It was a miserable Sunday afternoon down in Penzance with the wet conditions making for a forward orientated game. So it was no surprise that Newcastle Falcons grinded out the win they looked for without too much panache from the former Premiership outfit by 25-3.
I have no doubts that the Falcons will be soaring high next season back in the top echelon of English rugby.
An early Gopperth penalty was cancelled out by Hallet’s kick on 19 minutes. Sadly that was to be the closest the Pirates would get to the Falcons.
As half-time approached Gopperth had nudged Newcastle 6-3 ahead before hooker Rob Vickers burrowed over from close range, Gopperth’s conversion putting the Falcons 13-3 up.
With conditions becoming increasingly difficult it was left to the forwards and when Tongan Taiasina Tu’ifua got over for Newcastle’s second try mid-way through the half the game was a as good as won. Gopperth’s conversion making it 20-3.
In the final minute from a rolling maul winger Tom Catterick got in amongst his forwards to claim his side’s third try for a final score of 25-3.
Falcons coach Dean Richards thoughts in the link here
Dick Straughan’s Cornishman report in the link here
In National League 2 South, a win for the Cornish All Blacks as they won at Dings Crusaders 30-19. All Blacks notched the try scoing bonus point as well thanks to scores from Kieron Lewitt, Lewis Paterson (2) and Richard Bright. Lewitt also kicked two conversions and a couple of penalties.
Spike Rainford’s thought’s in the link from Western Morning News
Redruth made hard work of defeatong Bournemouth at the Rec 18-13. No.8 Tom Duncan crossed for a couple of tries with Paul Thirlby kicking the other points. Despite the win Forwards Coach Ashley Morcom felt that his side hadn’t got going and needed more go forward ball.
You can read my full match report from the Western Morning News here
In Tribute South West 1 West. Two wins for our Cornish sides. Camborne got back to winning ways defeating Chard 37-11. Callum Davies, Jason Jackson, Rob Floyd, Dave Roberts, Sam Bartle, Dave Mankee and Aaron Hunt all crossed for the Cherry & Whites.
Wadebridge Camels made it a second win on the bounce defeating Bridgwater& Albion 32-23 in Somerset. Richard Treleven, Sam Stone, Will Pengelly, Matt Ballard and Dom Hawket all scored tries for the Camels, whilst James Grubb added a couple of conversions and a drop-goal.
In Western Counties West, St. Austell made it win number four thanks to a late conversion of his own try by Matt Shepherd. Saints other try-scorers were Andy Ashwin, Rob Jeffs and Paul Winterbottom in their 24-22 win at Okehampton.
A good win for Truro at Honiton 26-24. Tries came from Matt Ayres and Carl Ranscombe. Justyn Irons kicked the other points.
Penryn defeated Torquay Athletic at the Memorial Park 29-16. Alex Ducker, Tom Hobin, James Martin, Matt Biggins and skipper Jordan Rose all crossed for the Borough with Ducker adding a couple of conversions.
Another tough afternoon for Bude as they went down to a fourth defeat this time 43-3 at Devonport Services.
In London 2 SW London Cornish playing their second league game on the road lost to Tottonians 35-12.
In the Cornwall & Devon League. St. Ives won 72-0 at Plymouth Barbarians. Kyle Moyle notched six of the Hakes eleven tries with former Pirate Ceiron Thomas, Jacob Ninnis, Neil Corin, Josh Palmer and Ben Taylor also scoring tries. Thomas landed six conversions and a penalty.
Saltash won at Moorlands 45-21 against Withycombe with Joe Skinnard claiming three tries. Other scores went to Will Morton, Woods and Lewis Wells.
Liskeard & Looe earned a good draw at home against Crediton 19 all.
Falmouth won at Hayle 24-11. Newquay Hornets got a first win at home to Wessex 39 – 5.
Pirates Amateurs lost at the Mennaye on Saturday 29-15 to Teignmouth.
With both Cornwall 1 and Cornwall 2 starting next week it was Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup 1st Rd.
St. Just last season’s beaten finalists were knocked out in the first round by Helston 18-8, whilst Veor had a big win at Illogan Park 60-19. See the results page for the other scores.
Over in France after last week’s losses for our two local lads there was success this weekend.
Tom Parker’s Vannes side won at home against Marmande 35-11, whilst Ed Carne’s Nevers team were too good for Saint Medard winning 50-3. Sadly for Ed though he picked up an injury!
It looks like Brett Rule will be returning to Cornwall following an injury he picked up in pre-season with his new club RC Vigo in Spain. Brett requires an operation and will be out of action for a while. We all wish him well on his recovery.
