It was the final round of matches in National Leagues 1 & 2 involving our Cornish clubs. Up in Coventry the Cornish Pirates put in a fine performance to defeat their hosts 32-20 at Butts Park Arena. Pirates’ tries came through Iva Motusaga, Rhodri McAtee, Sam Parsons, Henry Barratt and a Penalty Try, with Alberto Di Bernardo kicking a couple of conversions and a penalty in his final apperance in a Pirate shirt. Although the Pirates ended up on 101 points the same as Exeter Chiefs it’s the Devonians who finish in fourth place with the Cornish side fifth and Plymouth Albion 6th on 97 points.
After the final round of matches in the Guinness Premiership it’s now confirmed that former European Champions and this season’s Heineken Cup semi-finalist’s Northampton Saints will be relegated to National League 1 for next season.
The Cornish All Blacks travelled to Dry Leas no doubt still suffering a hangover form their celebrations last weekend and lost by 31-7. A game with nothing riding on it except pride saw the Hawks seal a third place finish running in five tries. The Cornish All Black’s try was scored by Josh Lord with Mark Scrivener adding the conversion. It’s going to be a busy summer on the banks of the Tamar in preperation for next season’s debut in National League 1.
Redruth rounded off their fine season with a splendid 32-28 win at home over Stourbridge to finish in 4th place in National League 2, their highest ever finish in the league structure. Paul Thirlby, Tim McBride, Rob Thirlby and Nathan Pascoe all scored tries for the Reds with Mike Hook kicking 12 points to add to his Record Points scored in the league this season for Redruth.
In the two promotion play-offs involving Cornish clubs there was disappointment. Hayle playing at home to Barton Hill Old Boys from Bristol for a place in South West 2 West next season lost 27-11. Dave Seager scored a late try for the Lions with Ben Eddy kicking a couple of penalties.
Liskeard & Looe travelled to Bideford losing a close game 23-18 in their play-off for a spot in the Cornwall & Devon League next season. Lewis Elliott and Craig Oxenham scored tries for the East Cornwall Lions whilst Marcus Hill kicked two penalties and a conversion.
