This page contains comments, opinions, and suggestions received prior to September 2002. In those days, this was a static page, maintained manually by the Webmaster. Luckily, things have moved on, and we now have a realtime, interactive CORNISH RUGBY FORUM.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. To make a new comment, please use our interactive CORNISH RUGBY FORUM.
From Andy Quantick (QuantickALE5@aol.com )
I agree with the postings refering to a new stadium being built. The upgrading of the Recreation Ground at Redruth would be an excellent idea, as it is the home of Cornwall's "national" team. The atmosphere of the town, ground, and scenery in the distance is second to none to hold a Cornish team match. As for Anthony Hendra's idea of upgrading the Rec. ground and making Redruth the only professional team in Cornwall, well I highly object to that, being a Pirate's supporter, and no doubt other club supporters will have the same view as me.
From Anthony Hendra (e-mail address not supplied)
I think it is good idea for Cornwall to play in Europe and to play more games throughout the year, even if the top players are not available, as this will give more up-and-coming players the chance to wear the coveted Black and Gold shirt. This would create more incentive for younger players.
If we are running the risk of losing the County Championship forever, how about if the CRFU upgrade Redruth's seating and parking, create a professional team, and put them into the big leagues and competitions. This would bring more teams and their supporters to Cornwall, and generate more income for Cornwall and the CRFU. This could only be good for Cornwall as a whole.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
It would appear that Redruth's (and with it Cornwall's) chances of staging an England A International in the future have been scuppered. According to the RFU website, clubs are invited to tender for the forthcoming season's fixtures with the following criteria, quote: "What the RFU is looking for is a forward-thinking club with a level pitch in excellent condition, with appropriate facilities to stage the match, promote the event in the locality and print and distribute tickets. The crowd capacity needed is at least 8,000 for an A game, a minimum of 4,000 for the U21s, and 2,000 for U19 and Students' encounters. As fixtures are likely to be broadcast live on Sky, with highlights on BBC, the A and U21 games will require floodlighting to TV standard".
Calls have been made on this website before for a new ground to be built in Cornwall. Without it, it is very unlikely that any major fixture will be played down here again. Indeed, the nearest ground to us that fulfils the criteria is the redeveloped Plymouth Argyle ground at Home Park, Plymouth. Exeter Chiefs are looking to rebuild the County Ground at Exeter and this in the near future could fit the RFU's new criteria. So were does this leave us? With memories and yellow-paged programmes to look back on!
From George Beevor (George.Beevor@BushInternet.com)
Further to my recent comments regading alternative venues for big rugby occasions in Cornwall, one can't help but wonder if the time has come to open up the debate.
During the recent debate on the Trelawny's Army feedback page it was suggested that the CRFU should be pushing to host major events on the European scene. If we are to take on other provinces and regions from around Europe, and ultimately nations from around the globe, we must ask, do we realy have the facilities to do so?
In the shadow of Britain's first settlement, the majestic Carn Brea, the Recreation Ground, Redruth is my favourate Rugby ground in the world; there is nowhere I personaly would rather watch the gold and black. However, as it stands currently, the facilites will not appeal to the vanities and requirements of the outside sporting world.
If the team is to progress in the coming years on the lines suggested, a new stadium will need to be found. Although it would be foolishly optimistic to suggest that attendances are likely to outgrow the 7,000 capacity, I cannot, for example, see a professional sevens series, with the requirements of a dozen different professional squads squeezing into the club house year on year.
The unique atmosphere of Cornish supporters is not exclusive to the rec'; anybody who follows the County Championship side away from home will vouch for that. As the nation with more rugby players per head than any other, that Cornwall would not be considered to host matches when the World Cup is played in the 'home' nations is bordering on the ridiculous, until you ask, where?
I would not purport to have the answers to these questions, perhaps a toe could be dipped into the water with the help of the Devonian union and an attempt to host a professional event at Home Park in Plymouth.
Whatever the long term solution, the wheels of rugby move painfully slowly, and unfortunatly we are all aware that this is the case in Cornwall as much as anywhere. So the sooner the ideas are put forward, the sooner progress can be made.
From George Beevor (George.Beevor@BushInternet.com)
Why is it that when the CRFU finally get 'round to playing a championship game away from Redruth they venture the whole 5 miles to Camborne? If those supporters in the East don't deserve a shorter trip then what about us exiles? On a sunny spring Saturday Camborne can add a couple of hours from Launceston or Saltash. Surely a venue further east can be found, the facilies at the apparently municipal Lux Stadium in Liskeard are at least as good as the Rec and, although I would never want to lose the Redruth atmosphere for the big games, what ia wrong with spreading the games around?
From Antony Dingle (adingle@stop-choc.co.uk)
From a supporter's point of view, the County Championship rounds are too close together. This makes for an extremely expensive end to the rugby season, especially if Cornwall get through to at least the semis. As an exile, currently living in Slough, I still try to get to every match. (The only exception has been this year's first round and quarters, as I had unfortunately picked that fortnight to be on honeymoon - teach me not to read the fixtures list first!).
Since 1997, I have only missed one other game to the two mentioned above. With this format of clumping all the matches together at the end of the season, not only does it make things more difficult to ensure that tickets have been purchased (this year's semi for example, admittedly I had only returned from honeymoon the Monday before), for a prolonged campaign, this can be an extremely expensive month!
The matches need to be spread over a longer period of play. With there now only being four matches in this new system, it can not be too hard for the clubs and leagues to set aside one weekend a month for the second half of the season for a county match, can it?
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
The very welcome news that the RFU have at long last joined FIRA-AER, the European Rugby Federation, is to be applauded. Those that read the Feedback page on this site will know that for sometime now there have been those of us who have been pushing for this to happen. I very much believe that there is a door of opportunity, not only for the RFU, but also more importantly for CRFU, to actively engage in studying the possibilities within FIRA-AER.
Strike while the iron is hot and seize the initiative is what is now required. Cornwall should now push for a place in the European Regions Cup for season 2003/4. I firmly believe that this competition is one in which a Cornwall side will not only flourish but also raise its profile on the International stage. This is what all Cornish rugby supporters dearly long for. Cornwall should also push to host a FIRA-AER event in the not too distant future; once again, this would raise our profile in the rugby world and help us to forge new links in the spirit of rugby union.
From Brian Harvey (brian_m-harvey@yahoo.com)
As a proud Cornishman, I can't help thinking that COrnwall could have a strong representative side which should be playing matches against some international touring sides and going on tour themselves, rather like a Barbarian type side.
The County Championship is not what it was and talk of joining a Celtic League or even entering the World Cup is never going to happen.
My team at present would be: Winnan, Thirlby, Saumi, Barkley, Voyce, Gollings, Pellow,Woodman, Kirke, Vickery, Harris, Vyvyan,Waquanivere, Bearman, Ward-Smith.
Reps: Haag, Sanders, Hobson, Ma'asi, Olonga, Fatialofa.
I've probably missed a few as well. What do other people think? Other such sides would be interesting.
From Andy Quantick (QuantickALE5@aol.com)
To see a Cornish side(whether it be professional or amateur) in the World Cup would be a dream come true, and that dream may be a step closer. Now that the RFU have joined the European Rugby Federation (FIRA / AER), regions such as Cornwall can play in the European Regions Cup, getting international experience against European regional teams. The players all have to be of amateur status, which suits Cornwall down to the ground. To see Cornwall playing and Trelawny's Army travelling in Europe IS a step closer to our dream of Cornwall becoming a Rugby nation contesting in the World Cup. It may take a long time but it WILL happen one day
From George Beevor (e-mail address not supplied)
Many of us ponder the far-off idea of a Cornish side taking part in the World Cup and even playing against other nations in the great stadiums of the sport. But beyond Woodman, Vickery, and Vyvyan what would the line up be? I presume there are other Cornishmen playing Premiership, Celtic League, and National 1 rugby who are just outside the international scene? Would it be possible to add a page to the site profiling and following the progress of Cornishmen playing professionally?
Furthermore, what about tying to track down sons and grandsons, there must be proportionately as many Trev-kiwis and Pen-auzzies as there are Antipodean-Taffs.
Personally, I love a Cornwall side of amateurs who live, work, drink, and play in Cornwall, but a side that could qualfy for a world cup? Obviously in the present climate of Rugby politics it could not happen. The idea of pooling the information is to try to establish just what sort of side would be possible if it were.
From Mike Meads (kernowbysvyken@hotmail.com)
As I sit here, back behind my grey, boring desk, Cornwall shirts washed, pressed & back in the wardrobe, I thought it time to say Thanks again to Larkins and the lads (U20's & 7's) for the Pride, the Passion (& the tear in my eye!) that was, once again, A County Championship to remember. If anyone ever doubted that Cornwall is "special", join the "Army" next season and follow the Black & Gold. Sun in Surrey - Downpour in Devon - Rage in Redruth - Caned in the Cabbage Patch - roll on next season!
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
I was fortunate enough to be at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday to witness the final of the Heineken Cup between Munster and Leicester. My abiding memory of the game has to be the superb Munster fans and the support they gave their side before, during, and after the game. I was reminded of the 40,000 plus Cornish fans at Twickenham in 1991 and 1992, who travelled on both occasions to make them unforgettable experiences.
Sadly I do not believe, as I suspect nobody else does, that we shall ever see scenes like it again at a County Championship Final.
It was good to meet so many Cornish folk at Saturday's game. The Black and Gold mingled with the Munster red, a real Celtic get together. A great occasion, a privilege to be there.
In the week leading up to the Under 20’s county final, I want to wish the boys all the best and hope they get the right result on Saturday to reward all their hard work this season. “Give 'em hell, boys”.
Stu Hoy, Lichfield Cornish (Frankleyclc@hotmail.com)
Good luck to all you Cornish sportsmen... Phil/Trevor/Hugh v 'The Babas'... Ricky off 2 Chile... and U20's v Hampshire - 1st June. Yes, we will be travelling there... go for it Gold & Blacks!!
From Cornwall Under 20's
We are hoping our big day at Twickenham will end in triumph and are counting on your support to help us on our way! See you there!
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
There can be nothing more frustrating for a Cornwall rugby supporter than being stuck abroad knowing the game is going on and not knowing how the score is progressing. Well, that fate befell me this weekend in a phone box in Quimper in Brittany phoning home to get an update during the match. Despite the noisy backdrop of a Breton bagadou (band) contest ringing in my ears my long distance support and that of our Breton cousins was unable to help our boys turn the tide in extra time. I know that the Cornwall team and management gave every gram of energy in the game against our old foes Gloucester. How many times in the past it has been Gloucester that barred Cornish progress! Remember Butler the boot, sinking Cornish hopes back in the seventies?
Now that the championship is over it is time to reflect on the championship and its present format, I have no doubt that the concentration of fixtures one week after the other did not help Cornwall’s cause. Yes I appreciate it is the same for other counties; if Cornwall had won I would still hold the same view.
Thankfully for Gloucestershire and Cheshire, they have got an extra week to prepare for the final. They will both need it.
I hope that perhaps the county unions will consider lobbying the RFU about the format of this seasons county championship for future championships. It is interesting to note that neither Somerset nor Devon fulfilled their seeding fixtures this week end for next season’s competition, if their was ever an example of a meaningless fixture at the end of a long hard season then these seeding fixtures have got to be it.
A big Thank you to Steve Larkins and the boys who over a few short weeks gave us something to shout and cheer about until next season.
At least there will be our Under 20’s at Twickenham on June 1st and they now carry our hopes of county success this season, their final against old foes Hampshire will be a mighty affair and worthy of support of all Cornish folk who can make the game.
Now when do we start pre season training?
From "Awesomeno8@hotmail.com"
It's refreshing to see a Cornish team full of players indigenous to the area. I wonder how far Cornwall will proceed without all the Southern hemisphere players. I get so fed up of hearing about Tongans, Fijians, and Samoans who flit from club to club. How fickle! This isn't what Cornish rugby stands for! COME ON THE GLOUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Ross Tucknott (ross.tucknott@ic.ac.uk)
Obviously fantastic site! Could you stick up the lyrics for all the main songs, though?!
We'll see what we can do...
From Stu Hoy, Lichfield Cornish (frankleyclc@hotmail.com)
Hi all Cornish travellers, there are a group of us who have been to all places re Lanson/Stourbridge ..wind /Esher...sun/Devon... wet!!! & Reds. I am told that there will be spaces available for SAT. We are travelling SAT @8am from Stoke/Lichfied. No tickets. Don't panic...Cornwall...Cornwall....Cornwall.
From Mike Meads (m.k.meads@rdg.ac.uk )
Call of desperation from a band of worried exiles! We have seen the ticket details on both T/A's web site and the C.R.F.U site and are frantic that Redruth will be a sell out. We sat on a muddy bank at Surrey, got drowned at Albion, and desperately want to see the lads at home, but a 700 mile round trip without tickets for what surely must be a near capacity game would be a disaster if it did sell out. As the tickets are only on sale locally we're pretty stuffed! Any ideas PLEASE!!!
From Andy Quantick (QuantickALE5@aol.com )
Congratulations to Cornwall on beating Devon in a match that on paper looked worrying, but as always the faith of Trelawny's Army and the strength and determination of the Cornish XV saw us win in a very close match. Also, thankyou to the Plymouth Albion lads in the small beer tent who put up with just two of us drinking them dry and extracting the Michael, in good fun of course. Thanks lads, you English do have a sense of humour as well as being sporting losers.
From Kirsty and Hannah (kirsthan@yahoo.co.uk )
Another home semi final!!!!!!! Come on lads, let's make it a double at Twickenham and bring both those trophies back where they belong!!!!
From "SJ" (admin@a1surf.com )
Good to see Cornwall avenging their defeat by Devon and going through to the semi-finals this coming weekend at Redruth in the county championships!
From "Anita" (anita_w_99@hotmail.com)
Well done, the Army for your triumph over Devon today. With several Albion plyers in the opposing side, I have to admit I was not too optimistic! But we live to fight another day. Twickenham here we come again!!!
From Mike Williams (efc_1933@yahoo.com )
Well done the boys...worth every minute standing in the rain!!
From Stu Hoy, Lichfield Cornish (frankleyclc@hotmail.com)
We are travelling from London, Stoke-o-Trent, and Lichfield to follow our Cornish boys. Join us in Plymouth for this vital clash..with 'One and All' and hand in Hand and who shall bid us nay..... Stu Hoy.
From Stu Hoy, Lichfield Cornish (frankleyclc@hotmail.com)
A volume of Cornish noise kept up the pressure on Surrey to help the team last Sat. We need that again this Sat in Plymouth. Is anyone travelling down from the West Mids ...share a lift ...leave @ 7.30am. Come on Cornwall.
From John Tregaskes (John@Tregaskes.fsworld.co.uk )
Playing Devon at Beacon Park seems a bit silly as the ground is too small for such an important local derby. A much larger venue is surely called for. I am sure Cornwall supporters can fill this ground 3 times over.
From Judy Burrows (Jood@plymouth-88.fsnet.co.uk. )
Great news for Cornwall beating Surrey listened to the match on Radio Cornwall and second half edge of the seat with both teams playing see saws until Cornwall started running away. Well done Boys and good luck at Beacon Park. Going to see the family over that weekend, but good luck, am with them definitely in spirit. Could you please let me know if you have a Cornish ladies rugby site?
Judy, there's not a site devoted to Cornish ladies' rugby, as far as I know. Why don't you start one? :=)
From Jacqui Connell (jacqui.connell@bushinternet.com)
The County Championships start this Saturday and I'm appalled at the lack of news let alone build-up to this! In the Cornish edition of the Western Morning News yesterday there was a big story about the Devon team and a tiny paragraph mentioning Cornwall's event! Who is in the team??!! Why is it not posted on this site? Is no one going up to support the team?! What a poor show! Can anyone offer an explanation?
Jaqui, the reason the Cornwall team has not been posted on this site until now is because it was not selected until yesterday (Wednesday) evening and not published until today.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
What a great result on Sunday. The U.20's have done Cornwall proud in reaching Twickenham. Congratulations to all the boys and the U.20 coaches and committee. Cornwall will play Hampshire in the final -- they got the better of Cheshire in the other semi.
With one side already at Twickenham, what better incentive for the main squad than to join them on the day like they did in 1999, albeit it was the U.21's back then.
All roads lead to Esher on Saturday and the opener against Surrey, the Army's on the march and will be there to support the boys all the way. One and All be there.
From Stuart Hoy, Lichfield Cornish (The Pasty from Lichfield. ) (frankleyclc@hotmail.com)
If you are in the Midlands area on Sunday 28th April 2pm join me @ Stourbridge RFC and shout your self 'out' for our Cornish boys against North Midlands. Lets fill up the club and make a right noise in true Cornish fashion. Meet @ 1pm to get oiled up !!! Look forward to seeing you all.
From Rob Clarkson (rfc171056@aol.com )
One of the most enjoyable parts of following Cornwall is the continuous singing. You have a few audio files on the site but I think it would be a good idea for readers to contribute the words to the various "favourites" What do you think?
Fine, just send 'em in!
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
The recent concerns expressed on the website concerning the future of the Cornish team are well-founded.
The downgrading of this season's County Championship to a straight knock out competition is evidence of this alarming trend. The question is why do the officers and the committee of the C.R.F.U. appear to accept this situation without question? The impact of a first round loss would not only be catastrophic for the supporters of the Cornwall team but also for the finance of the game in the county. No doubt at the forthcoming A.G.M. of the C.R.F.U. we will learn just how much effect last season’s cancelled championship had on the county coffers. The county, I contend, cannot allow this to happen too often, a defeat at Esher would be a body blow not just on the field but off it as well.
Rugby in Cornwall needs income to survive; its shop window is the County team. A successful county team playing more than one or two matches a season. Our Cornwall team needs a competition worthy of its name. If the R. F. U. choose to continually downgrade the county championship then the Cornwall team must look for a bigger pool to swim in, with, or without the assistance and support of the R.F.U. We need men of wisdom and vision at the helm, to steer the Cornwall team in a direction in which it will flourish. Many years ago the C.R.F.U. were bold enough to organise matches against foreign opposition such as France B (or the A team as it would be called now), Romania, and other touring sides. We need vision akin to this now to explore the possibilities of new and exciting competitions that a Cornwall side could play in.
The C.R.F.U. have a sub-committee for forward planning. Many of us are intrigued as to what they do! The C.R.F.U. have never been the most communicative body; the scant information on their website is hard-won by their webmaster, who does a masterful job under the circumstances. The last In Touch, their periodical newsletter on the web site, is dated May 2001! When it is produced its very good, and a good way to keep in touch (no pun intended) with the rugby public in Cornwall. The C.R.F.U. are, I believe, out of touch with supporters and the correspondence on this web site would seem to corroborate that fact.
The C.R.F.U. are always so pleased when the Army supports them, and we will be unstinting in our support for the boys in Black & Gold. However, I am dismayed at the lack of any official collaboration between the Army and the C.R.F.U. after all these years. We could offer them so much and in so many ways. We very rarely see any of their officers attending our committee meetings or asking our opinions, so the conclusion must be they aren’t interested. The abiding question must be Why not?
What do you all think?
From Andy Thomas (mabbrian2@hotmail.com)
Should we really give any succour or comfort to the English Counties XV? The short answer is NO!! I dont pay my subs to the "Arny" to see Cornish players pull on an England jersey. How on earth will it help develop and promote Cornish Rugby? Again the short answer is IT WILL NOT!! It seems to me that it would be far better to have the senior XV taking part in more matches through competitions such as that run by FIRA in Europe. I think Bill Hooper metioned it previously. I can't believe that I am the only one to feel this way.
From Brian Harvey (brian_m_harvey@yahoo.com)
As a proud Cornishman, it is sad to see cornwall get soundly beaten by Devon in the Tamar cup match.
I have heard it on the grapevine that a lack of adequate insurance against players' injuries has once again deprived the duchy of some of its best players (Pirates and Launceston) and hope that this issue will be resolved in time for the County Championship!
In a professional era it is necessary for the CRFU to put its hands in its deep yet bulging pocket and stump up to ensure that Cornwall has half a chance of reaching Twickenham again and giving the members of Trelawny's Army another memorable day out.
From Wendy Courtenay (wendycourtenay@ubs-europe.org )
Every year I look at Cornwall's fixtures for the County Championship to see which matches I can make. As I am both an exile and have a young family this can be tricky, but I am ever optimistic. Imagine my disapointment when, after reading my February copy of the Black and Gold newsletter, the effect of the new rules for the County Championship dawned on me. There might only be one match. Timing my annual holiday to Cornwall to coincide with both Flora day and the early rounds of the Championship had failed. The only match fixed was in the South East, and right in the middle of my holiday. On the assumption that Cornwall does well, then the first chance I will probably get to see them play will be Twickenham.
It may not be every Englishman's favourite championship, but it is an important event in a Cornishman's calender so let's hope the powers that be do not downgrade it any further!
From David Pounder (dpounder@thehareandhounds.fsnet.co.uk)
I'm a former landlord of the First & Last Inn at Land's End. I was lucky enough to take 50 customers to Twickenham on two occasions, the last time victorious, and consider myself very honoured to have been able to be there with my friends that day.
From Leon Mincher (leonandkate@aol.com )
As a regular visitor to the site (I am an ex-Launceston player 1975-1980-ish now living in Gloucestershire) can I thank you for keeping this site going. Is Cornwall going the same way as the rest of the country? Is club rugby taking over from county. If we are it would be sad - there is something about a Cornwall game that is unique.
Leon, we must not let it happen. (See the ideas put forward by Bill Hooper and John Gay, among others, on this page and on the "Points of View" page.) Regional rugby is alive and well in Ireland, Scotland, and on the continent. There's no reason why it shouldn't be in Cornwall too, given the potential level of local support if Cornwall were to be involved in a meaningful competition such as that suggested by Bill.
From Jessica Pascoe
We are Cornish through and through and we would like to see more about Cornish rugby on T.V. We are supporting you all the way and I KISSED CAPTAIN Dean Shipton when they won the 1999 final, but he was all hot and sweaty and I WOULDN't do it again...
From Martyn Dunstan, Loose Head Prop (martyn@dunstan342.freeserv.co.uk )
(See advert on "Notices" page for ARKS RFC -- Webmaster.)
I went to Perth, Australia, in March 1994 with a friend called Jason Sobey. We both went over to play rugby for ARKS rugby football club on a working holiday visa. We were found accommodation after staying a night at Mike Penhaligan's house and were made very welcome and treated very well. I do wish I was still there, but had to come home for the birth of my child. I WILL RETURN ONE DAY.
From Richard Gerrard (richard.gerrard@tesco.net)
As a Cornish exile keeping in touch with Cornish rugby can be difficult, I have given up buying national rugby magazines as they always seem to be at least a month behind the times.
Knowing that the County Championship must be about due to start I visited the England RFU web site. If you really want a challenge, try finding some useful information from that source! Thanks to google search engine I found your site, having lost it since your isp move, salvation at last.
I am know making a late new year's resolution to do the decent think and enrol as a member of Trelawny's Army, the cheque will be in the post as soon as the wife lets me have the cheque book.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
Following on from “Johnfur’s” comments. Sevens rugby will be included at the next Olympic games in Athens as a demonstration sport. There are no plans at the moment for the fifteen a side game to be included, although discussions are always ongoing. However, if you read the following, then you never know, Cornwall could be involved again one day.
Some people may recall that when Cornwall won the County championship in 1991 the then President of the International Olympic Committee, Juan-Antonio Saramanch, wrote to congratulate the Cornwall team. It must be said that one of his aides, a Cornishman, told him the story that the last time Cornwall had won in 1908 they had gone on to represent England in the Olympic games of that year and won the silver medal.
So it was with some interest that I read an article in the Daily Telegraph, written by the Olympic gold medallist and former MP for Falmouth & Camborne, Seb Coe, about the new IOC president, Dr. Jacques Rogge. Dr Rogge, a Belgian who represented his country at sailing at three Olympic games, confessed to Seb Coe about his love of rugby, which was born from childhood visits to Bude in Cornwall, where family were living and where he learned to play. Dr Rogge played rugby in Belgium and also represented his country at rugby.
In the interview, Seb Coe asked him about the possible reintroduction of rugby as an Olympic sport. His reply was somewhat evasive. I quote, "Rugby has enormous grassroots popularity where only two or three per cent of the people playing the game play at the highest level. I played at a time when it was still being played by normal human beings. I was an outside flanker. In today's game, I'd be too short and too light even to be a scrum-half."
Dr Rogge lists Gareth Edwards' try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973 as his favourite rugby moment.
It is interesting to note that the most powerful man in world sport has Cornish rugby connections.
From "Johnfur" (kernowjohnfur@aol.com)
Whilst I was waiting in the doctor's surgery the other day I found the December issue of, I think it was, Rugby World. In it, somebody (not from our "area") came up with the bright suggestion that as rugby will be included in the next Olympics (the amateur ethos?), it would be nice if the County Champions should represent GB. I may be cynical, but didn't this happen before, with Cornwall losing the final to Australia? Oh luxury!
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
Cornish rugby fans waiting patiently for their team to play come May, may well be interested to know that a new competition run by FIRA-AER, the governing body for European rugby, has recently concluded. The European Regions Cup involved sides from France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Italy and Germany. The Final, played on the Saturday before Christmas, saw the Region Aquitaine XV from the Bordeaux area of France beat Region Midi Pyrenees XV (Toulouse area) 33-24.
The players have to be amateur to play in this competition. Many of the French players in this competition are going to play for the newly formed French Amateur XV (Level 3) who will play Romania in Bayonne on the 23rd January.
The R.F.U., to which the C.R.F.U. are members, are still deliberating as whether or not to join FIRA. Will they ever make up their minds? Meanwhile we can only wait until the end of the season to see the boys in Black and Gold, whilst this sort of competition would raise the profile of Cornwall no end, and give the boys International experience.
From Rob Osborne (celticcheiftan@hotmail.com)
I would like to comment on the task that the County selectors have to pick players etc. I was recently at a loose end in St. Austell, and saw in the local paper that there was a game at the club that afternoon. I am so glad that I went there to watch their under 21s. A couple of the lads playing there, were indeed, "Army" material. Yet I was told by a club official that no selectors from the county squad ever came to watch them! This is totally mad! One boy in particular has the making of a world class player; his name was Ian Venner. I suggest that someone grabs him before he loses interest...
From Rhys, Caerdydd (Cardiff) (rhysw1@yahoo.co.uk)
Me and my mates reckon Cornwall should join the Celtic League. Reading your message board, there are many who oppose the idea of Club Cornwall, and I agree as it might destroy local clubs. But half a dozen matches a year against your Celtic cousins would be a treat. Rhys, Caerdydd (Cardiff)
From Deborah Powell (deborah.marie@btopenworld.com)
Never been a big rugby fan myself but sure am converted now? Launceston RFC stopped off in Taunton Saturday 17th Nov for a few well earned drinks, never seen talent like that before in Taunton, come back... One would know me as the Taunton Princess -- that should ring some bells? "you'll know who you are" however, I was completely drawn to the other collegue you introduced me to "sorry"..................When is the next stop off in Taunton Then??????
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
I understand that the R.F.U. at the International Rugby Board conference in Copenhagen last March asked FIRA/AER (the European Rugby federation) for copies of rules and regulations with a view to posible affiliation. This could prove to be an important step for Cornish rugby and the future of a Cornwall XV as there exist competions in FIRA which may suit Cornwall. The R.F.U. have so far not gone further. After 6 months how much more time do they need before making up their minds?
From John Gay (lucy.john@wanadoo.fr )
As no-one else has, I should just like to congratulate the TASC team on bringing out the summer edition of "Black and Gold". As usual full of interesting articles and information, and special praise must go to Bill Hooper for his herculean effort in writing several of these articles. For the uninitiated "Black and Gold" is the TASC magazine for members. If you are not a member yet, JOIN UP, the fee required is not exorbitant!
I am glad to see that Andy Thomas has noticed one or two pitfalls to our no doubt "new and exciting" formula to this year's County Championship. I may have mentioned in the past that I didn't think the R.F.U. were that serious about it, and I have seen nothing so far to change my opinion. Indeed it would appear that they are "taking the mickey" with this idea of an England Counties XV. This is a move to be resisted by the C.R.F.U. at all costs, or you can kiss the Cornish shirt goodbye for all intents and purposes. Andy is right, it is about time the C.R.F.U. stood up for the BEST INTERESTS of Cornish rugby. But it is in the end down to Cornishmen themselves to make their views known. Speak to your C.R.F.U. rep at your club, write letters to the C.R.F.U. or to local papers if you think the C.R.F.U. could do better. If you do not make your voice heard now and in the future, perhaps you won't be able to complain if it all goes "rose-shaped".
Though well into the season, I should still like to congratulate four Cornish players who gained senior international honours last season, namely Phil Vickery, Trevor Woodman, Rob Thirlby and Ollie Barkley, who all turned out in an England shirt last year. Wouldn't it be marvellous to see all four of them turned out together in a Cornish shirt. At this rate though, I never will.
From Andy Thomas (mabbrian2@hotmail.com)
Congratulations to such a young and relatively (at National/Cornwall level) inexperienced team on a convincing victory against the Navy. Also well done to the coaching staff.
From Paul Headland (p.headland@ntlworld.com )
Smashing web site. Much appreciated in Midlands.
From Andy Thomas (mabbrian2@hotmail.com)
Having read in a recent copy of the West Briton the intention of the RFU to create an English Counties XV, can I suggest that the CRFU positively discourages this idea. Instead of supporting such a team, the CRFU could better use its time in organising matches for a Cornwall XV. This is even more important considering the new format of the championship. If, sorry, when we reach the final we will have had a grand total of FOUR matches. At least two of which are likely to be somewhere other than Cornwall. This total goes up to five when you include the Tamar Cup. Speaking for myself, I want to see the senior Cornwall XV play a damn sight more than 4 or 5 games a year.
Also, the CRFU is there to work for CORNISH rugby, and not to raise funds for the RFU. Also, if the RFU can find dates for their "English" counties XV then it's reasonable to presume that those same dates could be used for a representative Cornwall XV to play matches. Surely this would be better all round for CORNISH rugby, home games not only raising funds for the CRFU but also giving us spectators a lot of enjoyment and also allowing prospective members of future CORNWALL XV's to show the selectors what they can do.
From Elly (islandcat@btinternet.com)
Aha! A site about a decent subject. Excellent. I am come across this site as a detour from my search for a good ringtone for my phone. I can't be doing with all this pop music stuff (which is all I can find) - if I'm going to pay for my tone, it is going to have to be a good one. I am looking for a Trelawny's Army tone - anyone have any suggestions?
From Steve Bryant (steveybryant@aol.com )
Just found the site after 18 months of living in exile in London. Congratulations on a great site.
Also congratulations to Penryn's Adrian Winnan on an assured debut for Saracens v Wasps yesterday (02/09/01). Good to see so many Cornish registered cars parked in the roads around Shepherds Bush, much like Twickenham in years gone by!
From Darren Little (dazza18@optusnet.com.au )
Hi, my name is Darren and i am probably one of the most long distance Cornwall supporters there is. I live in Cairns, Australia but i was born in St Austell. I have followed Cornwall to two out of the three times we made it to the finals in London. Sadly, I was there the times they LOST. This website took me a while to find and i was very pleased that i have found it. THANKS.
From Nick Tamblin (tamblin@ukonline.co.uk )
I'd just like to voice my support for John Gay's ideas as expressed in 'Saving Cornish Rugby' and also his comments on the infamous 'challenge match'. As an exile I am (alas) out of touch with Cornish Rugby on a day to day basis. My question is - are John's ideas being debated seriously at Club level or within the CRFU? If not how can we promote that debate. The ideas make good sense to me and derserve to be fully explored. Let's not stand by and see the demise of Cornish representative rugby because of apathy.
From Mark Jenkin (markj@brucedunlop.com )
I totally agree with John's sentiments. Why didn't the CRFU pull the national side from this money spinning spectacle? Over Easter I remember a caller on Radio Cornwall saying that the fans should boycott the game as a protest over the way the county championship has been devalued. Did this happen? I know a number of people who decided not to have anything to do with the "challenge match"(?), but how many did eventually go?
I'm actually an exile and tend to get excited over the smallest mention of the homeland, and love nothing better than following the national side in meaningful matches. I also live reasonably close to Twickenham but don't like being exploited by the RFU. The sooner we ditch the smug, self- satisfied RFU the better.
From John Gay (lucy.john@wanadoo.fr)
To my fellow Cornish rugby supporters,
Well, the matches have come and gone. I offer my congratulations to Yorkshire and Sedgely Park, and my commiserations to Cornwall and to Launceston. I have no doubt that both victors were worthy winners. What remains is what are we, the Cornish rugby supporters, to make of the consequences of this last weekend and the events leading up to them?
Firstly, let's look at the R.F.U. position in it all. Those of you who have read my pamphlet can judge for yourselves how devalued the R.F.U. have made this competition over the years. This year the R.F.U. started by giving very strong hints that this would be the last County Championship competition. The event obviously does not pay its way if Cornwall does not reach the final and bring with them twenty thousand or so supporters. The foot and mouth outbreak gave the R.F.U. the perfect excuse to cancel this year's championship despite the fact that league matches continued to be played as well as soccer fixtures, Rugby league, racing etc. etc. Very convenient. Then they decided there was still some money to be made, so they organised a "County Challenge" match between the previous year's Champions and who… Last year's beaten finalists? A rest of Counties XV? No… rather against the team likely to bring the most paying supporters with them. I would be far less cynical if this "friendly" had been staged in Cornwall or Yorkshire, but there you are. I wonder what the other counties not singled out to play in this "County Challenge" have thought about this. Proud to be snubbed I expect, after all if the R.F.U. say that's how it is going to be, then it's O.K …isn't it?
So, we have our match at Twickenham. It is advertised, tickets go on sale, trips by coach etc. are organised, in other words people are paying good money to go and see the best (under current regulations) of Cornwall against the best of the Tykes and then what happens? The R.F.U. say that due to league match postponements the National 3 play-offs have to take place on the same day as the "County Challenge" and that either the Penzance or, as it turned out, Launceston players would have to withdraw from the Cornish XV. Now there are several points arising from this that are quite important and I list them below:
1. If the R.F.U. are going to organise a "challenge" match, it is not much of a challenge if subsequently they order the depletion of an important number of one of the sides hence weakening it. I know the R.F.U. could say that the Launceston players concerned were not obliged to withdraw, but really…
2. What of those supporters who bought tickets for the match before the announcement of the change of play-off date. These people bought their tickets in good faith that they would see a proper challenge match and not a match with one team handicapped form the start. Worse, what of the poor folk from Launceston who bought a ticket at this time, afterwards to discover they would have to choose between their home team and their homeland? Were they entitled to a refund if they wanted to support their club instead? I don't know if the Trades Descriptions Act applies to rugby matches, but the only "challenge" for Cornwall was whether they could beat Yorkshire with a third of their normal XV missing! Consult your solicitor!!
3. When complaints were made to the R.F.U., they abrogated all responsibility and instead we had trotted out an e-mail from Ivor Horscroft of the national leagues saying that May 26 was the only possible date that the Launceston game could be played. Now I don't know if this is true or not, but I do note that the R.F.U. fought tooth and nail for the release of Premiership League players for the England tour of North America this summer. Quite right, they have the interests of the England XV at heart. But what about the interests of the Cornish XV, or the C.R.F.U., or even their own challenge match ? Did the R.F.U. fight tooth and nail against the national leagues to get the date changed? No. Which is more important, the interests of an affiliated Union, or the national league programme? It is evident from the R.F.U.'s complete lack of commitment even to their own competition that neither the C.R.F.U. nor the Cornish XV matter a fig to them.
4. Which brings me to the C.R.F.U. I have not been a critic of the C.R.F.U. representatives in the past. They have had to try to do a difficult job in dealing with the R.F.U., but I have to say on this occasion I feel very disappointed in their approach to this matter. The C.R.F.U. is there to oversee and promote the best interests of CORNISH rugby and the Cornish XV. That is CORNISH rugby, not the interests of the R.F.U. or even the England XV (that is the R.F.U.'s job). Affiliated to the R.F.U. or not, they should still put Cornish rugby first, that is their "raison d'être". I am bound to say, given the circumstances, when Launceston were told they had to play on May 26, the C.R.F.U. should have had the courage and the dignity to withdraw the Cornish XV from the "County Challenge" match. If this would have caused financial problems for the R.F.U. then it would have served them right for acting in such a off-hand and cavalier manner. Our Cornish game needs people that will stand up for it, and I am afraid on this occasion I feel the C.R.F.U. reps. need to search their consciences and ask themselves whether they did the right thing by either Cornwall or Launceston. Toeing the R.F.U. line is all very well, but it should not be at the expense of the best interests of Cornish rugby. After all, are we so desperate to play at Twickenham that we devalue the team we put out, and bitterly disappoint those players and supporters who had to choose between their club and their representative XV?
5. I understand there is to be a "new", no doubt "exciting" formula for the County Championship next year. In one year we have gone from "no Championship" to this new idea. We have all heard this before. It will last only until the R.F.U. decide they are not making any money from it or it gets in the way of other "more important" competitions. So, when your C.R.F.U. rep. tells you about it, ask him if it means we can have the old full strength sides with internationals and all, like we used to have up until the early 80's. If he says no, and he will, ask him why not, is there any point in a competition where the top standard Cornish players are barred from playing, and do the C.R.F.U. have the best interests of CORNISH rugby at heart dancing to the latest tune at the R.F.U.
Finally, I should like to say WELL DONE to the Cornwall and Launceston sides who played last weekend. I know any player who pulls on the black and gold will always give everything he has, and I am sure they did. For Launceston, I feel all of Cornwall should stand up and salute you (I'm a Redruth man by the way). Who could be expected to travel to Manchester with a reduced support than might otherwise have been the case, with a team who had some, no doubt, disappointed players who would have been selected for the game at Twickenham, and supporters equally disappointed to have missed the Twickenham match. This situation was certainly not in the best interests of Cornish rugby and I hope everyone will acclaim with me LAUNCESTON : the top Cornish club side of the year!
John Gay
From Alan "Chippy" Price (alan@svplastics.nl )
I am an ex Penryn player from the late 60's and early 70's. I am now Director of Rugby at Hilversum Rugby Club in Holland. Are there any readers from the same era that would like to renew old friendships and talk about the past. Mebyon Kernow, Kernow Kensa regards Alan
From Brian Harvey (Brian_m_Harvey@yahoo.com )
Having just seen the Cornwall team for the game against Yorkshire I ask myself why there are only two Pirates in the side. No one can doubt that the Pirates' backs are the best in the County by a long way and the unavailability of Launceston players make the case for even more Pirates in the side. I feel that the likes of Gadson, Evans, Birkett, Redgrave and Newton warrant at least serious consideration. I appreciate that some players may be unavailable but still feel that the County Selectors have a bias towards Redruth. Also, have players like Haag, Reed (even Dawe) etc been asked to play in the game?
Anyway, all said come on the boys tomorrow and from a Pirates fan Good Luck to Launceston.
From James Pill (Cornishjim@yahoo.com)
I can't believe the email that has been sent to people who asked for the Launceston V Sedgley Park game to be rescheduled. It suggests the only reason the County Challenge game is being played is to get a crowd at Twickenham so the RFU can make some money. It also sounds from that e-mail that they have no idea of how proud the Cornish are of their rugby team, by demeaning the match by not allowing the selectors to choose their strongest team is a disgrace. How can they say that neither club's players are being deprived of playing for their county? The game is on the same day. Playing for Cornwall at Twickenham is the biggest day in many players' lives. I know it is too late to change it now but why don't the RFU wake up and realise how big County rugby is!
John Gay's idea of a national side is fantasic. As we are so proud of our team WE should make this happen.
From Mark Grose (marktgrose@tinyworld.co.uk)
After reading the pamphlet put together by John Gay titled "Saving Cornish Rubgy" (available on the Points of View page), I decided to make a copy of it & pin it to the notice board in my pub (which by the way is in Somerset), because some of my staff & customers are Cornish too, & I knew they would be interested. What astounded me was the interest from rugby-orientated people who have nothing to do with Cornwall whatsoever, which has made for interesting conversations over a few beers.
With the increasing demise of the County Championships the time has come to seriously think about the future of our Cornish XV, & what better way to spread this issue to a wider audience than to read & talk about it in your local boozer.
It would be great if any of you who have read or are about to read this article could copy it & put it on display in your local pub or club. With it making such an impact up here in Somerset I`m sure it will make for bigger & better discussions down in wonderful Cornwall.
See you all at Twickenham.
From Martin Carew (martin.carew@talk21.com)
What are those English idiots doing at the RFU? Cornwall's and Launceston's matches to be held on the same day!! DISGUSTED
From Will Coleman (bravetales@tesco.net)
In response to John Gay's visionary article ("Saving Cornish Rugby",available on the Points of View page). We are on the brink of exciting times for Cornwall. Not because Europe has recognised us as needy (in other words incapapable of sorting our own problems out)but because we are growing the confidence to claim back the control over our own future.
We will be needing more and more visionaries like John Gay to bring on the sort of future WE want - not passively reacting to someone else's script. John, don't let the "reality merchants" deter you - to bring about the dream of a Cornish national side in the way you suggest would mean a genuine and long-lasting impact to all of our lives.
It doesn't matter that it seems impractical (so is the idea of the largest greenhouse in the world, so was the idea of the steam locomotive before Trevithick). We have been too timid until now - remember we have something that is worth more than all the RFUs committees and league millions - we (local, resident, adopted..) are CORNISH!
"First they ignore you, Then they ridicule you, Then they fight you, and then you win." Mahatma Gandhi "Go for it my beauty..." Will Coleman
From Bob Osborne (Spiritual_Warrior2001@hotmail.com)
Hi there. I am travelling down to the Rugby on May 26th, and would be interested if anyone could give me a name of a Cheap-ish type hotel near to the ground, that I could stay in on the Friday night. Maybe someone else is doing the same thing, so come on boys, let's get togethet at our "Away" pitch, 'n' have a couple of beers together.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com )
Congratulations to Phil Vickery on his selection for the British Lions. It really is a fully representative side with a Cornishman in it. I am sure every Cornish rugby supporter will be thrilled with this news. Go down there Phil and show those Aussies Cornish grit and power. Also Oggie, Oggie, Oggie is proper Cornish !!! not the Aussie version. I am sure that if he goes near the Cornish areas in Australia he'll get a proper welcome, and a pasty!!!
From Steven Coombs (steve@oggi-oggi-oggi.co.uk )
Hiya, I'm a Cardiff supporter interested in finding out what's happened to Richard Newton. For Cardiff to have signed a young Englishman when there's hardly a lack of sharp young wingers in Wales would indicate that hes a fine player, but he hasn't featured at all for the 1st XV and as I understand it is back in Cornwall on loan, despite him being in college in Wales. Has he left Cardiff permanently? How's he been playing, gotten any better?
Incidentally, I read below that you're interested in entering a team in the Celtic league. Nice idea but A) Such a competition doesn't exist yet. B) The RFU would never let you. London Welsh attemptted to leave England to play their rugby in Wales this season but were blocked by the RFU, and given a pretty shoddy excuse as a reason. C) If you think the RFU are difficult to deal with, try talking sense to the WRU! Other than that I and I'm sure many others in Wales would welcome the idea.
Diolch yn Fawr.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com )
May I indulge in a personal tribute to a great rugby player who passed away this week.
The world of rugby has this week mourned the loss of one of its greats with the death of Robert Paparemborde from pancreatic cancer. He was 52 years old. "Patou" or "Papa" as he was affectionately known, revolutionised prop forward play. His speed and ball handling skills were an inspiration to me as I sought to emulate his style of play. His record speaks for itself -- 55 caps for France, 2 Grand Slams 1977 and 1982; he also captained France on numerous occasions. He played for Pau for 16 seasons before going to Racing Club de France with his great friend Jean-Pierre Rives. He helped coach them to their championship win in 1990. He was French team manager 1984-1992.
As a raw prop playing for Redruth Grammar School Old Boys, he was my inspiration,his was the way I wanted to play the game. I was fortunate to see him play for France against England at Twickenham in 1983 when, in typical fashion, he was on hand to score one of his 7 international tries in a 19-15 win for France. Au revoir, old friend, and thank you.
From Robert Geach (lfcgoldenboy@hotmail.com )
When I was catching up on the site news and saw that the cancellation could be a sign the championships were about to fold I was very upset. We in Cornwall love our county championships. I remember when I was nine and went to the Cornwall - Durham final and how much I enjoyed that day, and 1991 well! Please don't let it go. I'm annoyed enough at the moment with the slump Camborne have experienced in the past six years, come on town!
From Andy Quantick (jaccaQ62@aol.com)
Reference the future of Cornish rugby debate,i fully agree with Mr. Gay. Being a Penzance/Newlyn supporter, i would love to see them gain promotion in the national league and do well in the tetley bitter cup (maybe reaching the final!).Every fan of the cornish clubs in the national league feels the same way,as do the fans of teams in the lower leagues. For st.just fans to abandon their team to go to truro with launceston fans to watch a "club cornwall" team in the national league, is a preposterous thought.People in cornwall are proud of their clubs and to keep it that way.Like mr.gay says,if it means that the c.r.f.u. has to split from the r.f.u. and join with the celtic league, then so be it.Not only will it give cornish clubs stiff competition,it will give them a chance for promotion and progression through the knockout stages of the cup competitions.Again as mr.gay says, this leaves the players to gain experience to use when playing for the cornish national team when we play to qualify for the world cup,and you never know maybe in the seven nations aswell!.Fantasy?,i don't think so.
From Bill Hooper (hooperho4ht@supanet.com)
We are all desperately disappointed that our beloved county championship has had to be cancelled this season due to the fixture pile up caused by the bad weather this winter and the awful foot and mouth epidemic that is still on going as I write. I think all right minded people would agree that the R.F.U. had no other choice.
It does however reaffirm the growing feeling that the county championship has very nearly reached the end of its life as a meaningful competition for senior sides, I do not include any competitions from U.20 level down.
I have read the very well prepared document by John Gay entitled "Saving Cornish Rugby" (available on the Points of View page) which I urge anyone with the interest of the Cornwall team at heart to read. Whether you agree with his views or not it provides an excellent document for discussion on the future direction of "Cornwall".
It may well be that the sort of competition that is needed for Cornwall as a team to survive may well be outside the auspices of the Rugby Football Union and more within F.I.R.A.
I have no doubt that Cornwall would be welcomed with open arms.
Cornwall must evolve not only on the playing side but also in the facilities it has to offer. We pride ourselves in the fact that in Redruth we have the 3rd or 4th largest rugby union ground and that we can stage A Internationals or touring matches.
I was fortunate to be involved in the recent A International between England and France at Redruth. When the French team arrived at Newquay airport the first thing coach Victor Boffelli asked was whether there was floodlighting facilities at their training venue. Rather ashamedly I had to admit there wasn't. As it happens during the afternoon the weather cleared up and they were able to have a good session at Camborne R.F.C. and wouldn't have needed lights. However if Cornwall wishes to remain a venue for major matches then the need for a new ground with the associated facilities is a major priority to enable it to attract matches and ensure that teams want to return to play in Cornwall again. That one comment from Victor Boffelli shows that we really need these facilities now. To expect International players these days to play on a pitch such as Redruth's with its slope is really not an option any more. Professional players will expect only the best and quite rightly so.
Talking of the A International I was frankly disappointed by the poor reporting of the match by the local papers. Whether this was an editorial decision or what I do not know. They seemed more interested in reporting about the idiot who ran across the pitch with no clothes on. This did the local press very little credit on what with the cancellation of the county championship, was the biggest game to be played in Cornwall this season. I would have expected a far more detailed report bearing in mind that many people were unable to attend due to work commitments or being unable to leave their farms due to the foot and mouth epidemic. I am sure they feel let down by their local press.
I for one thoroughly enjoyed this match as I am sure everyone who was present. Two sides with young players who before too long will be breaking into their respective national sides. Any true lover of the game will respect good rugby by whom ever it is played, even if there is no local representation. Remember this standard is far higher than anything local on offer, like it or not that's a fact.
From John Gay (lucy.john@wanadoo.fr)
Woe, woe, and thrice woe!!!
I may or may not resemble that old hag on "Up Pompeii" but I note:
1. First the R.F.U.threatened (not for the first time) to cancel the County Championship at the end of the season.
2. They couldn't even wait till then. I presume that this is on account of the foot and mouth crisis. This despite the fact that the soccer programme still goes on, as do the R.F.U.league fixtures. They obviously feel the vast hoards that turn out to watch the C.C. fixtures are a threat to the spreading the disease. Perhaps grounds like Otley, Blackheath etc.are like the Rec. at Redruth: Old potato patches stuck out deep in the middle of the countryside. Taking advantage of other peoples misery I call it.
3. None the less, not wishing to disappoint their cash registers, they decide to arrange a Cornwall v. Yorkshire fixture at Twickenham. Why? As reigning champions I can understand Yorkshire playing, but why Cornwall solely and not a "Rest of Counties XV" for a one-off match, apart from the fact no-one would go to watch it? Surely there is as much risk of carrying the virus there as going anywhere else, so why arrange any match at all?
Call me an old cynic if you like, but this smacks to me of profiteering in the worst possible taste and the R.F.U. should be ashamed of themselves. I hope they realise they will not make as much money as they think. Farmers cannot afford to go, and I doubt if many others will want to shell out hard-earned cash for a friendly match of no consequence.
Oh yes, there are those who have called me mad in the past, but not even madmen are mad all of the time. It is time to part company with the R.F.U. boys and girls and go our own way!
From Ron Tennant (rontennant@mistral.co.uk)
I know it's a shame that the County Championship is in abeyance for this year but Yorkshire are playing Cornwall on the Finals Day at Twickers. Has not the news of the challenge reached the extremity. It will be the main feature after the U20 Final and interspersed (or interrupted) by the County Sevens Tournament.
Look forward to being invaded again - where is the man in the bowler hat that walked to London on the Anniversary of the Defeat and watched the tense struggle against old rivals Kent on the historic field of Blackheath. The Princess of Wales Pub (where the players changed for the first international) has not been the same since. Come aboard, lads, we are ready for you.
From Mike Blake of the Kent County RFU Committee, in response to our saying, on the News page, that "in recent years, few counties other than Cornwall have taken ... (the County Championship)... seriously".
I note the understandable bitter disappointment on the website at the cancellation of this season's championship but would quickly point out that the championship is taken seriously in many other counties. Speak to Yorkshire and Lancashire for example and indeed any northern county for starters. They may not be able to come near to matching Cornwall in terms of spectators at games but players and officials take the contest very seriously indeed.
In Kent we would have had the honour of welcoming the boys from Kernow yet again and indeed having reached Twickenham ourselves last year in the new Plate Competition would have hoped for a great day - hopefully along the lines of our visit to Cornwall in 1999! We take it as seriously as the modern game allows and indeed are proud of our history as the first southern winners back in 1897. As a Kent representative on the English Rugby Counties Association - who champion the county cause on several fronts (Cornwall unfortunately are not members) I can say that there is great support for a vibrant competition if circumstance would allow. If only all 29 counties spoke with one voice and a strong sponsor was found half the problems would disappear !
Mike, we accept the implied criticism. It is easy to forget the amount of hard work that people such as yourself put in all over England in support of the County Championship and grass-roots rugby.
From Mark Grose (marktgrose@tinyworld.co.uk
Well, I am gutted - the RFU cancels the County Championship. I was so looking forward to it as I do every year & cannot believe this has happened, I had organised a coach (what with all the interest in Cornish rugby up here) from Yeovil in Somerset for the first game at PZ & they are all understandably bitterly disappointed. Although the RFU may be justified in doing this it begs the question on how seriously they take this tournament.
I`ve not been happy with the way the RFU has been treating this tournament for some years now & believe it`s only a matter of time before it`s scrapped altogether, so now`s the time to take action.
A lot of talk is on Club Cornwall but in my opinion this is not the answer - although it is a very good idea. As I see it, the way forward has to be a withdrawal from the RFU altogether & forming an International Union. I for one would prefer to watch Cornwall play an international side like Spain, Holland, Romania etc, and of course the southern hemisphere sides too - over teams such as Bath, Bristol, Leicester, Northampton etc.
We cannot let the RFU take what is a big part of us, "our County rugby" away. We should build our own state of the art stadium in the centre of Cornwall & keep alive the pride & passion we feel about the famous black & gold & Cornish rugby.
If you haven't already done so I would advise you to read the document called - SAVING CORNISH RUGBY (on the Points of View page) - put together by John Gay regarding this very issue. It`s an interesting read & should help in enlightening you to what options we have in saving our game. Let`s now go & really show the country & the world what Cornwall is all about. OGGY! OGGY! OGGY!
From Tony Pill (tony.pill@staustellbrewery.co.uk)
I have just heard to my dismay that the County Championship is to be cancelled for 'this season'. Does 'this season' mean that, or are we looking at a sneaky move by the RFU to kill off the Championship?.
I amongst many other Cornish pepole will be very disappointed if we are to witness the demise of the Championship. County Rugby in the county enables us all to unite and support one entity. It gives us something to be extremely proud off, and also, it allows us to express our Cornishness. Most people from across the Tamar are probably not able to appreciate this except for other Celtic nations.
I personally dont think that we should sit back and just let the RFU sneak this one in. We should via our RFU representative express how we feel, and also to remind the RFU just how much money that Cornish participation has put into their coffers!!
From Andy Thomas
I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING JOHN GAY'S ARTICLE "SAVING CORNISH RUGBY" (on the Points of View page). EXTREMELY THOUGHT PROVOKING. THE PROPOSAL HE PUTS FORWARD IS NOT ONLY EXCITING BUT IT SEEMS TO ME TO BE WELL THOUGHT OUT AND THEREFORE REALISTIC AND ACHIEVABLE. IF WE AS SUPPORTERS OF CORNISH RUGBY WANT TO SEE THE GAME DEVELOP AND HAVE SOMETHING MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO THAN THE ODD CHARITABLE SCRAP FROM TWICKENHAM (ENGLAND "A" MATCHES)THEN I FEEL THIS PROPOSAL IS WORTH SERIOUS DISCUSSION. AT THE END OF THE DAY THE C.R.F.U AND SUPPORTERS OF CORNISH RUGBY NEED TO DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE -- A CORNWALL FIRST XV TAKING THE FIELD OR AN ENGLAND-V-FRANCE WANNABES, MAYBES, AND HASBEENS MATCH. I KNOW WHICH TEAM I WANT TO SEE PLAYING RUGBY AT THE REC. ENGLAND AND FRANCE ARE WELCOME AS THE OPPOSITION. I DON'T PAY MY MEMBERSHIP OUT OF SOME DESIRE TO WATCH OTHER PEOPLE'S TEAMS PLAYING EACH OTHER AT THE REC (ENGLAND A-V-FRANCE A). I WANT TO SEE CORNWALL PLAY!!!. THATS WHERE MY LOYALTIES BEGIN AND END. KERNOW BYS VYKEN. WELL DONE JOHN GAY.
From Simon Tierney (s.p.tierney@ntlworld.com)
What a fantastic site for all those of us who live outside the lovely country of Cornwall - BUT - who I must add are Cornish through and through. I have been to all the finals where the great Cornish teams have played.Win or lose, the atmosphere out strips any (dare I say) football matches. Please keep this site going as it keeps us in touch with what is coming up.
My whole family supports the black and golds and feel very proud in doing so.
From Andrew Wills (Andrew_Wills@Dell.com)
Not wishing to fuel the fire on the 'club Cornwall' debate, but only to put forward a suggestion should the RFU get what it appears they want and the County Championships disappear into the past.
Also, with it becoming more and more likely that we will not be able to put out such full strength teams in the future as we have done (with the likes of Launceston and Penzance/Newlyn progressing up the leagues) and money being a prime mover in todays rugby world, an alternative has to be found for Cornwall. With that, there is a possible solution that could keep both club and county enthusiasts happy - the newly created Celtic league. It would give Cornwall the chance to play some decent teams from Ireland, Wales and Scotland, there is the TV money and exposure that is said to be available that would hopefully persuade any of our players who, wanting a greater challenge from leaving home and finding their fortune with the likes of Bath, to stay. Think of the team we could field then. It could also bolster our local teams, making them even stronger in the leagues. It should not diminish club activity as I've suggested, this has been demonstrated here in Ireland by the likes of Ulster and Munster who have reached 3 semis and 2 finals of the European cup between them in the last 3 years (with Munster only 1 game away from a second successive final) while still playing domestic club and provincial rugby, with many of them also playing international games.
From what I can tell, it seems to be a win/win situation if all that has been promised happens.
Yes, I enjoy the county championships as much as the next person, but if this is to be denied us in the future, we need another arena for our team to play in. We can not see Cornwall be relegated to playing only friendlies, we need competitive games.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
The following is written after much reflection of late, and to create a debate on the future of the senior Cornish side. This weekend sees Cornwall take on Devon in the annual Tamar cup match. It will once again be the only "friendly" game that Cornwall will play this season prior to the start of the championship on Easter Monday at Penzance. The appearance of the senior Cornwall side is nowadays almost confined to the cricket season at the end of a long season when many players are tired and in need of a break. They give of their best as they always have and will always do. The senior county championship has been moved and changed at a whim to accommodate the needs of the modern game in England. It is very clear that it is unloved by everyone but Cornwall. The Cornish team deserves better, it needs a competition worthy of its standing. Should Cornwall leave the R.F.U. and throw its lot in with F.I.R.A.? Probably not however it should not be totally dismissed. Should Cornwall join the proposed Celtic League? The prospect of regular competitive matches against Welsh club sides , Irish provinces (Cornwall vs. Munster what a prospect) and Scottish districts would provide regular matches during the season. Special dispensation would be required from the R.F.U. for this to take place ,would they be willing?To field a side in such a competition would require a great deal of planning and of course the favourite word in the game nowadays MONEY. The rich and proud heritage of the Cornwall rugby team demands that we the present players,supporters,and administrators do all that we can to preserve the unique standing of the Cornwall rugby team. If that means drastic change we must not shirk our collective responsibilities. I trust the above may provide for a constructive debate.
From John Gay (lucy.john@wanadoo.fr)
I find the recent correspondence regarding "Club Cornwall" interesting, but am I the only one who thinks we are missing the point here? What is it about supporting Cornwall that makes us different from other county's supporters? The answer is simple, because we are, like the Welsh, Scots, and Irish, of a Celtic background (and I include those naturalised by marriage, long-time residence etc!!) and proud to call ourselves CORNISH.
So why are our correspondents getting so het-up about trying to form some fancy club with some fancy name that has to start in Cornwall 2, unless we could get a franchise to start higher up etc.etc. FOCUS on the "raison d'être" of a Cornish rugby team. What is the point of it, and then you will perhaps see the way Cornish rugby HAS to go if it is to retain the values that has been at the core of firstly its playing strength and secondly its (world-wide) support base.
So what is the point of the Cornish rugby team and what are these values? The point is to play rugby against other repesentative teams using what the selectors consider to be the best team selection. The values that dictated this selection have been changed over the last 10 years or more years. Before the early eighties, the team was selected regardless of where players played their rugby. Since the national leagues were formed many of our best players have been prevented by the R.F.U. from playing for Cornwall. The important question is would "Club Cornwall' change this situation? Clearly it would not, as the best Cornish players would still continue to play for the top clubs who would pay them more. Therefore "Club Cornwall" does not fulfill the original values of selection to the Cornish team.
And what of supporters. Would they want to pay regular money to go and see a team that is not truly representatve of the best that Cornwall could offer? I think not. Would they even get the chance to see the top clubs in action? I would doubt that as well unless they could get into the top division but this would be unlikely without the likes of players already attracted to clubs in that division. Besides if supporters want to watch club rugby, they would rather go and watch their local side. I can't see people from Penzance or Launceston in their masses going to Redruth or Truro just to watch another club.
My own opinion is that all those concerned with Cornish rugby from administrators to players and supporters should look at a much bigger picture.
If the R.F.U do not want us, the Cornish R.F.U. should seriously consider pulling out of the R.F.U. altogether and setting themselves up as a proper rugby playing nation of its own, as the Welsh, Scots and Irish have done. Cornwall should seek to qualify for future rugby world cups and to position themselves for qualification for the Six Nations second division WHEN not if this comes into being.
Is any one telling me that Cornwall, with ALL its best players availiable to call upon for international duty could not at least match the likes of Spain, Portugal, Holland, Germany and even Romania to qualify for a world cup? And what more if we did like Wales and Scotland and dug up a few Cousin Jacks from down under!
I expect you all think this is a bit fanciful. Not a bit of it, I am deadly serious.
Here is a thought to leave you with. A friend of mine told me recently that Luxembourg play in the Belgian rugby leagues. They also attempt to qualify for rugby world cups. Are you getting my message?!
Think on folks!!
From Paul Kent (where_is_paul@hotmail.com)
On the issue of 'Club Cornwall', I think this is on the whole is a good idea as it would present the Duchy with a stage on which to positively promote its cultural identity through positive inclusion. Whatever your viewpoint on whether or not Kernow is part of England, I think that the region's people need a common focal point, and regular high profile matches against big teams would raise the profile of the sport and give people something to cheer about. It would be good if the likes of Penzance's Richard Hawkin could play at the highest level in his homeland, particularly if Cornwall became associated with sporting excellence rather than seasonal unemployment and retirement reservations. I mean the Catalans and Basques are fiercely proud of their Association Football teams playing in the Spanish League against the Castillian Spanish, and have used them as a platform to promoting both their language and culture to the outside world. Visca al Catalunya! Kernow bys vyken!
From Andy Thomas
Firstly, well done to the team for bringing the Tamar Cup home. Now let's keep it going for the rest of the year.
Now for a whinge or two. Whinge number one: why was the result not broadcast on spotlight or put up on ceefax. I had to wait till today (Monday 19th) before I could find the result. Whinge number two: I have just read what passes for a match report in the Western Morning News. By the second paragraph it had become obvious that the reporter was either biased in favour of Devon or knew B****R All about the make up of CORNISH teams of the recent past. Conrad Sutcliffe reports that "Unlike Devon, CORNWALL were able to put out a near full-strength side". Excuse me for being picky but if memory serves in recent time CORNWALL TEAMS have predominantly been selected from Launceston and Penzance-Newlyn. As I remember somewhere in the region of 15 players, in last year's squad,came from the ALL BLACKS and PIRATES. Is it expecting too much of the WMN to get their facts right regarding CORNWALL. Anyway enough of that,once more congratulations to the CORNWAL SQUAD for doing us proud once again.
From Mark Jenkin (markj@brucedunlop.com)
Great site - great organisation....but how about a name change to make the whole more a bit more historically and ethically sound. What about 'An Gof's Army'?
Well, it's a point of view! Good name, but where's the song equivalent to Trelawny?
From Steph Tann (stephtann@hotmail.com)
Well, I have just spent my lunch hour on your site and it is fantastic and certainly helps to cure the homesickness for a while.(If you can send me one of my Mum's pasty's that would help too!) I am from St Austell and used to go to the Rugby wth my Dad (Captained Truro in 196?) and Brother and living in London we go to Twickers every time Cornwall get through. Keep up the good work. I think someone should open a Cornish Rugby theme pub in London.
From "Bob" (bbbx3@hotmail.com)
As an exile, living here in Reading, Berkshire, I would like to get a litle band of fellow exiles to contact me for a chat or a monthly meet somewhere, so we can all wear the Black'n'Gold shirts, and show these "English People" that we ARE unique. If there are any exiles around the London / S/E area, please drop me an e-mail at: bbbx3@hotmail.com
Thank-you all, and I'll see some of you in Chatham.
From Nathan Williams (natnat41@hotmail.com)
I have lived in Cornwall all my life though my background is shared between the Welsh and The Cornish. I still find it amazing to see the similarities, in rugby terms, between the Welsh and the Cornish. It is a source of unique national pride that brings the county together. E-mail me.
From Keren Cook (kerencook1@xtra.co.nz)
A friend that I chat to on ICQ recommended this site for me. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Cheers Keren from Christchurch, New Zealand.
From Nick Serpell (nick.serpell@bbc.co.uk)
As someone who has reported on Cornish rugby for some years and commentated at three Twickenham finals, I would like to add a few thoughts to the messages on your website about Club Cornwall.
Like the proverbial cuckoo, the concept of Club Cornwall reappears every year but, to date, nothing has ever come of it. There are a number of reasons for this, not least the fierce parochialsim which pervades Cornish rugby. Differences, real or imagined, exist between Redruth and Camborne, Falmouth and Penryn, St Day and Stithians, the list is endless.
It is not as simple as just getting two or three of the top clubs to amalgamate. As a previous correspondent to your site has pointed out, the current league rules would mean that a new club had to start at the bottom of Cornwall League 2. hardly a good springboard for attracting the class of players we need. As things stand, the new club would have to adopt the name of an existing club to maintain the current league position. Who is likely to want to give up their own historic name and merge it elsewhere?
The only possible route is the franchise one but we have yet to see any clear indication of how this would be structured. Whatever the details, it would need a great deal of one thing, namely money. Ask any entrepreneur who has sunk cash into today's Premiership sides and they will tell you it has been a long hard road and most teams still do not turn a profit. Like it or not, money is the only way to success because without it you cannot attract the players. If we are talking about a new stadium and a new team then an initial investment in excess of £30 million would be required. I do not believe that even in Cornwall we would attract gates of a size to provide a return on that sort of money. The only viable option for a franchisee would be to buy control of an existing club and build it up. But would that club get the support of fans from rival teams. I think not.
We all know what has happened to the County Championship. I yield to no one in my love of the competition, which I have followed since I was a teenager. But we have to face facts. The RFU are keen to get rid of it in the long term and even the most diehard Cornish supporter knows that the competition does not get the support it used to. Last year's pool games had some of the lowest attendances I have seen at Cornwall matches. I realise many who turn up to cheer for Cornwall do so as much for a sense of national pride as a love of the game. Most of them are not in evidence on the touchlines of their local clubs during the rest of the year.
"Club Cornwall" is a great concept but the practicalities are enormous. Perhaps TASC could form a small working party to explore the possibilities. As it is, I fear that we will only see a true Club Cornwall when formations of pigs swoop low over Carn Brea.
From Cliff Stephens (cliffstephens@branvras.fsnet.co.uk)
Many supporters seem to think that forming a 'Club Cornwall' would be a good idea. I could not disagree more. It is bad enough that Cornwall is forced to play in the English County Championship, when it is neither a county nor a part of England, but the thought of our National side being reduced to a mere club is too much to bear. As for naming a proposed new stadium after Trelawny, Oh Please! Don't you people realise what he was. He was a bishop of the Church of England, which was instrumental in forcing the English book of prayer onto Cornwall thus effectively destroying our language. In the resulting rebellion 10% of Cornwall's population (or one in five of the male population) was killed, and many dreadful atrocities took place. For a Cornishman to be a Bishop of this insidious organisation is akin to a Bosnian serving in the Serb army.
What do you think?
From Philip Johnstone (cornish001@home.com)
Just found your site. It was great to read all the comments. I would like some help. I have been trying to find Cornish music sites but no luck. If you know of some sites please let me know.
I was born in St Mawes, and left in 1951 at the age of 15 with my family. Now as I get older my thoughts often turn back to St Mawes, yes I miss it. I would like to hear from anyone from St Mawes or Falmouth. Wish you all the best in the New Year.
From Bill Hooper (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
If there is anyone out there that used to go to TRURO CATHEDRAL SCHOOL I'd like to hear from you. I am on the O.T.A.committee. Once again this season the O.T.A. has supported Cornwall Schools 18 Group with match balls through the Micky Mischler Trust Fund.
From Mark Grose (marktgrose@tinyworld.co.uk)
I now live in Yeovil,Somerset and Iv'e been here for about 13 years, after spending my first 23 years in Penzance. Hence, I'm a PZ & NEWLYN FAN. Looking forward to going back to the Mennaye on April 16th, for the start of another campaign towards Twickenham. CORNWALL FOR THE CUP!
I am the landlord of a pub in Yeovil called the Beehive Inn, and one of my staff and his son are Cornish fans too. They come from Redruth, and every year we go to follow Cornwall. We are also members of the TASC, and I have to say your Black & Gold publications are brilliant, very informative. THANKS. If any of Trelawny's Army are in or near Yeovil, please pop in for a drink & you can help us wind up our Somerset customers. Great web site, keep up the good work. See u in Penzance in April.
Thanks for the kind words, Mark. I'll pass on your comments to the editor of Black & Gold!
From Bill Hooper, member 119 (hooperhoo4ht@supanet.com)
Now that I am online I just had to look at the Army website, a Proper Job it is too. Keep up the good work, me 'andsomes. County matches will be back soon.
From Paul Headland (paul.headland@ntlworld.com)
Thanks to 'This is Cornwall' for putting me in touch with your site. I left Cornwall 30 years ago and have tried to keep in touch,and watch whenever possible, Camborne RFC. I hope in the near future that they get back to the glory days when I was able to see them in the national leagues. Thanks for the superb site.
From Cornish Heritage (cornish.heritage@care4free.net)
We are an organisation who are actively fighting for Cornish Constitutional rights, human rights and are trying to protect and promote our unique heritage. We have produced the Cornish £5 note i.e the 500 Dynar note. We are a non-profit organisation and all money will be put into our fighting fund to promote our Heritage as Celtic Cornish. Would you please circulate this among your members.
P.S If you would like one to show people we will send you one free. Please help us if you can, it's all done for Cornwall. Kernow Bys Vykken. Our website is www.cornish.heritage.care4free.net Regards Cornish Heritage
From Mick Underhill (mick_underhill@hotmail.com)
To any followers of Cornish rugby in the Wiltshire area. If you are in need of watching some decent rugby that reminds you of home then pop along to Salisbury RFC (Southern Counties South) as there are now 3 Cornishmen in the side!
From Colin Groves (colin.groves@tetrapak.com)
I am now living in Hampshire. I used to play for Truro, about 20 years ago, and my family still live in the Truro area. I have found your web site to be an excellent tool to keep updated on what is happening with Cornish rugby, keep it up.
I agree with some of the comments that you have received with regards to "Club Cornwall" and I really believe that it would work, and that a premiership "franchise" would be viable in Cornwall. However, I see two potential stumbling blocks. Firstly, the intensive local rivalry between the major Cornish clubs. Secondly, the RFU's insistance that any "new" club has to start at the bottom of the league structure. Both of these stumbling blocks I believe can be overcome.
From Graeme Carr (tgcarr33@hotmail.com)
Well, where do I begin? First by saying hello to any one who knows me. I am now living in Cambridgeshire, and as soon as they build a prison in Cornwall i shall be home to work. As for this website it is like gold for me, as no papers print anything about Cornish Rugby, this gives me everything i need to know. Well, what on earth has happened to Camborne RFC? Years ago I remember the likes of Mankee and Pellow playing for Cornwall, as well as driving on their club side. Both were an influence on my rugby, and supported me as a young player, playing for the colts; they were always ready to listen. It seems to have all gone. As a Camborne boy (grandmother still lives there), it is a crying shame. Never mind, good luck to Cornwall in the pool matches and i hope to see every one at Chatham on 28th April.
Can someone tell me if Alvin Williams is still associated with Penzance/Newlyn RFC? He used to teach me at Pool School. Many thanks.
Yes-Alvin Williams is fit and well and looking like a 30 yr old at the Pirates every week. His son played for the Chiefs until last year when the pace got too hot for him but as a senior pasty eater and front row scribe he was par excellence. R.G.R. Evans, Pirates President
From Andy Thomas:
In the most recent issue of "Black and Gold"you state that Cornwall's first match in the championships 2000/01 will be on MONDAY 16 APPRIL. Is this correct or were you testing us to see if we are awake?
Whilst I'm waffling on about the fixture dates, can anyone tell me the date of the Tamar cup. Also Falmouth Marine Band is alive and well as of 10/08/00. Lastly, if the RFU really want championships to continue why not play pool and Q/final matches during the Six Nations, then play the Semi's the beginning of April with the Final at the end of May. This would give everyone more time to buy their tickets and more time to save the money as well. Although after this last final the RFU might think they only need to give a few days notice. 4000 supporters from Devon and Yorkshire combined. What a disgrace!
P.S. Don't ever tell me that being Cornish is no different to coming from one of those strange places east of the Tamar. Put it in perspective, there was more of us at the Q/Final against Henley/Oxford than went to Twickenham.
Andy, Yes, the date of the first group game is correct -- it's on MONDAY 16th April (Easter Monday). Sorry, I don't have a date for the Tamar Cup match yet.
From Darlene Dueweke (dldueweke@earthlink.net)
Simply Delightful! Very wonderful, informative and lots of fun.
From Ian Hocking (info@chameleon-eye.co.uk)
As an avid Cornish supporter, I am disappointed that Cornwall hasn't got around in forming a 'Club Cornwall'. With all the support that the Cornish team has, we would be a successfull team and finally get a name for ourselves instead of hoping for the county champianship final every year (doesn't anyone know that this is a virtually dead competition). Let's all stick together, side by side, and form a club that can have a real hope of becoming a Premiership side.
From Graham Brunt (graham.brunt@ews-railway.co.uk)
As a family "exiled" to South West France, it`s been great to visit the web site, which was eventually found by accident......the next visits will not be accidental. Thanks for all the information in the pages. Best regards to the Clinton Club in Redruth, for the happy (hic) time spent there after the match. (Thanks to the "Gorilla" and Peter.....see you next time)
Graham - Trelawny`s Army (French Division)
From Kevin Trebell (kevin@trebell.screaming.net )
I just watched the commentary on SKY from yesterday's County Championship final. I didn't half laugh when Stuart Barnes said Graham Dawe is the ultimate Traitor down there now; and when Martin Hagg said he would never speak to him again! Too bloody right in my opinion!
From 'Proper Job' John Rees (johnrees36@hotmail.com )
As an ardent supporter of the County Championship, I feel after watching this season's matches the RFU County Committee should seriously consider two suggestions. Firstly, no Allied Dunbar Premiership 1 or 2 registered players are allowed to represent their county (as in the past); and secondly there should be a limit (say 7) of players from one club. If these suggestions were adapted I am sure we would be watching real County Championship matches again.
From Adam Kellow (adamkellow@hotmail.com)
I think that people should know how many good clubs there are in Cornwall. St.Austell often beat teams like Camborne but the publicity always seems to go their way. Why is it just Redruth, Launceston, and Penzance who have all the County players? St.Austell have experienced players like Adam Driver and Milo Bright. Come on selectors, look at ST. AUSTELL!
From Jim Chapman, Yorskhire R.F.U. Committee (Jim@mtpleasant.co.uk )
Can I echo Marc Lawrence's remarks about your support on Saturday. Absolutely fantastic is all I can say, especially some of the guys I talked to who had left Cornwall at 4.30 a.m. just to get to the match.
Sorry that the result wasn't a closer run thing. To be honest the Yorkshire side suprised me -- if you'd seen how we played against Northumberland !!!
Once again, thanks for making the game such an occasion, let's hope we can meet in similar circumstance (but perhaps at Twickenham) in future years.
If the administrators at Twickenham needed convincing about the worth of County Rugby then they should have been at Otley. Best wishes for the future.
Jim Chapman
Yorskhire R.F.U. Committee
From Marc Lawrence, Secretary of Otley RFC, after the County Championship semi-final at Otley, Yorkshire (the.viper@england.com)
On behalf of Otley RFC I wish to extend my thanks to the travelling support of "Trelawny's Army" which made the fixture a truly memorable event. Without them the game would have been poorly supported.
I met many wonderful people from Cornwall on the day, far too many to mention, but I wish them all the best and hope that one day we will meet again, either in league rugby or at the county final at HQ. Perhaps a holiday in Cornwall may be the answer and a good opportunity of renewing friendship and sinking a few beers!
I do hope that everyone arrived home safely and that there are not too many sore heads.
Oggi! Oggi! Oggi! .... Oi! Oi! Oi!
Marc organized the semi-final at very short notice, and it's largely down to him that the Trelawny's Army expeditionary force had such a great day, despite the result. Yorkshire hospitality at its best!
From Will Fletcher (willfletcher@hotmail.com )
I just wanted to say well done to all the Cornish boys that played with such pride and passion in all the County Championship matches. Yorkshire may have been a game too far, but you should not be ashamed as you have done us proud, and we will definitely make it to the final next year. Maybe a Cornish contingent could get up to Twickenham on the 4th of June for the exhibition matches instead.
From Paul Yeoman (paulyeoman@ntlworld.com)
Now living in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, I often visit the site for a regular update to Cornish Rugby. I originate from Falmouth, and used to watch the local derby matches of Penryn and Falmouth - they were good games in those days! Sorry I couldn't make the semi-final last week, or even read about it in the national press - Thank goodness for your website! I will be coming back for more...
From Martin Ould (floandmouldy@ouldmjt.fsnet.co.uk )
What a great site! As a homesick exile near Bath, I have found this site to be the best way to get back to the 'real world'. I'll look forward to the continued development of Cornish rugby given the level of support, commitment and pride that the followers of Cornish rugby still possess (with absolutely no thanks to Sky Sports). Cheers, Mouldy.
Thanks, Mouldy. Now here's an idea: given the cr*p that Sky Sports puts out on its "Eurosport" and "Sport 3" channels (table tennis from Montpelier, etc.) why don't Cornish rugby fans -- of whom there are thousands all over Britain -- write in and demand some coverage of games involving Cornish clubs. We could even start a petition and get people to sign at county games. You never know, if Sky realize there's a market they might even do something about it.
From Adam Kellow (Amanda.Kellow@btinternet.com)
As I am the secertary of St.Austell R.F.C I follow the senior Cornish side and I am gutted with the 46-15 defeat against Yorkshire. I think that this year's side is completly unacceptable for the high level that the oppostion is. We should have experienced players like Kevin Moseley and Stewart Whitworth. Also, why chuck the great Penzance-Newlyn winger Nat Saumi out of the side -- he was one of the all time greats. Plese take my suggestions to detail Mickey Stephens and Cornish selectors.
Yes, we're all gutted. I don't think you can criticice the team selection too much, though; after all, this was basically the same team that did so well to beat Oxfordshire/Henley. Agree Saumi is a great player. Pity we couldn't have had Olonga too. However, I don't think Saumi was "chucked" -- I believe he'd returned home and wasn't available. Don't know about Moseley and Whitworth; agree they're good players but, of course, neither is getting any younger.
From Roger Philp (roger.philp@nokia.com)
FANTASTIC!!!!!!! I was trying to tell myself that we could beat Oxfordshire but I thought that with all the Premiership players they have surely they would overcome us in the end...........but no!!!!!! I missed the game but I will be up in Otley this Saturday. I have a few exile friend in the area so hopefully we are in for a great weekend......keep it up boys.
From Andrew Screech (andrew.screech@virgin.net)
Congratulations to the players (and the supporting cast)of Cornwall on earning another semi-final appearance. Let's hope they can get past Yorkshire and on to Twickers (and possibly a Cornwall v Devon final).
I'd be interested to hear what the top Cornish clubs/players think to the idea of 'Club Cornwall' as suggested by Don Rutherford. Has there been any official comment? What future would there be for Cornish rugby at county level if the County Championship finally dies a death?
This is an idea that get's floated every so often, but nothing much seems to come of it. Some think that, if it happens at all, it will happen "naturally" -- i.e. one club attracts enough financial backing to become pre-emininent, so that it attracts all the best Cornish players.
From Redruth RFC webmaster Kevin Trebell (kevin@trebell.screaming.net)
Well done to Cornwall on a stunning performance at Redruth yesterday. I took great comfort a few weeks back when Redruth were put to the sword by Penzance, knowing that many of these boys would be representing Cornwall a couple of weeks later. They haven't let me down! Who could imagine they'd had beaten Henley (who were a dangerous and talented side). Brilliant.
From Mick Underhill (mick_underhill@hotmail.com)
Well the Kosovo legion of Trelawny's Army are ecstatic at the news that we are in the Semi Finals......I was a little worried (but not much) over the strength of the Oxford side. Well done fellas!!! Lets keep the momentum going fellas.
From Livs (pasty100@hotmail.com )
Well done!!! What can I say but living near Reading means I am subjected to Henley and Reading, PREMIERSHIP 2 games most week-ends, and after seeing that we were drawn against the former (or should I say Oxfordshire), to be honest I was gutted! But now that we've beaten the "Hawks" the cup seems a damn sight closer!! One thing that is for sure, is that nowhere else in the country is there support like ours!
Nice one boys!
From Matthew Gisborne (matthew.gisborne@planetfootball.com)
What an excellent website. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting over the past season, it is obviously regularly and carefully tended. What is more, the Cornish enthusiasm for Rugby shines through, an earthy passion for the sport saddly lacking in our official club websites here at planetfootball.com (part of Sports Internet Group sold two days ago to SKY for £303 million). Keep up the work, let us know how some of the currently less high flying Cornish Clubs are going. Best of luck for tomorrow, I hope you beat the county of my old university.
Thanks for the compliments, Matthew. I hope you continue to enjoy the site.
From "Golden Oldies" organizer Tony Carter (Tony.Carter@edge-technologies.com)
Its good to see you giving Golden Oldies some air. Did you know that it was a Cornishman (me) that was one of the original organizers of the World Golden Oldies. I was the European representative on the Golden Oldies Board from 1983-1989. I was the organizer of the 1985 Festival in London. Following that I worked with your Chairman Paul Bawden in organizing a mini festival in St. Ives in I think 1986-7.
Cornwall is the ideal place to run a mini festival - why don't you resurrect Ghoolers Gorillas and do it again? I'd love a good Easter Tour in Cornwall. I don't know how my relations would take to me wearing red shorts...
Suggestion duly noted and passed on to the TASC committee!
From Mike Williams (efc_1933@yahoo.com)
Had a great day out at Marlow, and now looking forward to Saturday in Camborne, which reminds me of a good joke I heard at the bar in Marlow:
I was painting mother's front room and ran out of paint, so I caught the bus to Camborne to get some more. I asked a man in the main street "How are 'ee, ehn? Izz there a B&Q in Camborne?"
"Dunno", he replied, "but there are two Rs in Redruth!"
From Mick Underhill (mick_underhill@hotmail.com)
Can you believe this.........For the third....yes third year on the trot Cornwall are to embark upon the 'Road to Twickenham' without me. The Queen deems it more important for me to serve her Army than watch the mighty Black and Gold Army. It is times like this when I find the Website and Army Newsletter invaluable but alas my cheers cannot be heard......so come on, Trelawny's Army and cheer louder for me!
From old friends Shaz and Rory Medcalf (stmedca@mainroads.qld.gov.au)
They may have a super-breed of sportsman over here in Oz, but after a great 6 week holiday back in Kernow we have come to the conclusion that they definitely breed them tougher back there! While we were back, Rory managed to borrow a pair of boots and played for the 'Exiles' side against Helston RFC (his old club) in the annual Boxing Day match. Our family and friends turned up to cheer him on. Within twenty minutes of the teams taking the field, we had been rained on, hailed on, wind-blown and generally assaulted by the elements. This was not how we remembered it! The guys on the paddock were oblivious and carried on regardless of what was being thrown at them. Rory battled on bravely, but me and my numb extremities retreated to the warmth of the car. I can't remember the final score (I think the Exiles lost), but we had a great drink in the club house afterwards, and we just wanted to pass on to all those guys (and girls) who brave the Cornish winter for the love of the game, our utmost respect and thanks for a great time (but I think we'll stick to the sunshine!).
Wishing everybody at the Black & Gold office and lovers of God's-Own-Game everywhere a very Happy and Prosperous 2000
From Bill Goff (billgoff@tinyworld.co.uk)
As an exile living in Devon and a new surfer on the web I have spent a very enjoyable hour or two this evening viewing your site, a very well presented and informative site with pictures and sounds that bring back a lot of memorable moments with the rest of the Army both down in Cornwall and at HQ. Well done. Keep up the good work, see you all at HQ in June!
From David Roberts (Digger37@hotmail.com)
I think that Cornwall's rugby team is the best in the world and I see some of the games but it is hard to get to all the games. I live in Redruth but cannot see all the games.
I think a lot of us have that problem. Never mind, at least you should be on hand for the game against Middlesex at Camborne!
From Charles Andrews (chkandrews@yahoo.com)
Do you sell shirts for the Penzance/Newlyn team?
No, Charles, but the Penzance/Newlyn club shop does. See the Penzance and Newlyn website.
From Mike Penhaligon (penguin@nettrek.com.au)
Hello again, Mike Penhaligon from Western Australia. I keep up with Cornish rugby through your site and have done so for a few years. It is like a good wine maturing into one of the better, if not best, rugby sites! I am involved with a club over here looking to recruit players. Is there any chance of including our web page in your other sites section? www.netrek.com.au/~penguin/. The Club name is the Southern Lions Rugby Union Club, Leeming, Western Australia. Keep up the good work.
Consider it done. (There's also a message from Mike on our "Notice Board" page.)
From "Pierre" (floresp@nsa.naples.navy.mil)
Your site is fantastic! As a travelling St Ives native, it was a pleasure to read some of the comments and to check on the fortunes of Cornwall. Keep up the good work.
From Sheni Jiwa (Sheni@jiwa99.freeserve.co.uk)
Clearly the repeated visits of the massed hordes of Cornishmen to Twickenham are having an effect. The West Cornwall Pasty Co. have just opened a shop at Reading railway station directly opposite the platform for Twickenham!
From Jeffery Paul Lloyd (Japes@ivybridge34.freeserve.co.uk)
First of all, I'd like to say what a great game the Championship final was. I was sat next to a small thicket of Gloucestershire supporters amongst the Black and Gold forest. The game was such that it kept us all on the edge of our seats right up until those last few minutes.
It was a pity that there wasn't the same level of support as at our last win. Could it be due to the way that the competition is now played - all the games in a short period of time and people cannot afford to get away to them all? (So where is everyone in the early stages? We hardly manage to fill Redruth!) Could it be due to the fact that we are now at Twickenham more often and so the novelty has worn off? Could it be the price of the tickets? It's certainly not a cheap day out.
One thing is for sure though, it was good to see the reappearance of the Falmouth Marine Band, albeit much reduced in size. They help to create the carnival atmosphere. Lets hope they can get back to strength and I look forward to seeing them at all the games next season.
From William Fletcher (howard_fletcher@handel99.co.uk)
As I live outside Cornwall, this website is an excellant way for me to keep in touch with what is happening in the Cornish rugby world. Keep up the good work guys! Also well done to all the Cornish rugby players who participated in an excellant weekend of Cornish rugby at Twickenham!
From Sheni Jiwa (Sheni_and_LucyJiwa@compuserve.com)
Despite a smaller crowd at Twickenham this year I thought the atmosphere was ten times better. The rugby was ten times better as well. It was great to see the Falmouth Marine Band back again too! Does anyone know if a video of the match will be available to buy?
From Stu Peters (drive@frontiernet.net)
The early seventies saw me playing for Perranporth, early 60's Launceston for a while. Have moved since to Wales, Ireland, and am now settled in Tucson, Arizona. Always follow the fortunes of the old clubs and the Cornwall XV. Well done to everyone concerned with the County team's latest success. Anyone who remembers playing alongside me is more than welcome to Email me. Plenty of Cornish names in the phone book hereabouts, descendants of tin miners who travelled to Arizona and work the copper mines; saw a rear number plate frame the other day announcing that the car had been supplied by Tonkins Garage. Good luck to everyone.
FROM PENZANCE/NEWLYN PRESIDENT DICKIE EVANS:
I am very pleased with the Pirates' overall success this season. Our second team won the SW Merit Table and the Cornwall 2nd team Merit Table, so we have some super youngsters coming along and they are all from Cornwall.
Peter Johnson has been the main man and he is excellent -- I have great respect for him.
We have retained our squad for next season bar a couple and we are strengthening a couple of positions at present to give us cover in key places for injuries. Obviously with the likes of Olonga and Saumi we have a couple of matchwinners capable of playing in the Premier/2nd Divisions and I don't intend to lose them -- we have high hopes of doing well in the Jewson 2 League next year. We expect some stiff opposition, especially from Westcombe Park who are rising through the divisions rapidly, as well as from Esher and Barking -- not to mention the old enemy Redruth! We will be there or thereabouts at the end.
Olonga has been carrying an injury for a couple of months, otherwise it would have been great to see him in the Cornwall side at Twickenham -- given the chance -- as he would have destroyed Gloucester in the wide-open spaces -- he is superb.
From Kevin Trebell (kevin@trebellk.freeserve.co.uk)
I have been using this site regularly for the past couple of seasons and thought it was about time I congratulated you on an excellent site. As a solid and of course completely impartial 'RED' I find this an excellent way to follow the whole rugby scene; including the progress of those other clubs kindly removing our 'number 1 in Cornwall' title. Also a big 'WELL DONE' to Dino and the boys on last week's win. I had a great day up there. It would be nice if they didn't give us such a nerve jangling last 20 minutes next time though.
From Paul Hobson (paul.hobson@virgin.net)
Great day at Twickers - well done lads - Cornish pride boosted again! How about the words of the songs? And/or a CD version?
Paul, you could try Brio Music, Cot Valley Lodge, Cot Valley, St Just, Penzance TR19 7NT (phone 01736-787788). They supply a wide range of Cornish CDs.
From James Uren (Jimmyuren@hotmail.com)
Great match on Saturday lads! I have been to every final we have been in since 1989 and this has got to have been the best so far, but Yorkshire was great too. Right up to the last minute it felt like it could have gone either way, but it went our way. Ben, if you read this, alright mate!! I saw the Sussex match in the second round and it was hard to believe that the same team could have been playing at Twickenham. One match in front of about 500 people and the next in front of 20,000. Great atmosphere at the final, thanks to everyone who turned up to help us. See you all again next year I hope. Dino ....!!!!!
From Kirsten Pepper (kpepper@unmf.co.uk)
Hi there, just read the board and saw some words from folks I know. Just wanting to say that I too was there on Sat. and had the time of my life. Well done boyze and make sure you do just as well next year...I've got a taste for it now!!
From Patricia Davies
I went to Twickenham for the second time on Saturday 22 May and was over the moon when we won, especially so convincingly. The atmosphere was fantastic and I hope to be able to repeat the experience next year. Living in Trowbridge in Wiltshire, my day on Saturday with my sister and brother-in-law felt like a little bit of home - even if it did serve to increase my homesickness.
From David Burden (dburden@channel4.co.uk)
Can't wait for Saturday. Working in London, it's refreshing to see the Cornish take over the streets come a match day at Twickers! It's also great to see everyone in good spirits! (Hic!). Best of luck lads - 'Up the Cornish!'
From Esyld Whetter (esyld@yahoo.com)
Thanks so much for setting up this website! It has been invaluable to me! I am currently in New Zealand and was finding it difficult to keep up with the rugby but now I'm happy! I'm also spreading the word to hundreds of Kiwis but wearing my Cornish Rugby top, my Trelawny's Pride T-shirt and my "I am a Cornish Hero" T-shirt!
From Ben Lumby (benlumby@hotmail.com)
GO LADS! GOOD LUCK! GO CORNWALL, LAST ONE OUT, TURN OFF THE LIGHTS PLEASE. IF I CAN GET BACK FROM WEST. AUS. FOR THE MATCH I WILL, OTHERWISE I RECKON WE'LL HEAR YOUR SUPPORT FROM HERE ANYWAY. THANKS FOR THE GREAT WEBSITE AND THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ADD TO THE HUGE VOICE OF CORNWALL.
From Alastair Allen (hyuzn@warwick.ac.uk)
BEING STUCK AT UNI MEANS I'VE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO SEE THE GROUP MATCHES THIS YEAR,A BIT OF AN ANNOYANCE AFTER ONLY HAVING MISSED 2 HOME GAMES IN THE LAST 8 SEASONS, BUT I'VE MANAGED TO GET RESULTS FED TO ME VIA MY PARENTS. I TOOK THE TOUGH DESICION TO FORGET ABOUT EXAM REVISION AND GET OVER TO TWICKENHAM TO WATCH THE FINAL. GOOD LUCK LADS, THIS COULD BE THE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY OF MANY.
From Mark Barrett (once from Liskeard!) (mark_barrett@uk.ibm.com)
I've just been into Twickenham and bought my tickets (they're good ones, Kev!). The only game I've seen was against Worthing as I live just down the road. The atmosphere and the game were terrific - let's hope Gloucs don't have a winger like the Sussex boy! I had a smashing chat with Trevor, in the shop, last week. I've bought my son (an adopted Cornishman!) a black & gold shirt. This web site has been invaluable during the County Champs, so well done and keep it up. Safe journeys to everyone next week and let's hope the corks will be popping!
From Sheni and Lucy Jiwa (Sheni_and_LucyJiwa@compuserve.com)
Well what an achievement. THREE teams at Twickers in TWO days. I bet no other county or club has ever topped that! I for one will be there for both days. Does anyone know who will be playing in the team to face Bristol? Can we expect to see the likes of Martin Haag and Rob Thirlby bolstering the ranks?
No news on team selection yet, but the word is that Premiership 1 and 2 clubs have been approached and all have agreed to release their Cornish players.
From Mick Underhill (mick@kernowek.freeserve.co.uk)
Well done Cornwall! Another season ends with Twickenham turning itself Gold and Black. It is also another season where I find myself otherwise engaged,keeping Saddam quiet in the Gulf and not where I should be; with the 'Proper Army' cheering on not one, but three Cornish teams. For those of you, and I'm sure and hope there are many, lucky enough to be going to march on London give an extra cheer for not only me but for countless others who will be willing on the count(r)y from afar. Good luck to all those who are playing, watching, drinking over the weekend. Onen hag ol!
From Will Wallis (wolfie@kernow100.freeserve.co.uk)
As a former newsletter editor this really brings supporting Cornish Rugby into the 21st Century....... WELL DONE!
From Graham Lemin & Co. (hassetts@willoughbys4375.freeserve.co.uk)
Just to say thanks for a brilliant Website. We particularly enjoyed the photos. This is a fine facility for exiles everywhere. See you all at Twickenham and special greetings to Tom and Sheila Prout.
From Alison Couch (alison@qurna.demon.co.uk)
I took my sister and a friend to Worthing last Saturday (24th April) to watch Cornwall beat Sussex. Brilliant!. My friend who was supporting Sussex couldn't believe how many of us 'mad Cornish folk' came to support our team. We had a brilliant day. It was wonderful to hear everyone in good voice. To see Cornwall win at Twickenham again would be wonderful (especially in the middle of my GCSEs!).
From John "Montana" Thomas (monntana3@aol.com)
I enjoyed your site and your story embrocation. I am the webmaster and Idiot Brother #2 of the Fraternal Order of Idiot Brothers (the Front Row). I am listing your story and site on my site this month as our May Site of the month. Thank you for everything (except that annoying "who are you" page that pops up and constantly attacks you).
Thanks for the feedback, John. Maybe we'll get rid of the "Who are you?" page!
From Brian Harvey (B.M.Harvey@lse.ac.uk)
As Cornwall embark on another County Championship campaign I was wondering whether the selectors dare pick the Pirates duo of Victor Olonga and Nat Saumi. Although they are not 'proper' Cornish by any means, they are the best players in the county and if included would give Cornwall a half decent chance of going one better than 1998. After all, Cornwall have picked players from beyond the Tamar before. If you can have Devonian and Welsh 'Cornishmen' surely you can have Zimbabwean and Samoan 'Cornishmen'. What do people think?
Any professional who's willing to risk his livelihood for no cash reward, for the sake of wearing the famous black-and-gold, is "Cornish" enough for me! Onen Hag Ol! What do other people think?
From a "ST IVES PERSON" (www.bathspa.co.uk)
Although St.Ives are having the worst season in their 111 year history, they've been the best club in Cornwall at producing quality players over the past 10 years. If only they did not move away to other higher league clubs upcountry. Some of these players are Martin Haag (Bath and England), Ian Sanders (Gloucester), Joff Rowe (Exeter), Scott Perkin (England U-18's), Ian Veal (Bridgewater), John Navin (Redruth), Rob Thirlby (Saracens), and Jason Atkinson (Pz/Newlyn), to name but a few! If only they still played for the best club in the world - St. Ives. (UP THE HAKES!)
Hear! hear!
From Mike Latham (mlatham@ndirect.co.uk)
Greetings, Men of Trelawny! I am planning to compile the most definitive collection of rugby ballads ever put together, from all over the world and to publish it for the Millenium season. Can the men of Cornwall contribute? I need the real local versions (Trelawny's national anthem for instance). Don't send me "Roedean Girls" or "Marrying Kind" type songs, we've got all those already. Remember to include to which tune the song is sung. If the Cornish clubs can help through the T.A, I'll send a signed copy of the book when printed to each club and give full attribution of the source. Get me on the net at mlatham@ndirect.co.uk or fax 0181-286-4808 or send to me, Mike Latham at 19 Broughton Avenue, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7TT. Thanks guys and gals for your help.
From Stuart Nelmes in Australia (s_nelmes@hotmail.com)
Next time I am in England, I will definitely try to see Cornwall play at Twickenham or visit a Cornish rugby match. They definitely should be in the Premiership if they can draw 40,000, and if the clubs ever thought about forming a British League, Cornwall would have to be an important part of it. Rugby is a pretty minor sport in Australia, but if Rugby League falls in the near future, then we will have a strong base for a game, and by snaring a few of the poofters who support Aussie Rules (that's a code of football that is only played in southern Australia) we will ensure that our players receive ample rewards.
Well, I'm not sure I'd like to tangle with the "poofters" who play Aussie Rules... !!
From Marco Zuccherelli, Forli, Italy (mazuc@tin.it)
Hello, my name is Marco and I'm a rugby player from Italy. My rugby team is looking for some foreign club that wants to play some friendlis in our zone: Forlì in Romagna, near the Adriatic sea. We can help you to find some cheap accomodation and to organize two or three matches. We are an Italian fourth division team. If you are interested in that, please contact me. Regards, Marco!
From A Brewer in exile (address withheld)
Probably the best rugby site there is, not that I'm biased of course! Cornish born and bred, my family moved to Berkshire about seven years ago, so it's nice to visit 'home' occasionally. I've only recently found your website but it put a smile on my face nevertheless. Only one complaint, PLEASE tell us whether the under 21's won against Bucks (if it actually got played). Incidentally it would be nice to hear from any other Cornish fans living with the Berks (people from Berkshire of course!?). Keep up the good work!
Thanks, "Brewer". Sorry about the delay in updating the web site after the Under-21 quarter-final -- this was due to a family bereavement. However, there's now a match report from Tom Prout on the "News" page.
From andy thomas (address withheld)
With reference to the replacement of the U-21 Championships. Whilst I will always support KERNOW I would find it difficult to work up anywhere near the same level of passion or support for what would end up as a divisional/regional team. Beyond hoping that any Cornish players in the team would have the games of their lives I would not be that bothered about the result. I for one am CORNISH, I am not form some make-believe South-West or West Country. Both those places mean nothing to me other than somewhere I pass through to get home. P.S. Well done the U21 team on their result against Bucks. KERNOW BYS VYKEN!
Thanks, Andy. The perfect answer to the next comment below...
From Lawrence of Arabia (andrew@gibbins21.freeserve.com)
I don't think Cornish rugby has a future. Nobody cares. Anybody visiting this site must quit quickly before they get drawn into a life of meaningless rugby results. We don't care.
Just to prove that we don't put only the positive comments on this page...
From the Webmaster's teenage son! (munky@totlanders.co.uk)
Hello, old man. This is not my web address, I've just borrowed somebody else's. I really think you should throw in this rugby lark, do something worthwhile, instead of wasting your time updating match results. Do some real work, old man.
I'll see you later, Paul!
From "sticks" (afcsticks@hotmail.com)
Launceston are going to win the South west 1 league. This season they're playing excellent rugby and look as if they're going to push for promotion for the third season running. Under JJ Willcocks they seem to be a refreshed team and with the rest of their powerful forwards (Shipton,Luxton,etc.)and Graeme Dawe signing they must win the league. Any Comments? -----
Let's hope you're right! Or at least that either Launceston or Penzance/Newlyn win it, & not Barnstaple. It would be really hard on L. to finish runners-up for 3 years in a row...
From Sharon & Rory Medcalf (stmedca@mainroads.qld.gov.au)
We have just received our copy of the latest Black and Gold Newsletter down here in OZ. Both the newsletter and the website are our lifelines back to Kernow and God's Own Game now that we have emigrated! We are ex-members of Helston RFC, so 'G'Day' to everyone back there. Great newletter and fantastic site, so keep up the good work guys!
From Stuart Robertson (stuart_robertson@pa.press.net)
I am a Cornish exile living in London and attended this year's county championship final at Twickenham. What upset me more on this day than the defeat was the lack of knowledge of Cornwall's anthem. It seemed that everyone in the crowd stood up to sing the English national anthem and yet during the game they were only able to sing one or two lines of their own. Perhaps the Cornish people should start realising where their loyalties lie. They should not be with a SEPARATE country which has done everything to destroy our traditional industries and heritage.
From Andrew Wills (v-acaw@microsoft.com)
Having moved to Ireland in the last couple of months, I haven't yet found any other Cornish rugby fans. If there are any out there, especially in the Kilkenny or Dublin areas, then please feel free to contact me on v-acaw@microsoft.com.
From Alastair Allen (Lump2@rocketmail.com)
I find this website very entertaining. I've been to every Cornish home match, with the exception of two, in the last seven years. I am now at Warwick University, which makes me an exile, & this site is excellent for keeping in touch with Cornish Rugby. Keep up the good work.
From Tim Hall (tim.hall @ plaut.co.uk)
Great to have a way of keeping up with the Cornish Leagues from exile here in Gloucestershire. I have played all my senior rugby Up-Country, although I had always hoped to play in the famous black & gold had I not been severly lacking in talent!! My biggest regret was when SW2 split East and West so the opportunity to play rugby back home against Penryn & Camborne was lost. Talking of which -- how the mighty are fallen! Camborne looked so good a few years back so I'm pleased to see the Pirates climbing up the leagues where they should be. There again I am biased, being born in Newlyn and with my grandfather as president of P&N many years ago. Keep up the good work.... if only all counties provided such a comprehensive site I wouldn't have taken so long to decide which club to join here in Gloucestershire. Stow-on-the-Wold is a good old fashioned social rugby club and (as Swanage & Wareham, my previous club in Dorset) would make a great venue for Janner tourists.
From Martin Nicholas (Martin@mnicko.force9.net)
As a player of 5 years for St. Austell first team, I am very glad someone has recognised the St. Austell team for once. We have played and won against Camborne, Penryn, St.Ives, Penzance etc but have not been acknowledged as a "strong team". But now we are up there with the 6 best teams in Cornwall and cannot be ignored. I will now be following this Web page with great interest. Keep up the good work.
From Natalie Miners (natminers@hotmail.com)
Just to say that this is a great place to keep in touch with Cornish rugby when you are abroad. I am in Canada for six months and am a member of Helston RFC. ARE THERE ANY OTHER CORNISH FANS IN CALGARY? If so, please e-mail to miners@hotmail.com
From Angela Toy (Angela.Toy@CSAM.com)
How about a humour page - with funny accounts of people's experiences getting to and from games?
Sounds a good idea to me. You send 'em in & we'll put 'em up.
From Matthew Glover in Gibraltar (mglover@gibnet.gi)
So you have the official Trelawny's Army Supporters Club. I'm glad to hear someone's decided to get on with it, because after Pasties, Rugby is the Countys religion. I've played myself for Camborne Colts (Sadly I didn't get my county colours). Now with the RAF, I've played U21's and RAF Gibraltar. It's not a particulary high standard, but at least it keeps me in the picture.
My Uncle used to have a few successful years with Camborne and Cornwall. I'm pretty sure you can able to remember him, his name is Tommy Adams (He's a Big Lad).
Who could forget Tommy Adams? I think the last time I saw him play for Cornwall was v Middlesex at the Met. Police ground a few years ago. If I remember right, Tommy got send off for allegedly punching one of the opposition (I think it was their captain). We still won though! After the match, I overheard two policemen laughing: the Middlesex captain by now had a black eye; he was a policeman too, and apparently not very popular with his colleagues. The coppers seemed very amused about his black eye!
From Brian Williams (Brian_Williams@csme.canon.co.uk)
Not wishing to hog the comments page, but I'd be interested to find out from other correspondents what their views are on "Team Cornwall" playing in league, rather than (or as well as) County rugby.
The national papers seemed to be pursuing this as a realistic option provided, of course, the finance was in place. We may not get 40,000 each week but an attendance figure of possibly 5-10,000 should be achievable. There are many obstacles but, if surmounted, would mean Cornwall could regularly field a class side to compete with Premier One/Two teams. I was skeptical originally but have come round to the view that it would raise the Cornish profile sky(Sky?)-high!
Comments please.
This is not a new idea, of course, but none the worse for that. What do other people think? Please let us know your views.
From Nick Thomas (kirkp01@ibm.net)
Fantastic Web site! From here in not-so-sunny (at the moment) Greece, it warmed my soul to hear "Trelawny" sung in such a manner. I travelled to Twickenham last week (and in 1991), and look forward to returning with the balck & gold hoardes in 1999! Proper Job!
From Brett Ball (BALL16@COMPUSERVE.COM)
WELL DONE TO THE CORNWALL TEAM. YOU TRIED YOUR BEST. IT WAS NICE TO WEAR THE COLOURS AGAIN AT TWICKENHAM. HOPEFULLY SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR. ALL THE BEST BRETT(DENZEL)BALL FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT.
From John Bowles (johnbowles@yahoo.com)
Twickenham was fantastic! O.K. so the result wasn't in our favour but we sure showed the rest of the country how to be passionate and how to have a great day out. I'm sure that 45,000 Cornishmen (and women) can't be wrong! See you next year. Stay proud. KERNOW BYS VYKEN!
From Andrew Searle (asearle@nortel.ca)
Bad Luck Cornwall, but we must start now and get a stategy together to once aagin lift the title. It's no good doing it drec'ly! I think we need to sort the attitude of some of the Professional Clubs in Cornwall out. Cornwall as a County must come first!
From Sir John Trelawny, Trelawny's Army patron
One of many messages we received before the county final
There are going to be a few of us at Twickenham I think, so I may not get the chance to meet the Army leaders personally. This is just a little extra encouragement for you to to be in good voice on the day. Let's hope they carry the cup home again. It won't be for want of support. Best wishes to the Army.
From Jason Dawe (jasondawe@mitac.co.uk)
What an excellent web-site, it has made me feel very homesick. I have been working in London for the past 6 years but was born and bread in Cornwall. I have just moved to Bath, so I'm getting towards home slowly but surely!
I started playing Rugby again last Season in Farnborough, and have recently joined Midsommer Norton Rugby Club. At 30 I wish I had kept playing since I left school at 18, but at least my body isn't knackered yet!
Can any one tell me how old the oldest player to represent Cornwall has ever been? I am particularly interested in the Props as that is my position. It may give me some hope yet of playing in Cornish colours!
From Paul Yeoman (pyeoman@aol.com)
Just to say that I think this site is a wonderful creation for us Cornishman dotted throughout the land to find out nearly everything about our great club. I will be back. Many thanks.
From Bob and Cathy (roskrow@log.on.ca)
Super site - keeps us in touch with what Trelawny's Army are up to, now that we live in Canada. We were back home for the last Twickers - hope all goes well today (Apr. 18) and thinking of our boys back home - oggy-oggy-oggy!
From Chris Emmett (emmett@house.com.ar)
Being an exile in Argentina, I was most pleased to find your web site. I will check in later today to find a hopefully positive result. Good luck to the team.
From Linda Bowden-Shimmield (linda@amf.com.au)
It was such a pleasant surprise to stumble on your web site. I have been in South Australia for over a year, but the only time I felt homesick was when I heard that Cornwall were going to Twickers again! I attended both the previous occasions that Cornwall got to the County Final, and I shall never forget the party we had after our last appearance, what a weekend! I wish Cornwall luck on Saturday. Along with several other ex-pats, I shall be in Perth, and as we are 7 hours ahead of you, we will be celebrating a Cornish victory in advance. Go the black and ambers!
From Peter Sewell (Felicity.Cope@xtra.co.nz)
This is one Cornish Boy who has thorouhgly enjoyed touring the web site from the comfort of my own home here in New Zealand! Am getting nervous about the game on Sat but remember with fondest memories the great win of '91. How I wish I was going to be at Twickers again for this years victory! Have a great day out Cornwall, and as someone more famous than I said in '91, "Last one out turn the lights off."
From Neil Maguire (neilmag98@hotmail.com)
I was most pleased to find a website devoted to Cornish Rugby. I played for Cornwall Schools and Cornwall Colts a few years ago and also did some refereeing. I am now travelling in Australia and was hoping to see Newquay Hornets results as this was my former club. All the very best from down under.
Neil, for results of all the Cornish clubs (including the minor ones) try the Cornwall Sports Net Rugby results page at www.sports-net.co.uk/html/template_rugby1.html. There's a link from our "Links to Other Sites" page.
From John Thomas in Washington DC.
I am the Social commander for Potomac Athletic Club (PAC) RFC in Washington DC. I love your site. This is a model site for all clubs. I enjoyed everything about it, especially your rugby stories.
I am the leader of a rag tag group of players known as the American Dissidents. It is an international brotherhood of front row players that pick a tourney each year and props and hookers from around the States travel there and whore. This year we will be going to Canada..but next year we are planning on a trip to the UK. Can you assist with any ideas of very social tournaments in your area?
John, thanks for the kind words; also for filling in the form to join TASC. Unfortunately, I can't send you a proper reply because the e-mail address you quoted was invalid. If you e-mail me I'll reply. Thanks.
From Nicky Thomas (n.thomas@pbs.plym.ac.uk)
Well done the players (especially to the L'anson lads) for doing Cornwall proud! My partner, Paddy Brookes (Cornwall & "All Blacks" no. 3) is still out having sustained a cruciate ligament injury in the County semi in March '97. Sadly he won't be fulfulling his dream to play at Twickers with the lads next month - but there's always next year! As far as I'm concerned he's THE best no.3 west of the Tamar! GOOD LUCK ON APRIL 18th - GO GET 'EM!!
Nicky, thanks for the news about Paddy. We all wish him well, & hope we get the chance to see him at Twickenham. Mind you, Steve Rush did a great job in the semi-final!
From Talwyn Whetter (T.V.Whetter-97@student.lboro.ac.uk)
Thank you so much for this web site! I am a student at Loughborough university, BUT I am truly Cornish, and without this page, I'd never know the details of rugby matches taking place. Well done Lads! See you at Twickenham!
From Andrew Liverod (andrew_liverod@mitel.com)
I'm just across the border (couple of miles from Gunnislake). The semi-finals, great stuff. Wish I was there. Radio Cornwall coverage was a pain though, they were commentating on two football and two rugby matches at the same time. (I ended up cheering a Cornwall football team goal!). All the best for the final. Andrew Liverod (Penryn School 79-84, and hopefully coming home soon, for good.)
From Tom Hurdwell (thurdwell@tavycoll.rmplc.co.uk)
I play for Launceston Colts, Cornwall 17s group. Twickers here we come!!!!!!!
From Alastair Allen (lump2@rocketmail.com)
WELL DONE! Watching the semi-final, I nearly had a heart attack with all the trouble Gloucestershire were giving us during the first half!! We were absolutely brilliant in the second half. If we can keep that up for 80 minutes at Twickenham the title's ours. See you at Twickenham.
From Lesley Howley (stephen.howley@virgin.net)
I would just like to say how great it was to find this web site. Being an ex-pat now living in Bristol I was getting homesick and finding this site has really cheered me up (my husband not being from Cornwall doesn't understand). Well done to the lads for getting to the County Championship final; it was a great match and great news. See you all at Twickenham.
From David Dunn (ddunn@undp.org)
Great!! Just surfed into your brilliant website. As an expat currently living in New York it is great to catch up with the latest from Kernow. See you all at Twickenham!! Kernow Bys Vyken.
The Gloucestershire team for the Semi-final:
From Rick Kiessler (kiessler@clara.net):
Being an exile who now lives in Gloucestershire I keep a close eye on surrounding rugby and would just like to comment on the 'County Semi-final' news item. Although Gloucestershire are primarily based around the Lydney side it is not actually many of the Lydney first choice players who play in the county side. Additionally, Gloucester & Cheltenham have not supplied any players so far in this year's county championship side. The players have come from Lydney, Stroud, Cinderford, Gloucester Old Boys, Berry Hill, Spartans, Matson and a centre from Tredegar. Some good news is that as well as three Stroud players being out for the NPI clash with Penzance, Cinderford are playing a league game on the 28th March so there will be an additional two players missing including Gloucestershire captain Adrian Knox.
Gloucestershire are not relishing the trip to Cornwall and regard themselves as underdogs. I just hope Cornwall are up for the job.
Looks as though we might have got it wrong. This looks more hopeful! Thanks for the good news, Rick.
Trelawny's Army in Canada:
From Joey Shackleford (shacra@uleth.ca):
I was very pleased to find your website recently and can now keep up with Cornish Rugby results almost instantly. After playing for a Junior side in 1988 (Helston RFC) while on a teaching exchange I became an ardent follower of Cornish Rugby. My question is: How can I find out results of junior sides in Cornwall,short of phoning the lads every few weeks? Is there a website in Cornwall that posts all results, not just the top Senior sides?
Hello, Joey, nice to hear from you. Try the Cornwall Sports Net site at http://www.sports-net.co.uk/index.html. They have a rugby page that lists the results of all the Cornish clubs. (I won't quote the URL of the rugby results page because it seems to vary from week to week, but you should be able to find it from their home page.) BTW, there are links to both pages from our own "Links to Other Sites" page.
A message from Tony Cook, Cornwall's most-capped player:
Saturday 28th Feb 1998, what a day!! One of the best rugby days of my life. The team and I were a little concerned that the events around the match might distract us from the game in hand but we need not have worried. Was that the best first 15 minutes from a Cornish team seen for some time or what? I think in future we will warm up by standing in line for ten minutes before kick-off! It worked once, so why not every time?
That special feeling of playing for Cornwall in general and that fantastic day in particular comes from the part played by the fantastic Cornwall supporters. I would also like to thank The Army for the the presentations to me and my family and in particular the kind offers from Richard Major to help my mother to get to the games if she had any problem.
From Alastair Allen (lump2@rocketmail.com)
Well done, boys. I haven't missed a home match this season. I'll be there for the semi's. Give 'em hell boys!!
From Alan Matthews (miners@futureone.com)
Mother used to send out the West Briton but it took too long to get here. Don't have to worry bout that any more!!! Will you be opening up a history page at some time?? Proper job !!
Not quite sure exactly what you have in mind for a "history page", Alan. Any contributions welcome, though.
From Andrew Williams (kernowsupplies@compuserv.com)
Great to see such a comprehensive web site. As an expat living and working in London it's nice to read about my home county and because I come from Penzance it's even better to see the Pirates are doing so well. Keep spending the money boys. If anybody from the Pirates reads this, could you ask Bernard Durrant to get in touch? Cheers.
From Brian Williams (Brian_Williams@csme.canon.co.uk)
Re Semi-Finals of County Championship and NPI on same day:
As both a Pirates and Cornwall supporter it now means having to make an impossible choice - Cornwall v Hampshire OR Pirates v Stroud. Town vs Count(r)y really...
I saw on Ceefax that the other County Championship game is being played on the 29th March. I know it won't permit the Pirates players to play for Cornwall, but couldn't the other fixture be switched to Saturday and Cornwall to the Sunday? Surely Cornwall RFU could have a word with Twickenham - would it be that difficult to swap?
This is one of several comments we've received about fixture clashes (see Brian Harvey's comment below). As Brian Williams says, you'd think it wouldn't be too difficult to arrange an alternative date for one of the semi-finals, so that fans could see both games. But I bet it won't happen...
From Brian Harvey (B.M.Harvey@lse.ac.uk)
I went back to Cornwall from university last weekend and was able to see Cornwall play Hampshire. Well Done to all of the team and I am confident that we will soon be back at Twickenham. It was however a shame that the game clashed with that of the Pirates and re-scheduling would have given many fans double the chance to celebrate. Anyway Good luck to all in the semis.
A message from Richard Evans, President of Pirates:
Congratulations on your web site. For my sins I am President of the Pirates and living in the southern hemisphere for the last 25 years have grown up with the birth there of professional rugby - which has improved standards beyond recognition. I still hanker for the amateur days but after playing for the Pirates in the sixties I have watched with dismay as all our best players in Cornwall moved out of the county. Enough was enough, so with professional rugby now in place I thought I would try and bring a little cheer back to the good people of Penzance who taught me the game - hence the professional Pirates. We have had a couple of great years back on the road and this year has been one of consolidation - it looks like neither Launceston (a team I greatly respect) nor the Pirates will get the one place available to the National Leagues from SW 1. However, we have drawn very big crowds at the Mennaye, which is looking magnificent with a new stand and playing surface. Recently we played our biggest game for 30 years - losing very bravely 66-10 to Eastern Province the Currie Cup side from South Africa. We have reached the last eight of the Pilkington Shield, so are two games away from Twickenham.
Its been a learning experience becoming a professional club and there is a lot of animosity from our less enlightened brethren who support clubs that clearly pay players but retain amateur status - on yer bike,son! I hear on the jungle drums that there are moves to revert to the old days - were they amateur I ask myself? Anyway, professional rugby even in its infancy has restored pride in a once famous rugby club and I hope to see some of you Cornishman at Twickenham - either watching the county or the Pirates if we can make it. Dicky Evans,Kenya.
From Bill Truscott (bill.truscott@btinternet.com)
May I compliment the cook for the extremely tasty and high quality fruit and nut cake my daughter won in the Trelawny's Army raffle before the last Cornwall match at Cambridge. It matched Cornwall's performance on the field !
From John Bowles (johnbowles@yahoo.com)
Congratulations on an absolutely fantastic website... It has provided me with a great way of keeping in touch with what's going on "down 'ome". Now living in London due to work commitments you can understand that I get a little homesick! The site is a great way for me to get information about away matches, results and news about "the boys" and "the reds". At least when we get to Twickenham I won't have far to travel (not that it would have stopped me!). KERNOW BYS VYKEN!
From Ian Reynolds (kazian@men.com)
What a site! Another great signpost to the merits of the sons of Cornwall. Three cheers for the boys!
From Mike Gray (gray.m@pulseinteractive.com)
Good to see a fairly comprehensive Cornish Rugby site!
I played for Redruth between 1985-1989 whilst I was studying at Falmouth School of Art and Design, playing a couple of seasons in the firsts. Another art student, Jason Mortimore, played at a similar time in the second/back row; myself playing on the right wing - when Jon Bowden would let me! Although not Cornish and an infrequent visitor to Cornwall I still try to follow the ups and downs of 'The Reds' seasons. Boy they do some travelling these days.
From John Stevens (john.stevens@btinternet.com)
As an exile in Suffolk it was a privilege to see the lads perform live at Cambridge - great performance. I took my daughter to her first rugby game and she thought it was a 'proper job' - both the rugby and the banter from the enthusiastic Army.
John kindly sent a report of the E. Counties match that appeared in the Ipswich Evening Star. It's reproduced on the NEWS page.
From Brian Williams (Brian_Williams@csme.canon.co.uk)
Just to confirm that the match report of E.Counties v Cornwall was accurate, and that Cornwall played unlike any Cornish side I've seen in over 30 years of following them. They've learned to pass, and the days of 3-man rugby(!) could be over.
However, the game was marred by those very E.Counties supporters praised in the report. They moved into the Cornish supporters' stand in the second half and, with their football-style yobbish behaviour, began to spoil our enjoyment. Luckily one Cornish supporter stood up and remonstrated with them in no uncertain terms and they left shortly after. Still it was a good day out and we should look forward to entertaining Hampshire with confidence in February.
Agree with you totally about the way Cornwall played. Personally, I didn't find the E. Counties youngsters offensive. Why shouldn't they support their local team, as loudly as they like? We don't get that many young people at county games -- I think they should be encouraged. Surely we can cope with a bit of vocal competition!
From John K Wallace (jkwill@cableinet.co.uk)
Things like this prove Cornwall is a separate nation. What about a Cornish National Rugby Union? Two possibilites 1) Enter 5 Nations. (I think Italy and Roumania should join this.) 2) Celtic Rugby Championship -- Cornwall (county side!), Scotland & Ireland & Wales (all separate RUnions), IOM (says it's not in the UK but doesn't behave like it), and Brittany (held under France).
If only... !
From Jonathan Moore (Jonathan.Moore@btinternet.com )
Superb!!! As a Cornishman, living in exile up here in Birmingham it's great to find this Web site and be kept in touch with the news about Cornish rugby. As a member of Redruth I visit the site regularly to find out any news and the results - let's hope they start improving soon !!! Keep expanding the site and add in more features which keep us exiles upto date with the news back home!
Redruth have just won again -- at last! Mind you, some of the games they've lost this season have been very close -- e.g. 17-18 two weeks running!
From Sharon Medcalf ( sharon.t.medcalf@mainroads.gov.au)
Just to say 'Thank You' for keeping these two Cornish Ex-Pats currently sweltering Down-Under sane! My husband used to play for Helston Rugby Club and is over the moon that he can access the results from games in Cornwall. Keep up the good work chaps!
We'll do our best!
From Mike Penhaligon (Penguin@Nettrek.Com.Au)
It's tremendous to see Cornwall represented by Penzance and Newlyn on the NET. I am a Cornishman living in exile in Perth, Western Australia who used to play for Truro in 1969. I am the ex-President and present Recruitment Officer of the ARKS Rugby Union Club in Western Australia. We were looking to establish a relationship with a Cornish club which would enable players to play for both clubs throughout the whole year.
Keep up the good work.
Is there a Cornish club out there interested in Mike's proposal?
From John Whale ( xoe23@dial.pipex.com)
It was fantastic finding this on the web. I am an ex-pat (Redruth born/Truro bred) now living in Scotland. I represented Cornwall PS&GS at rugby (against Devon) in 1965. I was also a member of Truro Chief's team in the late 60's. I shall be popping in on a regular basis in the future.
From Brett Thomas (brett_thomas@ihi.dk)
Danish rugby? Well, it's not a very good standard, really. A mid-ranking Cornish side like Falmouth would probably win the First Division. There are over 25 clubs but most are unable to field a second string and there is no tradition yet of colts sides. The Exiles is (I would say so) one of the most interesting clubs in Scandinavia. Next year is our 30th anniversary and we are one of the three oldest clubs in Denmark. Our history is one of peaks and troughs as we never field the same 15 players twice in a row. As the name suggests, we are nearly all foreigners and many have not played rugby for years in their home countries. At present our squad is comprised of English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, French, New Zealand, South African, Dutch, American and Danish players. Oh, yes, and yours truly from Cornwall. We play in all black, as most exile clubs do. For more information about us, try accessing our increasingly out-of-date homepage: http://www.cybernet.dk/users/clements/exiles.htm. There's a photo of me in the picture section. We have played since 1996, honest! Last year we won the second division but lost out in the promotion play-offs. Just as well, as many of our better players have since returned home. This year we're doing quite well, having just beaten a first division club in a friendly. The Exiles is a little like a nomads club in that we DO have our own out-of-town field but are not allowed to have a clubhouse. We find it difficult to make money apart from by organising social events that involve drinking too much, like six-monthly treasure hunts come pub crawls. We do have a good laugh and many players have said in their leaving speeches that we are easily the best social club they have ever played for. Anyone visiting Copenhagen is very welcome to get in touch and if they bring their boots all the better, although we cannot guarantee a game. If anyone knows whether Tony Cook has an e-mail address, by the way, I'd be pleased to hear from them.
From Martin Andrewartha (Bowjey@AOL.com)
I stumbled across the site when I was looking for some information on mini rugby. I'm glad to see that Trelawny's Army is blazing a trail on the net as well as in the bars of rugby clubs across the country.
From Brett Thomas (brett_thomas@ihi.dk)
As a former Hayle player, now living and playing in Denmark of all places, I was glad to find this site. Anybody visiting and looking for a game/pint, is welcome to get in touch. Good luck to Hayle and Cornwall this season! See'e d'rectly, boy.
From Jerry Rogers (Jerry@kernewek.demon.co.uk)
Superb and the links to other Cornish interest sites is great -- congratulations.
I was born and bred in Mullion but left Cornwall to live in exile in 1955 at the age of seven. However, I am fanatically Cornish and while I wasn't a member of the Army at its very first days I shall be for as long as it exists. Whilst I have followed the county side for many years I can't say that I have been to every game. It'll be the same this year because I am off to Australia to take part in some canoe races in December but with some contacts in South Australia and Victoria I shall look on the net to see how the boys are doing and I will be back in time for the final when I am sure we all want to see the Balck and Gold on the pitch.
I took part in some of the stages of the An Gof march and renewed acquaintance with Colin Roberts (a fellow Army member), his cousin Terry Kite, Richard Gerrard and Colin Coulson-Thomas, none of whom I had seen since primary school in Mullion 42 years ago and all of whom have been following Cornwall on the rugby pitch for years. Also three of us were amongst those who gave a rendition of "Trelawny" in the Tower of London. It amused me to hear a Beefeater say that it could be construed as treason which is still a capital offence. I'm afraid the next verse was sung even louder.
About twenty years ago I finally gave up trying to play rugby and after some time not doing a lot I got involved in canoeing. Ten years ago I was a founder member of my canoe club and I managed to get a resolution passed, within a raft of constitutional changes, moving the club colours to be black and gold ...
From Mike Williams (mjwilli@gto.net.om)
Just surfed in! PROPERRRR JOB FOR EXILE LIVING IN SULTANATE OF OMAN.
From Brian Williams (Brian_Williams@csme.canon.co.uk)
I've been searching for a site like this for about 2 years now! I'm accessing this through the www.bathrugby.co.uk and although I may be the 1000th person to mention this but the Bath profile of G.Dawe has him listed as fly-half and centre - truly a versatile player. Anyway, keep up the good work and I'll be on the phone this pm to spread the news!
From Philip McGoldrick (goldrick@indigo.ie):
Greetings from Ireland! Celtic brothers and all that. I met two mad Cornish guys about 5 years ago in Greece. They play for St Austell RFC. Know it? Their names were Rob Pollard and Ian Pellow (a 2nd row and a winger i think). If you get a chance , tell them I said hi.
St Austell did very well last season, just missing out on promotion from Western Counties (West). Is there anyone there from St Austell?
From Rick Kiessler (rkiessler@aol.com):
Brilliant, just what us exiles want. Me and friend of mine were thinking of producing a Cirencester Cornish exiles web site, but it looks as though we need not bother now. Once again great site!
Please let us know if you do start your site, so we can link to it!
From Peter Broadway (broadway@bt.internet.com):
It was really great to log on to the Army's web site. I was just looking around and came accross the site. I never missed a match,home or away last season, and I was made so welcome, when I joined, and travelled with you all. Hope we have a good season next year.
From Andrew Kevern of London Cornish (kevern@lumen.brunel.ac.uk):
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, THAT COMING FROM ST.IVES, MARTIN HAAG SHOULD BE PLAYING FOR ENGLAND ALL THE TIME! AND JASON ATKINSON IS THE BEST NO.8 IN THE COUNTY.
Jason is certainly a fine player, and deserved to be made Cornwall captain this year. As for the best no. 8 in the county, what about Dean Shipton of Launceston? Assuming that Andy Hawken of Redruth is also available next season, Cornwall have a very strong back row.
From Tony Nugent , Adelaide , South Australia (Tony.Nugent@flinders.edu.au):
Glad to have Trelawny's Army on the net, so that I in far off Australia can keep up with the results of the Cornish team and also my old side Camborne (Cherry and Whites) who it seems are going through a lean time at the moment. Best wishes to all my old friends back home in Cornwall.
From Paul Cartwright (paulc@dmu.ac.uk):
I'm glad I found this site, just what I needed.
From Brian Jelbert (pbj@boswarva.demon.co.uk):
I am associated with the Jelbert Family History Society which publishes an international Newsletter three times a year (our membership numbers about 70 in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada). This contains articles concerning the Jelbert/Jilbert/Jelbart families as well as articles of general Cornish interest and in this respect I should be very grateful for permission to include Tom Prout's excellent article on Bishop Trelawny. I shall, of course, acknowledge both Tom himself and Trelawny's Army in the article. I very much hope you are able to agree to this.
Best wishes, Brian Jelbert (lately of Camborne)
From Rodney Cudmore:
Great to find the Cornish results. Any chance of seeing league tables for the lower leagues and the names/teams of the Cornwall players? Keep up the good work.
Webmaster (John Prowse) replies:
Sorry, Rodney, I'd like to include more tables and team news, but time doesn't permit. I run this site in my spare time, and it takes a surprisingly large amount of time just keeping the existing pages up to date, and occasionally adding new ones.
From Mark Nicholas (mark.nicholas@KPMG.co.uk):
Having recently moved to Surrey 6 months ago (to work in London) I have lost touch with some of the goings on at home. I'm disappointed to hear about our latest result, but I'm sure we can do it again, and I guarantee that I'll be standing on the terraces to cheer on Trelawny's Army when we do. Everyone in the capital jokes about the fact that the Cornish see themselves as a separate part of the UK, but they just don't seem to appreciate the heritage and pride that the people of Cornwall have.
Your web site is a joy to see for someone away working in the city, thank you for making my day.
From Trelawney Jean Grenfell, who plays women's rugby at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
I really enjoyed your page. My family is Cornish, and I'm proud to have such an honorable name! My father, John Grenfell, is the great, great grandson of the John Grenfell who was a mayor in the town of St. Ives. My grandfather came to the US with his family as a child.
My sister Tallessyn and I are twins, we are 22; she also plays for the MIT rugby club ... Our team has about 20 members, last year our season was 5-0-1, and in March we are taking a tour to San Francisco to play four teams from California. I personally play #7, and Tallessyn plays #8. If you want me to, I can send you the MIT womens' rugby team cheer, which is pretty nerdy (I guess that's appropriate), but sort of funny if you can appreciate that sort of humor! I have not played rugby as long as Tallessyn, who has played for seven seasons. But the two of us often practice with the men's team (the other women think we're nuts!) because it raises our level of play. (okok, it's also a lot of fun! you're only young once!)
Whenever I tell people (even good friends!) that I play rugby, they always get sort of a shocked look on their faces and say they never would have thought me 'the type'. I'm not exactly sure what that means, are all women rugby players supposed to be large and masculine-looking?
My mother wanted me to tell you that she picked my name(and I'm grateful!) Please let me know when your newsletter comes out so I can try to order one!
best regards,
Trelawney
I went to a fight, and a rugby match broke out.