Cornwall set fair for Lancashire test

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Semi-final.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 continues as they take on Lancashire in the semi-final of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 17 April. The team face a 750-mile round trip and play the hosts Lancashire at Wigan RUFC at Wingates Road Wigan.

CRFU President John Sumnall said “Following a tremendous performance in the quarter-final v Hertfordshire, Cornwall must travel on Easter weekend to Lancashire. I would like to record my thanks for the effort that the coaches, medics, backroom staff have put in throughout the season which has brought about this semi-final appearance. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented over the season, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”

Harry Andrewartha (Redruth) of Cornwall U20s looking to offload the ball out of the tackle. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 20/03/22, Cornwall U20s, Hertfordshire U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarterfinal. The quarterfinals were played at Camborne RFC with a home win 36 -17 which sees Cornwall earn an away semi-final.

Archie Rolls (St Austell) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Tom Wilton (Old Albanians) of Hertfordshire U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 20/03/22, Cornwall U20s, Hertfordshire U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We are now one of only four teams left in this competition for this year, and you do not get any second chances, so the guys must perform. Following the win against Hertfordshire we have had a few training sessions and the guys need to be ready from the off for this important game. We know that northern teams normally have big packs and will try to intimidate us, but the guys know what they are up against and must go out there and perform.  All the remaining teams have won or been runners up in there qualifying pools as well as won their quarterfinals, so there are no easy games. Everybody involved would also like to record our thanks to the CRFU management board for their continued support to enable us to progress within this competition”

The winner of this game will play the winners of Kent v Yorkshire, a date, location, or time has not been released yet by the RFU!!

Archie Pilcher (Pirates Ams) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Kwarme Adejem (Cheshunt) of Hertfordshire U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 20/03/22, Cornwall U20s, Hertfordshire U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, Quarter Final CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, “We’re aware as a team of the pressure that we’ll face in this semi-final. That’s just a given considering the competitiveness in the last 4. But I don’t have any doubt that our team is ready to dig in away from home and do what’s required. We’re a strong team and regardless of the home or away turf I’m confident about the ability in our team.’’

Lancashire won their away pool game v Cheshire 17 – 29, their home game against Yorkshire was not played and they therefore had an away quarterfinal v East Midlands which they won again 17 – 29 to take them into the semi-finals.

The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The competition this year has had some challenges for the CRFU as the RFU have cut funding for the pool stages and have initially said there will be no additional funding to assist in travelling or hotels costs. Therefore, the CRFU management board have had to look very closely at all expenditure, with the rising fuel costs and the game being played on Easter Sunday and with an away draw in the semi-final has certainly added to the pressures we face”

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance. 

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com

Mob – 07967725368

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

13/04/22

Gate entry at Wigan on Sunday is adults £4 with programme, Under 16’s £1.

                            Lancashire U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 17 April @ Wigan RUFC 1315 kick off

Cornwall Squad 

1Rowan LawrenceFalmouth
2Tyler DowerCamborne
3Declan ProwseCamborne
4Jago ShepperdRedruth
5Toby Osborne (Captain)Pirates Ams
6Jack KingCamborne
7Freddie TrewinHelston
8Archie PilcherPirates Ams
9Joe TanswellPenryn
10Sam WalkerExeter Uni
11Lachlan SurridgeCamborne
12Jamie StanlakeCardiff Met
13Harry AndrewarthaRedruth
14Lewis BostockTruro
15Harry LarkinsCamborne
16Matt PritchardFalmouth
17Archie RollsSt Austell
18Max CardwellPirates Ams
19Connor TriggsTruro
20Joss PascoeTruro
21Josh AndersonTruro
22Joe McCarthyCamborne School of Mines
 Travelling Reserves
23Eli WilliamsPirates Ams
24Pat WaltonPenryn
   
   
   

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Sam West + Neville Curnow

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop

Posted in Bill's Blog

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