All four of our National League clubs can take pride in their performances over the weekend including the Cornish All Blacks who will feel unfortunate not to have taken something from their match against Nottingham.
Result of the day has to be the Cornish Pirates thrilling win at Castle Park over the Doncaster Knights by 16 – 12. Not too many would have given the Pirates much chance of obtaining a win up north following their un-convincing displays in recent weeks. Bolstered with new signing Tongan full back Vunga Lilo, the Pirates turned the form book upside down to come away with the points. Despite falling behind to an early Doncaster penalty, the Pirates took the lead after 17 mins with a try from scrum-half Ed Fairhurst, converted by Gareth Steenson. Woodrow kicked a second penalty for the home side to reduce the deficit to one point on 30mins. Steenson kicked a penalty for the Pirates having just failed to score a try moments earlier, 10-6 to the Pirates at half-time. Woodrow once more cut the deficit to one point shortly after the resumption of play, before giving his side the lead with his fourth penalty success. The Knights spurned their opportunities to put the game beyond the Pirates, instead it was Steenson who regained the visitors the lead with a second penalty success, before sealing the win in injury time with a third penalty to slay the Knights.
Nottingham’s pack proved decisive as they claimed four of their five tries in a 31 – 23 win at Polson Bridge over the Cornish All Blacks. John Prowse has a report on the main page of the TASC site. Matt Jess once again showed what a fine player he is scoring one of the CAB’s tries. Jon Fabian scored the other two tries with Scott Ireland kicking the other points.
Redruth faired much better on this trip north claiming all five points in their National League 2 encounter at Ovenden Park against bottom side Halifax by 41 – 17. The Reds ran in six tries through Lewis Vinnicombe (2), Darren Jacques, Nathan Pascoe, Dave Pascoe and Luke Collins. Gareth Griffiths kicked the other points. Redruth will have a sterner test this Saturday when in-form Stourbridge travel down to the Recreation Ground in a re-arranged fixture.
Mount’s Bay were given an almighty fright by Lydney in their National League 3 South encounter before emerging 18-13 winners thanks to the boot of Lee Jarvis who kicked all six penalty goals for the Bay. Bay didn’t get their noses in front until 64 mins. The win keeps them at the top of the pile. Mount’s Bay return to cup action next Saturday when they entertain Hertford in the National Trophy.
A depressingly familiar tale in South West 1 and South West 2 West as both our clubs lost heavily. St. Ives would have had high hopes as they entertained fellow strugglers Bournemouth at Alexandra Road however, it was the visitors who ran out winners by 37 – 3, Mike Crump kicking the Hakes only points.
Camborne lost at Weston Hornets by 40 – 24. Town managed to score four tries through Tom Hinds, Cameron Bone, Rob Ley and Dave Eustace with Dave Mankee kicking a couple of conversions.
It wasn’t much better in Western Counties West, with only Hayle getting a point after a 20 – 20 draw at home to Minehead Barbarians. Sam Heath scored a couple of tries for the Lions.
Wadebridge Camels lost at Sidmouth by 21 – 10, whilst Bude slipped up at Tiverton 37 – 24, Matt Trewin, Paul Williams, Rob Uglow and Barry Sobey scored tries for the North Cornwall side.
The only bright spark at Penryn in recent times has been the switching on of their new flood- lights last week, the Borough lost 26 – 0 at Withycombe in their bottom of the table clash to remain firmly bottom of the league and apparently heading down to the Cornwall & Devon league next season!
Another fine win for London Cornish in London 3 SW as they defeated Old Wimbledonians 33 – 13.
The Cornwall & Devon league Newquay Hornets remain in top spot following their 23 – 17 win over Cullompton. Truro remain in second spot following their 39 – 3 win over Bideford, whilst Falmouth enjoyed a 28 – 24 win over Honiton up in Devon.
Congratulations to both Matt Evans and Rhodri McAtee from the Cornish Pirates who have both been selected for the Barbarians to play the Combined Services at the Brickfields on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7 pm). Also in the squad are Andy Birkett and Tony Roques from the Cornish All Blacks. Redruth’s Dave Pascoe will captain the Services side.