TAMAR SHIELD

CORNWALL CLUBS XV 59 – 5 DEVON CLUBS XV

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth

Cornish cream rose decidedly to the top on a bright sunny afternoon in Redruth as Cornwall Clubs comprehensively defeated their Devonian opponents in this inaugural Tamar Shield fixture for players from level 8 down.

Just twenty-four hours after the Flora Day celebrations it was the Helston boys who led Devon a merry dance as they scored between them seven of Cornwall’s nine tries with man-of-the-match Amori Matanatabu dotting down three spectacular scores.

Skipper Damien Cook proudly led out the side to the cheers of the good sized crowd as they eagerly awaited the cross-tamar clash.

Playing down the slope first half Cornwall soon got on the scoreboard. Devon infringed in their twenty-two, Cook took charge popping the ball in the corner himself. From the initial drive the ball went wide for Harry Walsh-Newton to send a cross kick out to Matanatabu to dot down an unconverted try.

Despite Devon losing a player to the sin-bin, for repeated high tackles, Cornwall didn’t add to their tally until the final ten minutes of the half. Tom Townsend, who kicked seven conversions during the match, put Matanatabu away for his second try of the match.

A 50:22 by Townsend gave Cornwall great field position in the twenty-two, the excellent Luke D’eath soared high to claim the ball allowing Walsh Newton to dart over for a try.

Cornwall still had time to score a fourth try when Liskeard-Looe lion Archie Doidge went over following another powerful maul by the forwards. Half-time Cornwall Clubs led 24-0.

Devon got the opening try of the half when Tavistock’s Vaughan Glover was driven over by the pack. That was as good as it would get for the visitors as Matanatabu gleefully collected another cross-field kick, side-stepping the cover to dot down his third try.

Jack Jenkins came off the bench to dot down a couple of tries before getting a yellow card with fellow Helstonian Heydon Dark bagging his try.

Cornwall’s final try came from Saints Dan Navas just before the final whistle to round off a stunning performance.

Cornwall Clubs XV (Helston, unless stated): Tom Townsend, Dan Navas (St. Austell II), Will Jenkin, Finn Deavin (Falmouth), Amori Matanatabu, Harry Walsh-Newton, Stevie Trenoweth; Andrius Zacharovas (Camborne II), Archie Doidge (Liskeard-Looe), Beau Danks (Newquay Hornets), Luke D’eath (Lankelly-Fowey), Damien Cook (Camborne II, Capt), George Smith (Newquay Hornets), Andy Rowe (Liskeard-Looe), Freddie Saxton (Bude).

Replacements: Finn Deveson (Newquay Hornets), Callum Looker (Camborne II), Hugh Noott (St. Austell II), Will Hockridge (Bude), Simon Bailey (Falmouth), Jamie Trewin, George Tregilgas (St. Austell II), Hayden Dark, Jack Jenkin, Luke Howe (Launceston II).

Cornwall Clubs scores: Tries, Matanatabu (3), Walsh-Newton, Doidge, J. Jenkin (2), Dark, Navas. Cons, Townsend (7)

Referee: Ben Sanders Crook (Cornwall RRS)

Cornwall RFU is proud to announce Sam Matavesi as our new Captain.

A proud Cornishman with deep Fijian roots, Sam leads with heart, humility, and the kind of presence that lifts everyone around him.

This season he helped drive Camborne RFC to a brilliant promotion to National League 1, showing exactly the belief and resilience that define Cornish rugby.

The captaincy was presented by Kevin Thomas, Chair of Representative Rugby and Selectors, who described Sam as “the perfect choice” to lead Cornwall forward.

A leader. A Cornishman. The right man to wear the black and gold.

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

CORNWALL U.20, 29 – 35 BERKSHIRE U.20

By Bill Hooper at Recreation Ground, Redruth

Cornwall Under 20’s run in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup was brought to an end by a very good Berkshire Under 20’s side whom it has to be conceded deserved to qualify for the semi-finals were they will next play Hertfordshire Under 20’s for a place in the Twickenham final.

Conditions proved treacherous with heavy showers both prior and during the match making the ball slippery.

Berkshire soon gave us a glimpse of their strength in the forwards, notably the back row of Charlie Burton, Aaron Preston and Olly Marsh, whilst at half-back Louis Roumignac and Will Hibberdeane marshalled their backs.

Cornwall had issues at lineout time which limited their attacking options, however they opened the scoring with a penalty from in front of the posts by Oli Roberts.

Berkshire stormed back taking the lead with a well-worked try by wing Ethan Bassett, converted by Hibberdeane.

Further pressure from the visitors on the half-hour mark saw Roumignac dart in from close range under the sticks, Hibberdeane on the money with the extras.

Cornwall needed a score and duly delivered following another good run from Barney Lewis set up field position which saw Dan Kent driven over with Roberts adding the conversion to leave it at the break 14-10 to Berkshire.

Playing down the slope, Berkshire again started the half strongly when Liam Thomas burrowed over for a converted try for a crucial first score of the half.

The mountain became even stepper when Ollie Ireland scored to put Berkshire more than two scores ahead.

Into the final quarter, Cornwall needed a break, it came when Lewis put Bracken Headland away the winger was denied by some foul play which led to the awarding of a penalty-try and saw the influential Hibberdeane yellow carded.

Cornwall tore back at Berkshire, a big hit dislodged the ball allowing Headland this time to finish off a flowing move to raise hopes.

The chaos suited Cornwall and shook the visitors, but the momentum was stopped dead when Cornwall playing out of their twenty-two gifted a pass to Bassett who ran in his second try, Hibberdean’s conversion kissed both uprights before going over to run salt into the wound.

Dan Kent’s second try for Cornwall converted by Tom Tanswell left Cornwall six points adrift at the final whistle.

Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Marley Johns, Robbie Paul (both Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum Johns (Launceston), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells, Joel Pryor, Fin Robinson (all Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes, Dan Bennett (both St. Austell), Jack Jenkin (Helston), Jake Walker (Camborne), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Sam Blake (Truro).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Kent (2), Penalty-try, Headland, Cons, Roberts, Tanswell, Pen, Roberts

PRESS RELEASE

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2026 continues as we enter the knockout stages of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall host Berkshire RFU who were the Southwest pool 1 winners. The game will take place on Sunday 3rd May with a 1400 kick off time at Redruth RFC.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “This is an opportunity for these guys to progress within this year’s competition. Last week the table showed us first after a fantastic victory over Somerset and
Southwest pool 2 winners. The guys had to work hard to overcome a first half deficit, showed real grit and determination to overcome a strong Somerset team to earn this home quarterfinal”.

Cornwall won their first game at home to Devon by 46 – 15 and more importantly denied Devon any points in what proved to be a tight pool.

The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 35 – 47 victory over Somerset who had also lost their first game against Devon.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We asked for a massive performance against Somerset and the boys certainly put in a great shift and produced a superb win after a shaky first 30 minutes. We now must prepare for Berkshire on Sunday who topped southwest pool 1 and need another massive performance. We are now into knockout rugby, win and we progress or lose and end of season”.

The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “Every game we play now iscrucial and we will not get another second chance. For several players including myself this is our last season with the U20 and so we must perform on the day. I know the boys are up for the challenge. At the end of the day, we will put out the best team
available to us and give 110% whilst wearing the black and gold shirt. As a group we really have appreciated the support at home and especially away last week at Burnham on Sea and hope the Black and Gold army will be out in force on Sunday to lift us and cheers us on”.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the Hertfordshire v Kent game and will be played on Sunday 17th May.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” Logistically this causes teams some headaches, with the senior women also playing on the Saturday at Falmouth RFC. These are challenges that the support
staff deal with to ensure both teams get the same level of support they need and deserve. As most leagues fixtures have now ended hopefully club v county dilemma will be avoided and a fully firing
team will be put out to face Berkshire. A big thank you to Redruth RFC, all our supporters and sponsors, the players, coaches, andbackroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support
all our teams”.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under
20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be
interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.
Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826

First weekend in May sees a double header for the Black & Gold.

On Saturday May 2nd, Cornwall Women play British Police Women in a friendly at Falmouth’s Recrecreation Ground at 3 pm.

On Sunday May 3rd, Cornwall Under 20s play Berkshire Under 20s in the Quarter-final of the Jason Leonard Cup at Redruth RFC kick-off 2 pm.

Bring the Black & Gold and the roar to both games.

JASON LEONARD CUP

SOMERSET U.20, 35 – 47 CORNWALL U.20

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Under 20’s produced a remarkable second half performance to defeat Somerset Under 20s and qualify for the South West play-off against Berkshire Under 20s at Redruth RFC on Sunday 3^rd May.

Were we still on the bus? Cornwall really didn’t know what had hit them as Somerset scored three converted tries for a 21-0 lead after the first quarter, now we would see just what this side was made of.

Cornwall needed a foot hold, they got thanks to prop Riley Raikes who crashed over with Oli Roberts adding the extras.

Somerset scored their fourth converted try before good work from Archie Beetles put in Oli Mount for Cornwall’s second try, Roberts again on the money with the extras.

A good half-time chat with the coaches saw Cornwall fired up for the second half, a first score was required and it was duly delivered by Roberts as he scored Cornwall’s third try, cutting the deficit to just nine points.

It got even better when the influential Raikes scored his second try again bettered by Roberts as it gave Cornwall a try scoring bonus point that ensured Cornwall would progress from the pool.

The Cornish boys wanted to qualify through the main gate, not the back door, so they pushed for the win. Two tries, the first from skipper Oscar Marr, who chipped ahead and gather his kick to dot down and then from the speedster on the wing Bracken Headland both converted by Roberts putting Cornwall 40-28 ahead.

Into the final ten minutes Somerset kept the Cornish lads honest as they clawed back a converted try and when Marr was shown a yellow card the nerves must have jangled.

Cometh the hour cometh the man, when Joel Pryor’s crunching tackle saw the ball turned over and Tom Tanswell put away to score Cornwall’s final try and Roberts to add his sixth conversion to confirm Cornwall’s passage to the South West play-off.

Cornwall Under 20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Capt), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum John (Launceston), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Oli Wells (Redruth), Oli Mount (Penryn), Ed Boaden (Helston), Fin Robinson (Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Joel Pryor (Redruth), Jake Walker (Camborne), Marley Johns (Redruth), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Ethan Taylor (Redruth).

Scorers: Tries Riley Raikes (St Austell) 2, Oli Mount (Penryn) Oli Roberts (Camborne) Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets), Tom Tanswell (Penryn)

Conversions Oli Roberts (Camborne) 6

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 continues when they play their second pool match in this seasons Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Burnham-on-Sea RFC where they will face Somerset U20 with a 1430 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “Following the rearranged game and victory over Devon, it sees Cornwall on top of their pool having earnt maximum points. It was also a pleasure to be able to present and see the “Brunel Cup” return to Cornwall for the first time since 2022. This side was relatively new to championship rugby with a lot of new players representing 10 different clubs, but they played as team throughout the 80 minutes.”.

Cornwall have named Oscar Marr (Penzance and Newlyn) as the captain for this game, alongside him is another new player this season, Jack Sherratt (Helston) who was the vice-captain and won player of the match.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Devon side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Somerset. Somerset have home advantage and will take comfort from holding us to a draw in last seasons fixture. More importantly the players realised the importance of an 80-minute performance and ensuring Devon went away with no points from the game, which could prove crucial when the pool stages end”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, are well established Rich Kevern an ex U20 player and Brad Howe. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich and joining us this season Jack Hazleton assisting Brad with the forwards.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Devon and realise there are areas that we need to work and build on. We were a virtually new squad this season with 18 of the 23 players playing their first championship game and although we have trained together that was our first competitive game in this year’s championship. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Somerset, put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.

Cornwall won their first game against Devon 46 – 15 in front of a large crowd of well over 350.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” It was a pleasing performance in this rearranged fixture on a blustery day at Redruth RFC. Although Cornwall went behind early in the game, they showed resolve and grit to not only come back and dominate in all areas but also to earn a well-deserved 5 points and the Brunel Cup. Although 23 players took to the field, thanks must go to the others who have been training, the coaches, medics and back-room staff who all put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to enable these guys to represent Cornwall”.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance. Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Email – ljc80@aol.com

Mob – 07967054826

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

13/04/2026

Cornwall Under 20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Capt), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum John (Launceston), Ed Boaden (Helston), Jack Sherratt (Helston), Oli Mount (Penryn), Fin Robinson (Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Jake Walker (Camborne), Marley Johns (Redruth), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Ethan Taylor (Redruth).

TAMAR CUP

DEVON 26 – 20 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper at Brickfields

Devon regained the Tamar Cup following a pulsating match at the Brickfields that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Cornwall took the field led out by skipper Mark Vian roared on by the travelling faithful from Trelawny’s Army.

Devon kicked off with Cornwall immediately handing the advantage to the Green & Whites as they knocked the ball on.

Cornwall dealt with that initial threat as they won the turnover allowing James Tucker to clear.

Tucker kicked to the Devon twenty-two, the ensuing lineout was lost but Devon had infringed allowing Ben Hancock to take a quick tap and go, Stan Somers burst through the line brought down short Cornwall went again but were held up over the line, a let off for Devon, however the referee had been playing advantage so Cornwall had another bite of the cherry. Tucker kicked to the corner, Vian won the lineout ball and the Cornish pack drove furiously to the Devon line, but yet again they were denied being help up Devon skipper Tom McGratton under the ball.

Devon almost scored a try following a good break but Charlie Tummon got under the ball, however Devon were building pressure.

Cornwall lost a player to the bin for a deliberate knock on, from the scrum Devon moved the ball wide for Tom Davies to score an unconverted try.

Cornwall weathered another Devon attack allowing Tucker to clear. Devon messed up the lineout allowing Cornwall to make good ground as play was switched back Hancock made a good drive slipping the ball to Ollie Bebbington who danced around the Devon defence to dot down under the sticks.

The strong win hampered Tucker’s conversion attempt which ended up wide.

Devon won the ball from a lineout moving the ball wide, before the forwards took the ball up with Jamie Hext dotting down under the sticks, Mitch Pinkus with the conversion.

Cornwall looked to get back before the break but conceded a penalty that gave Devon field position. Devon won the lineout moving the ball wide before Pinkus sliced through the Cornwall defence to score and convert his own try for a 19-5 half-time lead.

Cornwall made a fast start to the second half but couldn’t breech the Devon defence, a breakout by the Green & Whites almost saw a try for Davies but Bebbington saved the Cornish.

With Pete Harris having come on at half time Cornwall began to use their bench, Olly Derry and Rohan Ewels giving the front row some energy. In the back row Hector Bright came on and was soon carrying hard.

Cornwall eventually got a break when a poor pass from Pinkus was hacked on by Tucker who collected the ball to score and convert his own try.

It was just the boost Cornwall needed, a penalty kicked by Tucker brought Cornwall even closer to Devon on the scoreboard and set up an exciting finale.

Which way would the game swing? Devon piled on the pressure and with Cornwall on a final warning a quick tap 5 meters out saw the ball moved wide with Ben Saunders breaking the line to pop a pass to Kyle Felton to score the vital try, Pinkus added the extras making it 26-15 to Devon.

Cornwall had the final word when Bebbington went in for his second try in the corner.

The final whistle confirmed it was Devon’s year.

Cornwall: Ben Rosevear (Redruth), Rhys Williams (Helston), Jamie Stanlake (St. Austell), Josh Semmens (Penzance & Newlyn), Ollie Bebbington, James Tucker, George Hillson (all Launceston); Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Rory Mead, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (both St. Austell), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock (both Launceston), Stan Somers (Penzance & Newlyn).

Replacements: Pete Harris (St. Austell), Olly Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Rohan Ewels (Redruth), Freddie Saxton (Bude), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Ed Hillman-Cooke (Bude).

Cornwall scores: Tries Bebbington (2), Tucker, Con Tucker, Pen Tucker

TASC Paul Bawden Trophy Cornwall man-of-the-match: James Tucker

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

CORNWALL U.20, 46 – 15 DEVON U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth.

Cornwall Under 20s produced a storming second half performance to shock last season’s finalists in this competition and in the process reclaim the Brunel Cup played for between the two sides.

In front of a packed grandstand Cornwall began playing up the slope.

Devon looked the stronger side early on taking the lead through a try scored by Rob Hennessy, who also added the conversion.

A penalty kicked to the corner by skipper Oscar Marr put Cornwall 5 meters out, from the catch and drive Ted Hocking went close. Devon gave away a penalty and from a tap man-of-the-match Jack Sherratt crashed over for an unconverted try.

Hennessy nudged Devon further ahead with a penalty before Alfie Brooksbank intercepted a Devon pass on half-way making good ground before his well-timed pass put Marr in for the try, which was bettered by Robbie Paul.

Cornwall defended just before keeping Devon out as they stormed the line, Hocking seeing yellow for an infringement. The score remained 12-10 to Cornwall at the break.

Cornwall came out fired up for the second half, Barney Lewis put in a great run following turnover ball from Sherratt.

A Cornish scrum 5 meters out saw a big drive from the black and gold pack with Fin Robinson scoring on his home ground, Paul missed the conversion but he made up for it moments later with a penalty to put Cornwall two scores ahead.

Devon weren’t finished back they came with a superb try in the corner finish off acrobatically by Nyakallo Makate.

That was as close Devon would get as Cornwall scored twenty-six unanswered points during the final quarter. Sherratt bagged his second, with Lewis Riley Raikes and Bracken Headland all crossing the line. Conversions from Paul and two from Headland completed the scoring.

Cornwall Under 20’s head coach Richie Kevern was delighted with his side’s showing. “I am delighted with this win, Devon have been finalists for the last two seasons, so to beat them is a feather in our cap. We knew this was going to be a tough one. We have worked hard the last few weeks and I was pleased the boys stuck to the game plan giving us the reward at the end.

“First half I thought our half-backs Alfie Brooksbank and Oscar Marr controlled the game well, Oscar put us in good positions. The pack also put in a huge effort, second half our forwards really put us on the front foot, the whole squad fully contributed today with the replacements bringing energy at the right time.”

Cornwall U.20s: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay H), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Jack Jones (Penryn), Oscar Marr (Penzance & N), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne), Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & N), Callum Johns (Launceston), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells (Redruth), Jack Sherratt (Helston), Oli Mount (Penryn), Fin Robinson (Redruth)

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge C), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Dan Kent (Wadebridge C), Joel Pryor (Redruth), Jake Walker (Camborne), Ethan Taylor (Redruth), Dan Navas (St. Austell).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries Sharratt 16, 69 Marr 26, Robinson 49, Lewis 71, Raikes 73, Headland 78, Cons, Paul 27,72, Headland 74,79 Pen Paul 64