Cornwall pipped in Sandy Park thriller

EXETER CHIEFS XV, 36 – 33 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall put up a great performance against a youthful Chiefs XV before narrowly losing by just three points.

No doubt that many in the Cornwall side have put their hands up for selection next Saturday when Cornwall play Kent at Camborne in the Bill Beaumont Cup opener.

Chiefs got off to a brilliant start with a try in the first minute scored by Nick Lilley following a great run.

Cornwall came close to a reply when they drove over the line but were deemed held up.

Nic Allison then double Chief’s advantage as he went in out wide for a second unconverted try.

Cornwall’s patient play finally paid off when No.8 Shaun Buzza commenced and finished off a break from the scrum with Sam Bray playing his part. Jo Cummins added the extras.

It got better for the black and gold when Buzza passed to Max Bodilly, the former Chief cut back inside to accelerate to the posts and dot down, Cummins conversion putting Cornwall 14-10 up.

Chief’s Ollie Batson scored a third try to give the home side a 15-14 half-time lead.

Exeter got off to a great start in the second half when skipper Lewis Pearson scored with Ben Coen finally kicking a conversion.

Cornwall’s discipline was top draw as Exeter continued to fall foul of the referee. Buzza was again involved before putting Jack Stratton away for a great try in the corner.

The purple patch continued when Harry Larkins scored off a Sam James pass with Dean Wills adding the extras to put Cornwall ahead 26-22 as the final 10 minutes approached.

Hopes of a famous Cornish win were dashed when Batson and Josh Golden-Clarke bagged late tries, however Cornwall had the final say when Archie Rolls powered over, Wills’ second conversion being the final kick of the match.

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge J), Max Bodilly (London Welsh), Will Hennesy (Camborne), Jack Statton (Plymouth Albion), Jo Cummins (Redruth), George Hillson (Launceston); Kye Beasley (Camborne), Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Sam Rodman (Camborne),Mawgan Osborne (Redruth), Mark Vian (St. Austell), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock (both Launceston), Shaun Buzza (Camborne).

Replacements: Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Pete Harris (St. Austell), Archie Rolls (Camborne), Luke Hattam (Redruth), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Sam Bray, Sam James, Noah Clifford, Dean Wills, Dan Goldsmith (all Redruth), Mitchell Hawken (Launceston)