Sadly time has beaten me this week so a much truncated blog entry on last weekend’s games.
The big game locally was the derby in National 3 SW between Camborne and Launceston.
It was a great occasion as both sides locked horns in the league for the first time in twenty years.
True to current form Camborne came out on top easily 50-11, scoring seven tries through Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Kemp, Joel Matavesi, Sam Matavesi, Richie Kevern (2) and Brad Howe. Dave Mankee kicked the other points.
See previous blog entries for Sam Matavesi’s Player of the Year award from Trelawny’s Army.
For Launceston it was back to earth with a bump after their first win in over eighteen months the previous weekend, Fraser Honey kicked a couple of penalties with Fred Bulut getting a late unconverted try.
In the Championship Cornish Pirates unbeaten start to the season came to an end, but only just, as they lost 25-24 at London Scottish.
Kyle Moyle, Brett Beukeboom and Nicolas De Battista scored tries with Will Cargill and Laurence May (20 adding the conversion whilst Cargill also landed a penalty.
‘Stirlo’ Catches Up With Alan & Gavin
It will be remembered that back in May the Cornish Pirates coaching duo Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle visited New Zealand to meet up with the club’s former High Performance Manager, Chris Stirling.
The purpose of the visit was to help the pair develop their coaching skills, as they not only shadowed Chris at work in his role as High Performance Manager for the Hurricanes rugby team, but also spent time with all of the coaches and support staff at the Wellington-based Super 18 side. It was felt very beneficial and provided a great insight into the method and training practices they use.
Chris regards both Alan and Gavin highly, and making a brief but welcome return to Cornwall, has been keen to continue monitoring their progress and share his vast knowledge with them.
The start to the Cornish Pirates campaign has provided quite considerable encouragement, and Chris has been impressed. He will also be about to see the team’s two home games in October against Yorkshire Carnegie and Ospreys Premiership Select.
Besides an obvious rugby connection, Chris has also welcomed his close season opportunity to meet up with so many friends made during his time in the Duchy.
In National League 2 South, Redruth travelled to bottom side Exmouth and ran in ten tries in a 60-17 win. Leading the try feast was Lewis Vinnicombe with three scores whilst Alex Ducker bagged a brace. Matt Gidlow, Todd Prisk, Tommy Phillips, Declan Matthews and skipper Sam Parsons also crossed for tries. James Huxtable kicked five conversions.
Just a quick mention of Falmouth v Penryn in Tribute Cornwall & Devon League, a good sized crowd with the Falmouth Marine Band present saw the Eagles edge a tense derby at the Rec 13-10. Tom Edmonds and David Jones scored tries for the home side with Justyn Irons adding a crucial penalty.
Matt Horton kicked a penalty for the Borough and then converted a penalty try, despite laying siege they couldn’t add to their score.
