Bill Hooper’s Cornish Roundup

It was another frustrating Sunday afteronon at Camborne despite the beautiful late September sunshine as the Cornish Pirates lost their third National League 1 encounter of the season by 31-20 to the Merrymen of Nottingham. The high-light must be the hat-trick of tries scored by Fijian winger Marika Vakacegu, who had a fine attacking game at full-back. You can read my match report in the link.

Good wins for both Redruth and the Cornish All Blacks in National League 2, however there was further disappointment for Mount’s Bay as they crashed to a heavy defeat at the Mennaye to Birmingham & Solihull 61-8. Josh Matavesi with a drop goal and an Olly Faulkner consolation try were all the Bay had to show for their efforts in a game where they had another player red carded, flanker Brett Stroud.

Redruth once again left it late to secure the points with their first ever win up at Wharfedale 18-15. Owen Hambly and that man again, Rob Thirlby scored the Reds’ tries with Mark Scrivener kicking the other points.

The Cornish All Blacks were almost pegged back but hung on to defeat Tynedale at Polson 29-27. Scrum-half Lewis Webb an ex Penryn player scored two tries for the All Blacks, whilst Ryan Westren and Sam Hocking got Launceston’s other tries. Adam Staniforth kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Of course this Saturday sees Launceston travel down the A.30 to take on Redruth at the Recreation Ground in what promises to be a cracking encounter as second in the league entertains first. Something has to give, though what odds on a draw?

In the Tribute leagues, St. Ives in South West 2 West got a second win as they defeated Yatton 28-10 at Alexandra Road. For the Hakes three tries scored by John Navin, Ross Callaghan and Ryan Bishop. Grant Thirlby kicked the other points.

In Western Counties West, Newquay Hornets are the best placed Cornish club after three rounds, Hornets beat Tiverton 34-5 at the Sportscentre scoring six tries. Try scores were James Ingle (2), Rob McIntyre (2), Marc Richards and Ross Robins. Sam Cullen kicked a couple of conversions.

Wadebridge Camels beat visting Weston Hornets 33-0 at the Molesworth Field. Camels tries came from Alisdair Maclennan (2), Matt Ballard, Dan Briskham (2), Leigh Charles kicked a couple of penalties and a conversion.

Camborne lost for the first time in the league this season as they slipped to a narrow defeat at Kingsbridge 16-12. Adam Notman and Joe Parma scored tries for the Town, whilst David Mankee kicked a conversion, however Mankee missed with three first half penalties to frustrate Camborne.

Bude’s poor start to the season continued with a third defeat as thez slumped at Bencoolen Meadow 29-5 to Ivybridge. Fly-half Matt Trewin getting Bude’s only try.

Up in London 3 SW, London Cornish had a good win at Bognor 20-16 after trailing 16-10 at half-time. Dickon Moon provides his usual report in the link.

Match of the day in the Cornwall & Devon league was at Penryn as they took on Truro winning 13-12. Centre Darren Pellow scored the Borough’s try whilst Alex Suthridge kicked the conversion and two penalties. Truro scored two tries through prop Chris Gilbert and centre Joe Williamson with Scott Martin kicking just one conversion.

Hayle had a good win at OPM’s 34-0. The Lions scored four tries through Kevin Jenkin, Neil Mitchell, Rob Heath and Leon Phoe. Mike Crump kicked all four conversions and a penalty.

Falmouth again failed to score as they lost 19-0 to Bideford, whilst Saltash lost 40-3 at Okehampton. Will Virgo with Ashes points.

A narrow 31-25 win at Cross Green against newly promoted Otley, left the Cornish Pirates head coach Mark Hewitt fuming at the final whistle. Not at all happy with the level of performance from his side, he has thrown down the challenge to his players to turn it around pronto. Rhys Jones made a league debut at fly-half for the Pirates as Hewitt hoped to improve his options at 10. It turned out to be a mixed afternoon for the former Sale Shark. still the Pirates managed to run in five tries with a brace from Aisea Havili, lock Mike Burak, the Canadian international making his league debut also, hooker Rob Elloway and winger Marika Vakacegu, Jones adding three conversions. It’s going to be another week at the coalface for the Pirates as they seek to iron out their problems before Sunday’s match at Camborne against Nottingham.

The National League 2 table looks pretty good this morning with the Cornish All Blacks and Redruth filling the top two places. The CAB’s had a fantastic win on the road up at Blundellsands defeating Waterloo 58-9 scoring eight tries, all scored by backs. Full-back Jon Fabian notched a hat-trick of tries, winger Marc Dibble and centre Jamie Semmens a brace each, whilst replacement Jon Marlin scored the other. Fly-half Adam Staniforth converted four tries and kicked a couple of penalties before going off after 60 minutes, Fabian added two further conversions.

At Redruth another good display from the Reds saw them dispatch Blaydon by 38-12. Full-back Rob Thirlby again showed his class scoring a couple of tries, also setting up winger Nathan Pedley for the Reds’ fourth try, lock Damien Cook crashed over for the Reds’ other score. Fly-half Mark Scrivener had a great day with the boot kicking 18 points.

Mount’s Bay are still looking for their maiden win at this level as they lost their third match going down by 44-13 at Stourbridge. Bay lost skipper Nick Burnett to a red card in the first half when they were still very much in the match. Early in the second half Bay found themselves down to 13 men as lock John Griffiths was sin-binned. Stourbridge pressed home their advantage. For Bay, fly-half Dan Hawkes kicked a penalty and full-back Andy Birkett try accounted for their first-half points. In the second half prop Adam Flide scored a try.

In Tribute South West 2 West, St. Ives couldn’t follow up their opening day win crashing 38-7 at Taunton. Stuart Turnbull scoring a last minute try converted by Ross Callaghan for the Hakes points.

In Tribute Western Counties West, Camborne made it two wins from two as they defeated North Cornwall rivals Bude 32-14 at the Recreation Ground. The Cherry & Whites scored five tries through winger Shane Woods, No. 8 Martin Woolcock, fly-half David Mankee (2) and winger Alan Notman. Mankee also kicked a penalty and two conversions. For Bude full-back Julian Morris scored both their tries, which fly-half Matt Trevail converted.

In the battle of the Hornets at Hutton Moor, Weston Hornets got the better of Newquay Hornets 19-13, for Newquay Jason Keyter and Jason Caruana scored tries with fly-half Sam Cullen kicking a penalty.

Up at Minehead Barbarians, Wadebridge Camels lost 12-8, centre Jason Olivey with a try and Jake McCarroll a penalty accounted for the Camels’ points.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish were held to a draw at home by Guildford 17-17, Dickon Moon’s usual excellent report is available in the link.

The Cornwall & Devon league also has two Cornish clubs in the top two positions with Truro just edging Penryn. Truro defeated Okehampton at St. Clements 22-11, Joe Williamson got the try with the Martin brothers kicking the other points, Scott a conversion and three penalties, Ross two drop goals.

Penryn travelled to Tavistock for the second time in three weeks, wheras they lost in the Senior Vase they prevailed in the league winning on this occassion 25-13. The Borough scored three tries thanks to Alex Sutheridge, Taron Peacock and Josh Chambers, Sutheridge kicking two conversions and a couple of penalties. A brawl near the end saw Peacock and Tavistock’s Adrian Baker red-carded.

Hayle lost at home to Bideford 29-14, Kevin Jenkin scored the Lions’ try with Mike Crump kicking two penalties and a drop goal. Saltash lost a close affair at home 19-18 to OPM’s, Ben Davenport scored both of the Ashes’ tries with Will Virgo kicking the other points. No luck for Falmouth as they lost to Crediton for the second time in three weeks as the Devonians followed up their Vase win with a 29-0 win at the Rec.

A reminder to all current members, Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club AGM is fast approching, it’s due to be held on Wednesday 1st October at the Visitor Centre St. Austell Brewery at 7-30pm. Apart from the usual buisness, the Cornwall Senior Player of the Year and the Cornwall U.20 Player of the Year awards will be announced. Refreshments will be available.

So the first of this season’s Cornish Derbies went the way of Redruth on Saturday as they won 35 - 16 down at the Mennaye against a spirited but limited Mount’s Bay side. It was a marvellous “Cornish” occassion blessed with some fine weather with clear blue skies. You can read my detailed match report on the main site. Mount’s Bay struggled early on in the lineout, it is clear that they need to find a hooker, Danny Clackworthy is a fine prop forward, not a hooker. In scrum-half Greg Goodfellow Bay have a gem of player quick to spot gaps and with pace. Bay’s back three is also exciting with youngsters Josh Matavesi and Billy Harriss teaming up with Mika Mua, but it’s the lack of numbers to choose from, which is going to cost Bay dear this season.

Redruth on the other hand will be delighted to have gained maximum points from their opening two fixtures although coach Nigel Hambly was far from satisfied after the game on Saturday, he felt that his side had coughed up too many chances and hadn’t reached the level of performance they had set pre-match. With un-beaten Blaydon travelling to Redruth next Saturday, Hambly acknowledges that his charges will have to up their performance and he is confident that his players will deliver on the day.

Also in National League 2, The Cornish All Blacks had a close affair at Polson against Cinderford winning 22-20. Trailing early in the game 10-0, the Cornish All Blacks rallyed to go 22-10 up thanks to tries from Mike Myerscough, Tony Roques, Mal Roberts and Tim Collier with Jon Fabian adding a conversion. Cinderford fought back to score two un-converted tries to leave the All Blacks winners.

With no sides in National 3 or South West 1 this season, St. Ives are the next side on the league ladder in South West 2 West, the Hakes got their league campaign off to the best possible start with a win over Newton Abbot by 19-17. Despite being outscored by 3 tries to 1, St. Ives were grateful for the boot of Grant Thirlby who scored 14 points, John Navin scoring the try.

In Western Counties West, Camborne won a high scoring game at the Recreation Ground 35-31 against visitors Withycombe. Town’s tries were scored by skipper Martin Woolcock, centre Alex Hinds, winger Adam Notman and full-back Joe Parma. Fly-half David Mankee kicked three conversions and three penalties.

Newquay Hornets had a great start to life in WCW with a 28-18 win over Minehead Barbarians at the Sportscentre. Try scorers for the Hornets were Romey Vassell, Tom Bazeley and Rob McIntyre with fly-half Sam Cullen kicking the rest of the points.

Wadebridge Camels were winning their game against Ivybridge 23-0 when the game was held up after Camels skipper Gary Gynn suffered a broken leg and had to be airlifted to hospital after a 45 minute delay Ivybridge declined to resume play citing that some of their players had work commitments. The RFU will make a decision as to whether the game will be replayed or not.

Bude made a disappointing start losing 20-10 at home to Devonport Services. Lock Dan Statton scored Bude’s try with Matt Trewin adding the conversion and a penalty.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish made a fine start with a 15-10 win at KCS OB’s . Dickon Moon’s usual report can be found in the forums.

In the Cornwall & Devon league, Truro got off the mark with a huge win at OPM’s by 60-15 running in eight tries with a hat-trick for left-wing Matt Trevail. Luke Trescothick (2), Ross Martin, Sam Vaughan and Marco Danielli were the other try scorers. Scott Martin kicked seven conversions and two penalties.

Penryn back at this level for the first time in many a year scored six tries as they defeated Plymstock Albion Oaks 30-12. Tries were scored by Justin Doney, Darren Pellow, Marek Churcher (2) and Daniel Booth (2).

In the other “Cornish derby” last weekend, Hayle travelled to Saltash and ran out winners by 26-11. Liam Keary, Leon Phoe and David Seager scored the Lions’ tries with Mike Crump kicking the points. For the Ashes, Simon Watson scored a try with Will Virgo kicking a couple of penalties.

It could well be a long season for Falmouth after a disappointing display at Wellington where the Chiefs went down 29-3, full-back Jack Brown dropping a goal for the visitors.

Difficulties are still apparent Cornwall leagues, Illogan Park who won promotion from Cornwall 2 last season have been forced to pull out of league rugby due to a player shortage after many players retired after last season. St. Just, not so long ago a Western Counties West side, almost did the same but have managed to carry on. Last Saturday St. Agnes were unable to fulfill their fixture against Redruth Albany. Not I am afraid a healthy state of affairs.

Sunday’s National League 1 encounter at Camborne between the Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs was a cracking affair played out in front of a crowd of around 5,000. The Chiefs won the game 32-23, you can read my match report and comments on the main site.

So it looks like we will have to wait for the RFU Council to deliver the verdict early next month as to how many clubs drop from National League 1 at the end of this season as to how many (if any!) are promoted from National League 2! What a farce.

Any way back to the playing side and away from the politics.

After all the euphoria from their opening day win over Newbury, the Cornish Pirates slipped up good’n proper in the Butts Park Arena mud on Saturday in their second league match of the season losing 16-0. It’s not very often that the Pirates fail to score a point, indeed my good friend Dick Straughan pointed out in his match report for the Western Morning News today that the last time was in April 2004 and that infamous 56-0 thrashing by Plymouth Albion.

It’s hard to understand that there are already “supporters” baying for blood after this faux pas. This is not the sort of reaction the Pirates coaching staff or players want or need as they prepare to play Exeter Chiefs at Camborne on Sunday afternoon. What is need is EVERYONE’S SUPPORT for the team as they tackle one of the pre-season promotion favourites, who will be smarting themselves following their 14-13 defeat at Sandy Park to Leeds Carnegie. A win on Sunday and the sorry events of Coventry will be pardoned.

It promises to be a great weekend for rugger fans as on the Saturday the Cornish All Blacks entertain Cinderford, whilst Mount’s Bay host Redruth!

The Reds got their season off to the best possible start with a 35-28 win over Birmingham & Solihull Bees. It was a tremendous performance from the Reds with Nathan Pedley scoring four of the Reds’ five tries. Scrum-half Mark Richards scored the other Reds’ try to cap a fine performance fron the No. 9. Rob Thirlby had a superb game at full back as did James Mann at No.8, marking his return to the side after long term injury.

The Cornish All Blacks claimed all five points on their trip to Southend despite having forwards Tim Collier and Mike Myerscough yellow carded during the game. The CAB’s four tries were scored by their forwards through Sam Hocking, Myerscough and Josh Lord, Adam Staniforth kicking the other 10 points.

Mount’s Bay lost their opening National League 2 encounter up at Tynedale in appalling conditions 14-7. Flanker Steve Dyer got the Bay try which Dan Hawkes converted.

In the EDF-Energy Senior Vase 1st Round matches played at the weekend there were wins for Truro who won 26-0 up at Saltash in the all Cornish tie, Newquay Hornets trounced Bideford 48-0, whilst Hayle got a walkover against Plymstock Albion Oaks. There were defeats for both the Fal clubs, Falmouth at home to Crediton 39-0 and Penryn lost up at Tavistock by 22-15.

Is that the fate of our three National League 2 clubs this season? Noises from certain well-connected quarters are seeming to suggest that the RFU in their bid to create a 12 club second tier will have no promotion from National League 2 this season, with four clubs comming down from National League 1! Furthermore it looks likely as if National 2 clubs will be merged with clubs from National leagues 3 North and South to create three regional league at level 3.

The outcry from clubs such as the Cornish All Blacks, Birmingham & Solihull or Cambridge, who have invested heavily during the close season in players to mount a serious assult on promotion will gather force if this ill conceived idea is pushed through.

It’s no secret that the RFU have been looking at cutting funding to clubs at level 3, putting more funds towards the 12 surviving National 1 clubs. What is disturbing is the fact that to date we have had no directive from the “powers that be” with only five days to go until the start of the new National League 2 campaign, this is laughable!

Following Redruth, I very much enjoy the level of rugby that they are now playing at, I also enjoy games against clubs from the Midlands and “Up North” who bring a greater intensity to their play, which I believe helps southern clubs in their development. I believe the Redruth players have benifited from the regular exposure to that style of play.

The whole sorry saga is very depressing and leaves a bad taste in the mouth!! RFU sort it out now!

League action got under way in National League 1 this weekend with the Cornish Pirates getting off to a fine start with a 48-5 win over the Newbury Blues on Sunday at Camborne. Whilst coach Mark Hewitt will no doubt conceed that everything was not quite perfect on the opening day he will be satisfied that his side have immediatly answered one of the biggest criticisms aimed their way last season, failing to secure the bonus point. Seven tries scored is a fine return in any match and should set them up for the tricky visit to the Butts Park Arena, Coventry on Saturday. Following an early penalty from fly-half Doug Snaft winger Marika Vakacegu scored the opening try following a fine chip ahead from skipper Addy Winnan, Snaft added the extras. A second try came on 33 mins from new No.8 Bertrand Bedes who powered over from the base of a scrum near the Blues line. Snaft kicked his second conversion for 17-0. Newbury pulled a score back when winger Humphries capitalised on a grubber kick from former Redruth fly-half Gareth Griffiths to score what was to prove his sides only points of the afternoon. Before half-time the Cornish Pirates scored a third try through flanker and former Blues player Chris Morgan, Snaft’s conversion left the home side 24-5 up at the break.

The bonus point was secured early in the second half as Welsh flyer, Rhodri McAtee rounded off a fine move. Snaft kicked his fourth conversion before departing to be replaced by Tom Luke. The Pirates made their usual raft of replacements, with Darren Dawidiuk on for Rob Elloway scoring the fifth try. Jimmy Moore on for Mark Ireland scored the sixth whilst it was the skipper who scored the final try, Winnan scoring in the final move of the game with Moore converting. A promising start.

Attention in the Duchy will turn to National 2 next Saturday, with the Pirates up at Coventry in Nat 1. Redruth entertain Birmingham & Solihull Bees, a stern test against one of the sides that came down last season and who were planning on bouncing back up. The Cornish All Blacks travel to Southend looking for an opening day win, whilst new boys Mount’s Bay make the long trip up to Tynedale to take on fellow new boys at this level.

No regional league matches, but there is the 1st round of the EDF-Energy Senior Vase with Saltash vs. Truro being the pick of the round locally.

STOP PRESS! Read Martyn Thomas’ comments in Plymouth Hearld today.