LAUNCESTON, recorded their fifth win from six games on Saturday as they defeated Tynedale 23-17 at Polson Bridge in National League 1. Although out scored on the try front 3 to 2, the Cornish All Blacks can thank the boot of Tony Yapp as he kicked a valuable 13 points. Tries came from Darren Semmens and Jason Luff.
Redruth made the trip to high flying Wharfedale and travelled home with a losing bonus point having gone down 28-21. Redruth were able to field Adryan Winnan at full back and will have been happy to see the return of Nathan Pedley. Redruth were always in it, having been awarded a penalty try, Lewis Vinnicombe again got on the score sheet with his 6th try of the season.
Sunday afternoon saw the arrival of Bristol to Camborne to take on the depleted Cornish Pirates, a pity this game arrived at a time when the Pirates have been decimated by injuries. A tight first half saw both sides turn around tied at 6-6. The highlight had to be Aisea Havili’s drop-goal to open the scoring….class!
The second half was a different affair as Bristol’s pack got on top. Despite the set back there were some great performances from the pirates with hooker and skipper for the day Dave Ward and No.8 Laurie McGlone showing up well.
Former Albion star Luke Arscott opened the try scoring after 50 minutes with winger Dan Norton’s try following a blindside break the pick of the scores. Flanker Redford Pennycock scored Bristol’s third try before the power of the visiting pack claimed the bonus point try as the Pirates conceeded a penalty-try near their line. At least the 4,115 crowd had something to cheer as Rhodri McAtee scored a last gasp try, which full back Rob Cook converted.
In the South West Tribute leagues, in South West 1 West, a better day for St. Ives as they drew at home to Paignton 14-14. Mike Molloy kicked three penalties and Ben Taylor scored the try.
In Western Counties West, Camborne got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 34-0 win over visitors Minehead Barbarians. Dave Roberts with a brace, Sam Matavesi, James Rapson and Nathan Curnow were the try scorers with Dave Mankee’s boot adding three conversions and a drop-goal.
Truro are third after their 33-15 win over Okehampton at St. Clements. Two tries from scrum-half Rikki Brandon with Tim Gay and Gareth Hodgson also crossing, Scott Martin kicking the other points.
Wadebridge Camels are just behind Truro after their thumping win at home to North Petherton 50-3.Well ahead at half-time thanks to tries from Sean Hawkey Cameron Lees and Sam Stone, Camels scored another four tries during the second half through Dan Briskham (2), Ben Collings, and Matt Ballard, Josh Taylor kicking the other points.
Penryn had a fine win in Devon at Tiverton where they won 44-26. Matt Simmonds (2), Sam Harrison, Chris Mann, Rob Banks and Grant Randleson all crossed for the Borough. Banks adding 4 conversions and 2 penalties.
It was “Surf City” derby up at Bude as Newquay Hornets were the visitors with the home side catching the breaker to hit the beach first by 22-12! Bude scored four excellent tries through Danny Frost, Matt Trewin, Olly Denford and Paul Williams, Denford also landing a conversion. For the Hornets Rob McIntyre and James Bazeley scored tries with Sam Cullen adding a conversion.
Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish recoreded their second league win of the season as they defeated Trojans 24-20. Dickon Moon’s report can be found here.
In the Cornwall & Devon League, a major upset as leaders St. Austell crashed in spectacular fashion at Falmouth by 32-6, Steve Roe (2), Alex Tacchi and Phil Wells scored tries for Fal as they recorded their best win for a couple of seasons. Stithians had another great win at home to Saltash in the Cornish derby by 52-29, with the Creedon’s getting on the scoresheet as well as Lewis Vague, Ben Ashwin, Ben Waters James Bubb and Tom Clarke. For the Ashes Joe Skinnard scored a couple of tries with Kieran Hurrell also grabbing one.
Hayle lost at Crediton 22-7 with Liam Kearey scoring their try, Scott Powell converting. Liskeard & Looe lost up at Bideford 37-20.
