Bill Hooper’s Cornish Roundup

When I read in the Western Morning News the Pirates side to face Exeter at Sandy Park last Saturday there was a sharp intake of breath and a muttering along the lines of “…this doesn’t sound too promising!” Regretably that initial observation proved all too accurate as the Cornish Pirates slipped to a heavy defeat by 38-7 against a side that had seen their slim hopes of promotion to the Guinness Premiership next season all but extinguished in their last two performances, a draw at home to Esher, followed by defeat at Leeds Carnegie. The Chiefs confirmed their win at Camborne earlier in the season by again showing the gulf in class between the two West Country rivals. Trailing to a first half try by Chiefs classy winger Josh Drauniniu and once again lacking a recognised goal kicker to capitalise on chances that came and went, the Pirates were undone by a second half onslaught by the Chiefs dictated in part by former Pirate fly-half Gareth Steenson. Further tries through Paul McKenzie, Sean Marsden (2), another former Pirate Matt Jess and Tom Bedford sealed the win for Exeter. All the Pirates had to show for their efforts a try by Rhodri McAtee converted by Rhys Jones near the end to spare their blushes.

With the Cornish Pirates set to hold another meeting down in Penzance in the New Year, and with Dicky Evans to be in attendance, it will be interesting to hear what the fans views of the current season are, amongst other topics of interest!

No question as to the match of the day in Cornwall on Saturday, and for once Radio Cornwall got it right with Dick Straughan’s live commentary from the Recreation Ground. With over 2,000 people at the game and with even Pirate FM taking interest in the game for the first time in a long while the old ground was buzzing pre-match, just as in the “good old days!”.

Redruth’s 41-10 win over their west cornwall neighbours leaves them sitting pretty at the top of National League 2 going into 2009 with all to play for.

Whilst Redruth’s class eventually shone through, Mount’s Bay indiscipline from earlier on in the season came back to haunt them with avengence with scrum-half Mike Molloy yellow carded and then lock Jonny Griffiths red carded for throwing a punch, moments after Reds winger Nathan Pedley had been on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle, though it has to be said Griffiths was not the tackler. Reds’ fly-half Mark Scrivener had a good day with the boot kicking 21 points with 5 penalties and 3 conversions, whilst the Reds tries came from man-of-the-match prop Darren Jacques, winger Paul Thirlby with a brace and No.8 James Mann. Bay’s points came through a first half penalty from on-loan Pirate Doug Sanft who also converted Greg Goodfellow’s second half try.

The Cornish All Blacks set up an intriguing EDF-Energy National Trophy 4th Rd tie at Polson Bridge on the 17th January with Birmingham & Solihull following their 31-24 win at Wharfedale. Tries from Steve Perry, Hamish Smales and Jon Fabian plus the kicking of Adam Staniforth with 2 conversions and 4 penalties saw the Cornishmen home

On Sunday the Cornish Pirates gave their fans the best possible Christmas present with a 32-14 win in National League 1 over Coventry at Camborne. The Pirates were in rampant form running in 6 tries through Simon Whatling, Brian Tuohy, Mark Ireland, Marika Vakacegu (2) and Steve Winn, only one try was converted and that by Whatling. The Pirates will now turn their attention to their return fixture with Exeter Chiefs this Saturday up at Sandy Park. Revenge for their defeat at Camborne earlier in the season is on the cards.

In the Tribute regional leagues, in South West 2 West, St. Ives won their match against Paignton 17-7 with Karl Martin scoring a couple of tries and converting Hano Dirksen’s try.

In Western Counties West, the derby game between Newquay Hornets and Wadebridge Camels at the Sports Centre went the way of the visitors 41-13 with the Camels scoring five tries during the second half. Flanker Matt Angwyn scored 21 points with a try, 5 conversions and 2 penalties. Alisdair Maclennan, Shaun Hawkey, Dan Briskham and Ian Boyling scored the Camels’ other tries. For the Hornets Andy Dixon got a try with Simon Horton adding the conversion and 2 penalties.

Bude were nilled at Tiverton as the home side won 19-0.Camborne disappointed with poor home performance against Minehead Barbarians losing 35-7. Leigh Isaacs scored Town’s only try with Dave Mankee getting the conversion.

London Cornish finished the year with another good win as they defeated Wimbledon 9-7 in London 3 SW, Dickon Moon’s match report can be found in the link

In the Cornwall & Devon league, Penryn go into the New Year as league leaders following a 31-15 win at the Memorial Ground against Wellington. Charlie Ross, Robert Trevaskis, Josh Chambers (2), and Darren Pellow scored the Borough’s tries with Ben Parry kicking the other points.

Falmouth played their away game against OPM’s as a curtain-raiser at Plymouth Albion’s Brickfields ground before their match against Nottingham. Despite a promising start which saw Falmouth leading 14-3, they slipped to another defeat as the “home” side won 15-14. Steve Rowe scored a try for the Chiefs with Tom Spiller and James Instance (2) adding penalties.

Hayle match against Plymstock was postponed.

Truro won 13-3 at home against Bideford, Ollie Wickett kicked a penalty and Sean Roseveare a try, which Scott Martin converted, Truro’s final score came from Ross Martin’s drop-goal.

Saltash lost at home to Tavistock 43-18, No. 8 Dominic Hill scoring two tries for the Ashes.

With it being the festive season I wish One & All a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as we say in Cornwall;

NADELEK LOWEN, ha NOWETH BLEDHEN DA

BOXING DAY FIXTURES

REDRUTH 53 - 0 CAMBORNE

FALMOUTH 0 - 31 PENRYN

HAYLE 0 - 46 ST. IVES

There was no fairy-tale ending to the camels mamouth trek north in the EDF-Energy National Trophy 3rd Rd tie at National Division 2 side Tynedale on Saturday as the northeners won 39-5. Wadebridge fought to the end and were rewarded with an un-converted try scored by Olly Hawkey. Well done lads on a brave effort, Wadebridge and Cornwall are proud of you.

Redruth, with a much changed side also bowed out at this stage losing at Sharmans Cross Road 31 - 8 to Birminigham & Solihull, with replacement Richard Brown scoring a try to add to an earlier Mark Scrivener penalty. The following observation was sent to me by Cornish rugby supporter Stu Hoy who was present at the game;

The scoreline 31-8 flatters to deceive!

This was a fine display of courage and determination by a Reds XV who continually put pressure on Bees throughout decisive parts of the game. A try either side of the break rocked Reds who fought back to get a late reply only to see Bees with a breakaway try in stoppage time. Redruth Rugby Club should be proud of their full club squad who performed like terriors and represented their club in the true tradition of Cup Rugby. It was Reds who gained more out of this display and the fixture should hold no fear for the returning Cornish in 2009.

Kernow bys Vyken

The Cornish All Blacks tie at Wharfedale fell foul of the weather and will be played this coming Saturday.

Mount’s Bay booked their place in the next round with a 24-7 win over Barking at the Mennaye. Flanker Brett Stroud, lock Ben Hilton, full-back Mike Molloy and replacement Duke Seymour scored Bay’s tries with fly-half Dan Hawkes adding a couple of conversions.

So in today’s 4th Rd draw made at Twickenham; the Cornish Pirates entertain Southend, Mount’s Bay take on Esher, the Cornish All Blacks, should they prevail in their 3rd round tie at Wharfedale will take on Birmingham & Solihull at Polson. Ties to be played on Saturday 17th January.

With no Cornish interest in the Intermediate Cup, attention also focused on the Senior and Junior Vases.

In the Senior Vase, Camborne defeated Tavistock 15-8, Shane Woods and Sam Bartle scoring Town’s tries and David Mankee kicking a conversion and penalty. A Camborne home draw in the next round will make for an interesting conundrum with regards to the Cornish Pirates and Mount’s Bay’s home ties!!!

Truro found Western Counties West pace-setters Cullompton too hot-to-handle as the Devonians won 39-6.

In the London section of the draw, London Cornish had a good win over Winchester 15-12 in difficult conditions with all the points scored in the first-half, coach Dickon Moon’s report can be read here.

In the Junior Vase, Liskeard & Looe had a good win at Castle Carey 28-3, St. Austell thumped Redruth Albany 90-0, whilst Perranporth bowed out at Honiton 39-6.

A little bit of catch up in the Tribute leagues last weekend, unfortunatly St. Ives game at Brixham, in South West 2 West was once again called off, however in Western Counties West, Newquay Hornets played Devonport Services and won 14-10 after trailing 10-0. Simon Horton kicked three penalties and Simon Lutey scored a try.

In the Cornwall & Devon League Penryn stretched their lead at the top with an 11-6 win over Bideford, Taron Peacock landed a couple of penalties and Justin Doney scored a try.

This Saturday sees a cracking Cornish derby in National League 2 as Redruth take on a much improved Mount’s Bay at the Rec with a 2 pm kick-off. Not to forget at the Sportscentre Newquay Hornets hosting Wadebridge Camels in the match-of-the-day in Western Counties West. Sunday the Cornish Pirates take on Coventry in National League 1 at Camborne kick-off 2pm.

After the bitter disappointment of the defeat last Saturday evening at Plymouth Albion, the Cornish Pirates consigned that defeat to the history books with a wonderful bonus point in the splendid confines of Old Deer Park defeating London Welsh by 38-23. Irishman Brian Tuohy led the way in the scoring stakes with the flying winger helping himself to a hat-trick of tries. Tries also for centre Mark Ireland and scrum-half Ed Fairhurst. Tom Luke, who had to fill-in to the backrow during the second half, and Jimmy Moore kicked conversions, whilst Luke added a penalty and Simon Whatling a brace of drop-goals. The only downside injuries to Matt Evans and Chris Morgan to further deplete already stretched backrow options. A result, which leaves the Pirates in 7th place in National League 1 at the mid-way point of the season.

In National League 2, wins all-round for our Cornish clubs. After last week’s reversal at home Redruth got back to winning ways with a 26-15 win at Stourton Park over Stourbridge. No.8 Mark Bright scored two of Redruth’s four tries with the others scored by skipper PJ Gidlow and a Penalty Try. Mark Scrivener added three conversions. With Birmingham & Solihull surprisingly losing at home to Tynedale, Redruth’s lead at the top has now gone back to 7 points.

The Cornish All Blacks scored all their points during the first half as they comfortably defeated Westcombe Park 45-19 at Polson. Leading 45-5 at half-time, thanks to two tries each from No. 8 Glen Remnant and winger Marc Dibble with centre Ryan Westren and the rest of the backrow Josh Lord and Sam Hocking also touching down. Adam Staniforth kicked five conversions and Tim Collier picked up another yellow card to add to his impressive collection! A result, which should now set up the Launceston club for a big charge during the second-half of the season.

Mount’s Bay recorded their first five-pointer of the season with a 41-16 win over Waterloo at the Mennaye. With on-loan Pirate Doug Sanft making his Bay debut, it was full-back Dan Hawkes who stole the kicking honours with five conversions a penalty and a drop-goal. Bay’s tries were scored by flanker Brett Stroud (2), Steve Johns, Darren Ritchie and Jamie Salter.

In the Tribute Regional Leagues, in South West 2 West, St. Ives battled to a 10-10 draw at Clevedon with Hano Dirksen again scoring a try and Karl Martin adding the conversion and a penalty.

In Western Counties West, good news at last for Bude who recoreded their first win in the league this season with a 38-7 win over Withycombe at Bencoleen. Bude scored five tries through Mark Dennis, Matt Williams, Matt Trewin (2) and Paul Williams. Olly Denford with one and Ollie Raynor (4) kicked the conversions, Raynor also adding a penalty.

Not much joy for our three other Cornish clubs in this league, Wadebridge Camels perhaps with an eye on next saturday’s date at Tynedale in the the EDF-Energy National Trophy, lost 14-6 at Devonport Services, Josh Taylor with a couple of Camel penalties. Camborne lost 20-0 at Tiverton, whilst Newquay Hornets lost 8-0 at Ivybridge. Camels look like to be the only side in with a shout of a play-off place at this stage of the season, with Cullompton on maximum points way out in front.

In London 3 SW, London Cornish had a very good win over Tottonians by 34-29, Dickon Moon’s fine report covers every aspect of this encounter.

At least it’s looking brighter in the Cornwall & Devon League with Penryn top following their fine win 50-3 over deadly rivals Falmouth at the Recreation Ground. The Borough ran in seven tries against Falmouth with Josh Chambers scoring three, Darren Pellow two, Taron Peacock and Charlie Ross scoring the other two. Peacock converted six tries and a penalty. For Falmouth former Borough player Alex Sutheridge kicked a penalty. These two sides will meet again on Boxing Day, once again at the Falmouth Rec.

Truro beat Hayle 11-3 in a tough game. Ben Chenoweth scored a try for Truro with Scott Martin kicking a penalty and then Ross Martin dropping a goal. Paul Lello kicked a penalty for the Lions.

Saltash found Bideford too hot to handle as the North Devon side won 69-7.

On Wednesday evening we saw a good game between the Australians and the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium to mark the centenary of the Olympic tournament played at the old White City stadium. Of course the Wallabies opponents were Cornwall 100 years ago, so it was fitting that the Baabaas played in Cornish socks. As they did in 1908 the Australians won this time by 18-11 to lift the “Cornwall Cup”. It would be a good gesture to put this trophy up for play each time the Wallabies play the Barbarians rather than gather dust in a trophy cabinet down-under! The Cornwall RFU were well represented at the match with no less than fourteen members of the committee making the trip to the capital! IOC President Jacques Rogge was also present, the former Belgian rugby player and yatchsman having learned the sport from trips to Bude in his youth.

Watching the Heineken Cup last weekend apart from the pink goal posts at Stade de France, the other inovation that caught the eye was the “hot tub” at the Stade Ernst-Wallon in Toulouse during the home side’s match with Newport-Gwent Dragons. With suitably clad bathing beauties displaying the website for the manufactuers of the tubs on their swimsuits they certainly got their money’s worth with TV exposure (excuse pun!). All it needed was a well struck penalty to land in the tub as an excuse for a free-for-all charge by the players for an early bath!!! I am sure Joe Bearman would have enjoyed a dip! Could you just see such a thing at Camborne or Redruth? In this day and age you never know!!! It could help “plug” the gap in finance for next season!!

It wasn’t the best day for our Cornish clubs in the National Leagues on Saturday not one win between the four of them, only the Cornish All Blacks can grimace at the fact that they’ll have to play it again as the floodlights failed at Blackheath.

I travelled to Redruth and witnessed Redruth’s fine run ended by a gritty Cambridge side, who knew that a defeat would in all probability extinguished their faint promotion hopes for this season. A win by 19-18 certainly keeps their hopes flickering for a while yet.

You could tell it was going to be one of those days when on arriving at the ground spectators were told they couldn’t park as the top field was too boggy.Yet Redruth should today be sitting pretty with 12 wins, chances they most certainly had to be well out of sight by half-time, unfortunatly Paul Thirlby had an off day with his kicking, whilst other chances were spurned. However credit to Cambridge for taking their chances especially their two killer blows struck from distance by fly-half Craig Evans a penalty and then the match winning drop-goal from 55 meters.

There was a fair bit of confusion as to who scored Redruth’s second try on Saturday, looking through my binoculars it looked very much like Owen Hambly, even though Ricky Pellow was announced as the scorer over the PA. On Sunday I saw a photo, which appeared to show PJ Gidlow as the try scorer, then on Monday another angle on the photo made it look like Hambly!! Whoever got it well done and I hope I don’t offend if my report carries the wrong name, gut reactions are often the correct ones.

Mount’s Bay little run of four wins on the trot ended at Dockham Road as Cinderford who came up with them from National League 3 South last season won 41-12. Fraser Cliverd got both Bay’s tries with Dan Hawkes adding a conversion.

Saturday tea-time saw the National League 1 derby match at the Brickfields between Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates with once again wily old Graham Dawe getting the better of the Pirates as Albion won 20-12 in front of a decent crowd of 5,421. Winger Brian Tuohy scored a try for the Pirates who also had a penalty-try awarded as centre Mark Ireland was high-tackled by Albion’s Keni Fislau resulting in a yellow-card for the Tongan centre. Jimmy Moore kicked the conversion. Another tough away trip for the Pirates next Saturday as they head to London to take on London Welsh at Old Deer Park.

In the Tribute regional league, in South West 2 West, a good win for St. Ives at home as they beat Sidmouth 29-28. Parading new signing Kiwi Hirini Robin at inside centre, it was another of the Hakes overseas players young American Hano Dirksen who scored both of St. Ives’ tries with Karl Martin kicking both conversions and five penalty goals.

In Western Counties West, the North Cornwall derby between Wadebridge Camels and Bude went the way of the County Cup holders 20-14. Andy Cameron, Dan Briskham, Olly Hawkey and Sean Hawkey all scored un-converted tries for the Camels in a hard fought close encounter. Mark Dennis and Dave Uglow scored tries for Bude with Ollie Rayner adding both conversions.

At Camborne, the home side had a 15-10 win over visitors Weston Hornets, prop Leigh Hocking and winger Cameron Bone scored tries for the Cherry & Whites with Dave Mankee adding a conversion and a penalty.

The match at Newquay Hornets between the home side and Devonport Services was abandoned after 35 minutes with the score at 3-3 following an injury to Hornets lock Dan Johns who broke his leg, we wish him a quick recovery.

Up in London 3 SW, London Cornish lost at London Irish Amateurs by 24-21, you can read Dickon Moon’s match report in the link

In the Cornwall & Devon League, Penryn left it late to snatch a win at home against Crediton 11-5. Trailing 5-3 with just a Taron Peacock penalty to show for their efforts, Peacock then scored a try on 80 minutes before Marek Churcher dropped a goal to ensure the win.

Truro won a bad-tempered Cornish derby at Saltash 19-6 with the referee ending the contest 10 minutes early. Truro led at the break 19-3, thanks to tries from Tim Gay, David O’Donnell and Sam Faughan, O’Donnell adding a couple of penalties. Foer Saltash Steve Down kicked a penalty in each half.

Falmouth’s poor season continues with another defeat this time at leaders Okehampton 22-3.

Hayle lost at home to Tavistock 12-9, three Mike Crump penalties made up the Lions’ score.

So the All Blacks, the New Zealand ones that is, completed their third grand slam in the British Isles with a 32-6 win over England at Twickenham to lift the Sir Edmund Hillary Shield. England’s discipline let them down badly, losing four player to the sin-bin, it’s something you cannot afford especially against the All Blacks. Remarkably Dan Carter had an off day with the boot otherwise the score would have been far greater.

Watching the match on TV confirmed once again just how awful the Twickenham crowd have become, I am afraid that they are heading down the road of the round ball lot. Boorish and ill-mannered. The booing of the goal kicker, the disrespect for the Haka, they aren’t real rugby people and I have got no time for them!