It seems to be the saying at the moment, but “What a weekend for Cornish Rugby”. The afterglow of the twin success’ of both the Cornish Pirates and Mount’s Bay at Twickenham on Sunday will burn for many days yet. Further good news on Sunday was the result of Redruth Colts winning their National Colts Cup semi-final 11-6 against the holders Bishop’s Stortford 11 – 6. Many Congratulations to the Redruth youngsters and coach Simon Blake in getting to the Final on May Bank Holiday Monday May 7th at Northampton’s
Franklin’s Gardens Ground against Bedford Colts with a 3pm kick-off.
The promotion race in National League 2 looks set to go down to the wire as both the Cornish All Blacks and Henley Hawks picked up four points on Saturday to leave the Cornish side with a one point advantage over the Hawks. The Cornish All Blacks travelled to the Rectory Field, Blackheath and won 20-6. The Cornish All Blacks’ tries were scored by centre Marc Sweeney and full-back Andy Birkett with fly-half Sam Young adding both conversions and a couple of penalties. Frankie Neale kicking a couple of penalties for Blackheath. Next up for the Cornish All Blacks is this Saturday’s final home game of the season against Cambridge who defeated champions Esher at the weekend, Henley travel to Esher, it’s all to play for!
Only one game in South West 1 this weekend, St. Ives travelled to Basingstoke to play their final league match and lost 44-9. The Hakes one time play-off hopefuls in this league have finished in 7th place.
Mount’s Bay were due to play at Cleve, due to their Cup Final appearance this game will now be played next Saturday.
In South West 2 West, Camborne defeated Spartans 59-3 in a game in which the referee blew up early, as the visitors had no front row cover. The Cherry & Whites scored nine tries through winger Cameron Bone (2), full-back Adam Copeland (2), skipper Dave Roberts (2), hooker Andrew Smith, flanker Kevin Penrose and centre Paul Gadsdon, Dave Mankee kicked seven conversions, Spartans only score came from a penalty kicked by Rory Teague. Camborne finished in 5th place in South West 2 West.
Penryn wrapped up their dreadful season with another loss at home to Cheltenham North by 36-12. Charlie Ross and Chris Mann scored the Borough’s two tries with Ian Morgan kicking a penalty. Penryn finished 11th and are relegated back to Western Counties West next season.
In Western Counties West, Truro lost 28-0 to champions Barnstaple who completed a perfect record played 22 won 22. Truro finished bottom of the pile and will look to re-group in the Cornwall & Devon league next season.
Bude lost their final match 19-12 at home to Sidmouth, Paul Williams scored and converted his own try whilst Rob Uglow scored the other Bude try. Bude finished in 8th place.
Hayle, with their minds already on their play-off date travelled to Ivybridge and lost by 16-10, James Jago scored the Lions’ try, which was converted by Ben Eddy who also kicked a penalty.
In the Cornwall & Devon league, Wadebridge Camels beat Wessex 54-0 but Paignton’s big win at Perranporth assured the Devon side of the league title. Camels will look forward to Western Counties West rugby next season. Perranporth will be heading back to Cornwall 1 as will St. Austell despite their final day win over Honiton 27-25. Falmouth suffered a home defeat at the hands of Tavistock by 20-17 to finish up 7th in the league.
London Cornish rounded off their league season with a good win over Sandown & Shanklin from the Isle of Wight by 40-17, they also acheiving promotion to London 3 SW next season.
Congratulations to Newquay Hornets who won promotion from Cornwall 1 to the Cornwall and Devon league next season. Liskeard & Looe will face a tricky play-off against Bideford in North Devon for the remaining place. Relegated from Cornwall 1 are Camborne School of Mines and Illogan Park.
In Cornwall 2, Roseland are the champions with St. Just also being promoted.
Finally good luck and bon voyage to the Cornwall squad as they travel to Brittany this weekend to play a Sélection du Finistère in Quimper on Saturday.
