Ever since Redruth’s win at the Recreation Ground against the Cornish All Blacks back in October, the Polson faithfull have been waiting the return fixture to make amends, and in fine style to with an impressive 19-8 win over their old rivals from down the A.30.
A spectacle of running rugby it was not, yet it was full of passion, pride and toil and played for the most part in good spirit, both on and off the pitch! You can read my full match report on the main site via the link here.
Mount’s Bay suffered another defeat at the Mennaye at the hands of high flyers Cambridge with all the scoring completed in the first half at 28-3. It’s been a tough week for Mount’s Bay with news that the “credit crunch” has hit the Penzance club hard. They however been given some good fortune when the news came through that Esher who had defeated Bay at the Mennaye in the 4th round of the National Trophy had been thrown out of the competition for fielding an ineligable player, thus handing them a plum home tie in the 5th round at home to London Scottish.
Sunday afternoon saw the Cornish Pirates take on bottom side Manchester in National League 1. The Camborne pitch it has to be said is not at it’s best at present, especially with all the bad weather we have had in recent days. It made goal kicking a lottery, with not one kick at goal succeding. All the points came from tries with the Pirates running out winners 25-10. For the Pirates tries were scored by Rhodri McAtee, Brian Tuohy(the pick of the bunch), Iva Motusaga, Marika Vakacegu and recent signing Blair Cowan. In truth it wasn’t a five star performance and the Cornish Pirates looked to be playing well within their capabilities. They will miss McAtee and Tuohy when they both go off on 7’s duty with Wales and Ireland respectivley. Hopefully a few players will be back soon, I spoke to Bertrand Bedes before the game and he is resuming training this week and is raring to get back playing as soon as possible. Allez Bertrand!
The presentation last Monday in Penzance for the fund raising via the supporters for the Cornish Pirates went well with one piece of news to emerge that Chris Stirling will be returing to the club in the new role of High Performance Manager on a 2 year contract.
In the regional Tribute leagues, in South West 2 West, a good win for St. Ives who are comming good once again. Visitors St. Mary’s Old Boys were out to the sword 52-3. Will Dirksen maintained his fine scoring record with another couple of tries, with Kyle Armstrong, former Red, Craig Williams, Ben Taylor, Hino Robin and Karl Martin all crossing for the Hakes. Martin added seven conversions and a penalty to complete the rout.
It wasn’t a good day for Cornish clubs in Western Counties West with all four sides losing. In the battle between second and third, Kingsbridge got the better of Wadebridge Camels 13-10, a late drop goal giving the South Devon side the win.
League leaders Cullompton defeated Newquay Hornets 27-14 to maintain their top spot. Rob Ley scoring the Hornets try with Sam Cullen kicked three penalties.
Bude played the other Hornets (Weston), losing once more 39-17. Will Kingdom and Martin Green scored tries for Bude with Ollie Raynor converting both scores and a penalty.
Camborne’s poor season continues and the prospect of relegation looms as a real possibility! They lost for the eigth time this campaign the latest reversal at home to Devonport Services 27-23. Nigel Endean and Andrew Notman scored tries for the Town, both converted by Dave Mankee who also added three penalties.
After their Senior Vase exit last week, London Cornish hoped to bounce back in the league at home to Winchester in London 3 SW, instead they lost 14-11. DoR Dickon Moon’s report will be in the link.
Better news from the Cornwall & Devon league where leaders Penryn bounced back from defeat at Bideford to win at previously second placed Okehampton 15-14. A late try from Chris Mann sealed a great comeback from 14-0 down at half-time. Mann scored the Borough’s opening try as well with Darren Pellow also touching down.
Truro move up to second after a big win at home to Plymstock, 67-3. Tim Gay scored a hat-tick of tries with Mark Lea and Matt Trevail each scoring a brace. Other scores came from Ross Martin, Michael Patterson, Justin Irons and Scott Martin.
Hayle lost at home to Crediton 11-3, Paul Lello kicking a penalty for the Lions.
Saltash completed a league double over Falmouth to register only their second win of the season 26-8.
