The Cornish Pirates came out on top of their British and Irish Cup encounter on Sunday against Cardiff Blues (Premiership Select) at the Arms Park 22-10.
There were two tries from winger Jack Arnott plus a touchdown from skipper Aaron Carpenter with fly-half Laurence May kicking a penalty and two conversions.
Both sides meet again this Saturday at the Mennaye kick-off 3 pm with the Pirates hoping to go one better and get five points from the fixture.
It was great to be able to watch the game thanks to S4C.
On Saturday both our National League 2 sides were defeated.
Redruth travelled to the capital to face Barnes and lost 36-31. They scored five tries through Rob Coote (2), Sam Parsons, Ben Priddey and Ashley Lawton, with Brett Rule kicking three conversions.
So the Reds travelled home with a couple of points but would have wanted more from this fixture and will feel frustrated at having scored five tries and still lost.
The basement battle went the way of Chinnor at Polson Bridge 21-10 leaving the Cornish All Blacks 16 points adrift at the foot of the table. Jake Childs and Ben Hilton scored unconverted tries for the home side.
This Saturday sees Launceston travel west to face Redruth with a 2pm kick-off.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne bounced back from their single point defeat at Newent to defeat Wells 24-0 thanks to tries from Andrius Zacharovas, Taron Peacock and skipper Dave Roberts. Ben Stean kicked two conversions and a penalty with Rhys Brownfield slotting the last conversion.
Town are now 11 points clear at the top and travel to face in-form Thornbury on Saturday, a challenge that Director of rugby Liam Chapple (pictured) is relishing.
In Tribute Western Counties West, it’s a shame to see so many Cornish clubs battling at the wrong end of the table.
St. Austell defeated Penryn 20-10 to keep the Borough firmly at the foot of the table.
Dan Jane and Shane Johns scored tries for the Saints whilst Andy Ashwin landed both conversions and a couple of penalties.
For Penryn Alex Ducker scored a try which was converted by Jake Seviour who also added a penalty.
Truro lost at the death to visitors Tiverton 25-27 at St. Clements Hill with former Launceston player Wayne Sprangle doing most of the damage with three tries.
Matt Symons, Rikki Brandon and “Eggy” Williams scored tries with Williams also kicking two conversions and a penalty. Jake Champion added a third conversion.
Wadebridge Camels leap-frogged Cullompton with a narrow win 17-16 at the Molesworth Field. James Grubb scored a try and kicked two conversions and a penalty, whilst Will Pengelly scored the second try.
Saltash lost at home to Exeter University 21-8. Will Morton scored a try and Max Venables kicked a penalty.
Up in London 2 SW, London Cornish remain in second spot following their 23-10 win at Old Reigatian. Ben Ievers and Craig Chatley scored tries with Josh Allison kicking both conversions and three penalties.
In Tribute Cornwall and Devon League, Bude got back to winning ways following their defeat at home to Withycombe the previous week with a fine 53-12 win at Exeter Saracens. Duncan Tout (3), Joe Wilson (2), Ollie Denford (2) and Dan Pearce (2) scored the tries with Pearce kicking four conversions.
St. Ives came away from Raleigh Park with a fine 23-20 win over leaders Withycombe. Cameron Bone, Bobby Conroy-Smith and Sam Carter scored the Hakes’ tries with Grant Thirlby kicking a conversion and a couple of penalties.
Falmouth Eagles soared to a fine win at Hayle 37-16, John Tyson (2), Tom Edmonds and Chris McColl scored the Eagles tries with Justyn Irons landing all four conversions and three penalties. Hayle contrived to have three men in the bin during the second half scored points from an Ashley White try converted by Scott Harvey who also landed three first half penalties.
Pirates Amateurs defeated Bodmin 46-26 at the Mennaye. Newquay Hornets forfeited their game at Paignton.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Camborne School of Mines had a walkover against Liskead-Looe to stay top.
Veor stay second following their walkover against St. Agnes.
Two games that were played saw Perranporth win 30-17 at Helston, whilst Lanner won at Illogan Park 17-15.
In Tribute Cornwall 2, Roseland remain top after a narrow 6-3 win at Camelford.
St. Just remain second following their 32-3 win at Lankelly-Fowy. Ben Guy scoring a hat-trick of tries.
Stithians won 27-5 at Redruth Albany.
The Trelawnys Army Colts league is set for a grand finale next weekend following Helston’s 20-7 win at St. Austell on Saturday.
Photo – TASC committee members Trixie Gordon and Marina Trevarton presenting match balls to the captains of St. Austell and Helston Colts.
Tries from Kyle Bradley (2) and John England along with a penalty and conversion from scrum-half Dan Duval sets Helston up for the league so long as they beat St. Ives next Saturday.
St. Austell could still pip Helston if they slip up but they will need a bonus point win at Redruth to do so.
Have to mention Exeter Chiefs’ fine win over Clermont Auvergne on Saturday evening a bonus point 33-14 win to boot.
Another sparking performance from Jack Nowell in front of new England coach Eddie Jones!
