Bill Hooper’s Cornish Roundup

REDRUTH 25 - 14 BLAYDON (HT 8-7)

By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Redruth.

A disciplined performance as called for by head coach Nigel Hambly during the week helped Redruth win this crucial encounter with fellow strugglers Blaydon at the Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon. The Reds were unlucky not to claim the try scoring bonus point, however they will be satisfied that their opponents got nothing points wise from the match.

The major talking point in the crowd prior to kick-off was the presence of former Cornish Pirates head coach Jim McKay who will be assisting the Reds’coaching set-up until the end of the season “Jim is a great friend and I thank him for making himself available to the Reds until the end of the season” declared Hambly.

Redruth made a couple of changes from the defeat at Wharfedale skipper Craig Bonds missed the game being replaced by Paul Thirlby whilst elder brother Rob came back in pace of young Sam Parsons on the wing. The captain’s armband passing to talismatic Kiwi No8 Mark Bright.

Blaydon flew down on the morning of the match their side strengthened in recent weeks by the arrival of several players from Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Redruth kicked off playing up the slope, fly-half Luke Cozens spurned an early penalty chance for the home side. Blaydon looked sharp as they looked to spin the ball wide with scrum-half Hall Charlton catching the eye, in response Cozens kicking getting good field position for the Reds. The opening score came after 18 mins, Lewis Vinnicombe fielded a clearance kick sending out a long pass to Rob Thirlby who flew off at speed towards the Blaydon 22, a brilliant step brought him that extra metre to take the move deep into the 22 before feeding inside to centre Rudy Meredith who scored in the Strawberry Lane corner of the ground. Cozens was un-successful with the conversion but made amends after 25 mins with a penalty. They should have had another penalty just before that following a dangerous looking tackle by former Pirates’ second row Dave Whitehead on Meredith. Skipper Bright was leading by example getting through a tremendous amount of work around the park. Redruth began to take the upper hand but couldn’t turn their possession into points, almost on the stroke of half-time Blaydon scored a well worked try through winger Andrew Fenby in the Piggy Lane corner, which was converted by Daniel Kyle.

Blaydon put the Reds under tremendous pressure early in the second half, stout defence kept their line intact. After 47 mins Cozens increased the Reds’ lead with a second penalty. A second try for Redruth came soon after, prop Darren Jacques feed scrum-half Mark Richards, whose break took him up to the Blaydon 22, Vinnicombe, who picked up the Reds’ man-of-the-match award was on hand to finish off the move in Hell Fire corner, Cozens added the conversion.

Rob Thirlby looked to have scored a third try but lost control of the ball as he crossed the line. Further pressure did bring that third try through hooker Glenn Cooper from a forward drive following a line-out on 65 mins, Cozens conversion took the Reds to 25-7. Redruth continued to search in vain for the elusive fourth try, instead it was the visitors who had the final say when they scored a second try through centre Adam Dehaty, Kyle again adding the conversion.

After the match Hambly was full of praise for his players, “I am relieved, we had the jitters at half-time when they scored to make it 8-7, the boys really responded well during the second half with a big performance. Hopefully we can take it on to next weekend at Westcombe Park.”

The last eight days have been anything but plain sailing up at Polson Bridge. After the euphoria surronding the loan deal that brought Shane Drahm to East Cornwall, the loss at London Welsh, the controversy all week about the switching off the CAB’s vs. Northampton Saints game to Franklins’ Gardens, the swift return of Drahm to Worcester and then finally the humiliating 71-3 defeat at Meadow Lane against Nottingham in the EDF-Energy National Trophy made it all in all a week that everyone connected with the club will want to forget.

My initial reaction to the switching of the home match against the Saints to Northampton’s home ground so that it could be played mid-week was one of dis-belief and horror, the thought of such a game being taken away from the Cornish rugby public was simply not on. The flak was certainly flying in on the message boards not only in the Duchy but also further afield!

What this sorry epiosde again highlights is the continuing lack of modern sporting facilities in Cornwall and the threat of Health & Safety regulations crashing down on you should you be un-lucky enough to fall foul. Bearing in mind that all league matches must be completed by April 26th, the Cornish All Blacks look to have taken the only real option open to them. It’s not popular and I do feel a certain amount of sympathy towards them as this will never be seen as a popular decision.

Tonight at Penzance sees the EGM, to elect a new President and also discussion about the Cornish Pirates’ future plans and the way forward. Hopefully steps can be taken tonight to move the dreams of former President Dicky Evans forward including the much need stadium in Cornwall.

The Cornish All Blacks’ defeat at Nottingham marked the end of Cornish club participation in the National Cups for this season.

Redruth did their hopes of staying in National 2 the power of good with a 25-14 win over fellow relegation candidates Blaydon on Saturday. Tries from Rudy Meredith, Lewis Vinnicombe and Glenn Cooper helped to see the Reds home. The other big news at the Recreation Ground is that former head coach at the Pirates Jim McKay will lending a hand untill the end of the season.

Mount’s Bay stay five points clear at the top of National League 3 South following their 35-18 win at London Scottish, Richard Carroll scored a couple of tries for the Bay with other touchdowns coming from Adam Nicholls and Jamie Semmens. London Cornish DOR Dickon Moon enjoyed a week off from London 3 SW rugby to file a report on the forms from the Bay match.

Cornwall & Devon league leaders Newquay Hornets played Skinners Brewery Cornwall Clubs Cup semi-final 1st leg tie at the Sports Centre against Helston winning 27-0 to take an option on reaching the final.

Penryn’s Memorial Ground staged “Bottle Match” between Camborne School of Mines and the Royal School of Mines. Camborne were unable to follow up last year’s win in London their first for many years in this series losing 13-10, so the “bottle” heads back to the capital after a short sojurn in Cornwall.

Sunday saw Cornwall’s U.20 campaign kick-off at Penzance when they entertained Gloucestershire U.20’s. Pre-match their had been plenty of positive talk about Cornwall’s chances in this competition this season. Sadly it’s not going to be as the Cornish side were given a sharp lesson by their bigger more powerful opponents losing 33-8. In the other game in the group Devon beat Somerset at Cullompton 22-0.

Round 3 of the RBS 6 Nations saw England confound the pundits and critics to win at the Stade de France 24-13. Whilst their opening try had it’s fair share of good fortune, Noon’s arm clearly knocked the ball on when he tackled Heymans, before Sackey scored, it was the pack who once again laid the solid foundations of victory plus of course the value of a recognised goal kicker in Jonny Wilkinson. Wigglesworth also gave England an edge they have been lacking.

Wales continue their quest for the Grand Slam with a third win thanks to a storming second half to beat Italy 47-8. Wales will travel to Croke Park hoping to clinch the Triple Crown in Dublin on March 8th.

Ireland will not give up their hold on the Triple Crown when they play Wales following their 34-13 win over Scotland who have along with Italy lost all three of their games to date.

A last gasp touchline conversion by Ollie Thomas saw the Cornish Pirates home in their National League 1 encounter at Goldington Road against the Bedford Blues 17-15. The Pirates had to battle hard for the points reduced at one point to thirteen men with back row players Chris Cracknell and Iva Motusaga sitting in the sin bin. To their credit they rode the storm and struck at the death to maintain their fine form. A couple of James Pritchard penalties nudged the Blues into a six-point lead before Motusaga scored the first try of the match on 38 mins. Fly-half Gareth Steenson kicked the conversion and then added a penalty just before half-time, Cracknell making his way to the bin in the company of Bedford’s hooker Karl Dickson.

Early in the second half a rush of blood saw Motusaga binned for coming in at the side once too often, Pritchard’s third penalty cutting the Pirates lead to a point 10-9. Under tremendous pressure during the final quarter the Pirates conceded a couple of penalties, which Pritchard kicked to give the Blues a 15-10 advantage. The late late show from the Pirates came well into stoppage time as the ball was worked back across the field from the initial run by Jimmy Moore, with Nathan Kemp, Rhodri McAtee and Adryan Winnan all involved, Winnan managed to off-load to centre Steve Winn the Welshman squeezing in to the right-hand corner. Thomas completed the win with his fine kick.

At Old Deer Park, the Cornish All Blacks’ fine recent run was brought to an emphatic halt 38-0 by a London Welsh side that had benefited from coaching this week from the former National Team coach Gareth Jenkins. The Cornish All Blacks’ switch their attention once again this Saturday when they play Nottingham in the last eight of the EDF-Energy National Trophy in an evening kick-off.

Coach Nigel Hambly was far from pleased with his side’s 17-10 defeat at Wharfedale in National League 2 a result, which once again pulls the Reds back into the relegation dogfight at the bottom of the table. Winger Simon Horsfall scored an un-converted try after only 5 mins for the home side. Andy Baggett added a couple of penalties either side of half-time to extend the home side’s advantage before the Reds struck back with a penalty from Luke Cozens before winger Lewis Vinnicombe, making a welcome return following injury, followed up a kick through by centre PJ Gidlow to score in the corner, Cozen’s conversion brought the Reds back to within a point on the scoreboard. Two further penalties from Baggett sealed the win for Wharfedale with the last penalty award also seeing Reds scrum-half Mark Richards getting a red card. The Reds will have to focus immediately on Saturday’s up coming fixture against an in-form Blaydon side who beat second place Stourbridge.

Mount’s Bay successfully overcame their potentially difficult trip to Canterbury with a 16-15 win to remain top of National League 3 South. The game went to un-contested scrums during the final 20 minutes as the home side lost their complete front row to injuries during the game something the Bay coaching staff were not too happy about. Jon Marlin scored the Bay’s opening try before Canterbury hit back with a penalty and an un-converted try to lead 8-5. Bay hit back before half-time when Tyron Child scored their second try to turn around 10-8 up. Tim Mosey then kicked a couple of penalties to increase the visitor’s lead. Canterbury scored a second try through former Albion player Pat Sykes with De Kock’s conversion bringing his side to within appoint of Bay.

In South West 1, St. Ives managed to raise a side to play Redingensians but it was a familiar story as the Hakes slipped to a 40-5 loss at home to confirm their relegation to South West 2 West next season.

In South West 2 West, Camborne are not quite mathematically relegated but they are certain to play in Western Counties West next season. Camborne’s latest reversal came at Clevedon 38-5 with hooker Nathan Curnow getting Town’s only try.

Wadebridge Camels remain third in Western Counties West, but are now six points behind second place Sidmouth following their 13-13 draw at Tiverton. Hayle are second from bottom following their loss to leaders Paignton 29-12 at the Memorial Park. Trailing 21-0 during the first quarter the Lions fought back to 21-12 at half-time Adam Keverne scoring the first try converted by Paul Lello and James Jago grabbing the second. With five games to play Hayle will be targeting their home games against Withycombe also on 12 points and Penryn to get them out of jail. Bude lost 33-3 at Kingsbridge to remain fifth. Devonport Services eased their relegation fears with a 20-18 win at doomed Penryn.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish despite a brave first half performance holding leaders Cobham 3-3 on their own patch slipped to a second half defeat 29-3. (Dickon Moon’s report in the forums.)
In Cornwall & Devon League, Newquay Hornets remain top following their Cornish derby win over Falmouth at the Sports Centre 17-7. Truro defeated Wellington 13-5 at St. Clements to remain in fourth place.

This coming Sunday sees Cornwall U.20’s begin their County Championship campaign with a home fixture at the Mennaye Field, Penzance against Gloucestershire with a 2-30 kick-off.

The RBS 6 Nations is back on our screens this weekend as England are at the Stade de France on Saturday evening it’s appropriate to cast a quick glance at rugby in Brittany. On Sunday Vannes playing in only their second season in Fédérale 1 qualified for the first time for the second phase of Jean Prat championship following a 24-7 win over Poitiers to clinch the final qualifying spot (4th) in their pool. Two tries from full-back Julien Cazenave, a former teammate of Pirates’ full back Adryan Winnan whilst at Tarbes, helped the Breton side on their way. Vannes are now pitted against three sides from the deep south Lavaur, Lannemezan and Périgueux in a further pool to determine who progresses to the knock out stages.

So to next weekend’s matches, Wales v Italy, the Welsh are on a roll and I expect them to comfortably beat the Italians in Cardiff by 20 points 35 – 15.

Ireland v Scotland, the Irish showed glimpses of what they are capable of at St. Denis during the second half of their match against France, I think Ireland will beat Scotland by a score 21 – 14.

France v England an 8pm kick-off will not suit England, much depends on the selection of the England team. France will be looking for revenge for their defeat in the semi-final of the rugby world cup and I expect them to beat the English by a ten- point margin 25-15 with Vincent Clerc once again getting in on the scoring. It should be a cracker.

Difficult to know whether the groans from the BBC studio in Rome on Sunday were to do with another dismal England second half performance or the text messages that John Inverdale received informing him of his beloved Esher’s demise at Camborne at the hands of the Cornish Pirates by 70 – 10! No doubt that the fare served up at Camborne was much more to our taste as the Cornish Pirates at last gave the performance that we have sensed was within them as they put to the sword a side in emphatic manner. Tim Cowley opened the try count after only four minutes and the scores came thick and fast as winger Rhodri McAtee, full back Adryan Winnan and centre Paul Devlin grabbed a brace each. Further scores came from flanker Chris Cracknell, replacement winger Brian Tuohy and a penalty try awarded by referee Mr. Rose who had a busy weekend as he ran the line at Newport on Friday night during the Wales v Scotland U.20 match. Gareth Steenson kicked eight conversions, with his replacement Olly Thomas kicking the other two. All Esher had to show for their efforts were a couple of tries from centre Dougie Flockhart.

Up at Polson the Cornish All Blacks did their chances of staying in National League 1 next season a power of good with a 24-15 win over fellow strugglers Pertemps Bees. Winger Matt Jess took his try haul in the league to an impressive eleven with a brace whilst fly-half Scott Ireland scored the All Blacks other try. Full-back John Fabian converted all three scores as well as kicking a penalty. For the Bees they scored three un-converted tries through Marika Vecacegu, Dave Knight and Reece Spee.

Redruth continue to put daylight between themselves and the relegation zone in National 2 with a 22 – 10 win over northerners Waterloo. You can read my match report on the main part of the site.

Mount’s Bay continue on their march to the National 3 South title with an impressive 57-5 win over Clifton at the Mennaye scoring nine tries with another hat-trick of tries for Bay winger Jamie Semmens, full-back Tim Mosey weighed in with a brace with the other scores going to centre Jon Marlin, No8 Adam Nicholls, winger Olly Faulkner, and fly-half Lee Jarvis, Jarvis landed six conversions. Ed Smith scored a consolation score for the visitors just before half-time.

In South West 1, St. Ives nightmare season continued, as they were unable to raise a side to travel to Bracknell, thus forfeiting the points.

Camborne lost at home to Newton Abbot 36-14 in South West 2 West and are resigned to returning to Western Counties West next season. Flanker Martin Goldsworthy scored Town’s try finishing off a fine break by full-back Joe Parma with scrum-half Dave Mankee kicking three penalties.

In Western Counties West, performance of the week must be Penryn’s first win of the season with a narrow 13-12 win at Ivybridge, Andy Feviour and Kevin Kitto scored tries for the Borough with Alex Stuthridge kicking a penalty. No doubt the win will be a great boost for Penryn but it’s come too late to avoid the drop at the end of the season.

Wadebridge Camels produced another fine performance at home beating Withycombe 59-0 scoring nine tries centre Dan Briskham scored twice with other try scorers being winger Andy Cameron, flanker Sam Stone, lock Rob Hawkey, full-back Jake McCarroll, hooker Matt Ballard, prop Richard Treleaven and winger Alisdair Maclennan, McCarroll kicked the other points. Camels are up to third but are five points off the play-off spot.

Hayle are down in the drop zone just above Penryn following their 52-3 defeat at Sidmouth.

Bude drew 8-8 at home with Minehead Barbarians Luke Dunkin scored their try with Matt Trewin kicking a penalty.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish defeated London Irish Amateurs 53-10 scoring nine tries. Read DOR Dickon Moon’s match report in the forums.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Newquay Hornets remain top following their 27-12 win at Bideford. The Hornets scored four tries through Lee Woodhatch, former St. Ives player James Earp, Ross Robbins and Ryan Johns who also kicked the other points for his side.

Truro remain in 5th following their 29-5 win at Crediton, winger Matt Trevail scored three tries, with prop Chris Gilbert and replacement hooker Adrian Geech also touching down Ross Martin kicked a couple of conversions.

Falmouth’s defeat at the Recreation Ground to Tavistock 22-13 looks like condemning them to another season in this league next term. Recent signing Aki Bundi scored their try with James Instance adding the conversion and a couple of penalties.

The second weekend of the Royal Bank of Scotland 6 Nations saw both Wales and France secure two wins out of two and an unconvincing England secure a narrow win in Rome. Wales defeated Scotland 30-15 to secure the second leg of a possible Triple Crown. France again showed their good and bad side in defeating plucky Ireland 26-21 with the irrepressible Toulouse winger Vincent Clerc scoring a hat-trick of tries. England hung on in Rome to win 23-19 having led 20-6 at half-time. Jonny Wilkinson was involved in both England tries and kicked his 1,000 point in his 13 point haul. One other international result of note was Antim Cup match in Tbilisi where Georgia beat Romania 22-7 to take a firm hold at the top of the European Nations Cup Group A.

The Cornish All Blacks secured their quarter-final berth with a ten try romp over National League side Blackheath winning 61-15. The Monday draw at Twickenham has given them a tough assignment as they must travel to inform Nottingham on the 23rd of February.

Three players scored a brace of tries, Ryan Westren, Matt Jess and Sam Alford with Marc Dibble, Wayne Sprangle, Tom Rawlings and Josh Lord also getting on the scoreboard. Jon Fabian kicked four conversions and a penalty.

If the Cornish All Blacks can take this current form into their next league matches then they will be in with a chance of staving off relegation.

The only other “National” cup match was in the Junior Vase where Cornwall’s last represenatives in the competition St. Austell went out at Chiswick by 40-7.

There were a few catch up league matches with the most notable being in Western Counties West with Wadebridge Camels taking on Sidmouth, the Camels maintained their current un-beaten home league record with a last gasp try by Tom O’Donnell to earn a 13-13 draw. Alisdair MacLennan scored the other points for the Camels with a try and a penalty.

Penryn were once more well-beaten this by Tiverton at the Memorial Ground 37-8.

Hayle had a survival battle with fellow strugglers Devonport Services, which ended in a draw 15-15. Richard Spear and James Jago scored tries for the Lions with Adam Keverne kicking a penalty and conversion.

In the Cornwall & Devon league, Falmouth had a fine win over Wessex 40-0, with winger Darren Pellow scoring a hat-trick of tries.

So much for my attempts to predict the 6 Nations result from last weekend. Wales laid to rest their 20 year wait for a win at Twickenham with remarkable comeback to win 26-19 over a lackluster England during the second half. Trailing 19-6 with a little more than a quarter of the game remaining, the Twickenham crowd were silenced by stirring Welsh recovery aided by a complete English capitulation! The selection for Sunday’s match in Rome will be very interesting from an English point of view.

Ireland only just did enough at Croke Park to beat a spirited though limited Italian side 16-11.

And so to the game on Sunday were France showed glimpses of promise with a deserved win over a disappointing Scotland 27-6. The new caps played very well and I for one was impressed with the Montpellier fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc showing a willingness to run with the ball that has been sadly lacking from recent French sides.

So on to this weekend’s predictions;

Wales vs. Scotland, Wales to carry on in front of their home crowd, though I expect Scotland to play much better, Wales to win 24-14

France vs. Ireland, I expect France to motor at the Stade de France 32 - 10.

Italy vs. England, if England play like they did in the second half against Wales then they will lose to Italy, that thought alone should spur them on to a narrow win 17-12 to England.