Cornwall & Gloucestershire name sides for Sunday clash

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2019

 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Under 20s take on their Gloucestershire counterparts this Sunday at St. Austell RFC in their final pool game, kick-off 13:30.

Both sides are through to the quarterfinals; however the winner of this game will guarantee themselves a home tie in the last eight against either Hertfordshire or Kent, who also meet on Sunday.

Additionally, both sides have an almost identical record going into the final game, however Gloucestershire have single point better points difference, so Cornwall must win to top the group.

Cornwall RFU President Peter James said “This is not only the final pool game but it is the pool decider to see who will gain the home quarterfinal on Sunday March 31. Gloucestershire are a hot bed of County rugby and have always provided strong opposition, I am sure this match will be no different”

Coach Richie Kevern said. “The guys earned a very impressive win at Havant two weeks ago against Hampshire on the 4G pitch. Gloucestershire like us have won their opening two pool games and so this is all to play for. If anything Gloucestershire have a slight edge as they have a better point’s difference by 1 point, so a win or a draw will see them earn a home quarterfinal, whereas Cornwall needs to win to get a home quarterfinal”

Cornwall have made a couple of changes in the back row where Eddy Hall gets his first start and Jamie Eddy starts at No.8 after missing the last game. Skipper Torin Clarke moves from No.8 to the blindside. Falmouth’s lock Stan Somers comes onto the bench having missed the Hampshire game as does St. Austell’s back Ben Plummer.

Cornwall Captain Torin Clarke said. “The guys put in a tremendous shift up at Havant but know this will be a much more physical game against a traditional Gloucestershire side. We need now to put behind us the last two games and concentrate on putting in a performance against the pool leaders.”

The Cornwall U20 team manager Colin Hatch.”To recognise the commitment to the Cornwall U20 team, 3 players will be awarded their U20 caps for making 7 or more appearance in the Jason Leonard Cup. Prop Chae Jenkins along with fellow prop and Vice-Captain Jack Hodge will be joined by Captain Torin Clarke in collecting their caps at the end of the match. This is a fantastic achievement and makes a total of 8 caps awarded so far this season.”

Entry is by program £5, with under 16s free entry. As ever your support for the lads on the afternoon will be much appreciated as they strive to earn a home quarterfinal on Sunday March 31^st.  

                           Cornwall U20 v Gloucestershire U20

Sunday 17 March @ St Austell RFC 13:30 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

Coaches – Josh Lord + Rich Kevern

Medical cover – Dr John Garman, Sam West + Graham Ashton

Kit – Paul Hurrell (Head) +Colin Hatch

                          Gloucestershire Squad