It’s not often I start on a loss, but the Cornish All Blacks showed a lot of character last Saturday in going down at Bury St. Edmunds by a score 29-26.
By all accounts the All Blacks could have nicked the win; such was their pressure on the Bury line near the end. Launceston scored four tries with a brace from skipper Richard Friend and Ben Hilton and Jamie Salter also crossing.
There is no question that already the “Tucker” effect has rejuvenated the East Cornwall side and that the forthcoming Christmas derby will be one not to miss as the team-mates from Cornwall’s 99 championship winning sides Jimmy Tucker and Steve Larkins look for National League 2 Cornish bragging rights!
At Redruth, the Reds won a proverbial game of two halves against a dogged Worthing side 24-16. Despite trailing 13-3 at the break Redruth stormed back with three tries scored by Tom Cowan-Dickie, Brad Howe and Ben Priddey. Brett Rule landed three excellent conversions given the conditions with Rhodri McAtee dropping a first half goal.
The Cornish Pirates maintained their fine start in their British and Irish Cup pool with a 19-7 win at Nottingham.
Craig Holland scored their only try with Laurence May adding the conversion and four penalties.
It’s back to the Championship for the Pirates on Sunday as they look to move up the table when they take on the Bedford Blues at the Mennaye, kick-off 3 pm.
In Tribute South West 1 West, Camborne maintained top spot with a good 20-7 win at Drybrook.
Despite losing Sam Matavesi, who has re-signed for Albion, and a delay in traffic on the M5, the Cherry and Whites scored tries though Sam Bartle and Dave Roberts with Ben Stean added both conversions and a couple of penalties.
This Saturday, Camborne entertains second placed Bridgwater & Albion in what will be a pivotal match in their season.
The only Cornish joy in the Tribute Western Counties West last weekend was Penryn’s welcome 20-15 win at the Memorial Ground against Devonport Services.
The Borough welcomed back winger Alex Ducker, who has re-signed following his departure from the Reds.
Borough scored four unconverted tries through Ben Trevaskis (2), Matt Horton and Andrew Seviour.
Truro lost a tight game 24-22 at Torquay, with Jack Tidball, Darren Jacques and Luke Tidball (2) scoring tries and Alex Suthridge adding a couple of conversions.
St. Austell’s up and down season continues as they lost 30-0 at Okehampton.
Wadebridge Camels lost 15-10 at Sidmouth. Rhys Bright got their try with James Grubb adding the conversion and a penalty.
Saltash slipped up at Crediton 35-23. Eatwell, Crofts and Rayner scored tries with Max Venables kicking the rest of the points.
In London 2 SW London Cornish won at London Exiles 34-9. Josh Allison and Harry Somers scored tries whilst Allison converted his own try and a penalty-try and penalty. Fly-half Phil Dale slotted four penalties.
In the Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, the big game was at Bencoolen where Bude just defeated St. Ives 20-17. Olly Denford, Tim Green and Duncan Tout scored tries for the Seasiders with Dan Pearce kicking a conversion and penalty.
Cameron Bone scored a couple of tries for the Hakes both converted by Grant Thirlby who also kicked a penalty.
Falmouth were held to a draw at home by Plymstock 10 – all. Tom Spiller and David Jones scored tries for the Eagles.
Pirates Amateurs won 15-3 at Honiton thanks to a couple of tries from Tom Excel with James Lonsdale adding a conversion and penalty.
Bodmin won 12-8 at Plymouth Argaum thanks to tries from Paul Carter and Guy Taylor with Jamie Taylor adding a conversion.
Hayle lost at home to Paignton 13-11. Scott Harvey kicked a couple of penalties with Tony Matthews scoring a try for the Lions.
Newquay Hornets look set for an immediate return to Cornwall 1 following their ninth loss this time to leaders Withycombe 72-5 at the Sports centre.
In the Tribute Cornwall Clubs Cup pool games played, Liskeard-Looe had a good 46-8 win against Lankelly-Fowey to top Pool A. In the same pool Roseland defeated Camelford 25-10.
In Pool D, School of Mines had a walkover against Albany and Illogan Park defeated St. Just 38-7, for whom Damien Cook scored.
The pool B game between Stithians and Helston was postponed, whilst the result of Perranporth v St. Agnes in pool C is currently unknown!
