The Cornish All Blacks stopped the rot last Saturday as they avoided defeat for the first time this season, with a 17-all draw at home to Southend, in what was new head coach Jimmy Tucker’s first game in charge.
Skipper Jamie Salter, No.8 Dan Lee and winger Eddie McGinley scored tries for the National League 2 side with Fraser Honey adding a conversion.
Tucker (pictured) is looking to re-invigorate the club and bring back the old Launceston spirit that saw the club a major force in Cornish rugby. Dave Risdon is set to join as forwards coach as the building blocks are put in place to reverse the club’s decline.
Redruth slipped to 7th place despite picking up a losing bonus point at leaders Taunton as they went down 19-16 at Hyde Park.
Lock Ashley Lawton scored the Reds’ only try converted by Brett Rule, fly-half Dave Mankee kicked three penalties.
The Cornish Pirates got their British & Irish Cup campaign off to a great start when they defeated London Welsh 28-21 at the Mennaye. That result was just what the club needed following the news on Friday that the Secretary of State was NOT going to call in the plans for West Langarth that will provide the funding for the long-awaited Stadium in Truro.
Tries were scored by Joe Atkinson, prop Marlen Walker and winger Jack Arnott with Laurence May kicking the other points.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne remain top following their 51-0 win at home against Coney Hill. Sam Matavesi scored three tries with other scores coming from Harvey Jones (2), Dave Roberts (2), Neil Stanleick and Tony Whittle. Ben Stean added three conversions.
In Tribute Western Counties West, St. Austell had a much-needed win at home against Sidmouth 16-12. Konnor Ewudzi scored the only try for the Saints, whilst Cavan Boyer’s boot added 11 points.
Truro defeated Crediton 29-5 at St Clements Hill. Tries came from Luke Tidball, Ben Teasdale, Toby Armstrong and Luke Trescothick. “Eggy” Williams added three conversions and a penalty.
Saltash’s match against Okehampton was postponed.
Wadebridge Camels lost at home to Tiverton 11-0, whilst Penryn remain bottom following their 50-0 loss at Cullompton.
London Cornish bounced back in London 2 SW following last week’s home defeat when they won 16-9 at Andover, thanks in part to late tries from Stefan Duda and Tom Jeffery.
It’s good to see three Cornish clubs challenging leaders Withycombe near the top of table. Bude are best placed following their 24-5 win at Pirates Amateurs. Ollie Mounce and Duncan Tout (2) scored tries for the North Cornwall side with Dan Pearce adding all three conversions and a penalty.
Josh Blewitt scored the Amateurs’ only try.
St. Ives remain third after their 20-6 win at home to Plymouth Argaum. Lewis Thomas, Ben Taylor and Tom Nicholas scored tries for the Hakes, with Grant Thirlby kicking a penalty and conversion.
Falmouth are the third Cornish side in contention following another fine win, this time at Exeter Saracens 48-28. Chris Pollard, Nick Carne, Mark Lee, David Jones (2), Dan Kirk, Simon Bailey and Ian Rowe scored tries with Justyn Irons’ four conversions.
Bodmin came out on top in the derby at home to Newquay Hornets 15-6. Josh Taylor converted his own try and added a penalty, with Harry Hyland also scoring a try. Veteran Ian Morgan kicked a couple of penalties for the Hornets.
Hayle slipped to defeat at Plymstock 24-0.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Camborne School of Mines won a close battle against Lanner at Penryn 20-19 to remain top.
Veor beat Liskeard-Looe 26-0 at Wheal Gerry.
Illogan Park defeated Helston 22-10, whilst Perranporth won the “surfers'” derby 22-15 at St. Agnes.
Roseland won the top-of-the-table battle at St. Just in Tribute Cornwall 2 19-7. St. Just have announced that Damien Cook has joined them as a player coach.
Stithians defeated Lankelly-Fowey 17-5, whilst Camelford beat Redruth Albany 18-0.
In the Trelawny’s Army Colts league a good wins for Helston at Redruth 17-0, St. Austell won 56-5 at Wadebridge Camels, Penzance & Newlyn won 24-10 at Camborne and Launceston defeated St. Ives away 31-10.
