Cornwall President’s XV, 27 – 19 Crawshay’s Welsh

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

In an entertaining game the President’s XV got the better of their Welsh visitors on a heavy, sticky Camborne pitch.

Playing up the slope first half the President’s XV enjoyed early pressure, however as is often the case in games when players come together at short notice the error count was high.

Eventually the President’s XV got the first try scored by Redruth’s Finn Wolstencroft from a short-range drive.

A sweeping move from the President’s XV deserved a score with centres Cam Fogden, Jamie Stanlake and scrum-half Ben Rosevear all involved, only desperate Crawshay’s defence denying the try.

Crawshay’s came more into the game, a fine run down the grandstand touchline by Kristian Jones led up to their opening try scored by skipper Matt Jacobs. Joseph Scrivens adding the extras for the lead.

Crawshay’s continued to press President’s full-back Ben Wragg had to be alert to prevent a Crawshay’s try touching down in goal.

Just before half-time Crawshay’s got their second try through wing Ben Evans, Scrivens again on the money with the conversion. 14-5 to Crawshay’s at the break.

The President’s XV got off to a great start at the beginning of the second half. Fine play from Ben Plummer and Stanlake set up Rosevear for an unconverted try.

A yellow card for Crawshay’s put them under further pressure, Ben Hancock went close for the President’s XV before Hector Bright having just come on powered over for an unconverted try and regain the lead for the President’s XV.

Bright then managed to exploit some confusion in the Crawshay’s line to bag his second try of the game before the industrious Hancock completed the President’s haul of tries which Oscar Marr converted.

Crawshay’s had the final say when Evans went in at the corner late in the game. St. Austell’s centre Jamie Stanlake was named man-of-the-match.

Cornwall PresidentsXV: Ben Wragg, Ben Plummer, Cam Fogden, Jamie Stanlake, Ollie Bebbington, Oscar Marr, Ben Rosevear; Declan Prowse, Rory Mead, Olly Derry, Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (Capt), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock, Finn Wolstencroft.

Replacements (all used): Levent Bulut, Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Archie Rolls, Rupert Edwards, Hector Bright, Dan Tyrrell, Ed Cooke.

Crawshay’s Welsh: Lewis Bates, Ben Evans, Matthew Jacobs (Capt), Kristian Jones, Dan Dunmore, Joseph Scrivens, Jakob Williams; Lewis Pryce-Jones, Aneurin Jenkins, Josh Gay, Seth Butler, Jake Duffy, Will Gregory, Shaun Tennant, Evren Ozbilen.

Replacements (all used): Archie Ivens, Efan Passmore, Michael Van den Berg, Logan Woskett, Dylan Roberts, Reuben Lynch, Kallum Rosser, Jake Lloyd.

Referee: Will Williams (Cornwall RRS)

Former Launceston and Cornwall player Billy Searle, currently having a great season with Leicester Tigers starts, for England A against an Ireland XV in Limerick on Friday night. Also in the side is Harelquins Cadan Murley, who has family links to Penzance.

Congratulations guys.

The following is from CRFU Chair, Steve Murley.

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of Richard Sharp OBE, the former England and British & Irish Lions fly-half whose fine sporting talent was matched by a quiet dignity and unwavering sportsmanship. He died on 3 November 2025 at the age of 87.

Born on 9 September 1938 in Bangalore, India, to a mining engineer father educated at the Camborne School of Mines and a mother born in Redruth, Cornwall, Richard’s early life was rooted in the South West. After the family moved to England, he was educated at Montpelier School and then at Blundell’s School in Devon, before reading at Balliol College Oxford, where he won three rugby Blues between 1958 and 1961.

From his Cornwall heritage he developed a lifelong loyalty to his home county’s sporting life, both in rugby and cricket.

Richard began his club career with Redruth RFC in Cornwall, representing the club and his county with commitment and flair. At county level he played 28 times for Cornwall between 1957 and 1966. He also played for Wasps and Bristol as well as the famed Barbarians RFC.

Internationally, he earned 14 caps for England between 1960 and 1967, and captained the side, most notably leading England to the 1963 Five Nations title. In 1962 he was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, playing in two Test matches.

His style on the field was celebrated for its elegance and precision — one contemporary described him as “probably the most elegant fly-half England ever had”.

Richard also made his mark in cricket representing Cornwall County Cricket Club in the Minor Counties Championship between 1957 and 1970, qualifying as an all-round sportsman of the Duchy.

Across his many roles—clubman, county stalwart, international captain—Richard Sharp was widely admired for the manner in which he carried himself. His conduct both on and off the field was marked by humility, fairness and respect for opponents. Many in Cornwall still recall not only his brilliance at fly‐half, but his generosity of spirit, his willingness to mentor younger players, and his steadfast loyalty to his roots. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1986.

Though the records seldom quantify such attributes, those who encountered him remember him as a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Richard will be remembered not simply for the tries scored, the caps won or the tours undertaken—but for the person he was: quietly assured, respectfully modest, unwavering in his support for Cornwall and his sporting communities.

His passing will be mourned by his family, his many friends in Cornish and English sport, and all who valued not only his athletic talents but his character.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and to the communities—rugby, cricket, Cornwall—that he enriched so deeply.

Cornwall Presidents XV 50 v Royal Navy U23s 12

By Paul Hayes at Tregorrick Park

The Cornish rugby world came together to commemorate the memory of John Sumnall following the sad news of the passing of the former CRFU President. John was a true champion of the community game who embodied the traditional values of rugby. He would no doubt have approved of the minute silence in his honour before the kick-off impeccably observed by the players and a large crowd at Tregorrick. John was also an inherently modest and humble man who would have been embarrassed by the fuss being made and flushed at the many glowing tributes recollecting his immense contributions to the game. One thing is for sure; he would have been delighted at the match that followed – a fiercely competitive contest between two young sides determined to run the ball at every opportunity.

Despite being drawn from ten different Clubs the Cornwall squad quickly clicked into gear to put the Navy under pressure from the start. The high tempo was stretching the Navy to the edges, but it was the powerful forward surges that delivered the first points. Hooker Pete Harris finished a lineout maul that moved almost 20m at a rate of knots. Number Eight Finn Wolstencroft repeated the routine in the opposite corner, and the pack soon added another with flanker Hector Bright dotting down under a pile of bodies. Archie Bees added the conversion, and this was quickly followed by a penalty try to make it 24-0 after a ruthless opening quarter from Cornwall.

The Navy finally enjoyed some good possession on in dangerous areas but found the Cornish as adept in defence as they had been in attack. Another surge up field instigated by full back Archie Bees laid the foundations for a fifth Cornish try of the half with Finn Wolstencroft going over for his second of the evening. Pete Harris completed his brace and the final score of the half to make it 36-0 at the interval.

It was a rejuvenated Navy side that came out for the second period to show great heart and determination to stem the tide of Cornish scores. They dominated the third quarter to score two tries and one conversion to get themselves on the scoreboard.

Both benches were now being emptied which broke the flow of the game as the changes took time to settle. Cornwall were being forced to defend for prolonged periods but did enough to prevent the Navy from adding to their two tries. As the game entered the final ten minutes the Cornish team regained their earlier high tempo with the forwards providing quick ball for live wire scrum half Will Tanswell to spin out to an eager backline. With a penalty advantage being played, an astute cross field kick found winger Ollie Bebbington out wide who finished superbly in Apples Corner.

There was still time for Finn Wolstencroft to complete his hattrick from a catch and drive in the same area. Ben Rosevear converted both tries to make the final score 50-12 to complete a great win for Cornwall and a good workout for the Navy ahead of their Inter-Services tournament. Above all else the match and the occasion was a fantastic tribute to former CRFU President John Sumnall.

The Tribute Player of the Match was Finn Wolstencroft selected by Vice Admiral Andy Burns. The hat-trick hero was pushed hard for the accolade by strong running prop Olly Derry, scrum half Will Tanswell who kept the Cornish team ticking, and hooker Pete Harris who was a constant thorn in the Navy side.

Cornwall President’s XV: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Rhys Williams (Exeter Uni & Helston), Jamie Stanlake (St. Austell), Harris Eddy (Penzance & Newlyn), Ollie Bebbington (Launceston), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn), Will Tanswell (Camborne); Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Pete Harris (St. Austell), Olly Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Mark Vian (St. Austell, Capt), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Will Symons (Wadebridge Camels), Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth).

Replacements: Rob Walsh (Saltash), Cam Leigh (Redruth), Rohan Ewels (Redruth), Will Perkin (St. Ives), Charlie Tumon (Launceston), Ben Rosevear (Helston), Jack Sander (Wadebridge Camels), Ben Wragg (Penzance & Newlyn).

Scorers

5 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)

14 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC)

18 mins Hector Bright (St Austell RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)

20 mins Penalty Try

22 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)

33 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)

HT 36-0

41 mins Charlie Over (RN)

45 mins RN try, George Edson (RN) 36-12

69 mins Ollie Bebbington (Launceston RFC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)

78 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)

A Cornwall President’s XV will play the Royal Navy Under 23s under the lights at Tregorrick Park St. Austell on Wednesday 29th October, kick-off 7:30 pm.

Gate entry is £5, with under 16s free.

Trelawny’s Army AGM was held on Tuesday 16th September at the St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.

Following a welcome to One & All by our President Sean Jarvis the formal part of the evening took place.

TASC can report a successful year with our tradestand raising funds to be ploughed back into Cornish rugby.

Once again we donated a cheque for £600 to the CRFU for Colts Final Days rugby as well as a donation of rugby balls. This was accepted by Steve Murley, Chair of the CRFU.

Steve also gave a brief outline to members about the CRFU’s principle priorities for the season ahead.

Presentations were made to Shirley Floyd, how many cakes has she baked for TASC? Always the most sought after rafle prize!

The Player Awards were then made;

Bill Osborne Memorial Shield, Cornwall Senior Player of the Year to Tom Cowan Dickie of Redruth RFC

Tony Mead Memorial Shield, Cornwall Under 20 Player of the Year to Dan Bennett of St. Austell RFC

Jessie Humber Shield, Cornwall Women’s Player of the Year to Amy Bunt of Ivybridge RFC.

Congratulations to all our award winners who also received a case of Tribute Ales courtesey of St. Austell Brewery.

To end the meeting Trelawny was sung and pasties consumed.

Many thanks again to Sean Jarvis and St. Austell Brewery for hosting us and providing the refreshments, it is much appreciated.

It is with great sadness that TASC were informed of the passing of our former Honorary Secretary Roger Watson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikki and the family at this sad time.

Roger was a founder member of TASC and appointed Honorary Secretary at it’s first meeting in 1993.

He helped steer the club through difficult waters with the CRFU following the founding of the club, eventually smoothing the troubled waters and gaining acceptance of TASC.

When he stepped down from his role when he took on the Honorary Secretary role at Redruth RFC he was made a Life Member of TASC. In 2015 he was appointed Honorary Secretary of Cornwall RFU a post he held until 2018.

The following from the Redruth RFC website gives some detaio of the various roles he held in the game.

Roger held many roles in his service to the game. Roger was the first Honorary Secretary of Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club and in 1994 Honorary Secretary of Cornwall Schools (16 Group) and sat on the CRFU Committee. From 2001 to 2014 Roger was the Honorary Secretary to Redruth RFC and travelled the length and breadth of the country in support of the Reds. In recognition of his service to the club, Roger was awarded Life Membership. In 2015 Roger became Honorary Secretary to the CRFU and held this position until 2018 whilst also holding the position of Secretary to Cornwall’s Disciplinary Committee. Soon after Roger and Nikki, along with their son Rawlyn moved to the Rhymney Valley in South Wales to be closer to their daughter Esyld and young Granddaughter Isla. Roger continued to love the game and was still attending matches locally last season.

Funeral details will be posted when available.

Membership Secretary Karen Bunt was on-hand to present Cornwall Women’s No.8 Michaella Roberts with her player of the match memento on behalf of TASC at Polson Bridge on Sunday.

Well done to Michaella on a great performance.

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 31 – 27 DEVON WOMEN

By Bill Hooper at Polson Bridge.

On a glorious afternoon at Polson Bridge both sides served up a feast of attacking rugby for the four figure crowd.

For Cornwall the spoils of the game and with it the Tamar Cup that captain Amy Bunt proudly lifted in front of the grandstand.

Devon too had much to celebrate, two bonus points from the game enough to see them top the group and advance to the semi-finals.

Devon kicked off towards the Devon end and immediately put Cornwall under pressure.

Cornwall defended well but gave away too many penalties, eventually the Devon pressure told when the ball was worked wide to wing Charleigh Hopkin to dot down.

Having missed the conversion Devon’s Beth Plumpton kicked a routine penalty from in front of the posts to stretch their lead.

Cornwall needed to get into the game, Abi Smith sounded the charge with a good run, the first of many. Cornwall kicked a penalty to the corner from which scrum-half Amy Warman fed Michaella Roberts, the No.8 used her strength to power over for a try bettered by Georgia Hall.

Roberts was again involved when Cornwall took the lead, she linked with Smith who’s pass found Bunt who scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Smith then showed her defensive qualities with a crunching tackle on a Devon player that left her square on her back!

The threat from Devon on the wings was still there and when the ball reached Issy Edworthy the Okehampton wing showed her speed to outpace the cover and score under the sticks allowing Plumpton a simple conversion.

Despite losing No.8 Megan Heath to a yellow card Devon scored again before half-time through the impressive Edworthy, Plumpton’s extras giving the visitors a 22-12 lead at half-time.

The break allowed the Cornwall Women’s team from 1994 to parade around the ground, players that Cornwall head coach Jo Holden described as “true pioneers who laid the foundations for what we have now.”

Cornwall came out for the second half in determined mood. An early try-scoring chance just failed to go to hand with line beckoning.

The Cornish forwards through Roberts, Kim Upcott and Izzy Burrows were making ground.

A quick tap penalty from Warman near the Devon line led to Meg Okey charging over near the posts allowing Hall the conversion.

Just as Cornwall had Devon in their sights a moment of lapse concentration allowed Edworthy to escape the clutches to score her third try.

With both sides turning to their respective benches, it was Cornwall who finished the stronger. Leading by example Bunt shrugged off a tackle to score in the corner to bring Cornwall to within three points.

Devon then lost Plumpton to a yellow card as Cornwall now pressed hard.

The winning score came from another quick tap penalty from Warman who found Smith who scored near the posts, Hall’s conversion completed the scoring as Cornwall saw out the game.

Speaking after the match head coach Jo Holden said. “They put everything out there today I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Winning the Tamar Cup is a huge milestone for us as we strive to improve each season, this is a very good Devon side we beat today. I can’t wait for next season and where it can take us as a group.”

Cornwall Women (Launceston unless mentioned): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Meg Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitkin (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).

Replacements: Janna Arnold, Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).

Cornwall scores: Tries Roberts 19, Bunt 24, 56, Okey 52, Smith 74, Cons, Hall 20, 53, 75

Referee: Rob Lowe (Plymouth RRS)

Crowd: 1,054

Cornwall Star Player: Michaella Roberts