Cornwall stretch resources for Herts test

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) 2019, Under 20 County Championship campaign is now into the knock out stage of the Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall will play Hertfordshire at Cheshunt RFC with a 13:30 kick off time on Sunday March 31st.

rnwall RFU President Peter James said “This will be a real test for a young side that need to pull themselves back together following the defeat against Gloucestershire 2 weeks ago. An away trip to Hertfordshire who topped their group is a daunting task, but one this team I am sure will relish.”

Coach Josh Lord said. “We make no excuses for our last performance which was below the standard these guys are capable of, and we expect. Hertfordshire will go into this game as favourites especially with home advantage and rightly so, it is up to these guys now to perform to their true potential if they wish to progress in the competition. From now on in, it is winner takes all.”

Cornwall Captain Torin Clarke said. “As a group of players we felt we let our coaches and of course the supporters down at St Austell last week. It is easy to make excuses the true fact is we did not perform well enough on the day and Gloucestershire were a class outfit and that reflected in the score line.”

Hertfordshire won all of their group games with victories over Sussex, Eastern Counties and finally last week over Kent to top their group. Cornwall defeated Devon and Hampshire before losing to Gloucestershire coming runners up in their group and therefore earning an away quarter-final place.

The Cornwall U20 team manager Colin Hatch said. “Unfortunately we have picked up a few injuries and of course most teams will be playing on Saturday before we make a long trip to Hertfordshire to play on Sunday. This gives an opportunity for a couple of the squad members to get a run out at this crucial stage of the competition.”

Cornwall find themselves without prop Jack Hodge, who picked up a calf problem in the last game, whilst Aaron Simmonds, Alistair Harding and Charlie Levick are also missing from the backs.

Redruth’s Luke Barnes gets his first start at loose head prop, whilst St. Ives’ Aden Brassington starts at seven again in the pack. A change at fly half sees another Red James Tucker fill the spot with Will Trewin moving to centre. Jake Penprase moves to wing joining St. Austell’s Ben Plummer whilst Launceston’s Reuben Edwards covers full back. Camborne’s Adam Long comes onto the bench along with debutant Tom Wallace an exciting prospect and recent signing at the Borough via Waikato.  

                           Hertfordshire U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 31 March @ Cheshunt RFC 13:30 kick-off

Cornwall Squad 

Coaches – Josh Lord + Rich Kevern

Medical cover – Graham Ashton + Lauren Albury

Kit – Paul Hurrell (Head) + Colin Hatch