BRISTOL SUNK IN PORT MENNAYE

We may not, just yet, be at the sharp end of the RFU Championship season, but to all intense and purpose you had a pretty good view of what to expect down at the Mennaye Field yesterday afternoon when the Cornish Pirates played Bristol in a good old West country derby.

No quarter asked nor given, toe to toe all afternoon and a narrow but well-deserved 18-17 win for the Pirates. Just the tonic needed before the play-offs begin in March.

And with Chris Stirling back at the helm the Pirates are well-prepared for the stormy waters that lie ahead. If it doesn’t whett your appetite for what lies ahead then nothing will!

You can read Bill Sobey’s match report from the Western Morning News in the link

Despite the worries over injuries Redruth got the win they needed at relegation haunted Barnes 15-9 on Saturday in National League 2 South. A Penalty-Try and score from prop Peter Joyce along with a penalty and conversion from Brett Rule saw the Reds home.

Ed Bawden’s match report from the Western Morning News in the link

The Cornish All Blacks found it tough going at Dry Leas as Henley Hawks got revenge for their defeat at Polson earlier in the season with a 28-5 win. Scrum-half Lewis Webb getting the All Blacks sole score.

You can read Dick Benson-Gyles’ report from the Western Morning News in the link

Match of the day in Cornwall on Saturday was Camborne’s top-of-the-table clash with Tribute South West 1 West leaders Brixham at the Rec.

The Cherry and Whites put their unbeaten home league record this season on the line. A game they really needed to win slipped away from them as the Fisherman scored a bizzare second try mid-way through the second half to seal the game with a 15-8 win. Dave Mankee penalty and Richie Kevern try got Town’s points, but it’s going to take a big effort and hopefully a bit more luck than they had on Saturday for Camborne to get to the play-off spot.

At the other end of the table, Wadebridge Camels did their hopes the power of good with a resounding 32-0 at Penryn. Camels scored five tries with a brace from Will Pengelly, Adam Collins, Nick Yelland and Ashley Rescorla also getting touchdowns. Penryn are now deep in the mire with a swift return to Western Counties West looking more than likely.

In Tribute Western Counties West, leaders St. Austell were given a nasty shock as Truro completed a league double with a 9-0 win at Tregorrick Park. Jake Champion kicking three penalties. That loss means that St. Austell have slipped to second spot three points behind new leaders North Petherton.

St. Ives suffered another defeat at home to Torquay Athletic 22-8. Despite leading from a Tom Chandler try, the Hakes were rocked by the Tics second-half performance. Jacob Ninnes  added a second half penalty for St. Ives.

Bude won 30-18 at Kingsbridge in a game which doubled as an Intermediate Cup tie. Adam Black and Andy Yates both got a couple of tries with Kyle Speare getting the fifth Bude try.

Hayle had a good win at Crediton 18-6 in the RFU Senior Vase.

On Sunday Cornwall U.20’s played the second match in this season’s County Championship. The young Black & Golds got a hard-fought win at Wellington against Somerset 22-20.

The game almost didn’t take place as the officials never turned up!!

Luckily Somerset Society’s Roger Simon was present at the ground and he ended refereeing the whole game.

For Cornwall Cornish All Black wing Aron Struminski scored a couple of tries with clubmate Kyle Moyle adding four penalties.

That win was vital for Cornwall as they need to avoid finishing bottom of the group.

You can read Nigel Walrond’s match report in the link

It’s also vital to thank the Cornwall players all of whom would have played on Saturday for having the committement and energy to play two days on the trot. I am sure I speak for all Cornwall supporters when I say to them “Thank you, One & All”.

My blog and results round up will be delayed next weekend as I have a weekend off and go to Murrayfield for Scotland v France. Looking forward to a great weekend in Edinburgh.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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