Bill Hooper’s Cornish Roundup

What a marvellous result for Wadebridge Camels in their EDF-Energy National Trophy 2nd round tie at home to Shelford at the weekend. A 22-15 win sees them into the next round and a trip to……..Tynedale!

That is in the future, the win over London 1 league leaders is one to be savoured first. Despite falling behind to an early converted try Camels hit back with a try from flanker Matt Angwyn. A second try for the visitors and a Leigh Charles penalty for the home side left Shelford leading 12-8 at the break. Camels lifted their game in the second half playing some exciting rugby, they took the lead after 50 minutes with a try from Ben Miskowicz with Charles adding the extras. Shelford levelled with a penalty, before Andy Cameron scored the winning try which Charles converted. Roll on Tynedale!

It’s a shame that BBC Radio Cornwall didn’t take the opportunity to cover this game on Saturday. A good PR chance lost really.

The other 3rd round ties involving Cornish clubs sees National 2 league leaders Redruth travel to Birmingham & Solihull in the tie of the round. The Cornish All Blacks travel to Wharfedale, whilst the only tie to be played in Cornwall sees Mount’s Bay entertain Barking. All ties will be played on the weekend of the 13th/14th December.

Cornwall’s only represenatives in this seaon’s Intermediate Cup St. Ives bowed out after losing 17-14 at home to Clifton.

In the Senior Vase, London Cornish sealed a remarkable comeback with a 28-25 win over Hove, Dickon Moon’s report is in the link

Truro overcame Bude at Bencoolen Meadow 16-10, Ben Chenoweth and Sam Vaughan scored Truro’s tries with Danile Dunkin kicking a couple of penalties. Camborne defeated Newquay Hornets at the Recreation Ground 13-0 with tries from Sam Bartle and Adam Notman and a Dave Mankee penalty.

In the Junior Vase a good win for Liskeard & Looe at Stithians 32-10, whilst St. Austell defeated former finalists Helston 35-12. Perranporth beat Bodmin 15-10 and Redruth Albany beat Old Technicans 27-15 to progress.

Sunday saw a good performance from the Cornish Pirates as they defeated Sedgley Park 56-14. You can read my match report on the main site.

At long last the RFU Council finally decided to go ahead with the “Championship” next season to replace the existing National League 1. Details from the RFU site can be found here in the link . It looks at present as if the Cornish Pirates will take up the invitation to join the Championship. Obviously more details will emerge as time goes on, also whether Redruth or the Cornish All Blacks will be able to take up the offer should either club win National League 2 in April. For the dream to continue of top class rugby in Cornwall it’s imperative that the Cornish Pirates are part of the new set up. As to how it will all finally be financed remains to be seen, though I understand that the Cornish Pirates will coming up with an iniative, which will involve the fans.

Back on the playing side, what a cracking game of rugby at Camborne Recreation Ground yesterday afternoon as the Cornish Pirates took on the league leaders in National League 1 Leeds Carnegie. It was typical of this season’s games from the Pirates, full of every emotion possible, but no fairy-tale ending as Leeds held out to win by 2 points 25-23. I can’t recall a start to a match quite like it, 16 seconds into the game and Leeds had points on the board as lock Kearnan Myall collected the kick-off and just ran and kept on running through the static Pirates defence to dot down under the posts! Unreal. Then a couple of minutes later former Pirate Richard Welding scored up in the corner a second Leeds try, with Alberto Di Bernardo slotting over the opening try’s conversion it was a nightmare start for Mark Hewitt’s side.

Fearing the worst we were instead taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotion with Leeds falling foul of referee Nick Williams, Rhys Jones pegged the Yorkshire side back, a couple of yellow cards for the visitors helped the Pirates cause as well. Then Leeds stretched out once more a penalty from yes Alberto, you could sense that PA, Phil Westren was dying to roll back a couple of seasons for his famous “Alberto Dee Bernardo” in his inimitable style, and then a third Leeds try scored by scorching winger Tom Biggs. A few weeks ago the Pirates would have sunk without trace at such another set-back, but this side is now made of much sterner stuff, they showed great character ably led by skipper Addy Winnan, who had another towering game, his example influences his team to greater deeds and they responded. Hooker Darren Dawiduik scored a great try and Rhys Jones with his sixth penalty brought the Pirates close, but it was Alberto’s second penalty that gave Leeds a narrow win. After the match Alberto was heard to say that the Pirates’ fans were the best as he happily mingled with the home crowd. What a star he is. You can read my match report on the main site.

One good thing to come out of yesterday’s match was the fact that those habitual early leavers from the stand actually stayed put and watched the game to it’s conclusion. Hopefully the latecommers at the start of the match will have learn’t their lesson as well!!! Then everyone can enjoy the game without interuption!

On Saturday, Redruth made it eleven wins on the trot even though they were made to work very hard by Tynedale winning 15-5. Some times you have to win ugly, and this display was far removed from some of the fluid displays from the Reds this season, but as winter approaches and the grounds become heavier the Reds will have to adapt. Paul Thirlby and Mark Bright scored the Reds’ tries with Mark Scrivener adding a penalty and conversion on his return from injury. Redruth have a week off now as National League 2 takes a break before taking on Cambridge at the Recreation Ground.

A Cambridge side that will be left to reflect after the Cornish All Blacks pipped them 23-21 at Grantchester Road. Marc Dibble, Ben Turner and Mal Roberts scored the CAB’s tries with Adam Staniforth kicking a penalty and conversion and Jon Fabian also kicking a penalty. A result which lifts the Launceston club to third.

Mount’s Bay now know the task ahead of them to avoid the drop following the RFU’s decision, with a fourth win over fellow strugglers Southend 40-15, thanks to a 28-point haul without reply during the second half. Dan Hawkes boot contributed 25 points thanks to 7 penalties and two conversions from two penalty tries awarded, Nick Burnett scored the other Bay try.

In the Tribute regional leagues, St. Ives scored first and last in their drawn match at Paignton 20-20. The Hakes scored a couple of tries at Queens Park through Hano Dirksen with with Karl Martin converting both scores and a couple of penalties. Interesting to note that Rudolph Meredith who was with Redruth last season has just signed up for St. Ives he will be a big asset for the Hakes.

In Western Counties West, the big match was at the Molesworth Field as Wadebridge Camels entertained Newquay Hornets with the Camels winning 29-12. Camel’s try scorers were Alasdair McClennan, Richard Treleaven, Oly Lock, Matt Angwyn Shaun Hawkey with Leigh Charles adding a couple of conversions. For Newquay Simon Horton and Romey Vassell scored tries with Horton kicking a conversion.

Bude got their first point of the current campaign with a 14-14 draw at home to Tiverton. Andy Yates and Matt Williams scored the tries with Matt Trewin adding the conversions.

Camborne lost heavily in Somerset as Minehead Barbarians won 42-7, Shaun Woods scored a late try which Dave Mankee converted for Town’s only points.

Up in London 3 SW, London Cornish won at Wimbeldon 9-8. See Dickon Moon’s report here.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn got back to winning ways with a 13-11 win at Wellington Taron Peacock scoring all the Borough’s points with a try conversion and two penalties.

Hayle won at Plymstock 14-11 with a try from Mike Seager and three Mike Crump penalties. Truro had a good trip to North Devon winning at Bideford 13-3, Chris Gilbert with the try and Dan Dunkin with the conversion and two penalties. Saltash found it tough at Tavistock as they lost 24-8, Will Davenport with a try and Ollie Rayner a penalty.

Falmouth suffered a ninth consecutive defeat at the Recreation Ground losing 31-5 to OPM’s, Chris McColl with Falmouth’s try.

A very welcome return to form for the Cornish All Blacks on Saturday as they recorded their first win after three succesive defeats when they beat visitors Wharfedale by 38-10, scoring five tries in the bargain. Winger Marc Dibble with a brace, Sam Hocking, Scott Hobson and Ben Turner scored the tries. Full-back Jon Fabian kicked a couple of conversions and two penalties, whilst replacement Mike Provis dropped a goal. Joint head coach Chris Brown was delighted with his side’s win “We’ve been performing in fits and starts, but today I think we put it togeather with some simple stuff, when we got momentumn in the early stages, we were patient, and we opened them up out wide.” He went on to add “This win was important for our comeback but it doesn’t put us anywhere different from where we were last week in terms of the season”.

Redruth kept up their awesome pace at the top of National League 2 with a tenth consecutive win, this time by 35-17 at Waterloo, the win came at a price as skipper PJ Gidlow suffered a serious cheekbone injury, which may well sideline the centre for a few matches. The Reds scored five tries through James Mann, Lewis Vinnicombe, Rob Thirlby, Paul Thirlby and Mike Georgiou. Paul Thirlby added two conversions and a couple of penalties. Next up for the Reds next Saturday, Tynedale, who beat Cambridge in some style 49-15. Can the Reds make it eleven on the trot? Kick-off for this match is 2pm.

Mount’s Bay have found a rich vein of form with a third consecutive win, this time at fellow strugglers Westcombe Park by 26-8. Fly-half Dan Hawkes scored all of the Bay’s points with two converted tries, three penalties and a drop-goal. Another win on Saturday at the Mennaye against Southend will further boost Bay’s prospects of staying up.

In National League 1, the Cornish Pirates’ revival continues with a 19-3 win against Esher at the Pillar Data Arena. Irish winger Brian Tuohy scored both the Pirates’ tries with fly-half Rhys Jones kicking three penalties. Next Sunday the Pirates entertain table-toppers Leeds Carnegie at Camborne with a 2pm kick-off. Can the Pirates maintain form and overturn the league leaders? It promises to be a cracking encounter.

In the Tribute regional leagues, in South West 2 West, St. Ives won a tight encounter at a blustery Alexandra Road 9-6 against Torquay Athletic, Karl Martin once again proving the match-winner with three penalties.

Western Counties West, saw leaders Cullompton maintain top spot with a very comfortable win over Wadebridge Camels by 42-3, a result which dents Camels hopes of promotion this season. A Jake McConnell penalty was all they had to show for their efforts.

Camborne defeated Ivybridge 10-3, Adam Nottman scored the Cherry & White’s try with David Mankee adding the conversion and a penalty.

After their defeat at home to Cullompton last Saturday, Newquay Hornets were keen to make up for that set-back against North Cornwall rivals Bude, they did so in some style winning 55-12. Hornets ran in nine tries through, Adam Rainey (2), Rob McIntyre, Lee Woodhatch, Simon Horton, Stuart Williams, James Ingle, Andy Dixon and Dan Johns. Sam Cullen adding five conversions. Dave Uglow scored a try and Matt Trewin converted a penalty-try for Bude.

London Cornish defeated London South Africa 12-3 in their latest London 3 SW match. Read Dickon Moon’s report here

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn’s home match against Bideford didn’t take place as the referee didn’t show up.

Hayle won the Cornish derby as they defeated poor old Falmouth comfortably 34-3. It was the Lions first home win of the season. Hayle’s tries were scored by hooker Adrian Symons, centre Wayne Jenkins, brother Kevin, lock Richard Spear and winger Dave Seager with two. Fly-half Mike Crump converted two scores. Full-back James Instance kicked Falmouth’s solitary penalty.

Truro will be disappointed to lose at St. Clements to Tavistock 22-16, all the points scored during the first half. James Willcocks scored Truro’s try, which Scott Martin converted, Martin also kicked a couple of penalties, with brother Ross dropping a goal.

Saltash failed to build on their win at Falmouth losing at Moorlands Lane to Plymstock Albion Oaks 20-17. For the Ashes half-backs Geoff Thompson and Ollie Rayner scored tries, both converted by Rayner who also kicked a penalty.

STOP PRESS: Looks like the RFU’s plans for a fully pro level 2 have moved a step closer today, see link.

The Western Morning News of the 11th November carries an interesting article by Mark Stevens, rugby faces revolution

Redruth’s fine run continued on Saturday afternoon as they dispatched West Country rivals Cinderford with an awesome display of running rugby that left the Gloucestershire side chasing shadows for the best part of the afternoon. Cinderford will consider themselves fortunate that it was only 51-12. With a certain British secret agent back on the big screen this week, Redruth served up their very own “Licence to Thrill”, never mind 007, it was more like 003 at the Reds, with their back three of Rob Thirlby (3), his first arguably would win Sky’s Try of the Month, no contest, Nathan Padley (2) and Lewis Vinnicombe helping themselves to six of the eight tries scored. Bonds, Craig Bonds that is scored the opening try after only five minutes, whilst Kiwi No.8 Mark Bright scored the only try for the forwards. It was though a team performance. You can read my match report in the link.

Also in National League 2 Mount’s Bay made two wins on the trot with their first home win of the season when they defeated Blackheath 28-22. The other bonus for the Bay, their discipline no yellow cards, playing the game throughout with 15 men is so much simpler. Former Albion prop Tim Mathias grabbed two tries, with on-loan hooker from Albion Jamie Salter grabbing the other, a good day’s work for the front row boys. Dan Hawkes kicked the other points with a couple of conversions two penalties and a drop-goal.

The Cornish All Blacks’ mood must be as dark as their shirts following another defeat this time up at Blaydon by 18-16. The Cornish All Blacks’ tries came from Tim Collier and Jamie Semmens with Adam Staniforth kicking a couple of penalties.

In National League 1, the Cornish Pirates surprised many pundits with a fantastic win up at Goldington Road against the Bedford Blues by 26-6. Scrum-half Nicky Griffiths and centre Steve Winn scored the tries, with fly-half Rhys Jones converting both tries and four penalties. Hopefully the corner has been well and truly turned “Onwards and upwards”.

In the Tribute regional leagues, St. Ives got back to winning ways with a 15-13 win at St. Mary’s Old Boys. Karl Martin kicking five penalty goals.

In Western Counties West, Wadebridge Camels saw their un-baten run at home stretching back some two-and-a-half years ended by visitors Kingsbridge who ran out winners by 13-5. Gavin West got the Camels’ try.

Camborne had a narrow win at Devonport Services by 19-18, Dave Mankee scoring all of Town’s points with a try conversion and four penalties.

Newquay Hornets lost at the Sportscentre 23-22 to league leaders Cullompton in an exciting match. Jason Caruana and Rob McIntyre scored the Hornet’s tries with Sam Cullen kicking four penalty goals.

Bude are still seeking their first league win of the season as they lost at home to Weston Hornets 20-16. Scrum-half Mini Fry scored Bude’s try, which Matt Trewin converted as well as three penalties.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish drew 6-6 at Winchester, Dickon Moon’s usual report can be found in the link.

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn’s fine run was brought to an end at the Memorial Ground by visitors Okehampton who won 8-7 with a last-gasp try. The Borough’s points came from a try by Peter Webster converted by Taron Peacock.

Truro lie third after their win at Plymstock Albion Oaks 13-10, Patterson with the try and Scott Martin with the conversion and two penalties. Hayle lost at Crediton 11-3, Paul Lello with a penalty the only score for the Lions. In the battle at the foot of the table Saltash travelled to the Rec at Falmouth and won comfortably 44-10. Ben Davenport and Richard Skinner both scored a couple of tries for the Ashes, with Simon Nance, Charlie Grace and Ollie Rayner also scoring tries. Rayner also kicking three conversions and a penalty. For Falmouth, it already looks like a return to Cornwall 1 next season, they scored a couple of tries through James Instance and Tom Spiller.

It looks like the Rugby Kernewek website, which I ran has been closed down by it’s host aol. Although the site was no longer used as much since the advent of this blog it still had useful information. I have set up a new blog with the same name but it will take time to restore time willing also.