It’s been a while since I ‘ve written my blog, much has happened some good and some not so good in the world of Cornish rugby.
The Cornish Pirates are involved this weekend and next with the British & Irish Cup and should they prevail this afternoon against a second-string Exeter Chiefs XV then they will have every chance of progressing to the semi-finals should they defeat Welsh Premeirship side Newport next Sunday, however Newport are still in the mix and will be keen to progress, so a good tussle is in prospect at Camborne.
The pools for the play-offs are almost complete, the Pirates know their program and kick-off with a tough trip to Bristol. Tickets for the play-offs go on sale this Wednesday.
It’s been a tough few weeks for Redruth in National League 1 and the news from this week’s supporters meeting and the budget restraints that the club has had to adopt naturally raises doubts about the club’s ability to compete at it’s present level long-term. I think Redruth have to be applauded in tackling the problem head on and stating the facts plainly to it’s supporters and playing/coaching staff. I have no doubt that other clubs up and down the country and in Cornwall will be forced to adopt a similar approach. It’s a pity that the RFU seem to be totally apathetic to the plight of clubs at level 3 and below hoping to play National league rugby, the path of regionalization will inevitably lead to a lower playing standard.
The close season will be very interesting as players decide their best option for the future!
On the playing side the Cornish All Blacks continue with their strong finish to the season which currently sees them in third place as Esher and London Scottish battle it out for the one promotion spot, though Esher do have two games in hand over the exiles.
Redruth will hope for a mid-table finish and considering all the ups and downs of this season that would be a statisfactory achievement.
In the Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne can now concentrate on winning the league following their Intermediate Cup exit at the hands of Old Redcliffians. With Wadebridge Camels defeating Kingsbridge 29-10 doing the Cherry and Whites a huge favour. Camels have also given themselves a chance of a play-off spot.
In London 2 SW, London Cornish had a great win defeating London South Africa 56-6, an outstanding result for our exiles
Penryn continue to improve and are fifth following a 30-19 win over Withycombe at the Memorial Ground.
In the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup St. Ives and Truro made the last four with comfortable wins over Falmouth and St. Austell respectively, where they join Bude and Wadebridge Camels.
Congratulations to Redruth’s Sam Heard who played the opening 66 minutes for England Counties in their 29-25 win over AIB Irish Clubs XV at Stourbridge on Friday night. It was England Counties first win over the Irish at this level.
Cornwall U.20’s continue their County Championship program this afternoon with a trip to Bridgewater to take on Somerset looking for their first win following their heavy defeat at home to Gloucestershire in their opening fixture. Result Somerset 10 – 13 Cornwall. A good win for Cornwall with Chad Collins scoring a try and Richard Kevern kicking the conversion and two penalty goals.
