PIRATES KEEP THE FLAG FLYING

The CORNISH PIRATES did the buisness on Sunday afternoon at Camborne safely dispatching National League 2 side Southend 24 – 0 to advance into today’s 5th Rd EDF-Energy National trophy draw at HQ. Tries by TASC’s Cornwall U,20 player for 2008 prop Paul Andrew, who yesterday made his senior debut for the Pirates, Iva Motusaga, Nicky Griffiths and Rhodri McAtee saw the Pirates home in difficult playing conditions, Jimmy Moore added a couple of conversions. Good to see club skipper Addy Winnan make a welcome return after injury also a debut for young Kiwi flanker Blair Cowan who signed this week from Wellington.

All eyes and ears will be on tonight’s EGM at the St. John’s Hall in Penzance when Dicky Evans will outline the funding package for next season to members.

NATIONAL TROPHY 5TH RD DRAW, NOTTINGHAM V CORNISH PIRATES

Not such good news for the two other Cornish clubs who played in the 4th Rd. The Cornish All Blacks lost their tough tie at home to Birmingham & Solihull 15-10 after extra time. No. 8 Sam Hocking, TASC’s player of the year in 2008, opened the scoring with a try in the first half. The visitors levelled in the second half before Ryan Westren put the All Blacks ahead once more, before the Bees levelled again before nicking the tie with a third try in extra-time.

The result was more clear cut at the Mennaye were National League 1 side Esher proved too powerfull for Mount’s Bay running out comfortable 43- 5 winners, Mike Molloy scoing Bay’s only try near the end.

Cornish representation ended in the EDF-Energy Senior vase as both Camborne and London Cornish bowed out at the 5th Rd stage. Camborne found Western Counties West league leaders Cullompton too hot to handle losing 28 – 9. Dave Mankee kicked three penalties for the Cherry & Whites. London Cornish lost to Trojans 16 – 0, a side who play in league below them.

Better news in the EDF-Energy Junior Vase 6th Rd where both Cornish sides still in the competition progressed. Liskeard & Looe defeated Gloucester 2 side Bream 16 – 0, whilst St. Austell defeated Gloucester 1 Chipping Sodbury 28 – 13.

There was also local cup rugby with a 1st Rd tie in the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup where St. Ives knocked out the holders Wadebridge Camels 42 – 0, scoring six tries, to avenge a 50-13 defeat to the Camels last season in the same competition.

There were also two Skinners Brewery Cornwall clubs cup quarter-finals played at the weekend with Helston defeating Lankelly-Fowey 11-10 and Stithians defeating Veor 25-17.

One game played in the Tribute Western Counties West league involving Cornish clubs, as Newquay Hornets travelled to Bude and won a close game 7-5. Sam Cullen scored and converted his own try for the Hornets, whilst Ollie Mounce got a try for Bude.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, leaders Penryn travelled to Bideford only to lose 17 – 13. Syd Savaas scored a try for the Borough. which Taron Peacock converted, Peacock also added a penalty and Marek Churcher a drop-goal.

Truro fared little better at Tavistock were they lost 17 – 10 scoring a couple of tries through Chris Gilbert and Tim Gay.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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