Launceston lift their game in derby clash


Photo- Launceston’s head coach Jimmy Tucker lifted by his side’s gutsy display against Redruth

Redruth, as widely expected, won the derby against the Cornish All Blacks at Polson Bridge on Saturday in both clubs’ penultimate game of the season. Launceston pushed the Reds all the way.

Despite going down 17-34, the Cornish All Blacks put up one of their better performances of a season that they will want to forget, with many in the 883 crowd feeling they were unlucky not to get more from the game, with two late Redruth tries giving the Reds a flattering score-line.

The game was also the second leg of this season’s Tribute CRFU Super Cup, with Redruth retaining the Cup with a 51-17 aggregate score. CRFU Chairman Denis Preece was on hand to present the Cup and medals to the players.

Chris Fuca enjoyed his trip to Polson, scoring three tries with other scores coming from Lewis Vinnicombe, former All Black Nielson Webber and Luke Jones, with Dave Mankee adding a couple of conversions.

Fraser Honey kept Launceston in the hunt with four penalties as the Reds fell foul of the ref far too often, whilst Richard Friend scored their only try.

Jake Childs had a fine game for the home side and was deservedly named their man-of-the-match, whilst Chris Fuca with his three tries along with Kyle Marriott stood out for the Reds.

Redruth finish their program at home this Saturday against Redingensians, whilst Launceston face a tough trip at Old Albanian!

The Cornish Pirates completed their Championship program with a 55-33 defeat at Nottingham. Tom Duncan, Jack Andrew, Matt Evans, Laurie McGlone (fittingly) and Mike Pope all scored tries, with Laurence May and Kieran Hallett, on his final game for the club, sharing the four conversions.

It marked the end of Ian Davies’ tenure at the Pirates. Despite the success he has had at the club, he will leave with the frustration of not being able to see it fulfil its true potential, due to the on-going saga over the Stadium for Cornwall!

It also marked the final game for Nottingham’s Head Coach and former St Ives and Pirates’ player Martin Haag, who will be England Under 20s head coach next season.

Recently Cornish Pirates’ Chairman Ian Connell expressed his hope that the Pirates will move into the Stadium in June 2018.

In the Regional league, Tribute South West 1 West, champions Camborne avenged their opening day defeat at home to Weston-super-Mare with a 23-14 win in Somerset.

There was a brace of tries scored by Damien Cook with Noah Sixton getting the third. Rhys Brownfield kicked a couple of conversions and a penalty.

Other news from Camborne this weekend was the confirmation that Director of Rugby Liam Chapple will step down from his role after the County Cup final, to be replaced by Ian Morgan.


Photo: Ian Morgan back in charge at Camborne next season

Chapple can be proud of his tenure at the Cherry and Whites culminating in masterminding, along with Phil Angove, their return to the National Leagues next season.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro sealed a third place finish with a 29-18 win at Cullompton. Harvey Bell, Luke Tidball, Ben Teasdale, Matt Cross and Ashley Riches all scored tries with Ashley Hosking adding a couple of conversions.

St Austell finished on a high with a 23-22 win at Tiverton, but at a cost with lock Will Gilder suffering a suspected broken leg! Shane Johns and Adam Kellow scored tries with Cav Boyer kicking the other points.

Wadebridge Camels also finish on a high with a 51-5 win against Devonport Services. Will Pengelly scored five of the Camels’ nine tries with Dom Hawkey (2), Sam Stone and Matt Ballard getting the others, James Grubb kicked three conversions.

Penryn’s fate was sealed at home as promotion chasing Okehampton ran out 38-5 winners, Adam Hughes with Borough’s only score.

Penryn will have the consolation of disputing the Cornwall Cup Final against Camborne on Monday 2 May, at St. Austell.

Saltash’s relegation was confirmed in mid-week with their loss at Okehampton; they lost again on Saturday, this time at Kingsbridge 53-7, Ollie Mulberry with their sole try converted by Todd Croft.


Photo – DoR Dickon Moon hopes this year London Cornish can succeed in the play-off

In London 2 SW, London Cornish prepared for their play-off against Sevenoaks with a 62-22 win against KCs Old Boys. Matt Hakes scored four tries, with Stefan Duda getting a brace.

The play-off game is set for this Saturday at Sevenoaks, kick-off 3pm and any Cornish support will be most welcome as the Exiles look to gain promotion to London 1 South for next season.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, celebrations at St Ives, as the Hakes made sure of the second promotion berth with a 64-3 win against Plymstock. St. Ives scored eleven tries as they marked their return to Western Counties West in style.

Bude were awarded their shield as champions of the league following their 55-15 win against Paignton.

Pirates Amateurs, who are still playing catch-up, with three games still to play, defeated Twickenham-bound Withycombe 27-26.

Falmouth lost at Tavistock 29-10, a result that has done Hayle no good. Tavistock will escape the drop if they win at Newquay Hornets in their final game, and condemn the Lions to Cornwall 1 next season.

Hayle didn’t help their cause losing 10-6 at relegated Newquay Hornets. Bodmin rounded off their program 24-19 against relegated Exeter Saracens.

Lanner and Veor again will contest this season’s Tribute Cornwall Club’s Cup Final at St. Austell on May 2.

Lanner overcame Camborne School of Mines 22-20, whilst Veor defeated Illogan Park 36-10.

School of Mines have declined promotion via the play-offs to the Cornwall & Devon league next season, gifting Topsham the place.

On Tuesday night (26 April), Cornwall take on Devon for the Tamar Cup at St. Austell RFC kick-off 7:30 pm. Get along and cheer on the boys in their only warm up game prior to the start of their Bill Beaumont Cup campaign, which kicks off at Redruth RFC at 3pm on Saturday May 7, against Gloucestershire.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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