The Cornish Pirates slipped to another defeat at home on Saturday, this time to league pace-setters Bristol by 40-10 in the Greene King Championship.
It was Bristol’s first success at the Mennaye since 2004 and was built on a good forward domination plus the cultured boot of Gavin Henson. Olly Robinson dotted down three of his side’s six tries.
Joe Atkinson scored the Pirates’ only try converted by Kieran Hallett, who also slotted a penalty.
Friday week is a massive game for the Pirates when they travel to play Moseley, a fixture and venue that hasn’t been very successful of late for the Cornishmen.
In National League 2 South, defeat for both our sides. The Cornish All Blacks chiselled out a losing bonus point going down 20-16 at home to Dorking. Full-back Issac Hydleman scored a couple of tries and Chris Swash kicked two penalties.
Redruth gave Old Albanian a good run before picking up injuries and conceding some late scores to finally succumb 34-15.
Nelly Webber, Dan Rutter and Brad Janes all scored un-converted tries for the Reds.
In Tribute South West 1 West visitors Chard were caught up in traffic meaning a delayed kick-off of 4 pm.
They probably wished they had stayed on the coach as the Cherry and Whites ran in seven tries to win 46-0. Tries were scored by Sam Matavesi (2), Gareth Mankee, Richie Kevern (pictured), Sam Bartle, Harvey Jones and Taron Peacock. Kevern kicked the rest of the points.
The win put Camborne second in the table before their next game at Clevedon.
In Tribute Western Counties West, Saltash are the best placed Cornish side following their 33-28 win over St. Austell at Moorlands. Callum Cload (2), Shaun Crawford, and Phil Eatwell scored tries for the Ashes with Max Venables kicking 13 points.
For the Saints Josh Phillips, Andy Inch (2) and Paul Winterbottom scored tries with Cavan Boyer kicking the rest of the points.
A bad day for Wadebridge Camels who were thrashed 60-0 at home by Exeter University.
Penryn also drew a blank at Tiverton going down 31-0 and are now propping up the table.
Truro continued their patchy form losing at home to Sidmouth 32-17.
Up in London our exiles are now top of the table following their 29-6 win at Cobham in London 2 SW. Stefan Duda (2), Mike Bond and Tom Jeffery scored the tries with Phillip Dale kicking a penalty and three conversions. Well done to all at London Cornish keep it going.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude thumped Newquay Hornets 79-12 in the surfers’ paradise derby! Bude ran in 13 tries with Duncan Tout getting three of them, Dan Pearce landed six conversions as well as scoring two tries.
Leaders Withycombe beat Hayle 34-3.
St. Ives defeated Tavistock 53-17 and remain third in the table.
Falmouth are just behind following their narrow 24-22 win at Bodmin thanks to a late Justyn Irons penalty.
Pirates Amateurs also had a narrow away win this time at Plymouth Argaum 10-8. Mike Roach with the crucial try.
It was the opening round of pool games in the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup. All the results are on the results section.
So the Rugby World Cup is now down to the final two with the holders New Zealand set to defend their title against their Taman Sea neighbours Australia. It promises to be a great tussle next Saturday between the Kiwis and the Wallabies.
Don’t forget on Friday evening at the Mennaye kick-off 7:45 pm Cornish Pirates XV take on a Cornwall Development XV entry is £5 kids £1.