CORNWALL UNDER 20’S STORM INTO QUARTER-FINALS

The young black and golds put in a storming performance at Penryn’s Memorial Ground yesterday afternoon to book their place in the National Quarter-Finals of this season’s Under 20 County Championship.

They followed up their 37-35 win against Dorset & Wilts with an 18-15 win over Devon to finish top of their pool.

The whole side performed well; there was a big shift from prop Tyler Gendall whilst skipper Todd Prisk playing at lock lead the side with great maturity.

Scrum-half Sam Fox is going to be one to watch over the next few years as is hooker Jack Innard.

Good to see our U.20 Player of the Year from last season Neil Broadbank getting back into the game following a lengthy lay off through injury, he came off the bench putting in a good solid quarter.

Fly-half Rhys Brownfield scored thirteen of Cornwall’s points with a try, conversion and two penalties with winger Brad Janes getting Cornwall’s other try.

I spoke to coaches Ian Morgan and Mike Rawlings along with Team Secretary Chris Lea after the game and they were all delighted with the boy’s performance and the maturity they showed, also the pride and passion of wearing the black and gold hoops.

Photo by Phil Trevarton, Cornwall’ No.8 Brad Howe ready to pounce, whist Cornwall’s scrum-half Sam Fox nails Devon’s No.8 Chris Courtier

Cornwall must now wait to see who they will play at home in the Quarter-Finals.

Congratulations to Jack Nowell on winning his third England cap against Ireland on Saturday. England’s 13-10 win over the Irish means that no side can win the Grand Slam this season. England are two thirds of the way towards a first Triple Crown since 2003, a win against Wales at Twickenham will clinch it.

Cruel luck for Launceston’s Ben Hilton and Cambridge prop Jamal Ford-Robinson who of course hails from Cornwall as England Counties lost for the second time by a single point this time to Irish Clubs XV 23-22 at Darlington. A last minute penalty sealing the win.

Joel Conlon scored in England U.20’s 33-9 win over Ireland at Franklins Gardens.

Lauren Chenoweth played for England Women’s Under 20’s in their 28-0 loss to France at Esher.

On the club front it was another catch up Saturday……..and Friday for the Cornish Pirates.

Disappointment for the Pirates as they lost at Moseley 28-20. You can read Phil Westren’s match report in the link

News of the Cornish Pirates much anticipated British & Irish Quarter-final tie against Pontypridd at the Mennaye. The date has been set, Sunday 6th April kick off 2 pm

In National League 2 South, fortress Polson was breeched by the mob from Ampthill & District who won at Polson 38-23. You can read Bill Sobey’s match report from the Morning News in the link

Other news from Polson this week is that “Spike” Rainford will step down as head coach at the end of the season due to work commitments’ and player Mike Rawlings has sadly had to give up playing rugby having suffered a detached retina. I spoke to Mike on Sunday and I can sense that he is relishing a fresh challenge in rugby probably in a coaching role.

In Tribute South West 1 West, the promotion race is hotting up! Saturday saw St. Austell travel to rivals Hornets with the Somerset side winning 30-24, read Paul Hayes match report from the St. Austell club site in the link

Camborne were also in Somerset and they kept their promotion bid intact with a 40-16 win at North Petherton. Alex Ducker scored three of Town’s six tries. Read Martin Symons match report from the Camborne RFC website in the link

THIS SATURDAY CAMBORNE PLAY ST.AUSTELL AT THE REC KICK-OFF 3 PM!

In Tribute Western Counties West, Bude gave themselves a lifeline with 13-10 win over Penryn. Ryan Buttler and Ben Hancock scored the Seasiders’ tries and Olly Denford kicked a penalty. For the Borough, Andy Seviour scored a try also adding the conversion whilst brother Jake kicked an earlier penalty.

St. Ives lost at Torquay 38-26 but picked up a try-scoring bonus point with tries from Neil Corin (2), Jack Kessell and Tom Nicholas, “Eggy” Williams adding three conversions.

In London 2 SW. London Cornish beat Tottonians 22-17 at Imber Court. Read DoR Dickon Moon’s report from the club website

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Pirates Amateurs won the “derby” game against Falmouth 32-8. Ryan Forrester (2) Leigh Edwards and Aaron Hall all scored tries for the AMS with Rhys Brownfield (he had a busy weekend!) converting three and kicking two penalties.

For Falmouth Tom Edmonds scored a try and Justyn Irons a penalty.

Saltash lost at Honiton 31-15 as did Newquay Hornets at Crediton 68-16. Match report from the Hornet’s website in the link

In Tribute Cornwall 1 Helston won at Stithians 10-8 in a game that also counted towards the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup.