ANSOME is a word used in Cornwall meaning “All is well with the world”, and this past weekend the weather was certainly ‘ansome!
It was almost as balmy as the South of France, and we all know how the French love to “thraw the ball around” in such conditions. Well the two games I saw over the weekend saw plenty of that.
Ten tries at Redruth on Saturday as Old Albanians, ably marshalled by former Cornish Pirate James Shanahan at fly-half put on a fine display to run-out winners by 40-27, to inflict Redruth’s third loss at home this season. A win that took the Hertfordshire side to the top of the National League 2 South table, as previous leaders Richmond surprisingly slipped up at Polson against the Cornish All Blacks 18-16.
The CRFU were out in force at the Rec checking out potential opponents when Cornwall travel to play Hertfordshire in June, as were members of Trelawny’s Army.
Congratulations to Paul Thirlby who led the Reds out on his 200th club game.
You can read my report on the match together with comments and reaction from both Dave Penberthy and James Shanahan in the link.
So up at Polson the Cornish All Blacks defeated Richmond 18-16 with two tries scored by Richard Bright and Aron Struminski, both these players are in the Cornwall squad currently training for the start of the County Championship. To think that the All Blacks final league game of the season at Polson will be against Old Albanians. A game of potentially huge significance.
Match report from Polson in the link
The Tamar Cup against Cornwall v Devon will be played at Launceston’s Polson Bridge ground on Tuesday evening 24th April kick-off 7-30 pm. Cornwall are likely to field a strong side as they prepare for their opening Bill Beaumont Cup match against Gloucestershire at Redruth on Saturday 5th May, kick-off 3-00 pm.
After a draw and a nail-biting loss, the Cornish Pirates got a well-deserved win 25 – 17 yesterday in the sunshine at the Mennaye against a Rotherham Titan’s side on a high after their win at Leeds. Two tries from winger Grant Pointer and solo effort from skipper Gavin Cattle along with the reliable boot of Rob Cook steered the Pirates home. Former Cornish All Black Pale Nonu featured well for Rotherham and he could well be involved for Cornwall in this season’s County Championship.
Catch Dick Straughan’s match report in the link
In Tribute South West 1 West, Wadebridge Camels confirmed their Cup win over Camborne with a league win over the Cherry & Whites at the Molesworth Field by 37-5 with skipper Gary Gynn helping himself to a try hat-trick. The win secures the Camels place in the league for next season.
For Penryn it now looks like a swift return to Western Counties West next season as they lost at Avonmouth by 46-10.
In Western Counties West, St. Austell lost heavily at leaders North Petherton 54-0. Truro consolidated their mid-table position with a 36-20 win at St. Clements over Torquay Athletic.
Bude won a Cornish derby against St. Ives 50-11, a result which seals the Hakes fate and relegation to the Cornwall & Devon League next season.
In London 2 SW, a good win for London Cornish at Bognor 18-7. Read DoR Dickon Moon’s report in the link
In the Cornwall & Devon League there were wins for Falmouth against Teignmouth 19-14, and Veor who beat Totnes 29-17. Losses for Newquay Hornets at Withycombe 24-5 and Hayle at home to second place Tavistock 24-16. Liskeard/Looe and Pirates Amateurs fought out a 17 all draw at Lux Park.
A plug for St.Agnes RFC who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year as well as having just been crowned champions of Tribute Cornwall 2. They have a prestigious gala match against Wasps Legends on Saturday May 12th at their Enys Parc ground. Tickets can be brought for the day at the Hall for Cornwall Box Office.
