Cornwall Games 1996 - 1997


County Championship Semi-Final, 1996-97

Cornwall 24 Cumbria 38

Sat. 8th March 1997, Camborne.

Report by John Prowse, Webmaster

In their first semi-final for three years, an understrength Cornwall side fought bravely but were finally overpowered by a classy Cumbria outfit. Unable to field any of the Redruth first team players, who were prevented from playing by a National League 3 fixture, Cornwall relied heavily on the successful Launceston side, whose exciting young forwards had served them so well in the quarter-final. The Cumbria team was made up mainly of National League 4 players, augmented by three professional rugby league players.

It was apparent before the match that if Cornwall were to stand a chance they had to win the forward battle. The class of the Cumbria backs was well-known. Unfortunately, Cumbria had done their homework; having discussed tactics with the Hertfordshire side that Cornwall beat in the quarter-final, they fielded a massive pack. It was clear after the first couple of scrums that Cornwall would be hard-pushed to hold them, let alone dominate them.

In front of a sellout crowd of 9000 plus, Cumbria had the better of the first half, pinning Cornwall back in their own half for long periods. Luckily, Danny Sloman's kicking was as reliable as usual. He struck a penalty to give Cornwall the lead after ten minutes. It was the only time Cornwall were to be ahead. Cumbria equalised from a penalty. The sides exchanged further penalties, and Cumbria crossed for a try. The Cumbria captain, Richards, a huge bear of a man, was outstanding at number 8. By half-time, Cumbria had scored another try to consolidate their lead.

Cornwall fought back strongly in the second half, playing with pride and aggression. During a period of sustained pressure on the Cumbria line, Cumbria conceded a string of penalties. Many in the crowd thought the referee should have awarded Cornwall a penalty try. However, the Cumbria defence was strong, and the best period of Cornish play ended when Cornwall opted to take the three points from yet another penalty. Soon afterwards, Cumbria broke away to score another try. Cornwall came back again. Jimmy Tucker at fly-half started to make some telling runs. At last, Cornwall scored a deserved try of their own. For once, Sloman's boot let him down and he missed the conversion. Cumbria scored yet another try and the game was effectively over.

To their credit, Cornwall never gave up. Never quite able to match the class of the Cumbria backs or the sheer power of their forwards, they were often forced to attack from deep positions. It was Cornish passion against English power and coolness. Continuing to attack to the end, Cornwall forced another try in the dying seconds.

Cornwall team:

D. Sloman (Launceston), I. Veal (Bridgwater), B. Stafford, K. Thomas (both Redruth), M. Bradshaw, J. Tucker, R. Nancekivell, P. Risdon, B. Lucas, P. Brooks, G.Hutchings, J.Willcock (all Launceston), J.Atkinson (St Ives) capt., M. Addinall (Penryn), D. Shipton (Launceston).

Replacements: T. Borradaile (Wasps), G. Johns (Launceston), C. Monk (Penryn), S. Warring (Launceston), S. Richardson (Penryn), M. Tummon (Launceston).