at the Memorial Ground.

In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup St. Ives and Truro made the last four with comfortable wins over Falmouth and St. Austell respectively, where they join Bude and Wadebridge Camels.

Congratulations to Redruth’s Sam Heard who played the opening 66 minutes for England Counties in their 29-25 win over AIB Irish Clubs XV at Stourbridge on Friday night. It was England Counties first win over the Irish at this level.

Cornwall U.20’s continue their County Championship program this afternoon with a trip to Bridgewater to take on Somerset looking for their first win following their heavy defeat at home to Gloucestershire in their opening fixture. Result Somerset 10 – 13 Cornwall. A good win for Cornwall with Chad Collins scoring a try and Richard Kevern kicking the conversion and two penalty goals.

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HILL SEEKS LEVEL PLAYINGFIELD

Bit of a turn up for the books at Camborne on Sunday afternoon as Birmingham & Solihull Bees picked up a draw in their “home” game against the Cornish Pirates, switched to Cornwall due to the weather conditions in the midlands 31-31. Ben Patston, a thorn in the side of Redruth last season when playing for Cambridge, scored 21 of the Bees’ points with two tries, four conversions and a penalty.

The Midlanders well-documented tale of woe this season appears to have taken a turn for the better with the news this week that they were signing 16 players amongst them former Pirate Chris Cracknell and former Cornish All Black Glen Remnant!

The Pirates looked to be set fair for a routine win cruising at 31-17 with 20 minutes to play, tries from Rob Cook, Blair Cowan (2), Tyrone Holmes and a penalty-try award from referee Wayne Barnes, foot of the gas or what they were pegged back much to the annoyance Chris Stirling.

On Saturday, Redruth chalked up a much needed win over strugglers Nuneaton, the Reds winning 34-3, thanks to tries from Mark Bright (2), Lewis Vinnicombe, Herbie Stupple and Chris Morris.

The Cornish All Blacks made it six on the bounce with a fine 26-22 win at Stourbridge. Tries came from Darren Semmens, Ryan Westren, Jason Luff and a penalty-try. Tony Yapp kicked three conversions.

Some interesting developments up at Launceston during the week with the news that No.8 Sam Hocking and scrum-half Ed Lewsey were both off on loan to Plymouth Albion. Whilst the initial loan period is for one month only, Jon Hill in his statement seemed to concede the likelihood that Hocking would probably be moving to a higher level of rugby next season. Whist galling for Launceston supporters especially at a time when the team is playing so well, I am sure we all wish Sam well and will follow his progress keenly.

Jon has also been in the news this week with his views on re-structuring of rugby at level 3 and has written to the National Clubs Association asking to canvas their members on the subject. The financial position of many clubs is becoming increasingly perilous due in part to the continued cut in funding from the RFU as well as a drop in attracting sponsors. “How on earth are the Cornish All Blacks and Redruth supposed to play the likes of Blaydon, Tynedale, Wharfedale and Otley when there is no funding to support such trips in the future? The “contributions” for travel do not cover the costs of it, and therefore the RFU are expecting “amateur”players to lose money by taking time off work on a Friday in order to undertake a 10-hour coach journey to play on the other side of the country for no reward”.

Hill also added “A North, Midlands, South split would cut down this amount of overnight stays by about 90 per cent and reduce travel costs (coach/train) significantly”. The Sunday Independent are seeking views so contact sport@sundayindependent.co.uk.

News also this week that the much maligned Skinners Brewery Cornwall Super Cup is to make a return with Launceston and Redruth staging a two-legged final to help generate some more funding for both clubs. Redruth’s Director of Rugby commented “As both our clubs are feeling the pinch, with the reduction in funding from the Rugby Football Union, reduction in income from sponsorship and other fund raising activities within the clubs due, in the main, to the recession it was good to discuss the possibilities of our clubs competing for the “Skinners Brewery Super Cup.” Our respective gates this season have proven that the clash between the Reds and the Blacks is the most eagerly awaited and supported derby in Cornwall. The atmosphere at both games was electrifying and it was a wonderful occasion for both sets of supporters and players alike. Games between our clubs are always fiercely competitive and this year’s encounters did not disappoint, to take that competitiveness into a two legged Cup Final can only be good for the game in Cornwall”.

The CRFU have yet to confirm the dates but Hon Sec Alan Mitchell gave the following information The matches will be played on a “Home and Away” basis with provisional dates for the fixtures to be at Launceston on Sunday March 14th and with the return leg at Redruth on Sunday April 11th, We would hope to confirm these dates within the next couple of weeks. The prospect of the games being well supported will be welcomed by the respective Club Treasurers and with part of the gate money passing to the Cornwall RFU for distribution to all clubs taking part in the “Skinners Brewery” CRFU Cup Competitions, Rugby across the whole county will benefit.

In the Tribute regional league, in Southwest 1 West, it remains to be seen if the result between St. Ives and Newton Abbot will stand as the game was abandoned with just eight minutes remaining with the Devon side leading 7-3.

In Western Counties West, match of the day was at Camborne when first took on second. The Cherry & Whites gave their promotion hopes a boost inflicting Kingsbridge’s first league defeat of the season. Scrum-half Dave Mankee bagged all of Town’s points with a try and conversion plus two penalties in a13-5 win.

Surprise of the day came in the latest Cornish derby at the Molesworth Field when visitors Newquay Hornets overturned Wadebridge Camels 20-3. Mark Ley and Karl Maslen scored the Hornet’s tries with Sam Cullen and Chevy Reed both kicking a penalty goal and conversion. Sam Cullen kicked a consolation penalty for the Camels.

Bude had a good win at Bencoolen Meadow defeating visitors Minehead Barbarians 20-13 scoring four un-converted tries from Matt Trewin, Dan Miles, Dan Denton and Paul Williams.

Tavistock gave departing coach Steve Rush a win as they defeated Penryn 12-8, Phil Hinchley scored the Borough’s try with Dave Pascoe kicking a penalty.

Truro kept up promotion bid with a narrow 12-10 win, thanks to 4 Scott Martin penalties over North Petherton at St. Clements.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish ground out a 3-0 win at Trojans in the mud.

In the Cornwall & Devon league, St. Austell defeated Saltash 30-8 at Tregorrick. Stithians scored five tries in defeating Plymstock 24-15 at home. Falmouth earned a much-needed win beating Exeter Saracens 10-6 at the Rec. Liskeard & Looe won 8-6 at Teignmouth, but Hayle lost on their trip to Devon going down 22-5 at Bideford.

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YAPP’S JOKER TRUMPS REDS

Redruth’s pre-match promoting of this latest Cornish derby centred around the deck of playing cards, but it was the Cornish All Blacks who ended up trumps with Tony Yapp playing a last gasp joker with an ungainly drop-goal, which broke Redruth hearts and gave the Launceston club the league double over their Cornish rivals. More importantly for the East Cornwall side it was a fifth consecutive victory moving them up to third in the table as they go into next weekends vital clash with second placed London Scottish at Polson Bridge.

Despite the overnight freezing conditions the Redruth pitch was in fine fettle as kick-off approached. With the mid-winter sunshine conditions seemed ideal for a running game. However the occasion got to both sides and what ensued for the next eighty minutes was a tight cagey affair in which defences dominated, laced with plenty of passion and commitment, naturally in such a game boiling over from time to time, with thankfully nothing too distasteful.

The Cornish All Blacks kicked off playing down the slope with early pressure bringing the visitors a penalty chance as Redruth were penalised for not rolling away. Up stepped Yapp who coolly slotted his penalty, Redruth had been warned.

From the re-start Redruth earned a penalty chance as Launceston went over the top, but unfortunately Reds’ fly-half Brett Rule was unable to tie the scores as his effort went wide of the uprights.

Stung by this set-back Redruth threw everything at the Launceston defence with winger Lewis Vinnicombe making a dangerous run into the visitors 22 down in the Strawberry Lance corner.

Back came the visitors as play ebbed, with Yapp getting a second penalty chance as Redruth were penalised once more by referee Mr.Tutty at the breakdown, surprisingly the normally reliable All Black fly-half fired his effort wide.

Redruth found them selves under further pressure as lock Nathan Pascoe was yellow carded for a professional foul picked up by touch judge Lloyd Jackson on 14 minutes. Despite the numerical disadvantage it was Redruth who were next to score. Launceston’s scrum-half Ed Lewsey’s clearance kick from a scrum in his own 22 was charged down by his opposite number Mark Richards, the Redruth man gathered and scampered in to a huge cheer from the Redruth crowd, Rule added the conversion for a 7-3 lead.

Launceston powered back at the Reds putting the home side under torrid pressure until half-time, Yapp was again unsuccessful with another penalty attempt, whilst a powerful drive from Launceston’s No.8 Sam Hocking set up a great position for the visitors but once again the Redruth defence held with Rule’s tackle on Mal Roberts inspirational for his side, also in the line outs some fine work from Damien Cook and Matt Evans denied the Cornish All Blacks possession at vital moments. Despite the pressure Launceston couldn’t add to their score and turned around 7-3 down.

Redruth looked to take advantage of the slope second half putting Launceston under pressure but they couldn’t get the breakthrough, and were handicapped when losing through injury their influential full-back Paul Thirlby. Instead it was Launceston who got the next score as Yapp kicked a second penalty on 56 minutes.

It set the match up for a pulsating final quarter and you felt that the next score to either side would prove to be the match winner in such a tight contest. Both sides brought on their bench replacements as they seeked an edge. Yapp gave notice of intent as he miscued a drop-goal attempt, whilst another thumping Rule tackle this time on Cornwall captain Ryan Westren exemplified Redruth’s iron resolve. But it was Launceston who were on the attack, Steve Perry who had come on for Jon Fabian probed with his darting runs stretching time and again the Redruth defence, eventually Launceston drove deep enough into the Redruth 22 to set up Yapp for another drop-goal attempt, this time the fly-half’s effort staggered it’s way over the bar to take the spoils and silence the Redruth crowd.

After a difficult week struggling with a bout of swine-flu, this wasn’t the tonic that Redruth’s head coach was looking for, but he was quick to praise his opponents win “It’s hard to take but I feel that Launceston just about deserved the win today.

“I think the score was a fair reflection of the game. If you look at territory and possession they had large chunks of it . That’s not a slight on our boys we defended heroically, good on them, but the telling thing was that Launceston kept their nerve and for the last 15 minutes or so we were holding on.

“We decided to try and win by defending, they decided to try and win by attacking. We kicked poorly at the end. It didn’t help losing Paul Thirlby with an injury, Paul’s kicking game was a crucial loss at that time of the game

On the manner of the loss to a late strike from Tony Yapp, Hambly continued “If you pay that sort of money you get that sort of player. We’ve got a guy who has come through our colts, they have got a guy who is a former England A international, that’s the haves and have-nots of modern day rugby. Fair game to them but Brett Rule can hold his head up against Tony Yapp today that’s for sure. It would be wrong to single anyone out all the guys worked so hard. You can never be too upset if everyone gives 100 per cent. No one can say today that he hasn’t played well or that he hasn’t tried.

Despite leading 7-3 at the break Hambly knew his side needed an early score in the second half to have a chance of winning “I just wanted to get a score, I said at half-time I didn’t want to win by defending, I wanted to win by attacking. I thought we started the first fifteen minutes of the second half on top but we just couldn’t break their line, a couple of bad choices by our guys in crucial areas probably cost us. A little bit more nerve a little bit more sense we probably could have just nicked it, difficult to criticise anyone but Launceston just about shaded it.

“We will look at next Saturday’s trip to Esher we are disappointed but we will re-group, that’s the half-way mark for us in the season, I hope we can go on and win the rest of our home games this season and pick up one or two wins on the road and finish in a respectable place in the league table.”

Jon Hill Launceston’s head coach was understandably delighted with his side’s final flourish to pinch the win “What a way to win a derby game, you couldn’t have scripted it better, that’s what Tony Yapp is there to do. He had a bit of an off day with the boot in the first half but completely made up for it during the second period.

“He took those opportunities, I think that’s our first drop-goal of the season as well. There are people at our club harping on about drop-goals winning games for quite sometime so perhaps that might quieten them a bit for now.

On his side’s overall performance Hill was a little less happy “I don’t think it was a great performance from us we made a lot of errors, we had a lot of opportunities towards the end of the first half when we were camped in their 22 for about 15 minutes Redruth’s tight defence was phenomenal, it was really good, very hard to break down hence they have nilled us in terms of scoring tries today. That for me was disappointing because I felt at the end of the first half had we taken those opportunities we could have been points up, but we weren’t.

“The first 15 minutes of the second half were pretty dead we struggled to get any form of pace into the game, I thought the arrival of Steve Perry totally changed the perspective of the game, he put the ball into the wide channel, we started to play with a little bit more freedom and in the end reaped the rewards because of that.

“We’ve been so focused on this one game that I haven’t yet set any goals for the New Year, this one game has certainly ruined my Christmas and New Year I haven’t been able to get this fixture out of mind for weeks, that’s what Redruth v Launceston games are all about it’s such a huge occasion and it means so much to Cornish people and it means so much to us as a rugby club to come through this with a victory is fantastic.

Hill however has to set his sights now on the visit of second place London Scottish to Polson on Saturday “It’s going to be a huge test for us against a side riding high, but we have to remind ourselves that we’ve won the last five games on the bounce, it’s a while since we lost at home (Esher) and we must go into that game full of confidence.”

Redruth 7 pts

Try – Richards, Conversion – Rule

Yellow Card – Pascoe

Cornish All Blacks 9 pts

Penalties – Yapp (2), Drop-goal – Yapp

Redruth: P Thirlby (N Simmons 43), L Vinnicombe, C Bonds (M Gidlow 68), S Evans, C Morris, B Rule, M Richards; D Jacques (Cap’t), O Hambly, S Heard (P Joyce 64), D Cook, N Pascoe (R Carroll 54), M Evans (H Stupple 68), C Fuca, M Bright.

Cornish All Blacks: J Fabian (S Perry 55), J Luff, R Westren, M Roberts (Cap’t), K Lewitt, T Yapp, E Lewsey; T Mathias, D Semmens (J Salter 66), B Pow (N Bayliss 66), D Kimberley (B Hilton 51), B Jenkins, J Lord, T Rawlings (M Rawlings 71), S Hocking.

Referee: Mr. M Tutty (RFU)

Crowd: 2,010

Redruth man-of-the-match: Brett Rule

Posted in Bill's Blog


COOK SERVES UP CHRISTMAS FEAST

CORNISH PIRATES 46 – 7 PLYMOUTH ALBION

This was a Christmas Cracker of a game, with the result sending the majority of the 5,654 spectators back home rejoicing. Seven tries scored in a 46-7 stuffing that the fans have waited a long, long time to enjoy.

Whilst full-back Rob Cook continues to enhance his growing reputation amongst the Pirates’ faithful, his 21 point contrubution was a major factor in the win, it was as ever the pack that laid the foundations to this superbe win, with that old warhorse, prop Alan Paver along with his mates in the front row Ryan Storer and hooker Dave Ward getting that decisive edge up front. Paves deservedly got the man-of-the-match award on behalf of his magnificent pack.

With the Pirates leading 14-0 thanks to tries from Chris Morgan and Aisea Havili, what a great juggle to baffle the Albion cover, Albion threw everything at the Pirates’ pack. A series of scrums down in the Pirates 22 seemed to go on for ever. Surely the Albion juggernaut would somehow force their way over, but no! The Pirates’ pack held them, matched them and in the end bettered them. When the Pirates got a penalty to reieve the pressure it was Albion whose top blew. Then when the Pirates got up field and scored a third try from Cook just after to make it 21-0 the major physcological battle of the day had been won.

Soon after half-time Cook kicked a penalty and scored his second try to secure the bonus point. With skipper Gavin Cattle, Blair Cowan and Jonny Bentley all adding scores to leave backs coach Harvey Biljon a happy man at the final whistle. “I’m absolutley delighted, if we were looking for a late Christmas present I think we got it today.

“It’s been all about our preparation, we knew there were going to be interuptions for Christmas but all credit to the players for staying focused the way they did.

“If you look at the game, the performance from the forwards and the backs, the way we moulded them together was great for the team.

“Hopefully we can build on this and it gives us a little bit of confidence and momentum going into what is undoubtedly going to be a very tough game on Friday at Bristol.”

Bill Sobey’s WMN match report can be found in the link

Graham Dawe’s view of events from the Plymouth Evening Herald

Boxing Day saw the traditional fixtures played with Camborne hosting their old foes from Redruth. A close game saw the Reds defeat the Cherry & Whites 12-5, with Tom Duncan and Nick Simmons scoring tries for the Reds, Adam Hosking kicking a conversion. For Camborne Sam Matavesi scored a try.

At the Memorial Ground, Penryn defeated Falmouth 31-3 with Darren Pellow scoring a hat-trick of tries for the Borough with James Mann and Dave Pascoe scoring the other tries, Pascoe kicked three conversions, whilst Jack Brown kicked an early penalty for Falmouth.

St. Ives defeated Hayle at Alexandra Road 38-0.

With the Pirates facing Championship leaders Bristol on New Year’s Day the big game on Saturday is at Redruth as Launceston visit the Rec for a no holds barred Cornish Derby in National League 1. It promises to ” The Match of the Day” in Cornwall. Will Nigel Hambly be smiling or will Jon Hill dance his jig on the touch line ??

I wish “One & All” a very Happy New Year, Bledhen Nowyth Da!

Posted in Bill's Blog


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