On Sunday in the Greene King Championship, the Cornish Pirates slipped to another home defeat this time at the hands of Rotherham Titans 28-10 and with it saw their slim hopes of a play-off place this season all but extinguished.
It was a frustrating performance from Kernow’s finest, especially with the St. Piran’s festivities around the game and of course an eye on this Thursday’s vital Planning Committee meeting at County Hall which will decide the fate of the stadium plans.
Tom Kessell scored the Pirates’ only try with a lovely angled run to the posts, he will no doubt be doing likewise for Northampton next season, whilst Bristol bound prop Jamal Ford-Robinson was on his rampaging best.
Max Bodilly, not for the first time this season, showed his attacking prowess and proved a constant thorn in the Titans’ side.
You can read Phil Stoneham’s WMN report in the link.
Also Ian Davies’ reaction in this link.
Thursday’s result is the one the Pirates and Cornwall are hanging on!
In National League 2 South a mixed day for our Cornish sides. Redruth picked up only their second win on the road this season 29-20 at relegation haunted Dings Crusaders.
The Reds lost Greg Goodfellow to stomach bug prior to the game, also had four yellow cards in the game, and then lost Rhodri McAtee with a shoulder injury.
On came young Dan Rutter to acquit himself well once again and enhance his growing reputation.
You can read Ed Bawden’s WMN report in the link.
The Cornish All Blacks slipped up at home against in-form Cambridge 28-7 with just a try from Barrie-John Chapman converted by Kieron Lewitt to show.
It was a performance that DoR Neil Bayliss described as ‘the worst performance this season by far!’
You can read Suzanne Cleave’s WMN report in the link.
In Tribute South West 1 West, a day to forget for both Cornish clubs, but for St. Austell the mire has become even stickier.
A 40-5 loss at Wells now sees the Saints six points adrift of safety with four games to play! Dan Pearce scored the Saints only try.
Camborne lost at Thornbury 32-11, Rob Floyd scoring their try and Alex Ducker a couple of penalties.
Both sides will now turn their attention to this Saturday’s Tribute Cornwall Cup semi-finals against Penryn and Truro respectively.
In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro won the derby against St. Ives 49-18 leaving the Hakes in a perilous position.
Dan Marsh, Chris Gilbert, Jake Seviour, Darren Jacques, Luke Tidball (2), Eggy Williams and Ieuan Boon scored Truro’s tries, with Williams also kicking three conversions and a penalty.
For St. Ives, Tom Murray and Sam Heath scored tries and Jamie Prisk kicked eight points.
Wadebridge Camels put Torquay Athletic to the sword 92-5 at the Molesworth Field, with Cornwall Under 20 star Jake Woodward scoring four of their thirteen tries! James Grubb kicked twelve conversions!
Penryn lost 14-11 at Kingsbridge, Jack Willey with the try and Martin Strick with a couple of penalties.
In London 2 SW London Cornish defeated Old Alleynians 18-16. See previous blog entry for a match report by Ben Gilby.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League Saltash and Crediton continue their dual at the top of the table. Both sides look assured of promotion and the title will be decided on the final day of the season when Saltash travel to Crediton!
Saltash defeat former leaders Withycombe 31-14, whilst Crediton had a walkover against Liskeard-Looe, who will look to re-group in Cornwall 1 next season.
Pirates Amateurs surprisingly lost at South Molton 21-12, whilst Bude defeated OPMs 38-14.
Falmouth won the derby against Hayle 27-16, with Bodmin dipping out at home to Paignton 19-20.
In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup pool matches, Illogan Park defeated Redruth Albany 76-13, Roseland won at Camelford 30-0 and Lanner defeated Helston 50-7. The game between Veor and St. Agnes was postponed.
Here’s hoping Jack Nowell will keep his place for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match against Scotland at Twickenham. Go Jack!
Well done to Jack Stanley who played for England Under 18s in their win over Scotland Under 18s 39-27 up at Kingston Park, Newcastle.
Tom Parker is still going great guns in Brittany with Vannes currently top of their pool in Fédérale 1 despite losing at Tyrosse 35-32 on Sunday. Next up the derby against Saint Nazaire in three weeks time
Tom will also be turning out for a Brittany Select against a Basque Select in Bayonne on Saturday 21st March.
Sunday as you all know, Cornwall Under 20s play Yorkshire Under 20s for a place in the County Championship Final at Twickenham. More on this blog during the week.
