There was no St. Piran’s Day win for the Cornish Pirates in their Greene King Championship fixture against Jersey Reds on Sunday at a windswept Mennaye.
The Islanders took the spoils 7-5 with the few points scored all coming during the second half.
Pirates had first use of the wind, and to be fair didn’t appear to make best use of it.
Jersey got a converted try before Kyle Moyle pounced on confusion in the Jersey twenty-two following Max Bodilly’s speculative kick, sadly Will Cargill’s effort sailed past the right hand upright at the Newlyn end.
Coach Alan Paver was disappointed his side couldn’t have made more of their possession. “It was difficult for both sides but credit to Jersey for handling it better. We couldn’t keep possession, we kicked poorly from hand, our lineout didn’t function. That period of pressure we had near half-time on their line and then the referee pings us at scrum time was hard to take. We’d driven them back twice and then it goes down, the referee saw something so there we are. It was the right decision from the lads we were the dominant scrum building momentum.
Paver expects Friday’s Cup game to be just as physical. “We will prepare for Friday night it’s going to be another huge challenge for us, two sides locking horns, set-piece will be key, we will keep that wheel turning and hope we can do enough to get the win over there.”
On Saturday, Redruth made the long trip to Canterbury worthwhile as they ran out winners in their National League 2 South game 29-18. Tommy Phillips, Jack Oulton (2), Matt Gidlow and Joel Matavesi all crossed for tries with Joe Elderkin adding two conversions on his debut. The win lifts the Reds back up to fourth place with six games to play.
In National 3 SW, Camborne slipped to only their second home defeat of the season as leaders Old Redcliffians virtually sealed promotion with a 23-12 win.
Matt Blee and Jack Simmons scored tries for the Cherry and Whites with Rhys Brownfield adding a conversion in the swirling wind.
Town slipped to third following this defeat just a point behind Dings Crusaders and still with a shout of a play-off place.
At the other end of the table Launceston battled to another vital win 8-7 against visitors Bournemouth. Brandon Rowley, on his club debut, scored the All Blacks try with Martin Kneebone kicking the vital penalty. Launceston have closed the gap on Lydney to just four points. They have all to play for.
In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro defeated St. Ives 15-10 at St. Clements Hill. Ollie Seagrove, Mark Carlyon and Jack Hazelton all scored unconverted tries for the city side, whilst for the Hakes Jamie Prisk crossed for a try converted by Jordan Gott who also kicked a penalty.
Wadebridge Camels won a try-fest against Bude 41-31 in the North Cornwall derby.
Camels out scored Bude seven tries to five with Rhys Bright getting two for Wadebridge.
St. Austell got a welcome win 24-12 against Devonport Services at home. Cornwall Under 20 star Max Duggan with two more tries to add to his impressive haul this season. Hugh Noot scored the other try all converted by Liam Freeman who also nudged a penalty over for good measure.
Almost there are London Cornish following their latest win in London 2 SW. The exiles won 19-10 at Effingham & Leatherhead. Matt Hakes scored their only try brilliantly converted in the conditions by George Kimmins, who also landed four penalties. A bonus point win against Old Tonbridgians next Saturday will see them clinch the league and promotion to London 1 South next season.
The same can be said for Falmouth in the Tribute Cornwall & Devon league. A 32-22 win against second placed Saltash on the artificial pitch at Keyham, the only Cornish derby played in Devon, puts the Eagles a massive 18 points clear with five games to play, and with their next game at home to relegated Tamar Saracens on Saturday another five points will see them crowned.
A brace of tries each from Tom Spiller and Tom Edmonds plus the trusty boot of Justyn Irons saw Falmouth to the win.
Saltash battled well scoring four tries through Will Morton, Ollie Mulberry, Tom Rixson and Phil Eatwell with Kieran Down adding a conversion. Saltash remain in second place four points ahead of Paignton, who have a game in hand, and who they visit on the last day of the season!
Lanner sid the double over Penryn when they won 22-10 at the Memorial Ground. Nick Prout (2), Dan Job and Jordan Hood scored for the Falcons with Prout adding a conversion. For the Borough Grant Randlesome got a try converted by Matt Horton who also added a penalty.
Pirates Amateurs edged Honiton 18-17 at the Mennaye thanks to a last-gasp Dan Magee penalty. Ryan Stanley and Steve Evans scored the Ams’ tries with Magee adding a conversion and an earlier penalty.
Bodmin slipped to another defeat 36-10at Plymstock. Jon Trevarthan added the conversion to a penalty-try and also a penalty for their points.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Hayle won 15-8 at St. Agnes to move clear of Newquay Hornets who were defeated at home by Veor 13-7. Liskeard-Looe closed the gap on Hornets following their 22-3 win over bottom of the table Camborne School of Mines. Roseland beat Helston 19-7.
In Tribute Cornwall 2, St. Just defeated Redruth Albany 37-7. Illogan Park and Lankelly Fowey had walkovers against Camelford and Perranporth, although Perranporth played the game as a friendly.
Congratulations to Camborne Reserves who retained their Tribute Duchy League title following a 27-6 win at nearest challengers St. Austell.