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).

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.

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.

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

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!

Rob Cook is fast making a name for himself with the Pirates’ faithful this season. The former Nuneaton player kicked an injury time conversion at Billesley Common to complete the Pirates second half recovery from 19-0 down at half-time to take the spoils 20-19!

It couldn’t have started worse for the Pirates at Moseley as within 30 seconds of the kick-off fly-half Jonny Bentley had a kick charged down at Moseley had an opening try. Four penalties from Tristan Roberts without reply put the homeside in the driving seat at half-time.

Fired up from the half-time team talk from skipper Gavin Cattle the Pirates set about clawing back the deficit, with Rhodri McAtee scoring the first Pirates’ try, Cook’s conversion plus a couple of penalties left the visitors trailing by six points with still a quarter of the match to play. However time ticked on and the Pirates were still six points adrift as time added on was being played, until Nick Jackson found his way over to set up Cook’s trump card of a boot conversion. Click on the link to read Mark Stevens’ report from the Western Morning News

Mixed results in National League 1, the Cornish All Blacks enjoyed a fine win over visitors Blaydon at Polson winning 34-3 with tries from hooker Darren Semmens centre Mal Roberts, lock Ben Hilton and winger Kerion Lewitt. Tony Yapp converted all four tries plus two conversions. A result which keeps Launceston just behind the top three Esher, London Scottish and Cambridge.

Redruth made the trip to Northumberland losing 32-15 to Tynedale. Redruth did score three tries through Lewis Vinnicombe skipper Darren Jacques and Kiwi Mark Bright, but in the end a game from which they ended up with nothing to show.

In the Tribute regional league in South West 1 West, St. Ives defeated Chosen Hill Former Pupils 33-22 at Alexandra Road in a tempestous game. Four tries for the Hakes from Ashley Weston, Andy Skinner, Tom Outram and a penalty-try award. Ian Morgan’s boot adding the other points.

In Western Counties West, Camborne’s lead at the top has been cut to a point as they were held 11-11 by Truro at St. Clements. Truro led 11-5 at half-time thanks to a try from Mark Lea and two Scott Martin penalties to a try for Camborne from lock Jonny Griffiths. In the second half Dave Mankee kicked two penalties to earn his side a share of the spoils.

The other Cornish derby saw Wadebridge Camels defeat Bude 12-0 at the Molesworth Field. Camels scored a couple of tries from Cam Lees and Ian Boyling, with Josh Taylor adding a conversion.

Penryn had a good win at home against Minehead Barbarians 20-3. Two of the Borough’s four tries were scored by the Mann brothers James and Chris, with Darren Pellow and Sam Harrison scoring the other two.

Newquay lost at Okehampton 21-6 with the Hornets points coming from the boot of Sam Cullen.

Up in London in London 2 SW, London Cornish defeated Bognor 13-8 to record their 5th straight win. Read Dickon Moon’s report here.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, St. Austell lost at Tregorrick 11-9 against un-beaten league leaders Wellington. Falmouth had a good win at the Rec 17-0 against OPM’s, whilst at Moorlands Hayle won the Cornish derby 13-12 against Saltash. The games involving Liskeard & Looe and Stithians were called off.

The date and venue for this season’s Tamar Cup has been announced by the Cornwall RFU. The match will be played on Sunday 7th March at St. Ives. Kick-Off time to be confirmed.

Cornwall’s two home fixtures in the U.20 County Championship have also been announced. On Sunday 7th February they face Gloucestershire at Launceston, then on Sunday 14th March they play Devon at Penryn. Both matches kick-off at 2-30pm. The Away game against Somerset is on Sunday 28th February venue to be confirmed.

A two week rest for the Cornish Pirates from league action, but no chance of putting up their feet. Instead a new competition to get stuck into with the first couple of rounds of the British & Irish Cup.

Having got off to a flying start last weekend at Camborne against Scottish opponents Gael Force winning 29-8, the Pirates and many of their fans travelled across to Ireland, to Donnybrook spiritual home of European Champions Leinster to take on the Irish province. No Leinster A or any other such notion this was very much a Leinster side that the Pirates tackled boasting at full back Irish International Girvan Dempsey.

It was a tight affair throughout with the home side such sneaking it 12-10 thanks to the boot of australian Shaun Berne. For the Pirates Rob Cook landed a first half penalty and then converted skipper Gavin Cattle’s second half try. A result that leaves the Pirates second in the Pool A table two points behind the leaders Leinster. WMN match report here

The competition takes a break now until February with home games against Exeter Chiefs and Newport and a trip to Plymouth Albion to decide who tops the pool and advances to the semi-finals.

With the game only broadcast by Radio Cornwall on medium wave, those unable to pick up commentary from Dick Straughan reverted to the good old Pirates’ sportsnetwork site for updates from those of us “back home” including Dicky Evans. It was good to be all togeather once more on the boards!

In National League 1 the week’s break was anything but tranquil over at Redruth were the club were obliged to undertake a financial review reulting in playing staff and coaches being asked to take a pay cut to help the club ease it’s cash flow problems. This resulted in six players leaving the club. If Newbury thought that Redruth would be a soft touch then they had a very rude awakening on Saturday as Redruth produced one of their best performances of the season in atrocious playing conditions to win 29-3. The pack played a fantastic game allowing half backs Mark Richards and Brett Rule to dictate play, Richards tactical kicking in the conditions was simply marvellous. A penalty try award with further tries from Richard Carroll, Mark Bright and Richards secured the bonus point, proving that Redruth are still very much a force to be reckoned with. Bill Sobey’s WMN match report here

Up at Polson Bridge, the Cornish All Blacks enjoyed a fine win at home against Nuneaton by 30-3 with Sam Hocking, Ed Lewsey, Mal Roberts and Jamie Salter all scoring tries for Launceston, Yapp and Roberts landed a conversion each with Yapp also kicking a couple of penalties.

For more on this game see Mike Barlow’s WMN report here

In the regional Tribute leagues, in South West 1 West, the battle of the Fishermen went the way of Brixham as they defeated St. Ives 13-7. Andrew Skinner scored the Hakes try, which Ian Morgan converted.

In Western Counties West,the Cornish derby of the day was up in North Cornwall with Bude entertaining Truro, with the city side losing touch at the top of the table as Bude won 12-8. Truro led 8-0 at half-time thanks to try from centre Justin Irons and a penalty from Scott Martin. In the second half Bude struck back with tries from prop Matt Williams and Joe Wilson with Paul Williams adding a conversion.

Camborne continue to lead at the top of the table after another good win at home against Tiverton 36-0 thanks to tries from Sam Matavesi (2), Joe Parma, Laurie Manna, Dave Roberts and Tom Notman. Dave Mankee banging over three conversions.

Wadebridge Camels are just behind Kingsbridge in third spot following their 36-10 win at basement side Withycombe. Despite being depleted Camels were too good for the hapless withies, tries for the Camels came from Sam Stone, Matt Ballard (2), Tom O’Donnell, Ben Miskowicz, and Dan Lumb with Josh Taylor kicking three conversions.

Penryn gave Kingsbridge a good game before losing 11-7 at High House with Darren Pellow scoring for the Borough and Taron Peacock converting .

Newquay Hornets lost at home to North Petherton 22-7 with Rob McIntyre scoring the hornets try and Sam Cullen converting.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish enjoyed a fine win on their “overseas” travel as they won in front of a large crowd 9-6 in Guernsey. Dickon’s report on the events in Guernsey can be found here

In the Cornwall & Devon League; St. Austell are our best place side lying 5th after their 16-10 win over Exeter Saracens at Tregorrick. Stithians slipped up at Crediton 23-6, whilst Hayle won a low scoring game at home to Plymstock 5-3, Scott Powell getting the try. Falmouth had a good win at home against Teignmouth 17-13, Sam Burke and Steve Instance scoring the tries. Liskeard & Looe had a welcome win at Lux Park against OPM’s 10-3, whilst Saltash’s trip to leaders Wellington fell foul to the weather.

With the Autumn International’s winding up, it was pleasing to note Josh Matavesi getting his third cap this autumn for Fiji playing at fly-half in their 29-18 win over the “Oaks” Romania in Bucharest on Saturday. Josh contributing 9 points with three conversions and a penalty.

No doubt that the game of the weekend in the southwest was the derby match played at Sandy Park between the unbeaten Exeter Chiefs and the Cornish Pirates in the Championship.

The Devon side reached the half-way mark of the regular season with another win their eleventh over their Cornish rivals winning a hard fought match 22-15. The Pirates at least had the satisfaction of taking a bonus point back across the border thanks to five penalties from fly-half Rob Cook and denying the Chiefs a try-scoring bonus point.

Mark Stevens report from the WMN can be found here

Next weekend it’s the start of the British and Irish Cup with Scottish side Gael Force visiting Camborne to face the Pirates.

In National League 1, the CornishAll Blacks gave Esher a right old tussle at Polson only going down by 10-6 against the league’s pace-setters. Tony Yapp kicking the All Blacks’ penalties.

Redruth were once more on the wrong end of a tight match losing 22-20 at Stourbridge. Lewis Vinnicombe (2) and Mark Bright scored the Reds’ tries with Brett Rule adding a conversion and a penalty.

A week’s break now in National League 1, which will no doubt be most welcome by the players.

In the Tribute regional leagues, in South West 1 West, St. Ives looked on course for a win over Avonmouth OB’s with 15 minutes to go of their game at Alexandra Rd leading 20-7, but at the final whistle the Hakes were left wondering what had happened as the Bristol side took the spoils 21-20! Ashley Weston, Nick Hitchen and Tim McBride scored tries for the Hakes with Ian Morgan kicking a conversion and a penalty.

In Western Counties West, Camborne are the new leaders, thanks to a fine win at Tavistock 13-8 and the fact that previous leaders Kingsbridge’s match at Okehampton was called off. A Tom Notman try and the boot of Dave Mankee saw the Cherry & Whites home.

In the latest Cornish derby at this level, Wadebridge Camels leap-frogged Truro after their 24-3 win at St. Clements to go third. Matt Ballard (2) Shaun Hawkey scored the Camels’ tries with adding all three conversions and a penalty. For Truro Ross Martin dropped a goal.

Penryn had a fine win at home against Devonport Services 57-19, with Darren Pellow scoring a hat-trick of tries and Dave Pascoe kicking seven conversions.

Newquauy Hornets defeated bottom side Withycombe 24-19 at the Sports Centre thanks to a penalty-try and further scores from Dan Pearce and Alex Woodley, Sam Cullen kicked the other points.

Bude’s game at Tiverton fell foul of the weather.

In London London Cornish defeated Weybridge Vandals 13-10 in London 2 SW. Dickon Moon’s report can be found here

In the Cornwall & Devon League both Hayle’s and Saltash’s matches were postoned. Liskeard & Looe hosted Falmouth and won 20-6, whilst St. Austell and Stithians both hosted Devon opposition losing to Crediton 15-6 and Bideford 24-0 respectively.

It was the second weekend of Internationals with France’s defeat of South Africa in Toulouse on Friday night by 20-13, the world champions having led the French 13-3 at one point, being the best game of the weekend.

Ireland dented Australian hopes of a Grand Slam tour holding the Wallabies 20-20 at Croke Park thanks to a late try from Brian O’Driscoll.

England huffed and puffed to a 16-9 win over Argentina, Scotland defeated Fiji 23-10 at Murrayfield, for whom former Camborne player Josh Matavesi made his debut. Wales defeated Samoa 17-13, whilst the All Blacks, New Zealand of course were made to work hard for their 20-6 win over Italy in the San Siro stadium in Milan

I watched two games live this weekend with both matches ending with a one point winning margin for the victorious side.

Sunday’s Championship encounter at Camborne between the Cornish Pirates and the Bedford Blues was a gripping affair, but when the Blues fly-half Myles Dorrian stepped up with just 2 minutes remaining to take a penalty on the 22 in front of the Pirates’ post it looked like another defeat was looming for the Cornish side, however to everyone’s utter amazement the ball flew past the right hand upright and the Pirates held on for an important 25-24 win.

Trailing by ten points at half-time 7-17, the Pirates had been very generous to their viditors allowing them in for a couple of tries just before the break due to some pretty feeble first up tackling. Blair Cowan had scored the Pirates opening try, which fly-half Rob Cook converted, which at the time put the Pirates 7-3 up untill the mad couple of minutes before half-time.

The Pirates came out second half intent on making up the arrears and they did with Cook adding a penalty and then converting Gavin Cattle’s try following a fine break from hooker Dave Ward.

Quick-thinking from winger Rhodri McAtee, who took a quick throw up in Hubert’s Hill 22, gave lock Ben Gulliver the chance to score the home side’s third try for 22-17 lead. The Blues hit back with a third convertred try to grab the lead once more, until another penalty from Cook gave his side the slenderist of leads. The late drama from Dorrian made sure that it was just enough to earn the points.

Some gutsy performances for the Pirates today, flankers Ben Cowan and Sam Betty had excellent games as did both the locks Ben Gulliver and Shaun Pammenter. In the backs the classy Cook caught the eye as did the industrious Nick Jackson in the centre.

Some positives to take forward as the Pirates build for Saturday’s clash at Sandy Park against the undefeated Exeter Chiefs. It promises to be a cracker!

In National League 1, Redruth this week were on the wrong end of an 11-10 scoreline as London Scottish maintained their push for top honours as they came back from 10-0 down to win with a last-gasp Frankie Neale penalty.

Fair to say that Redruth were put under tremendous pressure in this game and did well to lead at half-time 7-0 thanks to a try from Mark Bright converted by Brett Rule, Rule added a second half penalty, but Redruth made the fatal mistake of trying to close the game down and were made to pay for it.

The Cornish All Blacks got back to winning ways in impressive style winning 33-29 at Otley. Sam Hocking, Jason Luff and Josh Lord scored Launceston’s tries with Tony Yapp converting all three plus four penalties. Next up for the Cornish All Blacks the visit of leaders Esher to Polson next Saturday!

In the Tribute leagues, in South West 1 West, another fine result for St. Ives as they won 23-14 at Torquay Athletic. A penalty-try award and a second try from prop hugh Noot both converted by player/coach Ian Morgan who also kicked three penalties,

In Tribute Western Counties West, this week’s derby was at Camborne as the Cherry & Whites made it nine wins from ten with a 27-3 win over Penryn. Tom Hinds, Tom Knotman, Shane Woods and Joe Parma scored tries for Town with Dave Mankee kicking a conversion and a penalty with Woods also adding a conversion. For Penryn Taron Peacock kicked a penalty.

Newquay Hornets at last got back to winning ways with a 17-12 win at Minehead. Tim Eustace, Rob McIntyre and Lee Pascoe scored the Hornets’ tries with sam Cullen adding a conversion.

Truro won well at Withycombe 42-10 with tries comming from Luke Trescothick (2), Jake Champion (2) and Mark Lee. Scott Martin added four conversions and three penalties.

Wadebridge Camels had a fine win at home against Tiverton 51-0, scoring nine tries in all, Dan Briskham enjoyed a hat-trick, whilst Matt Ballard bagged a brace. Other scores came from Cam Lees, Tom Crothers Shaun Hawkey and Ben May. Josh Taylor added three conversions.

Bude won at home against Tavistock 22-10. Simon Hicks, Matt Trewin Luke Dunkin and Kurt Blake all scored tries with Trwin adding one conversion.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish won at Winchester by 20-7, match report here

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Stithians’ fine run came to an end at Teignmouth were the Cornish side lost 40-10 in a feisty encounter which saw three players dismissed two for the hosts and one for the visitors! Stithians sole try was scored by Damien Lyall, with Martin Strick converting and adding a penalty.

In the Cornish derby Liskeard & Looe won the battle of the “Lions” 14-6 at Hayle. Josh Rule kicked a couple of penalties for the home side, whilst James Knowles-Johnson converted his own try as well as a penalty try for the visitors.

Falmouth drew at home to Torrington 9-9, Jack Brown with two penalties and also a penalty from Matt Horton.

St. Austell lost at Bideford 15-12, Andy Ashwin kicking four penalties.

Saltash well-beaten at Crediton 63-, Rob Eatwell scoring for the Ashes with Morgan Toms converting.

In the Championship,having struggled with a spate of injuries the Cornish Pirates were this week hit by a flu bug prior to their trip to Rotherham, so in many ways it was perhaps not too surprising that they lost at Clifton Lane 29-20. Former Redruth centre PJ Gidlow came on as a second half replacement for the Titans making his debut for his new side.

The Pirates scored a couple of tries from scrum-half James Doherty and all-action skipper Blair Cowan. Jimmy Moore playing at fly-half slotted both conversions and a couple of penalties. Chris Stirling will no doubt rue the fact that his side didn’t get any points from the game despite their handicaps. Mark Stevens WMN match report can be found here

In National League 1 Redruth secured a narrow win over a very useful Otley side at the Rec. The Reds welcomed back Mark Bright after his Air New Zealand Cup exploits with Tasman Makos. It took the Kiwi No.8 just three minutes to set up a try for scrum-half Mark Richards in the Piggy Lane Corner.

With Mark Scrivener adding a couple of second half penalites the Reds looked set for the win until Otley hit back with a penalty from their excellent fly-half James Murray who also converted Oliver Stedman’s try. Redruth held out 11-10.

The Cornish All Blacks were well beaten up at Cambridge 22-8 with just a Tony Yapp penalty and a try from Bruce Pow to show for their efforts.

In the Tribute regional league in South West 1 West, St. Ives followed up their win at Yatton the previous week with an impressive 52-5 win over St. Mary’s Old Boys at Alexandra Road. The Hakes ran in eight tries with Ashley Weston, Tom Nicholas, Tom Outram, Nick Hitchens (2), Ben Taylor, Tim McBride, and Shane Poynton all crossing. Player/coach Ian Morgan chipped in with four conversions with James Trezise adding a couple more.

In Western Counties West, Camborne kept the pressure up on leaders Kingsbridge with a 30-14 win at home to Okehampton. Joe Parma, Sam Matavesi, Ryan Spargo and Laurie Manna all scored tries for the Cherry & Whites. Shane Woods adding a couple of conversions and two penalties.

The aforementioned leaders Kingsbridge won 23-0 at the Sports Centre against Newquay Hornets who are having a torrid season thus far.

Truro are third in the table after their 27-11 win at Tiverton. Rikki Brandon and Luke Trescothick scored Truro’s tries whilst the boot of Scott Martin added 17 points.

Wadebridge Camels also won in Devon 29-15 at Tavistock. Danny Briscombe (2), Ben Collings and Mark Grubb scoring the Camels’ tries. Josh Taylor kicking three out of four conversions and a penalty.

In the day’s Cornish derby Penryn defeated Bude at the Memorial Ground 34-7. Six tries for the Borough faithful to cheer from Mike Slater, Matt Symons, Allen Jordan (2), Taron Peacock and Kevin Hughes. Peacock slotting a couple of conversions. For Bude Matt Willimas got their sole try, which Olly Denford converted.

Up in London it was Intermediate Cup day with London Cornish progressing to the 3rd round with a 25-21 win over Sevenoaks. Dickon Moon’s match report can be found here.

In the Cornwall & Devon league, village side Stithians are up to third after a 41-20 win over visitors Torrington.

St. Austell, after a couple of defeats won at Tregorrick against Teignmouth 20-14.

Hayle beat Falmouth in the Cornish Derby 16-7, whilst up in the east of the county Liskeard & Looe lost at Lux Park to leaders Wellington 23-19 and Saltash lost at Moorlands to Bideford 13-9.