The selectors and coaches have announced their squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup Division 2 campaign as well as the forthcoming Women’s Tamar Cup match against Devon.
Following a couple of open trials and the recent Women’s Cornwall Cup tournament held at Truro RFC the coaches have selected a squad of 31 players with 16 having been involved last season.
High-flying Launceston Ladies provide nine players to this season’s squad, amongst whom are live-wire scrum-half Amy Warman and powerful prop forward Kim Upcott
There are welcome returns for centre Tia Larson (Bude Ladies), as well as prop Zeta Penrose and back Lauren Chenoweth, a former TASC Cornwall Women’s Player of the Year, both from Truro Women.
There is a good sprinkling of experience in the squad, notably Captain Amy Bunt, along with aforementioned Warman and Upcott.
There are some familiar names absent due to injury, namely forwards Mel Ruby, Briony Eddy and Rhiannon Thomas all three from Launceston Ladies.
Coach Jo Holden explained that this year had again proved challenging in picking the squad. “We have had good numbers coming forward during the trials and the county cup games. It’s been very hard to nail down the final squad as the level keeps improving year on year.
“I think we have a very good mix of experience and emerging young talent that will gel well under the captaincy of Amy Bunt.
“I am excited to see what this squad can achieve in the coming weeks; we have the Tamar Cup game against Devon and then three tough Gill Burns Cup games against Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Somerset. It would really encourage the squad to see a big crowd, especially for our home game at Truro RFC on Sunday 12th May when we take on Hampshire Women.
“As ever we are extremely grateful to our valued sponsors, without their generous support we could not compete at this level.”
The Women’s Tamar Cup match against Devon Women due to take place at Bodmin RFC on Sunday 21st April is likely to change date, please check the CRFU website for updates on the new date.
The 2024 Cornwall Women’s squad
Forwards: Jenna Arnold, Megan Arnold, Vicki Doidge, Kim Upcott, Emily Kneale (all Launceston Ladies), Caitlin Milliken, Elizabeth Langton, Nicole Rowland (all Ivybridge Women), Caitlin Eddy (Helston Vixens Women), Stephanie Nicholas (Camborne Women), Sian Westgarth, Zeta Penrose (both Truro Women), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock AO Women), Emily Carbis (Devonport S Ladies), Rosie Ninnis, Paige Clarke, Fern-Daisey Cumine (all Penryn Ladies)
Backs: Ellen Armstrong, Amy Warman, Joey Sandercock, Abgail Smith (all Launceston Ladies), Amy Bunt, Rebecca Bennett, Millie Chaston, Megan Okey (all Ivybridge Ladies), Lauren Chenoweth, Lily Relton (both Truro Women), Lisa Allin, Tia Larson (both Bude Ladies), Georgia Hall, Rebecca O’Reilly (both Penryn Ladies).
Gill Burns Cup Matches;
Sunday 12th May v Hampshire Women @ Truro RFC 2:30 pm
Sunday 19th May v Hertfordshire Women @ Tabard RFC 2:30 pm
Sunday 26th May v Somerset Women @ Taunton RFC 2:30 pm
