BRAVE BAY BOW OUT

It was always going to be a “David & Goliath” encounter, Mount’s Bay having already this season seen the pace and power of a National League 1 side in Esher, knew they were in for a tough afternoon down at the Mennaye. The final score of 7-66 will come as no surprise to those who have witnessed Nottingham this season at first hand. For the record Ben Hilton got Bay’s only try with Dan Hawkes kicking the conversion. Nottingham now face Leeds Carnegie in the semi-final of the EDF-Energy National Trophy. Well done Bay for getting this far the extra revenue will have been a godsend.

Congratulations to Liskeard & Looe for reaching the semi-finals of the EDF-Energy Junior Vase, they are now just one game away from a Twickenham appearence. The Lions 29-10 win over fellow Cornish side St. Austell sets up a home semi-final against Lowestoft & Yarmouth. Four tries for the homeside thanks to Phil Bennett, Ryan Morris, Andy Sheer and Baz Hocking, who also added three penalties. For St. Austell a late consolation score by Milo Bright converted by Paul Newnham who earlier kicked a penalty was scant comfort.

On Friday evening three Cornishmen were in the England Counties team that earned a 13-13 draw with AIB Irish Clubs at Leinster’s Donnybrook ground in Dublin. Redruth’s Darren Jacques and Luke Collins teamed up with last season’s Cornwall captain Josh Lord of the Cornish All Blacks. All three Cornishmen were in the starting XV. Well done lads you did Cornwall proud.

I felt sorry for poor old Phil Vickery on Saturday as that yellow card he received and the vilification in certain quarters of the press look likely to have scuppered his chances of leading the British & Irish Lions in South Africa this summer. He didn’t deserve that not for all he has done for the English in the past! Come on home to Cornwall m’ andsome you’re always welcome down ‘eere.

A few catch up league matches this wekend with the Cornish Pirates travelling up to Monk’s Lane to play the Newbury Blues, and another five points in the bag with a 39-10 win in National League 1. The Pirates scored five tries thanks to Bertrand “Allez France” Bedes, Jimmy Moore with a brace, Nicky Griffiths and Darren Dawiduik, Rhys Jones kicked four conversions and a couple of penalties.

In Tribute South West 2 West, St. Ives continued their fine form with a 35-15 win at Walcot to go level on points with 3rd placed Avonmouth. Tries for the Hakes by Rob Rowe, Tom Outram, Craig Williams and Ben Taylor with Karl Martin kicking three conversions and three penalties.

No joy for Camborne in their Western Counties West game at Ivybridge as they lost 25-0.

In London, our exiles club London Cornish beat Guernsey 31-10 in London 3 SW. Coach Dickon Moon’s report can be found in the link.

In the Cornwall & Devon league, Saltash lost 27-11 at Plymstock. Rob Wooldridge with a try and Nigel Owen two penalties scored the Ashes’ points.

In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup, last season’s beaten finalists Bude made the last four again this season with a comfortable 55-10 win over Falmouth at the Recreation Ground.

On Sunday, Camborne after their league whitewash the previous day had more to smile about as they defeated Hayle 21-6 to also reach the last four of this season’s Cornwall Cup. Camborne will now face Bude in the semi-finals, whilst Truro will host St. Ives in the other. Ties will probably be played over the weekend of 21st March.

In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-final 1st leg played also on Sunday, Liskeard & Looe after their heroics of the previous day lost by a point at Lux Park 13-12 to Stithians.

Cornwall U.20’s got their County Championship campaign off to a losing start when they lost to Devon up at Barnstaple 26-10. Chris Morris (Cornish All Blacks) scored Cornwall’s try with with clubmate Josh Coles adding the conversion and a penalty. Cornwall next play in two weeks time when they take on reigning County Champions Gloucestershire up at Lydney. More details in the link.

Posted in Bill's Blog

Older posts