Pirates’ current predicament should please no one in Cornwall

When Kyle Evans scored a last-gasp try for Moseley on Friday night to rip from the Cornish Pirates’ grasp a much-needed Championship victory, there was always the chance that the Pirates could end the weekend bottom of the pile.

Ealing’s remarkable win at Old Deer Park against London Welsh left the Cornish side looking up from the uncomfortable and unwanted basement position.

Despite a poor first half, the Pirates trailed just 17-11 at half-time, thanks to a try from Matt Evans and a couple of penalties through Kieran Hallett.

Evans grabbed a second try and then Hallett kicked a penalty to turn the game around 19-17 with just minutes to go, but sadly they couldn’t hang on to the win collecting just a losing bonus point from a 24-19 defeat.

There is a two week break now from league action as the British & Irish Cup pool games start with the visit of London Welsh to the Mennaye next Saturday, there will be much for Ian Davies (pictured) to ponder about.

In National league 2 South, Redruth got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 24-10 win at home to Canterbury.

Four tries were scored by the Reds through Nielson Webber, on-loan from Albion Jack Maunder, Lewis Vinnicombe and a last minute penalty-try converted by Rhodri McAtee. Dave Mankee kicked a penalty.

A difficult game was disappointingly marred by some indifferent officiating; sadly this is the continuation of a trend that is occurring all too often this season at this level.

It would be good to see some more assessors at these games to assist referees in their own development. Maybe the RFU could put some of it’s World Cup windfall in this direction!

The Cornish All Blacks slipped to their ninth straight defeat 30-10 at Redingensians. Robbie Duggard scored a consolation try for Launceston, converted by Lewis Edwards, to add to the Chris Honey penalty kicked earlier.

In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne have gone top following their 31-11 win at Clevedon.

Sam Matavesi helped himself to three tries with other scores coming from Dave Roberts and Noah Sixton, Ben Stean adding three conversions.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels took the honours in the “Doom Bar” derby versus St. Austell, the North Cornwall Brewery Sharps sponsoring both clubs.

Camels 27-20 win came via tries from Joe Pretty, Jack Scott, Danny Thomas and Dom Hawkey, with James Grubb kicking the other points.

For Saints, Cavan Boyer converted his own try and that of Peter Rowe and also kicked two penalties.

Penryn are another Cornish side currently sitting at the bottom of the pile, as they lost at home to leaders Kingsbridge 38-17.

Truro lost at Okehampton 20-6 with just a couple of penalties from “Eggy” Williams to show for their efforts.

Saltash returned from Sidmouth empty-handed following a 44-23 defeat, Max Venables scoring all the Ashes points.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish were knocked off top spot following a surprising defeat at home to Portsmouth 19-5, Mark Osei- Tutu with the Exiles’ sole try.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth defeated leaders Withycombe 18-17 at the Rec. Dave Jones and Josh Symons scored tries for the Eagles, with Justyn Irons kicking the rest of the points.

St. Ives, as expected, won the derby at Newquay Hornets 45-5. Tries came via Jess Tompsett (2), Martyn Lawrence (2), Ben Taylor, Cameron Bone and a penalty-try, with Grant Champion kicking five conversions. Cheney King grabbed the Hornets’ consolation score.

Bude are pressing near the top following their 36-14 win at Plymouth Argaum. Tries came from Dan Pearce, Joe Wilson, Dan Tout, Will Denford and Tim Green, Pearce also kicked four conversions and a penalty.

Hayle defeated visitors Exeter Saracens 30-17; Neil Mitchell, Tony Matthews, James Bennett and Scott Harvey scored tries with Damien Lynes kicking the rest of the points.

Bodmin won in the league for the second time this season, 15-10 at Tavistock, thanks to three unconverted tries.

Pirates Amateurs game at Paignton was postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

In Tribute Cornwall 1, School of Mines continue to top the table following their 41-10 win at Illogan Park.

Veor remain second after their 39-0 win at Helston.

Lanner had a walk-over against St. Agnes, but a friendly game was played.

Liskeard-Looe won at Perranporth 43-7.

In Tribute Cornwall 2, Roseland are top on maximum points following a 30-0 win at Lankelly-Fowey.

St. Just are a point behind after their win at Redruth Albany 53-0.

Stithians pipped Camelford 19-14 at home.

In the Trelawny’s Army Colts League, there were good wins for both Helston 54-0 against Truro and St. Austell 77-0 versus Saltash.

Redruth won 47-0 at Newquay.

Other games were postponed. Sadly, East Cornwall have pulled out of the league.

Congratulations to Camborne’s Jack Simmons who has been appointed Cornwall Under 20 captain for this season.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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