Photo – Tom Cowan-Dickie scored for the Reds against Taunton
St. Piran’s Day served up it’s very own rugby classic as Redruth powered to an impressive 38-3 win against Taunton Titans at the Recreation Ground.
The win saw the Reds leap-frog Taunton the National League 2 table and with a mouth-watering game this Saturday against Old Albanian again at the Rec the prospect of in the case of a win moving up to third! Heady heights indeed.
Redruth scored six tries through Kyle Marriott, Tom Cowan-Dickie, Matt Bowden, Pale Nonu, Luke Hattam and Chris Fuca with Brett Rule kicking four conversions.
Conversely, the Cornish All Blacks saw the prospect of a first league win this season snatched from their grasp at Southend as they slipped to a 19-13 defeat in the final moments.
The loss confirmed their relegation to National League 3 SW for next season.
Seb Hockridge scored the All Black’s try with Fraser Honey kicking the other points.
On Sunday in the Green King Championship the Cornish Pirates gave leaders Bristol a good run returning to Cornwall with a couple of points in 29-24 defeat. Tries were scored by Brett Beukeboom, Kyle Moyle, Craig Holland, and skipper for the day, Tom Duncan, Will Cargill slotting a couple of conversions.
This Sunday the Cornish Pirates entertain Doncaster Knights in the quarter-final of the British and Irish Cup kick-off 3pm on the Mennaye.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne remain on course following their 31-13 win at home against Drybrook. Damien Cook crashed over for a hat-trick of scores with Alex Ducker and James Goldsworthy also crossing for tries. Rhys Brownfield added three conversions.
In Tribute Western Counties West, a fine win for Truro at home to Torquay Athletic 40-7. Luke Tidball (2), Harvey Bell (2), Luke Trescothick and Alex Sutheridge all scored tries with Ashley Hosking kicking five conversions.
Penryn are off the bottom after their gutsy 28-24 win at Devonport Services. Phil Hinchley (2), George Jones, on his return from a long injury, and Danny Booth scored the tries with Matt Horton kicking a couple of penalties and a conversion.
Wadebridge Camels slipped up at home against Sidmouth 15-20. Shaun Hawkey and Rich Treleaven scored tries with James Grubb kicking a penalty and conversion.
St. Austell also lost at home to play-off chasing Okehampton 10-22. Shane Johns and Cav Boyer scored tries for the Saints.
Saltash slipped to the bottom of the pile following their latest defeat at home to Crediton 13-22. Ryan Cruickshanks scored a try for the Ashes with Todd Croft adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.
In London 2 SW, London Cornish hopes of finishing top were dealt a blow with a 32-24 home defeat at the hands of London Exiles.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, Bude took a big option towards the league title with a 27-8 win against second place St. Ives at Alexandra Road. Ollie Denford (2), James Comber and Adam Black scored tries for the North Cornwall side with Dan Pearce kicking the other points.
For the Hakes player-coach Paul Thirlby scored a try with brother Grant adding a penalty.
Withycombe are now level on points with St. Ives, but have two games in-hand.
Falmouth had a fruitless trip to Plymstock losing 27-0. Bodmin lost at home 9-12 to Plymouth Argaum. Josh Taylor landed three penalties for the home side.
Hayle went down at Paignton 27-3. Dan Lello with their sole penalty. Newquay Hornets were heavily defeated at Withycombe 64-5. Harry Pendreich with their only try.
The game between Pirates Amateurs and Honiton was postponed.
In Tribute Cornwall 1, Lanner’s stay at the top lasted just one week as they lost at Helston 16-13. Camborne School of Mines are back at the top following their 22-10 win against Perranporth.
Veor remain third following their 19-10 win at Wheal Gerry against Illogan Park. Liskeard-Looe overcame a valiant St. Agnes 30-24 at Enys Parc.
In Tribute Cornwall 2 Roseland defeated their nearest challengers St. Just 11-8 and look odds on to be crowned Champions.
Camelford defeated Redruth Albany at Trewergie 38-5 and Sthithans won 27-7 at Lankelly-Fowey.
News this week that former Cornwall star Martin Haag will be relinquishing his post at Nottingham to take up the reins with England Under 20s next season.
Cornwall Under 20s round off their program on Sunday against Devon at Camborne kick-off 2pm. Cornwall must win the game to avoid relegation that has been brought in this season.
Good luck to both Redruth’s Tom Cowan-Dickie and Plymouth Albion’s Christian Judge who are both involved with England Counties on Friday evening at Blackheath against France Fédérale. Counties will be defending the Jean-Claude Baqué Cup played for between the two sides.
Not forgetting Bill Keast with the England Under 20s against Wales and of course both Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie in the squad to face Wales at Twickenham.