Pirates settle for draw under the Mennaye sun


Photo Mark Collett, action from Penryn v Saltash with Borough’s Adam Hughes driving forward.

A very busy weekend for me covering both the Redruth and Cornish Pirates’ games for the local press, both were excellent games although the more satisfying from a spectator’s point of view will have been the 31 all draw between the Pirates and Ealing on Sunday.

It was a full-on game played in glorious sunshine. Ealing had the better of the early exchanges as the Pirates fell foul of referee Christophe Ridley far too often in the first forty.

A Mark Bright-inspired Ealing scored three excellent first half tries to lead 21-7, with the Pirates sole reply coming from winger Matt Evans with a try converted by fly-half Will Cargill.

Ealing’s player-coach Ben Ward nudged the visitors further ahead early in the second half before the Pirates’ bench brought some greater energy to the fray. Tom Duncan and Kyle Moyle scored tries both converted by Cargill to tie the scores at 24-24. Ealing got their noses ahead again with a converted try but the Pirates pegged them back thanks to Stuart Townsend’s quick thinking from a tap and go, with Cargill again on the money with the extras.

A draw was probably a fair result in the end, whilst those from Redruth will have been happy to see former players Bright and Aaron Penberthy in action for Ealing.

In National League 2 South Redruth made it two wins on the trot with a 48-12 win against newly promoted Barnstaple. Jack Oulton, Tommy Phillips, Sam Parsons, Nielson Webber and a penalty-try award plus three conversions and a penalty from James Huxtable saw the Reds go in 34-0 with the game won at half-time.

Second half Barnstaple salvaged some pride with a couple of tries, but Alex Ducker came on to score a couple himself, both converted by Huxtable.

The Reds hit the road for the first time this season on Saturday to face Chinnor with a few familiar faces waiting to greet them!

In National 3 SW, Camborne also made it two wins from two with an impressive 22-16 win at Dings Crusaders. Dave Mankee scored all his side’s points with a try, conversion and five penalties.

The only blemish was lock Damien Cook’s red card for retaliation, but to win at Dings is a fine marker and will make the rest of the division take note!

Launceston succumbed to a second defeat, this time at Hornets 31-17, Lloyd Duke, Fred Bulut and Martin Kneebone scoring the Cornish All Blacks’ tries.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro also made it two wins with a fine 26-24 win at Sidmouth. Ieuen Bone, Jake Champion, Daryl Riches and Jack Symons all scored tries, with Ashley Hosking adding three conversions.

Wadebridge Camels came from behind to win a thrilling encounter 32-26 at Torquay.

Trailing 20-3, Camels fought back with Dan Thomas, Matt Ballard, Adam Blackmore and Dom Hawkey scoring tries and James Grubb kicking three conversions and two penalties.

St. Austell also had to battle from behind to claim their first win of the season 29-24 against Burnham. Tries were scored by James Martin (2), Miles Davey and Sam Rhodes, Andy Ashwin kicked the other points.

St. Ives put up a good show at Devonport Services before losing 29-23. Jamie Prisk and James Wright scored tries for the Hakes, with Jordan Gott converting both scores and kicking three penalties.

A weakened Bude proved no match for Exeter University going down 83-5! James Comber with their consolation try.

In London 2 SW, London Cornish, despite missing a few regulars, defeated Twickenham 19-14. Former Wasps and London Welsh player and Samoan International Dan Leo made his debut for the club.

In Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Falmouth made it back-to-back wins with a fine 34-15 win at Honiton. Tom Edmonds, Justyn Irons (2), former Red, Owen Hambly and Nick Carne scored tries with Irons adding three conversions and a penalty.

Pirates Amateurs remain unbeaten following their 45-17 win against Plymstock at the Mennaye. Rhodri McAtee (2), Chadwick (2), James and Barrett scored tries for the Amateurs, with Magee kicking three conversions and three penalties.

Penryn won the Cornish derby at the Memorial Ground against Saltash 35-24. Borough’s tries were scored by Ross Hancock, Adam Hughes (pictured), Josh Chambers and Sam Hitchens with Matt Horton adding three conversions and three penalties.

For the Ashes, Ollie Mulberry (2), Will Morton and Joe Ronayne scored tries with Kieran Down and Ryan Cruickshanks each adding a conversion.

Lanner lost for the second game running this time 35-19 at home to Tavistock.

Dave Hewett scored their only try with Nick Prout kicking the other points.

Bodmin lost their opening game at Topsham 25- 8.

The Cornwall League results can be viewed in the Cornish results page. Hats off to St. Agnes who won the surfers derby 19-8 against Perranporth!

Cornwall U.18s got their season off to a winning start defeating Plymouth College 27-19.

Posted in Bill's Blog

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