Photo – Redruth head coach Steve Larkins disappointed with Reds’ performance at Bishop’s Stortford
The Cornish Pirates were unable to back up their great win over promotion chasing Bristol with a win at struggling Moseley, with the Midlands side winning 22-18 at Billesley Common.
On the plus side, Alex Cheesman made a welcome return to the Pirates’ ranks, coming on as a second half replacement for Jake Parker at No.8, and scoring their second try (the first came from centre Tom Hendrickson in the first half).
The result didn’t help struggling Plymouth Albion. who slipped up at Bedford 38-8 and find themselves back at the foot of the table.
You can read Nigel Walrond’s WMN full match report here, plus Ian Davies’ reaction in the link here.
In National League 2 another mixed day for our Cornish clubs.
Launceston defeated Lydney 16-13 thanks to a late penalty-try to keep them away from the relegation scrap and leave their visitors still in the mire. Kieron Lewitt kicked the conversion and three penalties to see the All Blacks home. Bill Sobey’s WMN match report in the link
Redruth suffered another heavy loss on the road and had prop John Drew red carded at Bishop’s Stortford, final score 45-20. John Stevens and Tommy Phillips scored tries for the Reds with Ashley Hosking adding a couple of penalties and a conversion whilst Murray Westren landed the second conversion. It was a performance that disappointed head-coach Steve Larkins. Ed Bawden’s WMN report in the link
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne picked up a moral boosting win on the road at Matson, never an easy place to go, 35-32.
The Cherry and Whites found themselves trailing 20-3 at one stage with just a Dave Mankee penalty to show, but another penalty from Mankee’s reliable boot plus a try from No.8 Neil Stanleick left the visitors just nine points adrift 20-11 at the break.
Dave Roberts, playing at centre, got a try soon after the break, converted by Mankee who was again on the money when he added the extras to hooker’s Stuart Milliner’s try.
Matson drew level with an unconverted try before Mankee kicked another penalty to nudge Town ahead once more. Camborne’s forwards were now in full cry and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the Cherry & Whites a penalty-try to secure the win.
St. Austell battled bravely at Ivybridge before going down 33-22. Hugh Noot and Ben Chenoweth (2) scored tries for the Saints with Andy Ashwin’s boot kicking the other points. Herald report
In Tribute Western Counties West, in-form Wadebridge Camels completed the double over Penryn winning 21-19 at the Memorial Ground. Rich Treleaven, Will Pengelly and Dan Briskham all scored tries for the Camels with Sam Fox kicking all three conversions. For the Borough, Mitch Vague scored an early try before further scores from Josh Chambers and Dan Booth both converted by Matt Horton made for a tense finish.
Truro lost at Tiverton 18-13, who along with Kingsbridge are breathing down their necks in the table with a game in hand. Shaun Roseveare scored Truro’s try before being sent off for a second yellow card offence to cap a bad day for Truro.
St. Ives’ game at Okehampton was called off due to a water-logged pitch.
See the previous blog entry for London Cornish’s big win in London 2 SW.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Saltash stay top after defeating OPMs 81-5. Report from the Herald in the link.
Crediton are second after their win at Falmouth 32-17. Read George Thorpe’s Packet report in the link.
Bodmin defeated Honiton 19-13, thanks to tries from Cody Armstrong and Paul Carter and James Taylor’s boot.
Hayle had a good win at home to Bude 32-12. Lions’ tries were scored by White (3) and Scott Harvey with Harvey also kicking three conversions and two penalties.
For the visitors, Luke Dunkin and Adam Black scored tries with Olly Dunford adding a conversion.
Pirates Amateurs lost 6-5 at Paignton, Steve Kent with their sole points from an un-converted try.
Liskeard-Looe’s game with South Molton was postponed.
In Cornwall 1 the game between Stithians and Newquay Hornets was again postponed.
Elsewhere, no Jack Nowell in the England team that defeated Wales 21-16 in Cardiff on Friday night.
Stu Townsend played for England Under 20s in their defeat to Wales in Colwyn Bay 21-15. Jack Innard didn’t get a feature in this game.
Former Pirate Blair Cowan enjoyed a good game for Scotland despite a 15-8 defeat at the Stade de France.
Good luck next Sunday to our CORNWALL UNDER 20S as they take on their Kent counterparts at Charlton Park RFC for a place in the semis, kick off 2 pm.