Reds falter, Jack’s a Lion

Photo: Jack Nowell set to become the latest Cornish Lion.

 

London Irish Wild Geese took the spoils with the final kick of the game to earn a 22-21 win in their battle to avoid the drop.

It was frustrating for Redruth to concede the double to a side that have been battling relegation all season from National League 2 South.

Early in the second half Redruth looked well in charge leading 21-5, thanks to a brace of first half tries scored by prop Tommy Phillips and an early second half score from BJ Chapman, all three tries converted by Joe Elderkin.

However, Redruth were lacking a certain spark all afternoon and Wild Geese stormed back to knick the win.

It was a result that left head coach Marek Churcher feeling very frustrated. “We just didn’t click today, our concentration was poor and to be frank they wanted it more!”

The result leaves Redruth in fifth place, one point behind Taunton going into the final round of matches this weekend. Reds finish their season at Henley Hawks.

In National 3 SW, which incidentally will next season be known as South West Premier League, both our sides suffered final day defeats.

Camborne went down 50-22 at Cleve. Three of the Cherry and Whites’ tries came from Jack Simmons, Jon Drew and departing director of rugby Liam Chapple.

Sadly Launceston bowed out of the league conceded twelve tries in a 76-10 defeat to Dings Crusaders, Harry Dawe and Brandon Rowley with their two tries.

In the local Tribute leagues it was also the final games of the season. In Tribute Western Counties West, Truro still feeling the disappointment of their cup loss the previous weekend went down 22-10 to Torquay Athletic, Ethan Tyler and Jack Tidball with their tries. Truro still have a game to play this Saturday at Burnham and will finish up in fourth place.

Fifth place Wadebridge Camels were also still feeling flat after their Cornwall Cup final defeat to St. Austell crashing 81-7 at champions Exeter University. Their only try was scored by Gary Gynn converted by James Grubb.

St. Ives ended their campaign in sixth place despite defeat at Cullompton 50-22. Tom Chandler, Dan Rutter and Archie Mackay scored tries with Jordan Gott kicking the rest of the points.

St. Austell’s seventh place finish will give them a platform to build on next season. A big crowd saw the County Cup winners turn on the style with a 84-19 defeat of Tiverton. Full-back Toby Robinson got three of the Saints’ twelve tries.

For Bude the dye was already cast as they make a swift return to the Cornwall & Devon League next season. They signed off with another defeat 33-17 at Devonport Services. Simon Jefferies and Gareth Mitchell scored tries with Dan Pearce adding a penalty to his two conversions.

In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, champions Falmouth finished their program with a 44-20 win at Topsham, having trailed at the break 20-16.

Saltash were no match for Paignton going down 39-0, they will hope to make a push for promotion next season.

Penryn finished up fifth after defeating Plymstock Albion Oaks 17-0, thanks to a brace of tries from Mitch Vague both converted by Matt Horton who also kicked a penalty.

Well done to Lanner whom finished up in seventh place, not bad for a side playing at this level for the first time. The Falcons ended on a high blitzing Tamar Saracens 92-14! Adam Harris scored six of the tries.

Pirates Amateurs’ season ended in defeat as they lost at home to Plymouth Argaum 28-12. Chav and Liam Lonsdale scored the tries with Liam adding a conversion.

Bodmin ended their three season stay at this level with a 20-19 win against Withycombe. Chris Richardson bagged three tries for Bodmin with Harry Harland adding a fourth.

In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-finals, Liskeard-Looe upset Cornwall 1 champions Hayle 40-5 at Lux Park in the battle of the Lions.

They will meet Newquay Hornets who defeated Veor 38-16.

Newquay Hornets, who have declined to meet Torrington in the play-off for the Cornwall & Devon League for next season, will play Liskeard-Looe in the final on Monday 1st May at Clifden Park, Bodmin.

This Saturday will see the Colts Cup final between St. Austell and Launceston at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell, a repeat of the League final won by the Cornish All Blacks youngsters 10-8 at Polson Bridge earlier this month.

Photo: Richard Sharp playing for England at Twickenham

Finally many congratulations to Jack Nowell on his selection for this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour party to New Zealand. Hear former Cornish Lion Richard Sharp’s best wishes in the link from BBC Radio Cornwall

Also well done to Luke Cowan-Dicke, who will tour Argentina with England this summer.

 

 

Posted in Bill's Blog

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