At six o’clock on Sunday evening came the news from RFU headquarters that the Cornish Pirates had been drawn away to Cross Keys in the British & Irish Cup semi-final.
A trip to Wales over the Easter weekend to take on opponents defeated at the Mennaye earlier in the competition. Cross Keys at Pandy Park will be a totally different proposition to the team defeated at the Mennaye.
Should the Pirates prevail then the final will be played in Ireland at the homeground of either Leinster or Munster.
On Sunday afternoon at a wet and dismal Mennaye the Cornish Pirates defeated London Welsh 27 – 6 to move up to second place in the Championship table.
The exiles looked on paper to be tough opponents, however the Pirates ran out comfortable winners. Rudi Brits, Dave Ward and Matt Evans scored the Pirates’ tries, whilst the trusty boot of Rob Cook chipped in with the other twelve points.
There was another tidy performance from Aaron Penberthy at fly-half which will no doubt continue to boost his confidence at this level.
In National League 2 a good win for the Cornish All Blacks who defeated Southend at Polson 30 – 10 with Richard Bright (2) and Jamie Tripcony getting the All Blacks’ tries. you can read Dick Benson-Gyles WMN report in the link.
Redruth travelled to Hartpury college only to be well beaten 40 – 10. Both Redruth’s tries were scored by the Bonds brothers. Skipper Craig with the first and then young Dean. Read Ed Bawden’s match report from the Packet in the link
Match of the day in Tribute South West 1 West was undoubtably at the Recreation Ground at Camborne where the Cherry & Whites hosted Avonmouth Old Boys. A narrow 18-17 win sees Town up to second place and fighting for a spot in National League 3 (SW) next season.
Wadebridge Camels maintained good form with a 15 – all draw at Paignton, whilst Penryn lost at Cullompton 18 – 8.
News this week that Dave “Benji” Thomas will once again be at the helm when Cornwall embark on their County Championship campaign in May. Thomas will be assisted by Paul Trevaskis.
Next Sunday sees the start of the U.20’s County Championship when Cornwall take on the reigning champions Gloucestershire at Camborne kick-off 2-30 pm. Coach Tom Rawlings has assembled an exciting squad of talented youngsters. The boys deserve YOUR SUPPORT so please make every effort to get to Camborne and cheer on the boys.
Check the Trelawnys Army website for team news.
You may remember that last season when England Counties toured Spain Tom Parker from Truro represented Spain. Well Tom who plays for Basque club Ordizia has been picked for Spain again to face Georgia on Saturday 11th February in Madrid. Well done Tom and AUPA!!
I should have mentioned last week about Josh Matavesi getting on the score-sheet for his club Racing-Metro against Cardiff Blues in the Heineken Cup. Well last Saturday Josh played for his club at the Stade de France against Toulouse in front of 54,000. Sadly for Josh his team lost 19 – 13. Both sides play for a special trophy in this fixture La Coupe Baron Pierre de Coubertin named after the founder of the modern Olympics and who was a rugby referee in France. Well done Josh keep the Cornish flag flying in Paris!
