Mennaye bids Davies a fond farewell


Departing Director of Rugby Ian Davies was left frustrated by his side’s defensive performance in his last home game in charge, as the Cornish Pirates threw caution to the wind to play their part in a thriller with London Welsh which ended in a 38-all draw.

It was a game where many of the current squad were making their final home appearance before departing to new clubs next season.

Pirates rocked their opponents with early tries from Matt Evans and departing colossus Laurie McGlone, before Alex O’Meara added a couple more before the half hour mark to secure the bonus point.

Welsh pulled it back to 26-17 at half-time and before long were just two points adrift, as they secured their own try-scoring bonus point.

Further tries from Craig Holland and Tom Riley, along with Will Cargill’s four conversions, looked to be enough for the Pirates but a last gasp effort from Welsh gave Olly Barkley the chance to tie the scores, and he didn’t miss.

After the game there were the usual end of season presentations with Laurie McGlone being awarded the prestigious President’s Cup by Terry Drew, and a special presentation being made to Ian Davies for his outstanding contribution at the Cornish Pirates.

Cornish Pirates will play their final Championship game this season at Nottingham next Saturday afternoon.

Moseley have been confirmed as the side relegated following their controversial defeat on Friday night against Bristol 24-22. They will be replaced next season by Richmond, who secured the National League 1 title winning 33-29 at Hartpury.

In National League 2 South, Redruth continued their fine run with a good 32-18 win against a lively Barnes side at the Rec.

Nielson Webber, Richard Brown, Penalty-try and Kyle Marriott were the try scorers with Dave Mankee kicking a couple of conversions and penalties with Brett Rule adding a third conversion.

Brad Howe went off after ten minutes following a twisted ankle and is likely to miss the Launceston game.

The Cornish All Blacks slumped to another defeat, this time at Chinnor 75-3. Former Red Greg Goodfellow scored two of Chinnor’s tries and kicked a couple of conversions for good measure. On-loan Pirate Kieran Goss also bagged a couple of tries.

Launceston’s sole points came from a Fraser Honey penalty.

The All Blacks face Redruth at Polson Bridge on Saturday in their final home game of the season. The game will also be the second leg of this season’s Cornwall Super Cup, with the Reds holding a 19 point advantage from the first game this season.

It was party time at Camborne as the Cherry and Whites were presented with the shield for winning South West 1 West.

Town completed their home program with a 21-17 win against play-off favourites Thornbury. Alex Ducker sped in for a couple of tries with Rhys Brownfield slotting a conversion and three penalties.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro took the wind out of leaders Kingsbridge’s sails with a fine 22-20 win to round off their home programme.

Former Red Ashley Hosking’s penalty near the end consigned the visitors to just their fourth defeat of the season.

Truro scored tries through Luke Tidball, Jack Hezelton and Toby Armstrong, with Hosking kicking a couple of conversions.

St Austell eased any worries with an excellent 39-19 win against Exeter University. The Saints scored tries through Dan Jane, Shane Johns, Sam Rhodes, James Martin, Cav Boyer and Adam Kellow with Boyer adding three conversions and a penalty.

Wadebridge Camels also eased their fears of the drop with a fine 37-12 win against Crediton who are still looking over their shoulder. Mark Grubb, Adam Blackmore, Sam Stone (2), Mike Rawlings and Will Pengelly all scored tries with James Grubb kicking a couple of conversions and a penalty.

Penryn were cruelly beaten at Sidmouth 25-24 with a last minute interception try and conversion undoing their good work.

Ben Trevaskis, Jordan Rose and Andrew Seviour scored tries with Martin Strick kicking the other points.

Penryn are six points from safety with a tricky home game against promotion-chasing Okehampton this Saturday, which they need to win to have any chance in their final game at Crediton, whom they also need to lose at Torquay! All very slim and thread-dangling!

Saltash lost at home to Tiverton 25-27. Max Venables scored a couple of tries with Tom Rixon also crossing Todd Crofts kicking the other points. A loss mid-week at Okehampton will confirm the Ashes’ swift return to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish booked their play-off place for the second season running with a 37-15 win at Weybridge Vandals. Tom Jeffery, Matt Hakes, Ed Atkin, Mark Osei-Tutu (2) and Chris Smart all scored tries with Luke Spells kicking the other points.

Cornish complete their league fixtures on Saturday at home to KCS Old Boys before travelling to Kent  the week after to play Sevenoaks in the play-off for London 1 South.

Further champagne was flowing in the Bude dressing room following their Tribute Cornwall & Devon League title clinching win at Plymstock 17-15. Dan Pearce was the hero with a late penalty to win the game.   Duncan Tout scored a couple of tries both converted by Pearce.

St Ives are still not confirmed as promoted alongside Bude despite a 50-0 win at Exeter Sarries. Louis Stevens, Pete Mabbott, Todd Prisk (2), Ben Taylor, Bobby Conroy-Smith, Paul Thirlby and Lewis Thomas all scored tries with Grant Thirlby knocking over five conversions.

St Ives require a point from their final game against Plymstock to clinch runners-up and promotion back to Western Counties West.

Falmouth won at the Mennaye defeating Pirates Amateurs 30-22, thanks to tries from Alex Kindjarsky, Tom Simmonds, Mark Lea and Luke Wraith with Justyn Irons adding ten points with the boot.

For the Amateurs Rhodri McAtee scored a couple of tries and they were awarded a penalty-try, Jimmy Tresize kicked a penalty and conversion with McAtee also adding a conversion.

Bodmin suffered a heavy defeat against promotion chasing Withycombe 107-8.

Hayle drew at home with fellow strugglers Tavistock 14 all. Hayle’s final game at Newquay Hornets may not be enough as Tavistock have a game in-hand also against Hornets. Hayle’s best hope is that in-form Falmouth can win at Tavistock!

Newquay Hornets conceded to Honiton.

Congratulations to Lanner who won Tribute Cornwall League 1 with 25-5 win at Perranporth. That result allied with previous leader Camborne School of Mines’ 37-12 defeat at Veor was enough to give Lanner back-to-back promotions.

Helston won 28-7 at already relegated St Agnes to send down Aggie’s North Coast neighbours Perranporth. Liskeard-Looe defeated Illogan Park, who have one eye on next Saturday’s Clubs’ Cup semi, 63-7.

It appears that League 1 runners-up Camborne School of Mines have declined to meet Topsham in the play-offs, therefore handing the Devon side a place in the Cornwall & Devon League next season.

Posted in Bill's Blog

Older posts