A 33 – 3 win over Nottingham at the Mennaye on Sunday afternoon booked a semi-final slot for the Cornish Pirates in this season’s British & Irish Cup.
The final four sees an all Celtic line up with Cross Keys (Wales) and Munster and Leinster (Ireland) also in the draw, which will take place on January 30th.
The Pirates have already played and beaten both Cross Keys and Munster in this season’s competition, whilst Leinster are also familiar opponents in this competition.
The semi-finals are due to be played over Easter weekend, i.e. 6/7/8 April.
You can read Dick Straughan’s match report from the Western Morning News in the link
It’s been a tough couple of weeks at Redruth and the news last week that Director of Rugby Dave Penberthy will be stepping down from his post at the end of the season came as a surprise.
I know that he will want to hand over the club in good order to the new head coach. So a chapter closes and another one is set to be written in the rich history of the Reds.
Dave will certainly be missed in his role, along with Nigel Hambly they oversaw one of the richest periods of Redruth’s history on the playing side as the club almost made it to the second tier of English rugby.
A rich crop of young talent will be his legacy to the club and on Saturday we certainly saw the potential of players such as Dean Bonds, Luke Johnson and Craig “Eggy” Williams as they all played a part in Redruth’s 36 – 15 win over Lydney. You can read my match report from the Western Morning News in the link
The Cornish All Blacks suffered another late defeat this time at Worthing by 24 – 16. Once again you can read all the action from Dick Benson-Gyles report in the Western Morning News link
In Tribute South West 1 West; Wadebridge Camels sprung the surprise of the day when they defeated leaders Brixham 22 – 20 at the Molesworth Field. Camborne had a good win on the road when they defeated Thornbury 29 – 19 and Penryn eased relegation worries with a 17 – 10 at home to Sidmouth.
In Tribute Western Counties West; St. Austell still lead the way despite their match at St. Ives being called off. Sadly the Hakes have conceded the points as they were unable to raise a side. Bude and Truro enjoyed good wins over Wellington and Ivybridge respectivly.
In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League; Hayle continue to slip down the table following another loss this time at Withycombe 25 – 18. Veor won the Cornish derby against Newquay Hornets 17-12 at Wheal Gerry and Pirates Amateurs won at Totnes 43 – 21 in a high scoring match. Falmouth couldn’t follow up their win at Hayle the previous week as they lost at the Rec 29 – 5 to leaders Honiton, whilst Liskeard/Looe lost a tight game at Crediton 18-16.
In Tribute Cornwall 1; Saltash lead the table and look well-placed for promotion. Helston are in the runners-up spot with St. Just third.
In Tribute Cornwall 2 St. Agnes lead the table by three points from St. Day with a game in-hand, whilst Perranporth are third a further point adrift.
Congratulations to the Exeter Chiefs on their qualification for the Amlin Cup quarter-finals following their 31 – 14 win over Perpignan at Sandy Park. All the more remarkable as they were 14 – 0 down early in the game. The draw now sees them off to Paris to play Stade Francais over the Easter weekend.
A reminder that the U.20’s County Championship is just around the corner with Cornwall playing their opening fixture at Camborne on Sunday 5th February kick-off 2-30 pm. The boys will need a big crowd to cheer them on so get down to Camborne that afternoon and give the boys your support, they will appreciate it.
I was sorry to hear that Jack Nowell’s season is over after he picked up a knee injury last week in Exeter Chief’s Amlins Cup win in Italy against Cavalieri Prato. Jack was set to feature in the England U.20 6 Nations but will now have to sit it out. There will still be Cornish representation at Chief’s prop Luke Cowan-Dickee currently dual-registered with the Plymouth Albion is in the squad.
Congratulations to Matt Hopper formerly of Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates and now at Harlequins who has been selected for the England Saxons squad to face the Irish Wolfhounds at Sandy Park Exeter on Saturday.
