Pirates double over the Blues ensures safety

Cornish Pirates v Leeds Carnegie 200913
Photo – Tom Kessell scorer of one of the Pirates’ tries at Bedford

The Cornish Pirates 31-21 win against Bedford Blues on Friday night at Goldington Road sees them safe for another season in the Championship.

Tries were scored by Tom Kessell, Matt Evans and a brace from Craig Holland, who was making his 50th appearance for the Pirates.

Laurence May kicked nine points, with his replacement Kieran Hallett also landing a penalty.

Next Sunday the Cornish Pirates host Plymouth Albion, who are still battling relegation: it promises to be a feisty affair.

Read Gavin Cattle’s reaction in the link.

Match report in this link.

No National League 2 to report, but England Counties were in Périgueux playing France Fédérale.

All the points came from the boot with Counties’ Chris Johnson landing eight penalties for a 24-15 win. Launceston’s Ben Hilton played in the game that attracted a crowd of 3,500.

In Tribute South West 1 West, a good win for Camborne at home to Avonmouth Old Boys 47-18. Town scored seven tries, with Alex Ducker romping home for three, Cameron Bone (2), Tony Whittle and skipper Steve Kenward. Dave Mankee kicked the rest of the points.

Not such good news for St. Austell, whose two season stint at this level hangs by a thread following their 20-5 reversal at Tregorrick Park to Thornbury,  Ian Venner with their only try.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro edged an entertaining derby at home to Wadebridge 25-22. Adam Gayton, Matt Cross and Ben Teasdale scored Truro’s tries with “Eggy” Williams kicking the other points. For the Camels, Will Pengelley, Dom Hawkey and Jack Oulton all scored tries with James Grubb kicking the rest of their points.

Penryn won another close encounter against Okehampton 21-17. Adam Hughes, Josh Chambers and Andy Seviour scored the Borough’s tries, which Matt Horton converted.

St. Ives lost heavily at Wellington 71-0.

Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish lost their title decider at Tottonians 26-14.

They will now seek to earn a home play-off spot from their final two fixtures.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, congratulations to Saltash who, after defeating South Molton 87-18, can look forward to Western Counties West rugby next season. Ashes ran in thirteen tries with both Max Veneables and Will Morton bagging hat-tricks. Veneables also kicked eleven conversions.

Pirates Amateurs had a fine 53-3 win over Bodmin, with veteran  Richard Carroll getting a couple of tries.

Hayle lost at home to Withycombe 21-18. Rob Goodman and Damien Lynes scored the Lions’ tries and Scott Harvey kicked the other points.

Falmouth went down 11-9 at Honiton. Justyn  Irons kicked all their points.

Bude picked up a point at Paignton despite losing 40-27. Joe Wilson (2) and Harry Goodrun (2) got their tries.

Liskeard –Looe lost 92-5 to Exeter Saracens.

Well done to Jack Nowell with his brace of tries against France as England won a curious but nevertheless enthralling match 55-35. Not very often you watch an international with twelve tries!!

Whilst the attack coaches will be purring with delight, the defence coaches will be tearing their hair out!

Viewing the game would have been much more pleasant without the constant need of people leaving their seats every few minutes!! One guy in my row went 8 times!!! Why? It’s ruining the Twickenham experience!

Max Bodilly’s brace of tries weren’t quite enough for Exeter Chiefs, who relinquished their hold on the LV=Cup losing 23-20 to Saracens with the last kick of the match.

Good to hear that former Red Aaron Penberthy has pencilled a further one year deal with Championship side Jersey.

Jack Innard and Stu Townsend both helped England to the 6Nations Under 20 title with the 24-11 win over France in Brighton.

Finally, some sad news this weekend. Alf Lawton, father of Camborne and Cornwall player Ashley, and a great supporter of Cornish rugby, sadly passed away on Saturday. Alf was a great contributor on the TASC forums and loved the banter. We shall miss him on the touchline. Thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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