Pirates get Cup campaign off to winning start, whilst big day for Lanner Falcons

The Cornish Pirates came out on top in a cracking opening pool game in this season’s British & Irish Cup against old foes Bedford Blues 35-34 at the Mennaye on Sunday.

As the score-line suggests it’s was a classic ding-dong affair with the lead changing hands no less than six times!

The Cornish Pirates pack put in an awesome performance with Jamal Ford-Robinson, Tom Channon and Tyler Gendall immense in the front row and Will Carrick-Smith matching St. Michael’s Mount for sheer physical presence in the line-outs. As for flanker Alex Cheesman, an absolute animal at the breakdown – along with skipper Chris Morgan- and scorer of two tries.

???????????????????????????????????????????
Picture by Simon Bryant Iktis photo – Tyler Gendall Cornish Pirates

Out wide the pace of Kieran Goss and the implacable kicking of Kieran Hallett were in part key to the win, whilst replacement Bertie Hopkin took his try well. Tom Kessell buzzed at scrum-half looking to boss the game.

You can read Bill Sobey’s match report from the WMN in the link here.

In National League 2 South mixed fortunes for our two Cornish sides. A welcome win for Redruth after three successive defeats. The Reds put in their best performance of the season thus far in defeating Canterbury 38-15 in front of county coach Graham Dawe who was present along with fellow selectors Julian Wilce and Trevor Spargo.

There were some good performances for the Reds notably from man-of-the-match hooker Ben Priddey and winger Jack Kessell who was a constant threat with the ball in-hand going forward.

Redruth v Clifton 191111
Picture Simon Bryant Iktis photo – Rhodri McAtee in action for Redruth

It was a win that pleased head coach Steve Larkins who felt that the side were beginning to play to the patterns that the coaching staff had laid down for the season.

You can read my report from the West Briton site in the link.

The Cornish All Blacks brought home a losing bonus point from their trip to Dorking where they lost 20-17, having trailed 20-3 after 24 minutes.

Head coach Neil Bayliss felt that the poor start left them with a mountain to climb having to play catch up for the rest of the match.

You can read Conrad Sutcliffe’s report from the WMN in the link.

In Tribute South West 1 West; disappointment for both Cornish sides on the road.

Camborne travelled to league leaders Ivybridge and put up a tremendous fight before finally going down 39-34. The Cherry and Whites brought a couple of bonus points back from their trip which will be of some comfort.

Dave Mankee, Sam Bartle Rob Floyd and Stuart Milliner all crossed for tries whilst the boot of Mankee added a further fourteen points.

St. Austell’s disappointing season continues despite picking up a losing bonus point from their defeat 23-20 at Drybrook. Ben Chenoweth, Konnor Ewudzi and Jack Grigg scored the Saints’ tries with Andy Ashwin kicking a conversion and penalty.

In Tribute Western Counties West; match of the day for the Cornish was at the Memorial Ground when Penryn entertained Truro.

It was a classic tale of two halves with yellow cards and missed penalties all thrown into the mix of a cracker.

Truro raced into a 18 point lead thanks to tries from Carl Ranscombe (2) with Eggy Williams kicking a couple of penalties and a conversion.

Ben Birkett got a try back for the Borough early in the second half. Both sides had men in the bin as Borough edged closer thanks to a try from Dan Kirk that Jake Seviour converted. Ben Jordan scored a third try for Penryn at the end but the conversion, which could of won the game, was missed to leave Truro winners 18-17.

Wadebridge Camels lost at Sidmouth 20-15 with Matt Ballard scoring Camels only try.

Struggling St. Ives lost at Teignmouth 72-21, Jamie Prisk (2) and Tom Nicholas scored tries for the Hakes.

Another storming win for London Cornish 53-23 over Portsmouth in London 2 SW. Read the report in the previous blog entry.

In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League; Pirates Amateurs maintained their good run with a 41-3 win at Old Plymouthian and Mannamedian. Danny Toolan (2), Trev Dugdale, Rhys Brownfield, Sam Skinner Ryan Stanley and Jack Nicholas all crossed for the Ams tries with Brownfield also kicking three conversions.

Saltash came out on top of the East Cornwall derby defeating strugglers Liskeard-Looe at Lux Park 66-11.

Match report from the Plymouth Herald in the link

Falmouth defeated Bude in a mid-table battle 20-10 at the Rec. Josh Semmens, Andy Monroe-Lott and Tom Spiller all scored tries for the Eagles with Justyn Irons kicking the other points.

Freddy Sexton and Adam Williams scored un-converted tries for Bude.

Hayle defeated Bodmin 33-32 to leave the visitors still seeking their first win.

Freddie Carter, Scott Harvey and Doug Arnull acored the Lions’ tries with Dan Magee kicking the rest of Hayle’s points.

Bodmin crossed the Hayle lin four times thanks to Cody Armstrong, Luke Richard, Jamie Taylor and Oliver Wendon, with Taylor kicking the other points.

In Tribute Cornwall League 1, Newquay Hornets maintained their fine start with a win against Roseland 45-8. Perry Hughes scoring three tries.

Illogan Park defeated Stithians 58-9, Nick Prout scoring three of the “Rats” nine tries.

Helston and Camborne School of Mines drew 7-7.

Veor got back to winning ways defeating Perranporth at Ponsemere Valley 24-7.

In Tribute Cornwall League 2; it was a big day for Lanner as they played their first ever league fixture. The Falcons defeated St. Just 69-0 in front of big crowd with Ben Hocking and Adam Harris scoring three tries each.

Camelford won at Lankelly-Fowey 27-18, Ben Palmer scoring three tries for the North Cornwall side.

Commiserations to Cornwall Under 18’s who lost at Wadebridge to Devon 25-22 on Sunday.

Watch out for news of Trelawny’s Army Player of the Year Awards to be presented this Wednesday.

Posted in Bill's Blog

Older posts