A summary of the 2000-2001 league season
This page summarizes all the league games involving Cornish clubs in National League 3 (South), SW1, and SW2 (West) that took place in the 2000-2001 season.
In National League 3 South, Launceston made it two wins out of two (both away) by defeating Basingstoke 30-17. Penzance/Newlyn, after their disappointing opening performance against Plymouth Albion last week, recorded their first win by beating Westbourne Park 39-26 away. Redruth did not play.
In SW1, there were no matches involving Cornish clubs. Truro played in the Preliminary Round of the Tetley's Bitter Cup, defeating Old Redcliffians 23-17.
This was a wash-out, with almost all the top games being postponed. One game that did take place was the local derby in National League 3 South between Penzance/Newlyn and Redruth. In the corresponding game last season, Redruth won by one point at the Mennaye. This time, the Pirates were convincing winners at 35-11.
Having lost their two opening games in National League 3 South, Redruth made amends by defeating Reading 29-22. Today was the first round of the Tetley's Bitter Cup, so there were few other games in the higher leagues involving Cornish clubs. Penzance/Newlyn had a free Saturday. Launceston played Truro in the first round of the Cup, running out winners by 26-20.
In SW2(W), St Austell lost 9-22 at home to Matson. Penryn lost away at Ivybridge by 36-13. Our reporter says that Ivybridge were worthy winners. Penryn had nothing up front to match the power of the Ivybridge pack who pushed them all over the place - including a 5 metre push-over try. In the end it did not matter to Ivybridge which side had the put in at the scrums; Ivybridge either won it cleanly or won it by pushing Penryn back over the ball. The Penryn backs had a better time of it and came away with honours about even. They defended bravely, and attacked well with what limited possession they had - even if they became somewhat predictable by favouring moving the ball to the left almost every time they had the line within their sights.
In National League 3 South, it was a good day for the Cornish clubs. Redruth achieved their best result of the season so far by beating Tabard 48-17 away. Penzance/Newlyn recorded their third win in a row by defeating Basingstoke (who have yet to win a match) 28-17 at home. But pride of place must go to Launceston, who made it three wins out of three by annihilating Cheltenham 63-7. Launceston over-ran Cheltenham with a start that the visitors never recovered from. After just 18 minutes the Cornish All-Blacks were leading 20 - 0, with three tries, one conversion and a penalty - and that after Danny Sloman had, temporarily, left his kicking boots at home. By half-time the All Blacks were 37 - 0 up. The first quarter of the second half tended to be in the doldrums until Cheltenham, after pressuring the Launceston's defence, scored a converted try. This stung Launceston into action to surge into a full-time score of 63 - 7. It was, in short, the old saying that forwards win the matches -- the backs merely decide by how many. Magnificent forward play assured abundant possession and the backs, led by hat-trick scoring winger Matt Bradshaw, did the business.
In SW1, Truro lost away to Cinderford 24-6. However, in SW2 (W) all three Cornish clubs won. Camborne beat Hornets 23-18; Penryn beat Clevedon 19-15; and St. Austell won away at Brixham by 24-16 .
In National League 3 South, Launceston lost for the first time this season, narrowly losing away to the powerful Barking side by 20-18. Redruth extended their winning run to three by defeating lowly Weston-Super-Mare 30-6 at home. Penzance/Newlyn won away at Cheltenham by 40-24 and have now won all their five matches except the first, when they went down 19-0 at Plymouth Albion. With four wins out of four, Plymouth look the team to beat in this league. Currently, they top the table, followed by North Walsham, Penzance/Newlyn, and Barking. All four teams have 8 points, but Plymouth have a game in hand over their rivals, plus a superior points difference.
In SW1, Truro drew 9-9 with Torquay Athletic. Since being promoted, Truro have now won 1, drawn 1, and lost 1.
In SW2 (West), Camborne travelled to St Austell and just managed to beat their local rivals13-12. Their narrow success made it 3 wins out of 3 for Camborne, who are 2 points behind Ding's Crusaders and Stroud at the top of the table, but with 2 games in hand.
There were no games involving Cornish clubs in National League 3 South, it being the Third Round of the Tetley's Bitter Cup.
In SW1, Truro lost 6-41 away to Old Patesians.
In SW2(W), Camborne maintained their good start to the season by beating St Mary's Old Boys 32-29 at home, thus making it 4 league wins out of 4. They're 2 points behind Stroud at the top of the table, but with 2 games in hand. Penryn lost at home to Stroud by 19-26. St Austell beat Hornets at home 34-6.
In National League 3 South, it was a pretty good day for the Cornish clubs. Launceston avenged their defeat by Reading in the Tetley's Bitter Cup by beating the same club 37-0 at Polson Bridge. The win takes Launceston into 4th place in the table, but they have a game in hand over all the clubs above them except Plymouth Albion. If they were to win the outstanding game, they would move into second place. Redruth extended their winning sequence to four by defeating Clifton 48-31 at home; they move up to 6th place. Penzance/Newlyn drew 17-17 away at Barking, who are a difficult side to beat on their own patch (as Launceston know only too well, having suffered their only league defeat of the season there a fortnight ago). Because North Walsham lost to Plymouth Albion, the draw takes Pirates into 2nd place. However, they've lost ground on leaders Plymouth, who are now one point clear with one game in hand. Albion remain the only unbeaten team in the league and are surely now the favourites to win promotion.
Alas! In the lower leagues, Cornish clubs didn't fare so well. In SW1, Truro lost 11-22 at home to Gloucester Old Boys. Sine being promoted, Truro's record stands W1 D1 L3.
In SW2 (W), all three Cornish clubs lost. Camborne's perfect start to the season ended when they went down 6-18 away to Ivybridge. Penryn lost 30-0 away to Hornets. St Austell lost 10-5 away to St Mary's Old Boys.
Only a few league games were played this week, it being a Cup Saturday. In National League 3 South, Launceston beat Westcombe Park 48-10. It was a thoroughly deserved win for Launceston, with a try count of 8-2. Launceston caught the opposition by storm and raced into a 36-0 lead after just 30 minutes of play. Then Westcombe Park settled down, but by then the game was safe for the home side, who have now won five matches out of six starts in the league. Tries were scored by Bradshaw (2), Sloman, Risdon, Nancekivell, Hutchings, Thorne and Rush. Sloman coverted four of the tries. The win takes Launceston into 2nd place in the table, one point behind Barking and with a game in hand. However, Plymouth Albion in 3rd place are level on points with Launceston and have a gam in hand.
Redruth's run of form continued when they beat Blackheath 27-48 away. This was an exciting match in which the superior team work of visiting Redruth won the day. With fly-half Bede Brown running the show, the Reds caused havoc in the Blackheath defence time and time again. Blackheath rallied for a short period in the second half and scored three tries in an eight minute period. Other than that Redruth were in charge throughout the game. Tries: Thirlby (2), Brown (2), Sincock (2) and Bush. Larkins had five conversions and there was a drop goal by Brown.
Penzance/Newlyn did not play.
In SW1, Truro recorded their second win by defeating Swanage & Wareham 18-12 at home.
In National League 3 South, Launceston are top of the table after they beat Tabard 26-13 away and previous leaders Barking lost to Plymouth Albion. Launceston's position as leaders looks a bit precarious, however. They lead second-placed Albion by a points difference of just one, both clubs having 12 league points; also, Albion have a game in hand.
Launceston's sixth league win out of seven was another all-action performance.Once again it was total commitment from every member of the team. Dean Shipton was outstanding and, despite the driving rain, Danny Sloman was in deadly form with the boot. Sloman's points tally this season - 150 to date - makes him the top points scorer of the three Cornish clubs in this league. Launceston's try scorers were Shipton and Tucker. Sloman converted both tries and landed four successful penalty kicks.
Penzance/Newlyn's title challenge seems to have faded, after a disappointing loss away to Reading, who had won only one of their previous five league games. Pirates went down 23-12. Redruth's run of good form ended when they lost 26-5 away to the powerful North Walsham side.
In SW1, Truro lost 19-10 away to Maidenhead. In their first season in SW1, Truro's record so far reads W2 D1 L4.
In SW2(W), Camborne made it 5 wins out of 6 by defeating Clevedon 16-12 at home. They're in third place in the table, 2 points behind the top two clubs. However, they have a game in hand over second-placed Stroud, and two games in hand over leaders Dings' Crusaders. Penryn didn't fare so well -- they lost 27-0 away to Cheltenham North and hover one place above the bottom of the table. St Austell didn't play.
In National League 3 South, Launceston are still top of the table after a good home win, 51-5, over bottom club Weston-Super-Mare. Meanwhile, in a thrilling match Redruth just failed to hold championship favourites Plymouth Albion, going down 19-30 at home. It was a match in which the score-line flattered the winners, so close was it. Albion only broke away in injury time when the Reds, trailing by one point, threw caution to the wind to get the vital score and the visitors capitalised on it. In all the lead changed 8 times in a thrilling match. Redruth scored first with a drop-goal by Bede Brown, Albion scored a converted try, then a try from Marcel Gomez snatched the lead back for the Reds. Back came Albion with another converted try before a Steve Larkins penalty and a try by Brown gave Redruth a 16-14 lead at half-time. Albion opened the scoring in the second half with a penalty. This was followed by a second drop-goal from Brown to regain the lead for the home side. Then Albion came back yet again, with a penalty, to lead 20-19 as time ran out. A drop-goal and a converted try in injury time made the score look like a comfortable win for the visitors - it was anything but.
The above two results mean that Launceston now lead second-placed Albion by a points difference of 36, both clubs having 14 league points; however, Albion have a game in hand.
Penzance/Newlyn failed to win for the second week running, drawing 24-24 at home to Tabard, who are a sound but unexceptional side. Pirates' hopes of promotion must surely be over for this season -- they're 4 points behind the leaders, and have played one more game than Plymouth Albion.
In SW1, Truro recorded their third win of the season by defeating Keynsham 11-8 at home.
In SW2 (W), Camborne slipped to 5th place in the table after they lost 11-36 away to league leaders Ding's Crusaders. However, they have games in hand over all the clubs above them. St. Austell won 19-17 away to Clevedon. Penryn remain anchored near the foot of the table after they lost 14-39 at home to Matson.
In National League 3 South, Launceston are still joint top of the table after a narrow away win, 25-20, over Blackheath. Championship favourites Plymouth Albion, meanwhile, were destroying Westcome Park 51-10 at home. The two results mean that Launceston and Albion are level both on points (16) and on points difference (211)! Albion, however, have a game in hand.
Redruth recorded a good home win, 20-12, over third-placed Barking, and move up from 5th to 4th place. Penzance/Newlyn, whose Director of Rugby Peter Johnson resigned during the week, struggled at Weston-Super-Mare, who have won only two league matches this season. Eventually, Pirates ran out winners by 17-14.
In SW1, Truro did not play. In SW2 (W), it was a poor day for the Cornish clubs -- they all lost. Camborne, who have had a good start to the season, lost for the second week running, this time 7-28 at home to high-flying Stroud. St Austell lost 8-25 at home to league leaders Ding's Crusaders. And Penryn lost 44-3 away at Brixham.
In National League 3 South, Launceston remain second in the table after beating Clifton 37-20 at home. Launceston started in typical aggressive style and were 14-0 up after just 8 minutes. One more first-half try followed but too many penalties conceded meant that Clifton had closed the gap with a half-time score of 19-12. After a very heavy rain shower the playing conditions became difficult, stifling Launceston's running game and handing the iniative to the big Clifton forwards. However, pressure was relieved when Andy Cudmore intercepted and raced over for a Launceston try. After that honours were even with one try to each side. Scorers for Launceston were Cudmore 2, Fatialofa, Dyer, Shipton, and Sloman with 2 penalties and 3 conversions. Launceston have the same number of league points as leaders Plymouth Albion, but the latter have a superior points difference and a game in hand.
Penzance/Newlyn seem to be settling after the loss of their coach Peter Johnson; they had a good home win, 51-14, over bottom club Blackheath. Redruth were not so lucky -- they lost 35-18 away at Westcombe Park.
In SW1, Truro lost 13-29 at home to Barnstaple.
In SW2(W), Camborne suffered their third league defeat in a row when they went down 16-25 at home to Brixham.
In National League 3 South, Launceston's title hopes took a knock when they lost 16-13 away to North Walsham. Launceston's two losses this season have both been by the odd two or three points, away to Eastern Counties opposition. Barking and North Walsham are tough sides to beat on their own grounds. Launceston remain second in the table, but are now 2 points adrift of leaders Plymouth Albion, who also have a game in hand.
It's been a long time since the crowd at Redruth's Recreation Ground has been as quiet as they were during Redruth's 15-18 defeat by Basingstoke. Quite simply there was nothing to cheer. Redruth started brightly enough with a 4th minute try by Ian Boase and they outscored the opposition by 3 tries to 2, but there it ended. The game was more notable for the succession of errors and the start-stop nature of the game - there were 25 scrums in the second half alone. Redruth were missing the presence of Andy Hawkins and the stand-in No. 8, Fijian Laka Laka Waqanivere, had a day when little went right for him. Basingstoke, whose only tactic seemed to be to stifle the game, came away with the points and their evident delight at no-side made the journey to Redruth worthwhile, but they must have wondered how a team so far above them in the league could produce so many basic handling errors in one game.
Penzance/Newlyn beat Clifton away by 20-14. In SW1, Truro lost away to Berry Hill by 32-17. In SW2(W), St. Austell lost away at Stroud by 64-7. Penryn and Camborne did not play.
In National League 3 South, Launceston's promotion chances took a severe dent when they lost for the second time in two weeks. In what could turn out to be the pivitol game of the season, they went down 6-13 at home to arch rivals Plymouth Albion, who are beginning to look uncatchable at the top of the table.
The result of the hard-fought game, well controlled by referee Tony Spreadbury, was in doubt right up to the final whistle. In the end it was Albion's rock-solid defence that won the day, holding out to wave after wave of attacking moves by Launceston. Launceston opened the score with a Danny Sloman penalty, to be followed shortly by a Chis Atkinson penalty to bring the scores level. The only try, by Albion centre Russell Thompson , was converted by Atkinson who landed a second penalty to give the visitors a 3-13 lead at half time. In the second half with the slope in their favour, and aided by what wind there was, Launceston upped the pace but their only reward was a 60th minute Sloman penalty as Albion held on grimly and resolutely to win a pulsating encounter.The result extends Albion's lead to four points over their nearest rivals, Launceston and Penzance/Newlyn; Albion also have a game in hand.
Penzance/Newlyn had a good home win, 63-31, over the powerful North Walsham side, who only the previous week had beaten Launceston 16-13. Are Pirates starting to play to their full potential? If so, come the end of the season, they may regret the early loss to Reading and the home draw to Tabard.
Redruth's poor run of form continues. They lost their third game in a row, and their fifth in six, going down 34-13 away to Cheltenham.
In SW1, Truro lost away to Keynsham by 20-7. In SW2(W), Camborne lost 17-24 at home to Dings Crusaders. St. Austell had a good home win, 37-7, against Clevedon. Sadly, poor Penryn were unable to raise a team, and conceded a walkover to Matson.
In National League 3 South, Launceston returned to winning ways with a 29-25 away victory over Clifton. Penzance/Newlyn did not play.
Redruth, after several disappointing results in recent weeks, got back on the winning bandwagon with a competent 45-20 home victory over Westcombe Park. Steve Larkins led the points scorers with 22 to his credit. The game was fairly close for the first-half, which saw Redruth leading by two points at the turn around. Briefly after the interval Westcombe Park led, following an interception try, before Redruth rallied for a storming finish that saw them worthy winners. Tries for Redruth came from Larkins, Waqanivere, Knight, Bushin and Douch. Larkins kicked 3 penalties and 4 conversions, and Brown added a drop goal.
With Plymouth Albion looking set to win the league, the battle for second spot could be crucial. At the end of the season, the second-placed club play the runners-up in National League 3 North for promotion to National League 2. At the moment, both Launceston (2nd) and Penzance/Newlyn (4th) are well-placed. It could well turn into a battle between the two Cornish clubs. Currently, Redruth, in 6th place, seem to be out of the running.
In SW1, Truro lost 8-27 away to Bridgwater & Albion. No other matches were played.
Due to the frozen conditions, only one game was played today. In National League 3 South, Penzance/Newlyn beat bottom club Weston-Super-Mare 50-13. The win takes Pirates into third spot, behind Launceston. Both Pirates and Launceston have 20 points, but the East Cornwall club have a superior points difference.
In National League 2 (South), Penzance/Newlyn's 68-17 away win against Tabard extended their recent run of good results and brought them closer to Launceston in the crucial battle for second place. (At the end of the season, the second-placed club play the runners-up in National League 3 (North) for promotion to National League 2.) The win was particularly impressive, bearing in mind that only weeks before Tabard had held Pirates to a 24-24 draw at the Mennaye. Winger Rocky Newton, on loan from Cardiff, scored four of the Pirates' tries.
Launceston also won away, but only by 35-25 at next-to-bottom club Weston-Super-Mare. With both Launceston and Penzance/Newlyn on 22 league points, only a points difference of 32 separate the two sides.
Meanwhile, Redruth went down 30-10 away to leaders Plymouth Albion. Redruth were in touch with the opposition until the closing minutes, when Albion pulled away for a deserved win. Redruth fought for every ball and every yard but found it difficult to penetrate the tight, and streetwise, Albion defence. Albion scored first with an unconverted try in the fifth minute, followed by a penalty. In between these scores Steve Larkins missed two penalty chances, and the score remained 8 - 0 to Plymouth Albion at the turn round. After the interval Albion extended their lead with another unconverted try before Redruth hit back with a try by Lakalaka Waqanivere, converted by Larkins. Redruth piled everything into attack but were caught out by an third Albion unconverted try. Redruth then pulled back to within 8 points with another penalty by Larkins before Albion, with time running out and Redruth throwing caution to the wind, ran in 2 more tries.
In SW1, Truro ended a run of four defeats with a very good home win, 14-6, over Maidenhead.
In SW2 (W), Camborne's losing streak now extends to five games, after they lost 28-9 away to Clevedon. St Austell won 7-6 away at Ivybridge.
It was a good day for the Cornish clubs generally, and especially for those in National League 3 (South) -- all three won. Possibly the pick of the bunch was Redruth's 43-19 home win against North Walsham, considering that Redruth have managed to win only one of their previous five games. Launceston scored an emphatic 40-0 home win over Tabard.
Penzance/Newlyn extended their run of good results by defeating Reading 48-12 at home. This win means eight out of eight for the new coaching team of Kevin Moseley and assistant Mark Roderick since they took over. Reading, only one of two teams to beat the Pirates in the league so far this season, were always on the back-foot despite winning more that their share of the linesout. In the loose the Pirates' forwards were much too sharp for the visitors and it was their possession here that provided the platform for the backs to show their credentials and thrilled the sizeable crowd with their lines of running. Reading had no real answer but fought hard all the way and they, and the Pirates, deserved the standing ovation they received as they left the pitch. Scorers for the Pirates were: tries, Redgrave, Newton, Saumi, Hawken, Laity, Mills, Durrant; penalties, Saumi 3; conversions, Saumi 2.
Meanwhile, league leaders Plymouth Albion, undefeated so far this season, almost slipped up at Barking. The final score was 36-37 to Albion. A win for the Essex side might have opened up the race for the league title. As it is, Albion remain 4 points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand. In the battle for the league runners-up spot (and a play-off with the runners-up in National League 3 (North) for promotion) Launceston and Pirates are still neck-and-neck, with Launceston just ahead on points difference.
After a shaky start in SW1, Truro may have turned the corner. They recorded their second good win in a row by defeating Gloucester Old Boys 46-10 away.
In SW2 (West), only Penryn failed to win, just losing out by 19-22 to Hornets. Meanwhile, Camborne ended a run of five defeats by beating Ivybridge 25-16. St Austell beat St. Mary's Old Boys 37-17.
Frozen pitches meant that many games were cancelled.
In National League 3 (South), Penzance/Newlyn made it eight league wins in a row by defeating Barking 16-13 at home. Although not as convincing as some of their recent try-fests, this was nonetheless a good result for Pirates. Earlier in the season, Barking had held them to a draw; and only last week the powerful Essex side came within an ace of upsetting league leaders Plymouth Albion, eventually going down 36-37. Pirates struggled up front and in the lines-out gained very little ball indeed.
Meanwhile, Redruth triumphed 23-13 at Clifton. Launceston's game against Reading was called off.
In SW1, Truro lost 16-24 at home to Old Patesians. Although they lost the match, rapidly improving Truro matched high-flying Old Pats all the way. Truro did most of the attacking but found the rock-solid defence of the visitors a hard proposition - their only try coming from an interception and a race to the line by full-back Mark Richards. At one stage Old Patesians were leading 12-0 with two tries, one of which was converted. But Truro fought back with three penalties by Mark Richards and a conversion by Jamie Caruana to take the lead 16-12 in the last quarter of the game. Then Old Pats scored twice in the closing minutes to give them a flattering but, given the manner in which they defended their line, just win.
In SW2 (West), Camborne won 27-12 away at St Mary's Old Boys. St Austell lost 35-5 away at Hornets. Penryn's game at Stroud was called off.
In front of a large crowd, Launceston turned on the style to win this local derby by 5 tries to 1. The Pirates to their credit never gave up but were unable to match the Cornish All-Blacks' commitment and team spirit. In the first half the home side were near faultless. Playing 15 man attacking rugby, they gave the Pirates a torrid time as they moved the ball at pace, while in the set-pieces they were completely in charge. Only in the second half did the Pirates come near to matching their hosts when, during the 20 minutes or so surrounding the scoring of their only try, they gave as good as they received.
It took Launceston just 5 minutes to break through the Pirates' defence when the ball was moved across the full width of the pitch with some swift handling for Matt Bradshaw to go over in the corner. Danny Sloman missed the conversion, as he did a penalty soon afterwards. After 24 minutes Launceston were awarded a penalty try as the Pirates collapsed the scrum while being pushed backwards over their try line. Sloman converted. On the 29 minute mark, Jimmy Tucker split the Pirates' defence and his chip ahead was touched down by Tom O'Donnell for Sloman to convert from a narrow angle. Pirates had a chance to get on the score-sheet but Nat Saumi fired wide with a penalty attempt. With 5 minutes of the first-half left, Tucker again split the Pirates defence to run in Launceston's fourth try.
In the second half Pirates, now with the slope in their favour and with Jason Atkinson on to reinforce the second row, had more of the ball. But mostly it was a slog for them against a fiercely defensive Launceston. Nat Saumi came close to breaking through on several occasions but Launceston always managed to get that vital last man into the tackle. With Dean Shipton, who had a big game, in the sin bin, Pirates sought to take advantage, but even then the Launceston forwards remained in charge and in the scrums in particular more than held their own, despite being one man short. The prospect of a whitewash loomed closer for the Pirates, who were now spinning the ball wide whenever they had possession. They were evenually rewarded for their efforts with a James Hawken try in the 70th minute. Saumi missed the conversion. Five minutes later, visiting captain Steve Evans pulled off a last ditch tackle to deny Bradshaw his second try but the Launceston forwards regained possession for Ed Nancekivell to almost stroll through a large gap in the defence and touch down. Sloman kicked his third conversion from in front of the posts. Both teams, deservedly, were warmly applauded off the pitch.
The win means that Launceston displace Pirates in second spot in the league; although the sides are equal on points, Launceston have a game in hand and a superior points difference.
In the other game with Cornish interest in National League 3 (South), Redruth made it three wins in a row by defeating Blackheath 35-23 at home.
Truro gave more evidence that they are finding their feet in SW1 by beating Torquay 46-0 at home.
In SW2 (West), Camborne beat St. Austell 22-13. Penryn lost at home to Ding's Crusaders by 5-24.
Penzance/Newlyn's hopes of finishing second in National League 3 (South), and thereby qualifying to play the runners-up in National League 3 (North) for promotion, are all but dead after they lost for the second time in two weeks, this time going down by the narrowest of margins, 38-37, away at Blackheath. At half-time, the score was 29-5 to Pirates! However, Blackheath are an improving side; they have recently recruited new players and they have now won four of their last five games.
Launceston, who did not play this week, retain the second league spot. They lead Pirates on points difference, but now have two games in hand.
Redruth ended a run of three wins by losing 18-34 away to the powerful Barking side.
In SW2 (West), Camborne lost comprehensively away at Matson by 39-8. St Austell lost more narrowly away at Cheltenham North by 23-19.
Launceston march on towards the runners-up (promotion-playoff) spot in National League 3 (South). The consistent and well-balanced All Blacks saw off the challenge of fourth-placed Barking, running out winners by 42-13.
Report by Tom Prout
Barking, bolstered by a win over Redruth last week and over Launceston early in the season, arrived at Polson in confident mood only to be comprehensively beaten by a fired-up home team. The conditions were so atrocious - the pitch was a sea of mud and it rained incessantly - that the teams changed shirts three times. Not that that detered the Cornish All Blacks, who played with pace and perception beyond anything that Barking could match. Skipper Jimmy Tucker opened the scoring with a gem of a try and Antony Birley, standing in as full back for flu victim Danny Sloman, raced over soon afterwards. Further tries came from Dean Shipton (2), Brett Luxton and Mark Chudleigh. Birley converted all 6 tries. Next weekend Launceston are away to the Pirates, who themselves notched up an impressive victory at the Mennaye. For Cornish rugby supporters next Saturday cannot come soon enough.
Penzance/Newlyn are an infuriating side! After tamely surrendering a 29-5 half-time lead against Blackheath last week, this week they bounced back to demolish Cheltenham 58-0! Their backs are generally acknowledged to be the best in the league. Oh for a bit more power up front and a bit more consistency in defence!
Redruth drew 16-16 away at Weston-Super-Mare.
In SW1, Truro's game with Cinderford was postponed.
It was a bad day for all the Cornish clubs in SW2 (West). Poor Penryn's suffering continues. This time they lost, 22-5, away to Clevedon, the only side they have managed to beat this season. Camborne lost heavily away at Hornets, going down 39-7. St Austell made more of a game of it, but even they lost 22-30 at home to Brixham.
In an enthralling Cornish derby the Pirates, at last showing that elusive form that everbody has expected of them all season, swept to victory over Launceston by seven tries to two. In perfect playing conditions the Pirates played to their strengths, epitomised by winger Peter Redgrave running in three tries and the other winger, Rocky Newton, crossing the line twice. Man of the match was without doubt Pirates' scrum half Andy Birkett whose tactical kicking and perception was almost flawless. Launceston dominated the set pieces with their powerful scrummaging but in the lines-out and in the loose the teams came out about even. The difference lay in the backs where the Pirates effectively shut down most of Launceston's attacking movements while exploiting and creating gaps of their own. What a difference a fortnight makes. Such is rugby! Scorers for the Pirates were Redgrave (3), Newton (2), Gadsdon, Hawken, Saumi (4 conversions), and for Launceston they were Tucker, Risdon, Sloman (2 conversions, 2 penalties).
The win puts Pirates back into the race for second place in National League 3 (South). They now lead Launceston by 2 points. Launceston, however, have two games in hand and a marginally superior points difference.
In the only other match in the higher leagues involving a Cornish club, Penryn lost narrowly to Cheltenham North by 28-29. Are things looking up for Penryn at last?
It was a good day for all three Cornish clubs in National League 3 (South). Redruth trounced Tabard 32-0 at home (see report below). Penzance/Newlyn had an emphatic 53-18 win at Basingstoke. Launceston triumphed 31-19 at Cheltenham. The size of Pirates' win means that they now lead Launceston on points difference, as well as by two league points, in the battle for the playoff place. Launceston still have the advantage, however -- they have two games in hand.
In SW1, Truro lost narrowly by 28-25 at Swanage & Wareham.
In SW2 (West), congratulations go to Penryn, who recorded their second win of the season (the last was way back in September). They beat Ivybridge 34-21. The other Cornish clubs didn't fare so well. Camborne lost 65-12 away at Brixham. St Austell lost 41-14 away at Matson.
In front of a large crowd Redruth completed the double over Tabard. The match was very much a stop-start affair with much over-robust play. Redruth's new signing, Shane Kirman, had a good debut and was described by the Army's Chairman, Paul Bawden, as being 'a centre in the Colin Laity mould'. Redruth were superior in the set scrums and more than held their own in the lines-out.There were two tries by Fijian Lakalaka Waqanivere in the first-half , followed by tries from Jamie Knight and Tom Sincock in the second. Steve Larkins struck over two penalties and three conversions while, led by example by captain Neil Douch, a resolute Redruth defence meant the visitors returned home with a clean sheet.
Very few games involving Cornish clubs were played this weekend, due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic. In the one match in the higher divisions, Penryn recorded their second win in two weeks and their third of the season.
Penryn just deserved this win in a game of stubborn defences. At half-time the score was 0-0 with the only fleeting chance of a score going to Penryn. Then 20 minutes into the second half Penryn's scrum-half Darren Gilbert found a gap in the Camborne defence to go over for an unconverted try. With only minutes of the match remaining Penryn were caught offside for Kevin Mankee to kick a penalty to narrow the gap to just 2 points, but Penryn held out to record this much-needed win.
The fixture list is still being affected by the foot-and-mouth epidemic. For the second Saturday running, Launceston's home game was called off, as was Camborne's game against Matson. Penzance/Newlyn were able to play at the Mennaye, and consolidated their challenge for the runners-up spot in National League 3 (South) by beating Kent side Westcombe Park 31-13. Pirates are now 4 points clear of third-placed Launceston, but the All Blacks are strongly placed, having 3 games in hand.
Redruth travelled to Reading, and went down 47-35 to the improving Berkshire side.
In SW1, Truro lost a close match 21-23 to Bridgwater & Albion.
In SW 2 (West), St. Austell lost 8-14 to Cheltenham North; Penryn lost 22-0 away to St. Mary's Old Boys.
In National League 3 (South), the match of the day was the local derby between Redruth and Penzance/Newlyn (see report below). In the event, Redruth gained sweet revenge for the 35-11 defeat inflicted on them by Pirates earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Launceston, playing for the first time in three weeks due to the foot-and-mouth epidemic, edged two points closer to the Pirates by beating Westcombe Park 24-10 away. Launceston must now be favourites to finish in second place and play for promotion to National League 2.
On a watery pitch after heavy rain it was the Redruth forwards who set the seal on this match. They pushed the Pirates pack backwards in the set pieces, were in complete control of the lines-out, and ruthless in the loose.Pirates tried hard to get their superior backs going but except for a couple of mazey runs from Rocky Newton they never really got into their stride. Redruth opened the score with a Steve Larkins penalty following an incident where Pirates' Richard Carroll was sent to the sin-bin. Pirates replied with Nat Saumi penalties either side of half-time. Then Redruth hooker Peter Bush gathered the ball near the corner post and put in a superb and unexpected cross-kick for Laka Laka Waqanivere to gather in and touch down almost under the posts. Larkins converted and followed up with another penalty. Further pressure from the Reds resulted in a drop-goal by Bede Brown and then, deep into injury time Simon O'Sullivan burst through for a touch down and a Larkins conversion. Final score Redruth 23 : Pirates 6.
In SW1, Truro's game at Dorchester was postponed.
In SW2 (West), Penryn's run of good form continued as they beat St Austell 25-7. Penryn have now won three of their last four games while St Austell have lost seven in a row! Camborne too, after a good start to the season are having a poor run. Their 0-35 loss against Cheltenham North was their fifth consecutive defeat.
Few games were played today. In National League 3 (South), league leaders Plymouth Albion proved far too strong for Penzance/Newlyn at the Mennaye, running out winners by 36-13. Meanwhile, in a thrilling local derby at Polson Bridge, the Cornish All Blacks consolidated their claim to the runners-up spot by scraping a win against Redruth (see report below).
This was a match that neither side deserved to lose as play flowed from one end to the other in a pulsating encounter. Redruth were in determined mood and for long periods out-scrummaged the home side and more than held their own in the lines-out. Launceston scored first with a Danny Sloman penalty, to be followed by two Steve Larkins penalties to give the Reds a 6-3 half-time lead. Midway through the second half a second Sloman penalty levelled the score for Launceston. Then, with time running out, Bede Brown seemed to have won the match for Redruth with a drop goal. But Launceston have a reputation of never giving up and were rewarded deep into injury time when Steve Dyer chipped through the Reds defence and Eddie Nancekivell won the race to the ball to touch down in the corner. Both teams deserved the prolonged and generous applause of the crowd as they left the pitch.
In National League 3 (South), Launceston did considerably better against Plymouth Albion (who have already won the league) than Penzance/Newlyn last week -- see report below. Meanwhile, Penzance/Newlyn themselves were at North Walsham, where they achieved a 24-14 victory over the powerful Norfolk side. Redruth beat Cheltenham 38-30 at home.
In SW1, Truro's match against Berry Hill was postponed. In SW2 (West), Camborne beat Penryn 17-13. St. Austell lost 3-41 away at Stroud.
Launceston dominated this game in terms of territory for long periods but were unable to break through a cast-iron Albion defence. In the first half Albion were pinned back in their own half and it was 10 minutes before they managed to get past the halfway line, but 4 minutes later Albion's scrum half, Nigel Cane, slipped around the blind side of a scrum to score an unconverted try. Shortly after Launceston, down to 14 men with Dean Shipton in the sin-bin, were left standing as the speedy Albion full-back, Nick Proctor, scored a second Albion try, also unconverted. Danny Sloman, playing in the centre because of absentees due to injury, scored 2 penalties either side of half-time. After that it was all Launceston in terms of possession as they tried time after time to breach the home team's defence. Albion in one of their rare moves up field were awarded a penalty wihich was put over by Tom Barlow. In the last 15 minutes of the game Albion failed to get out of their own half but held on grimly to win 13-6.
Only two higher-league matches involving Cornish clubs were played today: Launceston were at home to Blackheath (see report below) and Penryn lost 38-14 away at Stroud.
Launceston maintained their momentum for a play-off place over a resolute Blackheath who were looking to pull further away from the relegation zone. A strong wind and a soggy pitch made things difficult for both teams with Launceston only pulling away in the last quarter of the game. With 20 minutes remaining on the clock the scores were level but three tries in the remaining period saw Launceston safely home. Scorers for Launceston were: tries, Tucker 2, Rush, Sloman, Wilcocks; conversions, Sloman 2; penalties, Sloman 2.
It was a good day for all three Cornish clubs in National League 3 (South). All three won. Launceston had the toughest match, scraping home 16-15 against North Walsham. The win keeps them on course for the promotion-playoff . Redruth won away at Basingstoke by 31-26. Penzance/Newlyn's match against Clifton is described below.
In SW1, Truro had a very good away win, 26-13, at Barnstaple.
In SW2 (West), the picture wasn't so rosy. Camborne were put to the sword, 65-3, by high-flying Stroud. This was the Cherries sixth loss in a row. St Austell fared little better, going down 31-3 at Ding's Crusaders. This was St Austell's eighth consecutive loss.
The Pirates ended their season on a high note in a game watched by a large and partisan crowd. It was a shuffled around team with a makeshift front row that came second place in the set pieces. However what ball they had they used well, and never looked like losing the match due to their strength in defence. The scorers for the Pirates were: tries, Redgrave, Saumi, Penrose, Davey; penalty, Saumi; conversion, Saumi.
Launceston clinched the second (promotion playoff) place in National League 2 (South) by drawing 28-28 away at Reading. With one more postponed league game still to play, the All Blacks are now one point clear of Penzance/Newlyn, who have already finished their season.
In SW1, Truro lost heavily, 32-6, away at Dorchester.
In SW2 (West), Camborne completed their league season with a good win (26-10) over Matson. Penryn also had an excellent win, 33-7, against Brixham. With one game left to play, Penryn are still at the bottom of the table, having won only five league games all season. However, they're certainly improving: four of those wins have come in their last six league games.
Launceston finished their first, highly successful, season in National League 3 (South) by soundly beating Basingstoke 41-8. Their first season could also be their last, if they succeed in the promotion playoff game.
In SW1, Truro lost at home to Cinderford, 17-25.
In SW1, Truro had a good home win, 39-19, against Berry Hill.