Hot on the heels of the Cornish Pirates success against Moseley on Friday night came news on Monday that the club is set to abandon it’s experiment with Friday night rugby after just two Championship matches!
I am not too sure how you can make a sound judgement that Friday night rugby can be deemed a failure after such a short space of time, though I do feel that another point made in Dicky Evans’ statement about the club reverting to play all home games on a Sunday afternoon was the telling factor, namely a 21% drop off in the number of season ticket renewals.
That figure, plus the associated spend that goes with it on match day, is to me the stat that set the alarm bells ringing early doors!
It will be interesting to see (hopefully it will!) if the return to Sunday afternoon rugby (2-30 or 3 pm please!) will bring the revenue flows back on course for the rest of the season.
Back on the field the Cornish Pirates made it three wins from four with a five point success against Moseley at the Mennaye winning 28-13.
Tom Riley helped himself to a brace of tries whilst, Jack Andrew and Mike Pope also crossed the whitewash. Pope’s try was a cracker, having hacked the ball on the winger judged the pick up to perfection before cutting in-field to score by the posts.
This Friday, (confirmed by the club), Pirates entertain Ulster Ravens in their first B&I Cup match with a 7-45 pm kick-off.
In National League 2 South, Redruth ground out a try bonus point with the final play of the game thanks to a try from scrum-half Ashley Hosking. Oh my word what a pig’s ear they made out of having a man advantage for all but the first four minutes when Taunton scrum-half Stuart Townsend was red carded for a stamp on Reds’ fly-half Murray Westren.
Redruth soon led 14-0 thanks to tries from skipper Chris Fuca and flanker Kieran Smith both converted by Westren. However, Taunton fought back. Redruth scored a third try early in the second half through the excellent Jake Rayment to lead 19-8.
Taunton hit back with two unconverted tries, luckily for the Reds Gary Kingdom had an off day with the boot or else, to make it a one point game 19-18. Hosking’s final flourish ensuring the win 24-18!
No such joy for the Cornish All Blacks as they lost to Ampthill & District 56-11. BJ Chapman scored a try with Jake Murphy adding a penalty and drop-goal for the All Blacks as they led 11-10. The home side then went on the rampage scoring 46 unanswered points!
In Tribute South West 1, a great day at St. Austell with the visit of RFU President Bob Reeves marking the club’s golden anniversary.
In what has been described as a “feisty game” Saints defeated Hornets (The Weston swarm) 26-17 with tries from Ian Venner, Adam Kellow, Dan Pearce and Mike Davey with Matt Shepherd adding a couple of conversions. Saints also won the yellow card battle 3/2!
Wadebridge Camels enjoyed a big win at Coney Hill 50-15. Tries for the Camels were scored by Luke Bazeley, James Grubb, Jack Scott, Will Pengelly (2) and Dom Hawkey (2). Ryan Johns kicked a further 15 points.
Camborne lost at table toppers Cleve 27-16. Shaun Buzza got Town’s try with Dave Mankee kicking the rest of the points.
In Tribute Western Counties West, there was a tense Cornish Derby at the Memorial Ground where Penryn just got the better of Truro 16-15. Josh Chambers scored the Borough’s only try with Jake Seviour’s boot kicking the rest of the points. For Truro Adam Gayton and Carl Ranscombe scored tries with Karl Martin kicking a conversion and a penalty.
St. Ives got their first win of the current campaign with an impressive 33-27 win over Torquay Athletic at Alexandra Road. Neil Corin (2), Ben Taylor, Tyler Gendall and Josh Semmens scored the Hakes’ tries with Kieran Harvey and Jamie Prisk both kicking a couple of conversions.
Bude are sadly still rooted to the foot of the table as they lost again this time at Okehampton 55-5. Joe Wilson with Bude’s sole try.
In London 2 SW, London Cornish lost at home to unbeaten Gosport & Fareham 30-20. Phil Frances, Will Carew-Gibbs and Mark Osei-Tutu scored the exiles tries with Luke Spells adding a conversion and penalty.
In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Hayle backed up their win at Falmouth last week with a 55-12 win at home to Withycombe. Alex Thornton (2), Doug Arnull (2), Rob Cutter, Scott Harvey, Talan Daniels (2) and Scott Murray all scored tries for the Lions with Harvey adding five conversions.
Falmouth had a big win at Veor 62-17, whilst there were losses for Newquay Hornets 31-0 at home to Crediton, Pirates Amateurs at home to Tiverton 37-6 and Saltash at Moorlands 22-13 to Honiton.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Liskeard & Looe lead the way with two wins the latest 68-0 at Lux Park against Roseland. Bodmin are on their heels after defeating Camborne School of Mines 36-17. St. Agnes won at Stithians 44-24 and Helston beached Perranporth 28-10!
In Tribute Cornwall 2, Illogan Park lead the way, following a 58-5 win over Redruth Albany. Camelford beat Lankelly-Fowey 31-22. St. Day were forced to concede for the second week running this time at St. Just. They hope to be able to field a side against Camelford this Saturday.