NO DOUBT about the story of the weekend, Mount’s Bay’s superb win at Polson by 8-6 to notch up their first ever win in National League 2. Nobody would have given the Bay a cat in hell’s chance of gaining much in this match, but they dogged it out got to half-time at 3-3 and thought we can get something here. Adam Staniforth kicked an opening penalty for the Cornish All Blacks before Dan Hawkes replied in kind for the visitors. Bay found themselves down to fourteen men once again with prop Bruce Pow and former Lanson favourite Nick Burnett forced to sit it out either side of half-time. The winning try came after 52 minutes with lock Ben Hilton being driven over. Despite a second Staniforth penalty there was no further scoring. It was a day of shocks in National League 2 as much fancied Cambridge came a cropper at Waterloo 18-13.
News for this and other scores filtered through to the Southend were leaders Redruth maintained their fine run with an eighth succesive win 32-7 at Sumpter’s Way. Paul Thirlby deputised at 10 for the still unavailable Mark Scrivener kicking two penalties and the conversion of brother Rob’s try for a 13-0 half-time lead. Thirlby grabbed a second try at the start of the second half after skipper PJ Gidlow picked off a wayward pass from the home side to release his full back who flew up the pitch to score, Paul Thirlby kicked a fine touchline conversion. Southend hit back with a converted try of their own before the Reds’ third try came from a simple pop up pass with James Mann being the grateful recipient going in under the posts with Thirlby making it three conversions out of three. The bonus point was wrapped up when Lewis Vinnicombe scored the fourth try on 57 minutes. Next up Cinderford on Saturday.
On Sunday it was another nail bitter at Camborne as the Cornish Pirates secured the win with the last play of the match thanks to a Brian Tuohy try for a 19-15 win. You can read my match report here.
In the Tribute leagues, South West 2 West, St. Ives lost for the second time this season when Avonmouth Old Boys won 10-6 at Alexandra Road, Karl Martin kicking two penalties for the Hakes.
In Western Counties West, a Cornish derby at Camborne as Town hosted Wadebridge Camels and it was the Cornwall Cup holders from North Cornwall who came out on top 12-3 in a scrappy game. Dave Mankee with a first-half drop goal scored Camborne’s only points. For the Camels two tries scored by centre Dan Briskham and winger Alisdair MacLennan with Lee Charles converting the first score.
Newquay Hornets didn’t get much out of their trip to Kingsbridge going down 36-9, Sam Cullen kicking three penalties. Bude are still on 0 points following a sixth succesive defeat as they slumped at leaders Cullompton 24-11. Ollie Denford got Bude’s try with Matt Trewin kicking a couple of penalties.
Up in London 3 SW, London Cornish defeated Leatherhead & Effingham 19-0, Dickon Moon’s report is in the link.
In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn maintained their un-beaten start with 20-0 win up in Plymouth at OPM’s, George Jones, Darren Pellow and Josh Chambers scored the Borough’s three tries with Taron Peacock kicking a penalty and conversion. Truro defeated old rivals Falmouth 36-3 in the “Carrick” derby, Tim Gay, against his former club, Luke Trescothick, Ben Chynoweth, and Chris Gilbert scored Truro’s tries whilst Scott Martin kicked 2 conversions and 4 penalties. James Instance scored Falmouth’s sole penalty.
Hayle drew at home with Wellington 13-13,despite leading 13-0 at half-time. Richard Grose scored the Lions try with Mike Crump kicking the other points. Saltash put up a brave effort at home to Crediton before losing 19-13, Richard Skinnard scored a brace for the Ashes with Ollie Rayner kicking a penalty.
The CRFU and DRFU have released the date for the 2009 Tamar Cup it’s Sunday March 29th to be played at Okehampton RFC with a 3pm kick-off.
The big talking point this week has been the row , which has erupted over the Launceston club’s efforts to get their brand name “The Cornish All Blacks” registered. It appears that representatives acting for the New Zealand RFU have loged an objection. I am sure that if the Launceston club and the NZRFU actually talked to each other a speedy resolution to this problem could be overcome. Let’s all hope that commonsense prevails.
A reminder that the Barbarians take on Combined Services just across the border at the Brickfields, Plymouth on Tuesday 4th November with a 7pm kick-off. All proceeds to the “Poppy Appeal”. Ticket information available on 0870 350 0402.
