A summary of the 2005-2006 league season
This page summarizes all the league games involving Cornish clubs in National League 1, National League 2, and SW1 that took place in the 2005-2006 season.
Another new season is about to begin; however, rarely one with such expectation and new hope. This season sees the launch of the Cornish Pirates, following the historic agreement of members from Penzance & Newlyn RFC to adopt the bold plans of their President Dicky Evans to create a team that will one day, hopefully, reach the Premiership of English league rugby, on the wave of support from the whole of Cornwall.
Not only a new name but also a new (for the moment temporary) home in Truro, on the site of the former playing field of the former Truro Cathedral School at Kenwyn. Quite what the former headmaster Micky Mischler, an Oxford man through and through, though never sadly a Blue, and one who gave much service to Schools' rugby in the Duchy, would make of "professional" rugby players roaming over his boys' playing field I dread to think. However, I am sure that he would have been pleased to think that, for a short time anyway, the Top Field at Kenwyn will help to put the Cornish Pirates, and Cornish rugby, firmly on the national stage.
As I write this preview, work is frantically going on to get the temporary stadium ready in time for the Cornish Pirates' first home game against the Rotherham Titans on Sunday 19th September. It is to be hoped, as I am sure they will, that the Cornish public will get behind this bold and brave iniative, and fully support the Cornish Pirates in their bid to reach the top. After a fourth place finish last season in National League 1, it's going to be tough to better this time around. Promotion, of course, is not an option, and will not be until the new permanent ground has been built in 2/3 years time. NEC Harlequins, having been relegated from the Premiership, have been able to retain most of last season's squad and must on paper be firm favourites for a swift return to the upper flight. With the signing of former All Black fly-half Andrew Mehrtens it will take a very good team to deny them and why not the Cornish Pirates at Kenwyn on Sunday 18th March 2006. The standard in this division gets better and better each season and the Cornish Pirates will have a tough start to the league campaign when they visit newly-promoted Doncaster on the opening day. Coach Jim McKay has been busy strengthening the squad to maintain the momentum from last season, with players such as Richard Welding, Joe Beardshaw, and Dan Parkes arriving, as local favourite Rob Thirlby departs to Premiership side Gloucester.
The pre-season saw a trip to Kenya for the Tusker Safari 7's, followed by a successful visit to the Henley 7's, where the Cornish Pirates beat Northampton Saints in the final. Friendly wins over local rivals Launceston 50 - 33, and Redruth 52 - 14 and good showing despite defeat against Celtic league side Newport Gwent Dragons offer optimism for a season as good if not better than last.
It's going to be a very interesting season on and off the field at Kenwyn as the club seeks to build the brand. Rome wasn't built in a day it will take time to put the structures in place, but better to take time and get it right.
Trelawny's Army wishes the Cornish Pirates every success on and off the field during this important debut season.
In National League 2, Launceston will be looking to improve on their fifth place last season. Last season was very much like the curate's egg, good in parts, poor in others, mostly during the second half of the season. Coaches Chris Brown and Jon Hill have worked hard during the close season to improve the squad, bringing in experience in the form of former England international Dave Simms and that nuggty scrum half from Crediton, Richard John. Young talent too in the form of the Hocking brothers, Sam and Baz. Despite losses against National League 1 clubs Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion, along with a defeat in their prestigious game at Polson against former European Champions and Guinness Premiership side Bath by 56-10, Launceston showed potential in competing well with their higher league opponents, raising hopes that the Cornish All Blacks will be a strong promotion candidate this time around.
Redruth, after the drama of a play-off victory over Macclesfield, join Launceston in National League 2 this season. The Reds are able to call on the bulk of last season's successful squad. Kiwi Bede Brown has departed, as has South African Andy Hymans, who returns to his former club Penryn. Making the trip in the opposite direction is back row forward James Mann. Neil Douch has hung up his boots after many seasons' loyal service, but Ashley Morcom arrives from Penzance & Newlyn to bolster the Reds' front row. Mark Richards and James Tresize both arrive from Mounts Bay. Jamie Caruana, formerly of Truro and a Maltese international, and Liam Trevitt both come in from Reading. Petia Gialow is also due to arrive from New Zealand with the returning Kiwi Dan Goodwin. Defeats against League 1 sides the Cornish Pirates and Exeter Chiefs, and a win over St. Ives in the friendlies, have enabled coach Nigel Hambly get the squad ready for the important first league match against Wharfedale. It's going to be tough adapting to a higher standard. However, the Reds have a tremendous team spirit which has helped them get to where they now are; I am sure this will help them again this season. Redruth should finish mid-way or above and I am sure they will surprise one or two sides in the division along the way.
So, all in all, much to look forward to and whet the appetite for this season.
Trelawny's Army wishes ALL three of our National League clubs, as well as all our clubs playing in the Powergen regional and Cornish leagues, not forgetting our exile club, London Cornish, every success for 2005/6. We also urge One & All to get out and support Cornish rugby on the touchline every weekend during the season.
The Cornish Pirates got their league program off to a winning start with a fine win at newly promoted Doncaster.
A major worry will be the loss of scrum-half Rhodri MacAtee after only 4 minutes with a nasty shoulder injury. He was replaced by Ryan Westren.
Early penalties were exchanged by Jonathan Boden and Lee Jarvis before Pirates' summer signing Richard Welding scored his first try of the afternoon in the right hand corner. The try was unconverted. Boden and Jarvis again traded penalties before Welding scored his second try, collecting a fine kick from Duncan Roke to cross the whitewash. Boden's third penalty completed the first half scoring.
Doncaster hit back soon after the restart when Michael Wood scored a fine try for the hosts. The Pirates, ahead by only two points, upped the pace and scored two converted tries, through hooker Paul Ince and full back Wez Davies, to stretch their lead to 16 points. Boden added a couple more penalties to the Doncaster tally, with Jarvis replying with one of his own.
The Cornish Pirates finished off the scoring with a Matt Jess try which Tom Barlow converted. A welcome five point start to the campaign.
Doncaster: J. Boden, J. Rothwell, B. Hunt, D. Murray, M. Wood (C.
Deakin 50), J. Benson, L. Lane (C. Harrison 48); S. Bunting (R. List 74), J.
Roddam, S. Baretto, G. Kenworthy, D. Cook, R. Earnshaw, S. Grainger, O. Cook
(D. Montagu 60). Rep (Not used), S. Plevey.
Cornish Pirates: W
Davies; R Welding, D Roke, K James, M Jess; L Jarvis (T. Barlow 79), R McAtee
(R. Western 4); A Paver, P Ince (V. Ma'asi 77), D Seal (D. Parkes 52); W James,
J Beardshaw (T. Cowley 54); J Bearman, I Motusaga (S. Betty 79), M Evans. Rep
(Not used): S James .
Referee: Gareth Copsey (RFU).
Launceston came a cropper at Goresbrook as last season's National League 3 South champions got their campaign off to a flying start. Man of the match must be Barking's Samoan flyer Felise Ah-Ling, who scored four tries. Barking's Italian full back Corrado Pilat kicked 17 points as well.
Launceston began brightly and were ten points up in as many minutes. An Andy Machett try, converted by Tony Yapp, plus a penalty again from Yapp shortly afterwards, put the Cornish All Blacks in a good position. But Pilat kicked a penalty and then converted Ah-Ling's opening try to level the scores.
Barking took the lead as Ah-Ling grabbed his second try, Pilat adding the extras. Back came Launceston, as they benefited from the award of a penalty try as Matchett was illegally impeded going for a kick-and-chase for the line. Yapp's conversion and penalty soon after put Launceston back in the lead at 20-17. A second penalty from Pilat tied the scores at the break.
Launceston again began the half well, scoring a third try through flanker Josh Lord, which Yapp converted. Yapp then missed with a penalty. Rob Batho and Sevaiana Rokaboro combined well to send in Ah-Ling for his third try, and Pilat's conversion tied the scores once more. Both sides then had a player sin-binned, Rob Batho for Barking and John Griffiths for Launceston.
A speculative kick by Pilat caused confusion in the Launceston defence and flanker James Kellard followed up to pounce and score. Pilat was once again successful with the conversion. Pilat and Yapp then traded penalties.
After a lengthy delay for an injury, Barking finished off the scoring with Ah-Ling scoring his fourth try which Pilat failed to convert.
Barking: 15. C. Pilat, 14. L. Williams, 13. J. Steyn, 12. A.
Skurr, 11. F. Ah-Ling, 10. E. Elmand, 9. A. Eaton (capt),; 1. P. Ansell, 2. M.
Williams, 3. L. Liebenberg, 4. P. Twydell, 5. B. Heydenrych, 6. S. Rokobaro. 7.
J. Kellard, 8. R. Batho Reps: A. Knowles, S. Rate, R. Connell. J-J. DeWet
Launceston: 15. Andy Birkett, 14. Nigel Simpson, 13. Marc Sweeney,
12. Jimmy Tucker, 11. Andy Matchett, 10. Tony Yapp, 9. Richard John; 1. Keith
Brooking, 2. Dave Risdon (Capt), 3. Wayne Reed, 4. Dave Sims, 5. John
Griffiths, 6. Josh Lord, 7. Wayne Sprangle, 8. Nick Burnett. Reps: 16. Jason
Bolt, 17. Sam Hocking, 18. Steve Perry, 19. Kieron Lewitt
Redruth, resplendent in their new "all Red" strip, got their National League 2 program off to a winning start, scoring 26 unanswered points during the second half to see off a gutsy Wharfedale side.
The Yorkshire dales' side had first use of a stiff breeze and looked the brighter side during the first quarter. However, they failed to make use of their advantage and were made to pay by the Reds, who scored four tries during the second period to notch up a valuable bonus point.
The Greens' scrum-half John Newton was a constant threat, as was England Counties' centre Chris Malherbe in midfield. After failing with an earlier attempt, fullback Mark Bedworth gave the visitors a deserved lead after 12 mins with a penalty kick.
During the second quarter, the Reds came more into the game, centre PJ Gidlow making a fine break and linking up with winger Lewis Vinnecombe to take play into the visitors' 22. However, the Reds lost position and had winger Nathan Pedley sin-binned for a professional foul. Wharfedale increased their lead on 33 mins, following a fine try by their winger Simon Horsfall in the scoreboard corner; the conversion attempt failed.
Redruth came back and once more it was PJ Gidlow who made a break. Nathan Pedley was impeded, allowing Paul Thirlby a chance, which he took to cut the deficit with a fine penalty kick. Despite strong pressure towards Hell Fire corner, the Reds where unable to add to their score before half time.
Redruth now had the advantage of the wind and made full use of it. Wharfedale back row replacement Antony Capstick earned a yellow card. Thirlby kicked to the corner and from the catch-and-drive hooker Mark Harper was driven over for the try on 45 mins. Thirlby missed the conversion, as he did a penalty attempt shortly after.
From a scrum near the half way line, near the Eastern Bank touchline, Reds' No 8 Dan Goodwin picked up and saw a gap, running in from 40 meters to the delight of the Reds' supporters. Thirlby kicked a difficult conversion on 55 mins to put the Reds 15 - 8 up.
Wharfedale suffered another yellow card as the Reds' pressure began to tell, and flanker Alastair Allen was given 10 mins in the bin. Craig Bonds scored a third Reds' try, following a kick-and-chase on 68 minutes. Again Thirlby added the extras to stretch the lead to 22 - 8. James Mann, in his first league appearance for the Reds, ran up field which led to a penalty, which Thirlby missed. Then fullback Chris Jones tore up field from his own line, linking with Bonds, who in turn found Vinnecombe, who scored under the posts for the fourth Reds' try. A fitting finale to a great second half from the Reds.
Redruth: 15. Chris Woods, 14, Lewis Vinnecombe, 13, Craig Bonds,
capt, 12. PJ Gidlow, 11. Nathan Pedley, 10. Paul Thirlby, 9. Mark Richards (17.
Marek Churcher 77); 1. Darren Jacques (19. Ashley Morcom 68) 2. Mark
Harper (18. Ben Priddey 77), 3. Sam Heard, 4. Ben Sidgwick, 5. Richard Carroll,
6. Nathan Pascoe, 7. James Mann (17. Chris Fuca 77), 8. Dan Goodwin
Wharfedale: 15. Mark Bedworth; 14. Simon Horsfall, 13. Chris
Malherbe, 12. Andy Baggett capt, 11. James Hutchinson; 10. Adam Whaites (19.
Chris Meehan 72), 9. John Newton; 1. Philip Peel (16 Craig Ingram 49), 2. Gavin
Hindle, 3. Neil Dickinson (18. Frazer Lovatt 63), 4. David Lister, 5.
Oliver Renton, 6. Gareth Lodge (17 .Antony Capstick 40 ), 7. Alistair Allen, 8.
David Baldwin.
Referee: Mr R. Parker-Sedgemoor (RFU)
In the only South West 2 West game involving a Cornish club, Mounts Bay got off to a wining start at St. Mary's Old Boys, winning by 33 - 13. Mounts Bay had a few problems in the front row and took time to settle; they trailed at one point 10-0.
Fly-half Steve Evans scored the Bay's opening try, with Jamie Salter scoring a second to level matters. Mo Oto Ota then landed a couple of penalties, with an Old Boys' success sandwiched in between, to leave the score at 16-13 to Bay with 15 minutes to play. Bay then scored three tries from Ricky Pellow, Ben Eddy, and Oto Ota to secure the points. Oto Ota also added a conversion.
In the only Western Counties West game involving a Cornish club, Hayle lost at Withycombe 40 - 13. The Lions scored two tries through No8 Ben Hardwick and lock Kevin Jenkin. Matthew Davies also dropped a goal.
In the first round of the Powergen National Trophy, Penryn won 17 - 14 at Torquay Athletic. Ben Short and Peter Webster scored the Borough's tries, while the boot of Martin Strick added the other points.
St. Ives also came through, winning at Clevedon by 21 - 20. Ian Veall and Stuart Turnbull scored the Hakes' tries, with Dan Hooper kicking a conversion and three penalties.
For the second week in a row, the Cornish Pirates faced an away match against a side newly-promoted to Division 1. Having disposed of Doncaster 40 - 20 last week, this time the Pirates faced a tougher proposition in a confident and well-drilled Newbury side.
With regular scrum-halves Gavin Cattle and Rhodri McAtee both injured, Marek Churcher, on-loan from Redruth, was preferred to Mounts Bay's Ryan Westren.
The Pirates started well enough. A good passing move after just 4 minutes should have led to a try in the corner, but the final pass went astray. On nine minutes, after some weak defensive work from the Pirates and somewhat against the run of play, Newbury broke away and scored in the corner. Fly-half Blair Feeney, who kicked impressively all afternoon, landed the difficult conversion.
Newbury continued to press and after 12 minutes Pirates found themselves 14 - 0 down, having conceded another converted try. Again it was the Pirates' defence that let them down. Newbury number 6 Isoa Damu Damu, who was a handful all afternoon, broke three tackles to set up the try.
Scrum-half Churcher, in his first game for the Pirates, didn't look comfortable; more than once he was caught in possession, and the ball from the scrum was slow and not always accurate.
Six minutes later, Pirates got their first points on the board with a penalty from Lee Jarvis. This was almost immediately cancelled out, however, by a penalty from Feeney, making the score 17 - 3 to Newbury.
At last Pirates began to show what they are capable of, and the second and third quarters were their best period of the match. First, a slick handling move let in Richard Welding. This was followed, three minutes later, by a try from centre Shaun James. Jarvis converted both tries to even the scores at 17 apiece.
Jarvis and Feeney then exchanged penalties to make the score 20 - 20 at the break, and set up the prospect of a fascinating second half.
Soon after the restart Jarvis missed a penalty attempt. With his next penalty he opted to kick for the corner. However, the lineout was messy and the scoring chance evaporated with a Pirate knock-on. Sam Betty came on to replace Ivo Motusaga in the back row.
On fifty minutes, a good passing move led to Matt Jess being forced into touch just short of the try-line. There then followed a spell of strong Pirates' pressure on the Newbury line. The Cornish side were awarded several penalties as Newbury tried desperately to keep them out. Eventually, a Pirates' knock-on relieved the pressure.
The first score of the second half was a penalty by Jarvis. Soon afterwards, Jarvis was replaced by Tom Barlow and Ryan Westren came on in place of Marek Churcher. Barlow soon made his mark with a penalty that increased Pirates' lead to six points.
By now, the Pirates' pack were in dominant mood. They set up some good rolling mauls and forced the Newbury eight back at the scrums. However, Newbury were not finished yet. Needing only a converted try to win, they set up some good handling moves that stretched the Pirates' defence. Eventually, their pressure told and they crossed the Pirates' line, out wide, in the sixth minute of injury time. Feeney, who had kicked immaculately all day, had only to land the conversion for Newbury to take the match. It was a difficult kick and, luckily for the Pirates, he missed it by a shade. A further few minutes of injury time followed, during most of which the Pirates sensibly held on to the ball with a series of rolling mauls.
What are we to make of this curate's egg of a Pirates' performance? The positive parts were the lineout, which worked well all afternoon, the powerful scrummaging and mauling, some slick inter-passing by the backs, and Jarvis and Barlow's kicking. Less good was some of the tackling, and there were too many handling errors. All in all, six-and-a-half out of ten. But you feel that this side will improve.
Launceston for the second week running had no success on the road in a physical encounter at Grove Park. With defences on top during the first period, two Andre Wilson penalties gave the home side a six-point advantage at the break.
The opening try of the game came after 50 minutes, Manchester fullback Sean Hannah finishing off some fine work from his centres Isaac Richmond and Craig Cooper. Wilson's conversion pushed the score to 13-0.
Tony Yapp reduced the arrears with a penalty. Launceston were now seeking another score and Kieron Lewitt was very close to a try. Yapp kicked a second penalty to give the Cornish All blacks hope going into the final quarter. However, the game became bogged down, and all chances Launceston had of taking anything away from the game evaporated when they lost a scrum and Manchester launched an attack which saw wing Dave Wood score their second try of the game.
Esher proved too good for Redruth in this league encounter played at Moseley Road. The Reds brought in Oscar Osir for the injured Lewis Vinnecombe on the wing, and Tim McBride took the vacant spot on the bench vacated by Marek Churcher's loan to the Pirates.
The Reds were soon up against it, and soon down to 14 men after No 8 Dan Goodwin was sin-binned after 4 minutes. Esher took advantage and Matt Moore scored an opening try for the Surrey side on 9 minutes, which fullback Neil Hallett converted. Esher were very prominent in attack, with strong Redruth defending, notably from PJ Gidlow and a returning Goodwin keeping the home side out. Redruth had dangerous moments of their own, fullback Chris Woods going close.
Redruth got on the scoreboard when scrumhalf Mark Richards collected a charged-down kick to score an opportunist try after 27 minutes. Either side of halftime Hallett kicked penalty goals to stretch his side's advantage. This signalled Redruth's best spell as Woods and Osir came close to capitalising on a Paul Thirlby kick through. Goodwin, Richard Carroll, and Mark Harper all went close to snatching a try.
Esher finally made the important breakthrough after 65 minutes when centre Chris Yates broke through the Reds' line and fed fellow centre Jason Keyter, who scored under the posts, Hallett slotting the extras. Thirlby kicked a penalty for the Reds on 71 minutes and, with the Reds looking for another score, Moore latched on to a Redruth pass to sprint upfield to claim his second try of the game. Hallet's third conversion completed the scoring.
Redruth will hope to get back to winning ways at home next Saturday, when Harrogate are the visitors.
In South West 1, Penryn travelled to Reading Abbey for their opening fixture in the league and were beaten 10 - 0.
In South West 2, Mounts Bay are the early pacesetters following their 57 - 15 win over Taunton at the Mennaye. Steve Evans scored three tries, with a brace each for Jamie Semmens and Mo Oto Ota. Pete Bush scored the other Bay try. Oto Ota was also successful with 7 conversions and a penalty.
Truro opened their league campaign with a home win against Gloucester Old Boys by 18 -8. Luke Trescothick and Daniel Duncan scored Truro's tries, both of which were converted by Scott Martin who also kicked a penalty.
Camborne were denied by a last gasp penalty at home to St. Mary's Old Boys, 19 - 18. The Cherry and Whites scored two tries through David Roberts and Richard Harris. David Mankee kicked a conversion, a penalty, and a drop goal .
St. Ives lost at Brixham 29 - 18.
In Western Counties West, Bude opened their campaign with a win over Ivybridge 1by 6-6. No 8 Dave Uglow scored the only try of the game with centre Paul Williams adding the conversion and three penalties.
Hayle suffered a second defeat, this time at Barnstaple by 36-10. Dave Seager scored the Lions' try, which Paul Lello converted, together with a penalty.
This was very much a trip down memory lane for this reporter to the very field on which he played in the sky blue and white-hooped shirts of the former Truro Cathedral School. To me and countless other "Old Truronians" it was always known as the Top Field and I make no apology to referring to it as such.
On a sunny day, the Cornish Pirates turned in a Five Star performance to "christen" their new temporary home. Winger Richard Welding became the first hero of the new ground in scoring five of his sides' seven tries, in what was a comprehensive win in front of a good crowd, including Messrs Baron and Thomas from the RFU. It must have encouraged club president Dicky Evans to see instant success both on and off the field.
It was the Pirates who kicked off towards Shortlanes end and immediately took the game to their opponents. Fly half Tom Barlow soon had a chance of points but his kick from 40 meters went wide of the posts. Rotherham then gave notice that they hadn't come just to make up the numbers when they launched a series of powerful drives near the Pirates' line in the Kenwyn Hill corner of the ground. Pressure eventually told and Titans No 8 Chris Hala'uifa had the honour of scoring the first try on the Top Field in National League rugby on 13 mins. Fly half Mike Whitehead was unable to convert the score.
The Pirates were stung by this setback and set about scoring themselves. Matt Jess had the first of several promising runs. However, he was up against a formidable opponent in Rotherham's Dave Strettle and the tussle between these two England Counties XV wingers was a match in itself.
The Pirates continued pressing and a hurried clearance near the Titan's line was run back with interest by Welding, who scored his first try on 18 mins in the north-east corner of the ground. Barlow kicked a fine conversion to edge the Pirates ahead at 7-5.
The Pirates were beginning to get on top and penalties were going their way. Barlow kicked to the NE corner and, following a big drive from the lineout, the ball came back infield at pace for Welding to sniff a gap and score his second try of the game on 25 minutes. Barlow couldn't add the extras this time.
Rotherham immediately had a chance of points when, following a knock-on from the restart, the Pirates were penalised at the resulting scrum, with Whitehead kicking three points from the 22. Undeterred, the Pirates were soon back in Rotherham territory. Wez Davies and Welding combined well during a promising attack, and Barlow put a snap drop attempt wide of the posts. Jess had another good run, but got no change out of Strettle. The pressure was again mounting on the Titans and it was the ever-industrious scrum-half Gavin Cattle who charged down an attempted clearance in the visitors' 22. This led to a hasty clearance kick, which found Welding out on his wing. The winger had no hesitation in again running the ball back, dancing his way around the despairing tackles to score his third try on 35 mins. Barlow kicked the conversion to make the score 19 - 8, which is how it stayed to half time.
Pirates were now playing towards the City end and soon they, or should I say Richard Welding, had ensured the bonus point, as the winger scorched in for his fourth try on 44 minutes in the top corner. Barlow converted the score and, with the Pirates at 26 - 8, the crowd were in fine voice.
Cattle was kicking for the corners to pin the Titans back in their 22. Pirates were looking irresistible with the ball in hand and it was no surprise to see Wez Davies score his sides' fifth try in the Kenwyn Hill corner. A sixth try soon followed, and this time Matt Jess was able to escape the attention of Strettle as he followed up a kick to pounce again in the Kenwyn Hill corner.
At 36-8 the Pirates had not yet finished, and it was fitting that Man of the Match Richard Welding should claim a fifth try in the top corner, following a fine break by Wez Davies. Barlow added the extras. Rotherham, to their credit, did not let their heads drop and they were rewarded with a try at the end when centre Tom Allen crossed deep in injury time.
But the day belonged appropriately to the Cornish Pirates. Thank you for a "Grand Day Out", and here's to many more on the Top Field at Kenwyn.
Cornish Pirates: 15. W. Davies, 14. R. Welding, 13. D. Roke (18. K. James 56), 12. S. James, 11. M. Jess, 10. T. Barlow. 9. G. Cattle; 1. A. Paver, 2. P. Ince (21. N. Makin 56, 19. V. Ma'asi 75), 3. N. Adams (22. D. Seal 56), 4. W. James, 5. J. Beardshaw, 6. J. Bearman (capt), 7. S. Betty, 8. T. Cowley (20. M. Evans 72).
Reps not used: 16. M. Churcher, 17. L. Jarvis
Earth Titans: 15.E. Claasens, 14. D. Srettle, 13. T. Allen, 12 L. Blackett (capt 17. L. Strauss 69), 11. A. Carter, 10. M. Whitehead, 9. J. Bedford (16. M. Jonker 76); 1. J. Carey (18. J. Golding 59), 2. N. Hannah (21. N Conroy 53), 3. J. Rawson (20. A. Hopcroft 40) , 4. L. McGowan, 5. G. McComb (22. N. Pike 62), 6. S. Donald, 7. N. Cochrane, 8. C. Hala'uifa (19. H. Fourie 72).
Ref; Mr. T. Beddow (RFU)
Redruth got back to winning ways after their reversal last Saturday at Esher. It took time to grind down their gritty Yorkshire opponents; the Reds finally pulled away on the scoreboard in the final quarter. Before the match started a minute's silence was observed in memory of former Redruth and Cornwall winger Tony Mead, who sadly passed away this week.
There were prestigious visitors in the grandstand, Chief Executive of the RFU Francis Baron, and Chairman of the Management Board of the RFU, Martin Thomas, both on a weekend visit to Cornwall.
On a sunny, dry, but decidedly chilly afternoon, Harrogate kicked off towards Hell Fire corner. Redruth had the better of the early exchanges and a period of concerted pressure brought an early reward when stand off Paul Thirlby kicked a penalty after five minutes.
You'd have thought that an early score would have settled the Reds. On the contrary, within five minutes the Reds had conceded two tries and trailed by 12-3. Both tries came from the dangerous Harrogate backs. First, fly half Mike Aspinall rounded off a fine move after various phases of play on 7 minutes, and Mark Pease converted. Then Pease scored the second. This resulted from the restart going out on the full and Harrogate setting up an attack from the resulting scrum, which led to Pease cutting through the midfield to score. Pease was unable to convert.
Thirlby was able to cut the deficit with his second penalty of the match. The same player then went on to convert his own try, after a sustained period of pressure, to regain the lead for the Reds at 13-12.
Harrogate were still very much a threat, with their back row player Maifea Maifea at the forefront. Lewis Vinnecombe made a tremendous break from full back in his own half to carry the danger deep into Harrogate's 22. The visitors were forced to clear from behind their own line, with the ever-dangerous Dan Goodwin carrying on the attack from the hasty clearance. But Redruth soon had another penalty from 30 meters out, which Thirlby kicked to make it 16-12. Pease kicked a penalty for Harrogate just before half time, to leave the Reds 16-15 up.
Redruth kicked off the second half playing down the slope. Scrum-half Mark Richards was soon into his game, pinning the opposition back deep into Hell Fire corner. The Reds moved the ball wide, with PJ Gidlow smashing his way through the Yorkshire side's defence. Redruth turned pressure into points when Thirlby dropped a neat goal on 51 minutes.
Richards was pulling the strings at the base of the scrum, constantly pushing Harrogate back into their own 22. Redruth had another penalty chance, which Thirlby converted after 62 minutes.
Oscar Osir, on for Chris Woods, almost scored after combining with Richards. But the try was not long in coming and it was the former Penryn flanker James Mann who was driven over by the forwards to score the Reds' second try of the game on 69 minutes, Thirlby adding the extras. The noise from the stands was deafening as klaxons and roars of delight greeted the score, which put the Reds' two converted tries ahead.
Harrogate spent a fair few minutes en-camped in the Reds' 22, trying to get the converted try which would give them a losing bonus point. Redruth broke out with a charge led by James Mann and PJ Gidlow. Deep into time added on, Lewis Vinnecombe followed up a chip and was able to collect and score the Reds' final try in the Piggy Lane corner.
Man of the match, flanker James Mann, collecting his award from Martin Thomas said, "Bring on Barking", which should be a cracker next Saturday at the Recreation Ground.
Redruth: 15. L. Vinnecombe, 14. C. Woods (16. O. Osir 67), 13. C. Bonds, 12. PJ Gidlow, 11. N. Pedley, 10. P. Thirlby 9. M. Richards; 1. D. Jacques (18. A. Morcom 71), 2. M. Harper (19. B. Priddey 83), 3. S. Heard, 4. N. Pascoe, 5. R. Carroll, 6. J. Mann, 7. J. Navin (capt) (18. B. Sidgewick 84), 8. D. Goodwin
Harrogate: 15. P. Williams (M. Winter 85), 14. S. Parsons, 13. J. Baker, 12. M. Pease, 11. M. Harris (19. D. Harrity 70), 10. M.Aspinall, 9. M. Chester; 1. S. Wilson, 2. E. Spackman (18. M. Erven 60), 3. R. Wilson (17. G. Dodgson 63), 4. B. Black (capt), 5. M. Challinor, 6. B. Williamson, 7. M. Maifea. 8. S. Powell.
Referee Mr. S Harland (RFU) .
The Cornish All Blacks finally got their season going with a win at the third time of asking. Two tries from winger Andy Matchett in the first half, one of which was converted by fly half Tony Yapp, gave the Cornish side a reasonable advantage at the break.
However, Launceston were caught on the hop as the Midlanders scored an early try through winger Jon Hall, which was converted by Duncan Hughes to cut the arrears to 12-7.
Tony Yapp again stretched the Cornish All Blacks advantage with a penalty kick. Launceston exerted tremendous pressure up front and were finally rewarded when Nigel Simpson scampered over for their second try.
Various Powergen Cups matches took place this weekend. In the National Trophy, St. Ives won a close encounter with Swanage & Wareham 24-22.
Penryn are out of the competition after crashing 65-20 at Maidenhead.
In the Intermediate Cup, there was success for Mounts Bay against Bude, a side that has in the past given them much cause for concern, though not this time as Bay won comfortably by 69-0.
Truro disposed of Hayle 38-0. Camborne were given a tough time at Kingsbridge before emerging winners 27-10.
In the Junior Vase there were wins for Saltash, Falmouth, Perranporth, Wadebridge Camels, Illogan Park, St. Austell, and of course London Cornish (see Dickon Moon's match report in the forums).
This big win at the County Ground propelled the Cornish Pirates to the top of National League 1. After going behind to an early drop goal from Chiefs' outside half Adam Staniforth, Tom Barlow kicked a penalty to bring the Pirates level. Pirates' skipper Joe Bearman then snapped up a stray pass from Staniforth to run in from 60 meters. Barlow added the conversion and two further penalties to put the Cornish Pirates 16-3 ahead. Just before half time the Cornish side scored a second try when fullback Wez Davies fed Shaun James, who scored in the corner. Barlow missed the conversion but made amends with another penalty kick. Just before the break Chiefs' full back Gary Kingdom kicked a penalty to make the score 24-6 at the turn.
Exeter made a better fist of affairs in the second half, but had just a second penalty from Kingdom to show for their concerted early effort. Instead it was the Cornish Pirates who put in a three try burst, No 8 Matt Evans scoring the first and Wez Davies a second. Both tries were converted by Barlow. With the game in time added on, Kevin James scored a fifth Pirate's try, which Lee Jarvis, on for Barlow, failed to convert from the touchline. Down but not out, Exeter had the final say when replacement lock Mark Gabey was driven over for Kingdom to convert.
Redruth maintained their unbeaten home record this season at the expense of last season's League 3 South champions, the only side to win in the league at Redruth during 2004/5.
Barking arrived having won their opening three league games. However, they were well beaten by a gutsy Redruth, who gave a disciplined and tenacious performance in ending their visitors' early season record.
Redruth kicked off playing down the slope. Barking looked the more settled side during the opening minutes, settling into their driving game through their forwards. Barking earned an early penalty, which their Italian international Corrado Pilat kicked to put them 3-0 up after 2 minutes.
Redruth took time to settle, their play was scrappy, especially in the lineouts, as they put themselves under pressure early on. There was a dust up amongst the players, with a Barking player lucky not to be yellow carded for some foul play. This fired the Reds up.
Pilat pinned the Reds back near their own line. Barking No 6 Sevanaia Rokobaro looked a dangerous player on the charge, but he was well policed by the Red's back row. On 18 minutes Pilat was put under pressure by a hanging kick and was taken slightly late by PJ Gidlow. There was a major reaction by players on both sides, which resulted in Pilat and Redruth's Richard Carroll spending 10 minutes in the bin.
Mark Richards was probing the touchline with his kicking, putting Barking on the back foot. Redruth had a scrum on the Barking 22, the ball was moved left with PJ Gidlow making a big drive towards the Piggy Lane corner, the ball went out to Oscar Osir and the winger dived in at the corner on 22 minutes. Thirlby kicked the conversion to put the Reds 7-3 up.
Barking, through their fly half Ehan Helmand, were putting up high kicks to the Reds' 22, trying to catch out Lewis Vinnecombe. James Mann led a breakout, ably supported by Mark Richards and Dan Goodwin, into the Barking 22, winning the Reds a penalty which Thirlby kicked to the Piggy Lane corner. From the catch-and-drive hooker Mark Harper was driven over on 30 minutes. Thirlby couldn't add the extras this time.
Barking's fly half Helmand again put in a long kick towards the scoreboard corner which Vinnecombe had to clear into touch under pressure. From the lineout, Barking moved the ball at pace along the line and worked an opening for winger Felise Ah-Ling, who crossed in the Strawberry Lane corner. Pilat was unable to convert. After the restart, Richards made a blindside break from a scrum into the visitors' 22 but failed to link with Osir. Thirlby had another penalty chance before the break but put his effort wide.
Barking brought on a replacement prop at half time, with Simon Knowles on for Leonard Liebenberg. Barking restarted playing towards Hell Fire corner. However, it was Redruth who took the game by the scruff of the neck and gradually imposed themselves on their opponents during the third quarter. Thirlby kicked a penalty into the Strawberry Lane corner and from the catch-and-drive Redruth set up a big drive for the line but knocked on!
The Reds had a scare when Pilat put Ah-Ling away but the pass was forward. Thirlby had a penalty shot but it was outside his range, going wide and falling short. Redruth's forwards were driving and mauling well as a unit and a big drive took them up to the line. However, referee Mr Woodmason came back for an earlier infringement, giving Thirlby an easy kick from in front of the posts on 50 minutes.
Thirlby was successful with further penalties on 59 and 62 minutes to stretch the Reds' lead to 21-8. Barking did try to get back in it but they found a big Red wall, especially in the form of PJ Gidlow, barring their route. Pilat had a penalty chance, which rebounded off an upright. Barking had a big five minutes with a succession of penalties, which they kicked twice to Hell Fire corner, but the Red wall kept them out. The third time they took a tap but James Mann nicked the ball and Thirlby put in a relieving kick to a huge cheer from the crowd. There appeared to be another player altercation at the death, but the referee wisely blew for time.
Redruth have improved over the last few weeks. The test will come in a fortnight when they travel to Dry Leas to take on the Henley Hawks.
Redruth: 15. L. Vinnecombe, 14. O. Osir, 13. C. Bonds, 12. PJ
Gidlow, 11. N. Pedley, 10. P. Thirlby, 9. M. Richards; 1. D. Jacques, 2. M.
Harper, 3. S. Heard, 4. N. Pascoe, 5. R. Carroll, 6. J. Mann, 7. J. Navin
(capt), 8. D. Goodwin.
Reps (Not used) 16. M. Churcher, 17. B. Sidgewick,
18. A. Morcom, 19. B. Priddey
Barking: 15. C. Pilat, 14. L.
Williams, 13, J. Steyn, 12. A. Skurr, 11. F. Ah-Ling, 10. E. Helmand, 9. A.
Eaton; 1. P. Ansell (17. G. Walker 68), 2. W. Nel, 3. L. Liebenberg (16. S.
Knowles 40, 3. L. Liebenberg 75), 4. M. Twydell, 5. B. Heydenrych, 6. S.
Rokobaro, 7. J. Kellard, 8. P. Everitt (capt)
Reps (Not used) 18. R. Batho,
19. J-J. DeWet
Referee Mr E. Woodmason (RFU)
The Launceston forwards laid the foundations for this important win. With the scores tied at 14-14, it was a drop goal from Tony Yapp which proved to be the match winner.
At the start, Yapp and Blackheath's Charlie Harding traded penalties. Both sides then scored unconverted tries, Dave Fitzgerald for Blackheath and Nick Burnett for the Cornish All Blacks. Yapp and Harding again traded penalties to leave the half time score 11 - 11.
With time running out Yapp and Harding again traded penalties, before Yapp's last minute drop won the game and the points.
In Powergen South West 1, Penryn at last got a home game and a win, scoring eight tries against Spartans in a 55-12 win. Nick Brown and Ben Short scored two tries apiece, with Justin Hocking, James Jago, Lewis Vague, and Andy Hymans scoring the other tries. Martin Strick kicked six conversions and a penalty.
In South West 2 West, Mounts Bay remain top following a 36-18 win at Exmouth. Mo Oto Ota scored three tries, with Stuart Evans and Adrian Bick also touching down. Oto Ota also kicked four conversions and a penalty.
St. Ives entertained Berry Hill at Alexander Road handing, the visitors a defeat by 32 - 5. The Corin brothers, Graham and Neil, each scored a try, as did player coach Ian Sanders, Liam Chapple, and Theunis Frick. Frick also added a couple of conversions and a penalty.
Camborne enjoyed a welcome win away at Taunton by 36-16. Brett Wafker (2), Nathan March, Richard Harris, and David Roberts scored the Cherry & Whites' tries, with Wafker adding four conversions and a penalty.
Truro were stung by the Hornets 34-17 in Weston. Sean Roseveare (2) and Luke Trescothick scored Truro's tries, with Scott Martin kicking a conversion.
It was not a good day for our two Cornish clubs in Western Counties West. Hayle were well beaten by league leaders Newton Abbot 65 - 6 at home. Matt Dawes kicked two penalties for the Lions.
Bude lost at Torquay Athletic 39-3, Paul Williams kicking the solitary Bude penalty.
The Cornish Pirates' early season run came to an abrupt halt at Goldington Road on Saturday when they were well beaten by a well-organised Bedford side, who are themselves still unbeaten.
Defeat was compounded with the loss of yet another back row player. No 8 Matt Evans was forced to retire from the fray on 19 minutes with a serious knee injury. Further tests were due to take place today, Monday, to ascertain the extent of this latest setback for Evans, who spent most of last season on the sidelines following a nasty injury at Nottingham, but the initial prognosis was not good! The loss of Evans saw the introduction of recent signing, Australian Simon Hoskings, who teamed up in the back row with loan signing Chris Morgan and skipper Joe Bearman.
Yet the Pirates couldn't have wished for a better start, playing down the slope, as the league's top try grabber Richard Welding scored his ninth league try of the season after just three minutes, following a pass from fly half Tom Barlow. Barlow added the conversion for an early 7-0 lead. The Pirates needed to make the most of the slope during the first period, but a combination of good defence and a reshuffled back row nullified their efforts. A couple of good attacking options deep in the Blues' 22 went begging and instead it was the Blues who got on level terms, with centre Mike Allen taking a pass from Ali Hepher to score a fine try, with fullback Mark Harris converting. Harris then kicked a penalty at the end of the first half to give the Blues a 10-7 lead.
The Pirates got off to bad start in the second half, conceding a second try in which Hepher was again instrumental, through hooker Chris Johnson, which Harris converted. The Blues scored a third try through back row player Nic Strauss and a fourth, sealing the bonus point, from fellow back rower Sasha Harding, both scores being converted by Harris to give the Blues a 31-7 lead. The Pirates did give their fans something to cheer when Welding scored his second try of the game following some good work from fullback Wez Davies.
The Cornish Pirates will hope that this was just a bad day on the park and that they will get back in the winning groove next Sunday on the Top Field, Kenwyn, against Nottingham, but it will be tough against a side that has shown some good early season form.
With our National League 2 clubs having an enforced day off due to the re-jigging of the Powergen Cup, the spotlight fell on South West 2 West. Mounts Bay travelled up to bottom side Berry Hill and were made to work hard for their 26-20 win. Two tries from Jamie Semmens and one from Steve Evans, together with a conversion and three penalties from the boot of Ryan Westren, saw the Bay through.
Truro lost at home to St. Mary's Old Boys at St. Clements by 27-22. Scott Martin score 17 of his side's points, with the other score coming from Hambly.
Camborne and Exmouth will have to do it all again as the game was abandoned on 55 minutes due to an injury to the referee. At the time Camborne were 11-0 up.
In Western Counties West, a better day for our two Cornish sides. Bude beat Paignton at Bencoolen Meadow 25-3. Jeff Kaufmann scored two tries, with Ben Westaway and Will Kingdom getting one apiece. Paul Williams kicked a penalty and a conversion.
Hayle recorded their first win of the season, winning 27-15 at Sidmouth. Kevin Mankee scored a couple of tries and a third was scored by Paul Lello. Mankee also kicked a drop goal, whilst Lello's boot accounted for the rest of the Lions' haul.
In the only Powergen National Trophy 3rd Round tie affecting a Cornish club, St. Ives lost out to higher league opposition Cinderford by 22-19. The 4th Round draw sees Redruth make a second trip to Henley in 7 days to play the Hawks, while Launceston are also on the road back to the Rectory Field to play Blackheath, both ties being on Saturday 15th October.
It was a bit of a curate's egg performance from the Cornish Pirates this afternoon at Kenwyn, good in parts, but for long periods, especially during the first half, they still seemed to be suffering from the "Blues", post Bedford.
The Pirates needed a strong performance from a key player to lift them. It came from captain Joe Bearman, who led his troops from the front and rightly was awarded the "Man of the Match" for his outstanding performance.
Nottingham are, unquestionably, an improved side from last season, led as they are by the England Counties' captain, flanker Craig Hammond, and with the influential former Sedgley Park second row Paul Arnold. Playing in their familiar green and white hoops, Nottingham kicked off playing towards Shortlanesend and immediately took the game to the Cornish Pirates. Quicker to settle, they had the home side on the back foot, with fly half Alistair Warnock kicking for the corners, trying to pin the Cornish Pirates back in their 22.
Warnock soon kicked the opening points with a penalty. Another dangerous move by the visitors saw winger David Jackson causing panic in the home defence. His good work was improved by centre Tim Molenaar, who ripped the ball out and scored under the posts for Warnock to add the extras: 10-0 to the men from Robin Hood country. Warnock was wide shortly after with a penalty attempt, before succeeding with another shortly after: 15 mins played and 13-0 up.
The Cornish Pirates tried to play their way back into the game but they overcomplicated moves, which added to their frustration. It was Bearman who made a storming (one of many on the day) run into the Nottingham 22, forcing the visitors to concede a penalty. Tom Barlow kicked to the Kenwyn Hill corner, the Pirates secured the lineout and, whilst the initial surge was held, the arrivial of the three-quarters added weight which took the ball over the line for on-loan flanker Chris Morgan to score. Barlow was unable to add the conversion, and so it stayed 5-13 at the break.
It was vital for the Cornish Pirates to get off to a positive start in the second half. A fine break in midfield by centre Duncan Roke took play deep into the visitors' 22, and quick ball saw the flyer Richard Welding put away to score his 11th try of the league campaign. Barlow's conversion left the Cornish Pirates a point adrift.
Shaun James had a good run but errors were still hampering the Pirates' game. The Pirates then kicked a penalty to the Treliske corner and a catch-and-drive saw Morgan again driven over to score. Barlow failed with the conversion attempt. This score got the crowd, much larger than for the Rotherham game, behind the Pirates as they sensed that at last the tide appeared to be turning in their favour. The try bonus point was not long in arriving. A bullocking run from second row Will James into Nottingham's 22 set up a quick move left by Barlow to skipper Jo Bearman, loitering out on the wing, to take the pass from 5 meters out and cross in the Treliske corner. Barlow's conversion made the score 24-13.
Nottingham were not done for yet and they struck back with a fine try from winger Will Logan, which Neil Stenhouse, on for Warnock, converted to bring the visitors back to 24-20. However, in a final twist to the game, the Cornish Pirates made it safe with a fifth try for debutant Australian Simon Hoskings which Lee Jarvis, on for Barlow, couldn't convert.
The large crowd went home happy with the result, but coach Jim McKay will be eager to iron out the problems his side had before travelling to Pertemps Bees (Birmingham & Solihull for the purists) in two weeks time.
Cornish Pirates: 15. W. Davies, 14. R. Welding, 13. D. Roke, 12.
S. James, 11. M. Jess, 10. T. Barlow (18. L. Jarvis 74), 9. G. Cattle (16. N.
Chivers 80) ; 1. A. Paver (21. D. Parkes 74), 2. P. Ince (20. N. Makin 60), 3.
N. Adams (D. Seal 47) , 4. W. James, 5. J. Beardshaw, 6. S. Hockings, 7. C.
Morgan, 8. J. Bearman (capt). Reps not used: 19. A. Nicholls, 22. R.
McAtee.
Nottingham: 15. B. Thompson; 14. D. Jackson, 13. T. Wyles,
12. T. Molenaar (21. A. Cook 77), 11. W. Logan; 10. A. Warnock (20. N.
Stenhouse 67), 9. T. Richardson; 1. P. Cook (16. N. Fowkes 40), 2. J. Duffy
(17. A. Loney 40), 3. T. Lea'aetoa, 4. P. Arnold, 5. D. Moore, 6. C. Hammond
(capt), 7. D. Wilks (19. G. Chenoweth 57), 8. N. Fitisemanu (18. A.
Corcoran 40). Reps not used: 22. J. Wilson.
Referee Mr T. Beddow (RFU).
Redruth were forced to make the first of two successive trips to Dry Leas without centre Craig Bonds, who is out for 6-8 weeks, and Kiwi No 8 Dan Goodwin, who picked up an injury in the win over Barking two weeks ago. Redruth gave a debut to the former Camborne and Penzance & Newlyn centre Paul Gadsdon.
Redruth got off to a great start when Lewis Vinnecombe scored a try after just two minutes, latching on to a P J Gidlow pass following a fine break from the centre. Paul Thirlby was unable to add the extras.
However, the Reds' cause was not helped when they found themselves down to 13 men when both Sam Heard and Nathan Pedley were sent to the sin-bin within minutes of each other: Heard for slowing down the ball in a ruck underneath his own posts (the resulting penalty Hawks' fly half Barry Reeves converted) and then, shortly after, Pedley for throwing a punch at an opponent, which the touch judge spotted.
Reeves was instrumental in Henley's try just before half time, giving a long pass to winger Chris Simmons, who scored in the corner. Reeves kicked a touch-line conversion to give the Hawks a 10-5 advantage.
Further indiscipline cost the Reds two penalties early in the second half, allowing Reeves to nudge the Hawks to a 16-5 lead. However, it was Redruth who dominated for long periods and they scored a second unconverted try on 74 minutes through replacement back-row forward, Kenyan Ben Ayimba. The pressure that the Reds exerted during the final moments resulted in the Hawks getting three yellow cards.
No doubt Reds coach Nigel Hambly will reflect that this was a league game that the Reds should have won!
HENLEY HAWKS: 15. ADAM SLADE 14. ANDY MACRAE, 13. LUKE BURNS, 12.
PAUL DUNCKLEY, 11. CHRIS SIMMONS, 10. BARRY REEVES, 9. STEVE DRAKE; 1.ROWAN
FULLER, 2 IAN GIBBONS, 3. JAMES HADFIELD, 4. JAMES WINTERBOTTOM, 5. STEVE
GREEN, 6. JON TENCONI, 7. JEFF ATKINSON (CAPT), 8. DAVE ARCHER .
REPLACEMENTS: 16. STEVBE ROBINSON, 17. CHRIS HALL, 18. BEN GLOSSOP, 19.
JAMES GAUNT.
REDRUTH: 15. LEWIS VINNECOMBE, 14. NATHAN PEDLEY, 13.
PAUL GADSDON, 12. PJ GIDLOW, 11. OSCAR OSIR, 10. PAUL THIRLBY, 9. MARK
RICHARDS; 1. DARREN JACQUES, 2. MARK HARPER, 3. SAM HEARD, 4. NATHAN PASCOE, 5.
RICHARD CARROLL, 6. JOHN NAVIN (CAPT), 7. CHRIS FUCA, 8. JAMES MANN.
REPLACEMENTS: 16. JAMES TRESIZE, 17. BEN PRIDDEY, 18. BEN AYIMBA, 19.
ASHLEY MORCOM.
The Cornish All Blacks suffered a third defeat in five league outings, going down to a determined Waterloo side at Polson Bridge.
Launceston were slow out of the blocks and soon found themselves trailing as full back Neil Hunter kicked a penalty and then left wing Craig Aikman crossed for a try. The score remained the same until half-time.
The Drummers went further ahead after the break when their scrum half Jon Broxson capitalised on an uncontrolled ball from a scrum in the Cornish All Blacks' 22 to pick up and score an opportunist try.
With the final quarter approaching, Launceston at last started to play something like they can. Wing Nigel Simpson scored a fine try, which Steve Perry converted to make it 7-13. But it was Waterloo who scored a third and controversial try, as the corner flag appeared to be taken out by try scorer Dan Smith before touching down. Despite being alerted to this fact by his touch judge, referee Mr Copsey gave the try!
Launceston did manage a second try through winger Andy Matchett, but it was too little too late, even though a losing bonus point was salvaged.
In the Powergen leagues, Penryn lost at home against Weston-super-Mare by 31-6. Two Martin Strick penalties were all the Borough had for their efforts.
In South West 2 West, match of the day was unquestionably at the Mennaye, where Mounts Bay entertained Camborne in an eagerly awaited clash. If the first half was closely contested (Bay led 16-14 at the break) then it was one way traffic after half time, as the Bay's superior fitness told and they ran out winners by 66-14 to remain top.
St. Ives were well beaten at Hornets 42-10, whilst Truro had an excellent win away at Taunton 32-5.
It was another good day for both Cornish clubs in Western Counties West. Hayle enjoyed a fine win at home against Crediton 31-8, whilst Bude travelled to Kingsbridge and won 9-3.
The Cornish Pirates recorded their sixth league win with a first ever success at Sharman's Crossroads.
It was the Pirates' pack which laid the foundations for another 5 point win. Scrum half and former Bees player Gavin Cattle scored the Pirates' first try following a powerful surge by the visiting pack. Moments later, it was the turn of Matt Jess to finish off some fine work from centre Duncan Roke, who sadly departed from the game after 30 minutes following a clash of heads.
Just before half-time the Pirates lost prop Nick Adams to the sin-bin but it did not appear to lessen the Pirates' domination of the game. Cattle grabbed a second try and then set up No 8 Tim Cowley for the try-bonus score.
The Bees responded with an opportunist try from full back Dave Knight, who followed up a Ben Harvey penalty attempt which rebounded from an upright. This gave them renewed heart and further tries came from winger Tom Beim and replacement Nick Baxter, Harvey converting all three scores to bring the home side back on the scoreboard.
Lee Jarvis stretched the Pirates' lead with a penalty, before a final try from Chris Morgan denied the Bees a losing bonus point.
Barely thirty-six hours after a fire badly damaged the Hell Fire corner end of the Grandstand and the main bar area, Redruth's splendid band of volunteers had the ground prepared for this encounter. Hats off to them!
They were rewarded by a home win, a scrappy affair with Redruth just about deserving the win. The game started 15 minutes late as Orrell were held up in traffic on the notorious A30. Showers before hand left the playing surface greasy.
Once again Redruth got off to a flying start, centre PJ Gidlow breaking the line to feed winger Lewis Vinnecombe, who crossed in the scoreboard corner on 2 minutes. James Tresize was unable to covert from out wide.
Orrell were making a good game of it and had good periods of possession and territory early on. Twice in quick succession, Reds' scrum half Mark Richards had to look lively in saving the day. Vinnecombe had a sniff of a second try but knocked-on a cross kick from Marek Churcher.
Orrell enjoyed a period of pressure in Hell Fire corner. Following a line out in the Reds' 22, the ball was spun out at pace to their England Counties' winger Warren Spragg, who scored in the Piggy Lane corner on 17 minutes. Full back Chris Glyn kicked a good conversion.
Mark Richards was varying his game well, with little kicks over the on-rushing defence for his attackers to run on to. Following a tremendous surge upfield from prop Darren Jacques and hooker Mark Harper, Richards deft kick into the Orrell 22 ran over the goal line, only to elude Vinnecombe's grasp. Many in the ground thought he had scored, though referee Mr Williams adjudged a knock on!
Richards again pinned the visitors back in their 22. Redruth pinched the resulting lineout and set up a powerful maul towards the line. A secondary drive saw the Reds up to the visitors' line before the maul collapsed. Following the touch judge's intervention, both James Mann and captain John Navin were sent to the sin-bin! Redruth had to play on with 13 men. Yet it was the Reds who scored next, with hooker Mark Harper being driven over for an unconverted try. Unfortunately Redruth contrived to give away a penalty from the restart which Glyn converted to tie the score at 10-10. Tthe score remained the same until half time.
Redruth started the second half well, again pinning back Orrell, but were unable to capitalise on territorial advantage. After another thundering drive from prop Jacques, Redruth earned a penalty which Tresize kicked after 46 minutes. Richards, who was continuing to have a fine game at scrum half, almost spoilt matters when Spragg latched on to a loose pass and broke upfield, supported by Sam Reay. The cover got back in the nick of time but gave away a kickable penalty, which Glynn missed.
The game then turned into a stalemate, with defences on top and chances few and far between. The game was held up after a serious injury to Reds' skipper John Navin saw him stretchered off.
Damien Cook's timely line out steal snuffed out the final Orrell threat, and an ensuing penalty was kicked out by Richards as the referee blew for time.
The relief of four league points after a traumatic few hours at Redruth was palpable, though the club will have to deal with a mounting injury and un-availability crisis for the tough trip to Halifax next Saturday.
Redruth: 15. J. Tresize, 14. L. Vinnecombe, 13. P. Thirlby (16.T.
McBride 20), 12. PJ Gidlow, 11. O. Osir, 10. M. Churcher, 9. M. Richards;
1. D. Jacques, 2. M. Harper (17. B. Priddey 73), 3. S. Heard (18. P. Joyce 73),
4. D. Cook, 5. N. Pascoe, 6. J. Mann, 7. J. Navin (capt), 8. B. Ayimba
(19. J. Hosking 66)
Orrell: 15. C. Glynn, 14. 14. A. Robson (16. A.
Cross 18), 13. C. Briers, 12. S. Reay, 11. W. Spragg, 10. J. Armstrong, 9. I.
Martin; 1. A. Fuller (19. D. Salisbury 45), 2. N. Dower, 3. M. Collie (18. M.
Chivers 76), 4. G. Walsh, 5. R. Bradshaw, 6. S. Williams, 7. J. Lyon, 8. M.
Henwood (17. C. Lockwood 79)
Referee: Mr. N. Williams (RFU)
The Cornish All Blacks picked up two valuable points on their trip to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales with a hard-fought draw at Threshfields, though they will know that two points could, and perhaps should, have been four, or even five!
Trailing 12-0 at halftime due to four penalties from the Dalesmen's centre Mark Bedworth, Launceston wanted to play an expansive game but Wharfedale slowed the ball down at the breakdown to foil their opponents for over an hour, until the referee finally took action. Launceston got on the scoreboard with a fine try from outside half Steve Perry from a move that involved Andy Birkett, Perry, and Martin Lacey. Perry added the conversion. Soon after, a sweeping move was rounded off by centre Kevin Francis to tie the scores.
Wharfedale regained the lead when fullback Adam Whaites finished off a breakout from their 22, Bedworth adding the extras.
All Blacks' winger Nigel Simpson cut through the defence, chipping ahead, but Wharfedale were caught killing the ball, which saw their flanker Alastair Allen sent to the bin. Perry kicked the resulting penalty. Launceston then went into the lead when Simpson went off on a diagonal run which saw him in at the corner, and Perry converted the score. Bedworth notched a late penalty to tie the scores as each side had chances to win the match.
In South West 1, Penryn had another miserable away trip, going down in Hampshire to Basingstoke 38-10. The game was reduced to uncontested scrums when the Borough lost both their props with injuries. Skipper Justin Doney scored Penryn's only try, with Martin Strick adding the conversion as well as a first half penalty.
In South West 2 West, leaders Mount's Bay came unstuck, losing at Coney Hill by 34-27. Hooker Darren Semmens scored two tries, with scrum-half Ricky Pellow adding a third. Steve Larkins converted all three and kicked two penalties.
Truro hung on for a narrow 17-15 win over Exmouth. The visitors had former Truro player Mark Lea and ex-Bay favourite Mo Oto Ota, both of whom scored for the visitors. Truro prevailed due to the boot of Scott Martin. Richard Hambly and James Allen scored Truro's tries.
St. Ives enjoyed a welcome win over St. Mary's Old Boys by 30-12. Lock Andy Skinner, Ian Veal, and Graham Corin scored the Hakes' tries, with the boots of Dan Hooper and Theunis Frick adding the other points.
Camborne slipped up away at Berry Hill 19-6, with just two David Mankee penalties to show for their efforts.
In Western Counties West, Bude defeated Withycombe 14-10. Paul Uglow bagged both the Bude tries, which were converted by Paul Williams.
The Cornish Pirates gave a ruthless performance in defeating a plucky Sedgley Park team on Sunday afternoon.
Rarely can a try-scoring bonus point have been secured within 15 minutes of the kick off, yet that was the mood the Cornish Pirates were in as they set about their task in a clinical manner.
It was not the easiest of days to play rugby, as a strong wind blew in from the SW corner of the ground, Treliske corner. However, it did little to disrupt the free-flowing rugby that the Cornish Pirates served up.
You could sense it just wasn't going to be the Tigers' day as full back Arno de Jager fumbled the reception of Lee Jarvis's kick off. From the resulting scrum the Cornishmen moved the ball wide, putting winger Kevin James in for the try with 41 seconds on the clock! Jarvis kicked the conversion. Three minutes later, Jarvis took a wayward kick out of defence to launch an attack. Matt Jess came off his wing to take the pass and fly in for the second try. Once again Jarvis added the extras.
Sedgley Park hardly knew what had hit them. However, they benefited from a penalty on 7 minutes which their fly-half Phil Jones converted to cut the deficit temporarily. But two minutes later Cornish Pirates' full back Wez Davies, fed by Cattle, ghosted his way through the Tigers' defence to score in the Shortlanesend corner. Try number four was not long in coming, as Kevin James scored his second following a lineout. Try number 5 arrived before the 20 minute mark as Cattle followed up a kick over the top from No 8 Tim Cowley. It was 29-3 and you had to feel sorry for the odd spectator still coming in at the gate!
The scoring frenzy eased up a touch during the second quarter. Jarvis continued to probe for the corner and pin the Tigers back in their 22. Any ball that the Tigers did manage was very slow. Pirates' pack, especially Will James, who had another excellent game, saw to that. The Cornish Pirates set up numerous drives near their opponents' line with many of the three quarters joining in the maul. Shades of Twickenham 1991 and Tommy Basset's try.
Still the Cornish Pirates had one more score up their sleeves before the break and it again came after a period of sustained pressure in the Treliske corner, with Chris Morgan drawing the cover before passing to skipper Joe Bearman who crossed.
Cattle again looked dangerous as he made a break up the Eastern touchline but put a foot in touch.
The first score of the second half wasn't long in coming with on-loan signing Jon Pritchard latching on to a Jarvis kick to score at the Caravan park end. Jarvis's conversion took the home side to 41-3. It was the signal for bench activity as Park made three changes immediately. Following a tap penalty, replacement John Skurr scored a good try in the Treliske corner on 49 minutes.
Clearly battered both physically and mentally by the incessant Cornish play, Sedgley Park conceded two further tries towards the end as Chris Morgan was driven over and then Shaun James went in, the latter converted by Tom Barlow. Pirates' resolve was still evident as Wez Davies put in a big hit on 79 minutes, on Dave McCormack, who thought he might be in at the corner, to force him into touch.
Understandably Jim McKay was very upbeat after the match and felt that his team had taken a step up today. Good to hear that Namibian Heino Senekal returns to Cornwall this week.
Cornish Pirates: 15. W. Davies, 14. K. James, 13. S. James. 12.
J. Pritchard, 11. M. Jess, 10. L. Jarvis (T, Barlow 68), 9. G. Cattle (R.
McAtee 71); 1. A. Paver (D. Parkes 50), 2. N. Makin, 3. N. Adams (D. Seal 50),
4. W. James, 5. J. Beardshaw (S. Hockings 57), 6. J. Bearman (capt), 7. C.
Morgan (A. Nicholls 68), 8. T. Cowley (P. Ince 75).
Sedgley Park:
15. A. de Jager, 14. J. Feeley, 13. S. Woof, 12. C. Hall (T. Albinson 68), 11.
D. McGee, 10. P. Jones, 9. C. Wilkinson (D. McCormack 46); 1. P. Gazzola (G.
Roberts 24), 2. R. Oxley (P. Keys 56), 3. G. Evans (P. du Plessis 63), 4. T.
Fourie, 5. E. Lund, 6. R. Senior (J. Skurr 46), 7. J. Ponton (capt), 8. S.
Anania (C. Rowe 46).
Referee Mr. L. Apgeraint-Roberts (RFU)
It was not a great Saturday for the rest of the Cornish clubs in their various leagues.
Launceston entertained league leaders Esher, hoping to make up lost ground. Instead the Cornish All Blacks suffered their fourth league defeat of the season, going down 35 - 10 to leave themselves hovering just above the drop zone.
Steve Perry kicked the Cornish All Blacks' solitary score in the first half, in reply to two Neil Hallet penalties and a try scored by Matthew Moore.
Trailing 11-3 at the break, Launceton had the stuffing knocked out of them by two tries within five minutes. The first, following a charge-down whilst Launceston were attacking in the Esher 22, saw centre Jason Kilter gather and run in for a 70 metre score. A fine back movement saw Esher score a third try through Karrel Dixon.
On 60 minutes Esher secured the try bonus point with a fourth try from David McCullum. Josh Lord scored a consolation try for Launceston, but the game was already lost. Hallett added another penalty to compound Launceston's miserable afternoon.
Redruth didn't fare much better than Launceston (see above) on their trip to Ovenden Park, where they were beaten by a rejuvenated Halifax 26-8. Fax's fly half Doug Snaft scored 16 of his side's points, with three penalties, two conversions, and a drop goal. Ollie Marns and Will Greenwood scored the home side's tries. Both sides had two players sent to the bin, with Reds' Sam Heard and skipper-for-the-day Richard Carroll forced to sit out 10 minutes.
Reds' fly-half Mark Scrivener made a welcome start after his prolonged absence through injury and kicked a first half penalty for the Reds. Centre PJ Gidlow scored the Reds' try on 62 mins.
The Reds were left with much to ponder about on the long road back to Cornwall!
In South West 1, Penryn were forced to press into service a couple of players from their Colts in entertaining league leaders Chinnor. They didn't let their side down, but in the end Penryn suffered yet another league defeat, which leaves them in the relegation zone. Martin Strick kicked an early penalty before spending 10 minutes in the bin, and Chris Cole the Borough's try.
In South West 2 West, Mount's Bay resumed normal service with a 48-15 win over Truro. Steve Larkins scored 23 of Bay's points, including 3 tries, and Adam Redgrave scored two. Truro scored tries in each half, through Scott Withecombe and Shaun Rosevere, to make a good game of it.
St. Ives found themselves trailing as the game drifted into time added on at Taunton, but a Dan Hooper penalty and an Ian Veal converted try brought about an improbable win by 22-15. Theunis Frick kicked the other Hake's points.
Camborne's inability to make use of the elements during the first half led to their undoing at the Recreation Ground. Leading 8-0 at the break through a Dave Mankee penalty and a try from Richard Harris, they had to watch their visitors, Coney Hill, score 24 unanswered points during the second half to run out 24-8 victors.
In the Western Counties West Cornish derby, Hayle defeated Bude 24-17 in a good contest. Mark Stevns, Kevin Jenkin, Dave Guffick, and Paul Lello scored the Lions' tries, with Lello adding two conversions. For Bude, Dave Uglow and Barry Sobey scored tries, with Paul Wiliams converting both and adding a penalty.
Testimony to Redruth's never-say-die spirit was that they were in a position to win this game in the dying minutes. Indeed, centre PJ Gidlow scored what he felt was a good try, only for referee Mr. Biggs to adjudge a knock on!
Moseley, who for many observers were clearly the most accomplished side to have visited the Recreation Ground this season, would have felt aggrieved if Redruth had won, as they should on chances created been well in the clear before the end.
Once again the lineout was a desperate affair for the Reds, with Moseley's locks Hallman and especially Stott providing their side with plenty of possession and stifling Redruth's attacking opportunities.
After a good initial attack, Redruth were soon on the back foot as Moseley's backs attacked with menace. Moseley spurned an initial penalty attempt after only four minutes, when fly half Ollie Thomas pushed his attempt wide. Jamie Caruana, back from Rugby World Cup qualifying duty with Malta, and Gidlow had their hands full in defence. Moseley spurned a clear overlap on 8 minutes.
So it was slightly against the run of play that the Reds took the lead on 12 minutes. Following a scrum in the Moseley 22, hooker Mark Harper was driven over in the Strawberry Lane corner, Mark Scrivener adding the extras. The reply from Moseley was almost instantaneous. Two Redruth players converged on a high ball and the ball bounced off a Redruth player into the hands of Moseley centre Chris Holder, who had a simple run in. A second Moseley try was not long in coming and again it was a Redruth mistake, a knock on in mid-field allowing Moseley to counter and set up a catch-and-drive in Hell Fire corner for hooker Dean Bick. Thomas was successful with the conversion.
Moseley then enjoyed a good period of pressure without adding to the score. Redruth were dealt a bitter blow on 27 minutes when scrum half and skipper Mark Richards was forced to leave the field with a shoulder injury, which may well see him sidelined for 3 to 4 weeks. With Gavin Donald coming on for Richards, Redruth had to re-shuffle, Marek Churcher moving from full back to scrum half, Scrivener going to full back, and Donald into the fly half berth.
Thomas stretched Moseley's advantage to 15-7 with a penalty kick on 33 minutes. However, Redruth managed to kick two penalties through Scrivener before the break to leave them trailing by just two points at 15-13.
Redruth began the second half well and could have had an early score following a charge into the 22 by flanker Julian Hosking, but the ball was knocked on.
Redruth were down to 14 men after 48 minutes when Nathan Pascoe was yellow carded for throwing a punch during a major scuffle between a number of players. It would appear that he was more sinned-against than sinning! Unfortunately for Redruth, they lost concentration and Moseley centre Paul Cox found a big hole to run through and score his side's third try on 49 minutes, Thomas adding the conversion.
Scrivener pushed a penalty attempt wide on 52 minutes. A few minutes later Redruth had another penalty chance and this time Donald stepped up to take the kick, which he did successfully, together with a second a short while later, to bring Redruth back to within 3 points at 22-19.
Moseley's players could see the win slipping away at that point and it might have done, if Redruth hadn't given away a simple penalty for off-side 30 meters in front of their posts, which Thomas gleefully kicked to seal the points.
Redruth will have to regroup for the first of this season's derby matches with Launceston at Polson Bridge next Saturday. It promises to be a classic encounter.
Redruth: 15. M. Churcher, 14. L. Vinnecombe, 13. J. Caruana, 12.
PJ Gidlow, 11. T. McBride, 10. M. Scrivener, 9. M. Richards (capt) (16. G.
Donald 29); 1. D. Jacques, 2. M. Harper 9 (18. B. Priddey 72), 3. P. Joyce (19.
S. Heard 45), 4. D. Cook, 5. N. Pascoe, 6. B. Ayimba, 7. J. Hosking, 8. J.
Mann.
Rep not used: 17. C. Fuca
Moseley: 15. D. O'Leary, 14. N.
Bressington, 13. C. Holder, 12. P. Cox, 11. C. Colvin, 10. O. Thomas, 9. G.
Taylor (capt); 1. B. Buxton (17. P. Coles 77), 2. D. Buck, 3. J. Fallon, 4. D.
Hallman (18. T. Skelding 72), 5. R. Stott, 6. N. Mason, 7. J. Rodwell, 8. M.
Evans.
Reps not used: 16. A. Caves, 19. G. Macdonald.
Referee :
Mr. A. Biggs (RFU)
The Cornish All Blacks enjoyed the best possible tonic for the visit of Redruth next Saturday with a fine win at basement side Harrogate. With new loan signing Stuart Alred starting at fly half, Launceston ran in four tries to secure the important bonus point. No8 Steve Williams opened the try count, before further touchdowns from Nick Burnett (2) and Dave Risdon. Alred's boot added the other points.
In Powergen South West 1, Penryn's woes continue as they lost away to Clevedon 33-15. On the plus side, the Borough scored three tries through Mike Slater, Phil Wells, and Chris Brown. This result leaves Penryn second from bottom with just the one win from seven games.
In South West 2 West, Mount's Bay earned a good win away at Brixham by 31-15. Bay scored three catch-and-drive tries, with Adrian Bick claiming two and Olly Faulkner the other. The fourth try went to Ben Hilton. Steve Larkins boot added the other points. Mounts Bay entertain St. Ives on Saturday, should be a "cracker".
Truro won the keenly-contested Cornish derby at St. Clements Hill, defeating a plucky Camborne 20-19. Truro raced to a 20 point lead following tries from Luke Trescothick and Ian Hambley. Scott Martin converted both tries and also two penalties. Camborne fought back, scoring three tries through Aisia Fisilau, Martin Woolcock, and Nathan March, with Dave Mankee converting two. Camborne thought they had scored a winning try after driving over the Truro line in injury time, but the referee was unsighted!
St. Ives' match against Exmouth was abandoned after 62 minutes, following an injury to Exmouth's skipper Darren Legge. Thankfully he has now returned home to recover from his neck injury. St. Ives were leading 29-0.
In Western Counties West, Bude defeated former league leaders Newton Abbot 20-10 at Bencoolen Meadow. Bude scored three tries through Simon Lewry, James Comber, and a penalty try.
Hayle found the going tough at Ivybridge, going down 28-15.
Whilst many eyes were on the Cornish Pirates' National League 1 clash against NEC Harlequins on Sunday, there was still plenty of local rugby to cheer the enthusiast, not least the National 2 clash at Polson Bridge between Launceston and Redruth. Launceston won this first league encounter with a 20-17 last gasp win over their old rivals. The Cornish All Blacks led 9-3 at the break, thanks to three Stuart Alred penalties to a solitary reply from Gavin Donald. However, Redruth countered well after Marek Churcher hacked on a stray Launceston pass to allow winger Lewis Vinnecombe to score a fine try, Donald’s conversion edging the Reds ahead. Alred restored the All Blacks' lead with a fourth penalty, 12-10. With ten minutes remaining, the Reds' pack won some ball and Donald and PJ Gidlow combined well to release Vinnecombe for his second try. Again Donald converted, to make it 17-12 to the Reds. Alred struck a fifth penalty to leave Launceston 2 points adrift with time fast running out. The Launceston pack drove deep into Reds' territory, allowing blind side winger Nigel Simpson to score the winning try of a pulsating Cornish derby.
In South West 1, Penryn slipped to a seventh defeat and even at this early stage of the season appear to be heading back to South West 2 West. Chippenham won at the memorial Ground 16-15. Justin Hosking and Phil Wells scored tries for the Borough, with Martin Strick kicking a conversion and a penalty.
In South West 2 West, Mount's Bay got the better of St. Ives in a hotly-contested Penwith derby, 16-10. Ryan Westren scoring all the Bay’s points with a try, conversion, and three penalties. Sam Snee scored the Hake’s try, which Dan Hooper converted, with Ian Sanders dropping a goal.
Truro travelled to Coney Hill and were well beaten 38-0.
Camborne will consider themselves unlucky to lose at home to Brixham 15-10. Sean Oaks scored the Cherry and White's try, which Dave Mankee converted, as well as a penalty. Camborne, like Penryn, need to discover the winning habit soon.
In Western Counties West, Bude recorded a fine win at Sidmouth 41-7. Hooker Paul Cholwill scored a brace, with other tries from Dave Uglow, James Comber, Barry Sobey, Geoff Kauffmann, and Mark Denis.
Torquay Athletic won at Hayle 14-6 to remain top of Western Counties West. Paul Lello dropped a goal and kicked a penalty for the Lions.
This was a match that the Pirates could easily have lost. In the fourth minute of injury time at the end of the game, with the score 17 - 20, Pirates had the put-in to a defensive scrum five meters from their line. Scrum-half Gavin Cattle flipped the ball back to fly-half Lee Jarvis, who had just come on in place of Tom Barlow. Jarvis fumbled and knocked on, giving the Welsh the put-in to another five yard scrum. Throughout the second half, the Welsh pack seemed to get stronger and stronger, so it was only some desperate defending that kept them out. Eventually, the ball moved across the Welsh backs and Pirates conceded a penalty in a very kickable position. Welsh fly-half Mark Meenan, who had kicked pretty well all afternoon, stepped up to even the scores at 20 - 20 -- and pulled his kick left of the posts! Seconds later, Cattle deliberately ran the ball out of play and the referee signalled the end of the match. The Pirates had scraped the win.
As we were told by several Welsh supporters before the match, the London club's lowly position in the league belies their true abilities. With several players back from injury, and following consecutive wins against Coventry and Rotherham, the Welsh were confident of making a match of it -- and so it proved.
Pirates kicked off facing a low sun. The ball was gathered by a Welsh player, but his kick for touch was charged down and the ball sent spinning towards the Welsh try line! Fortunately for the Welsh, Pirates lost the race to the line. Recovering from this early scare, the Welsh raced into a 6 point lead with two penalties from Meenan.
Pirates countered with the first try of the game. Kevin James made a break in midfield which eventually led to a score in the far corner. Barlow converted to make the score 6 - 7 and put the Pirates' noses in front. Two minutes later, Barlow kicked the first of his two penalties to extend the lead to 6 - 10.
At this stage, the packs looked evenly matched. Both were keen to try rolling mauls. The Welsh rolling maul looked the more effective. The Pirates' was frequently halted by Welsh bodies going to ground.
On fifteen minutes, the Welsh strayed off side and Barlow put the penalty into the corner. Pirates' pack couldn't shunt the Welsh back over the line. Pirates recycled the ball through many phases but couldn't penetrate the Welsh defence and eventually lost the ball through a knock on.
Two minutes later, it was the Welsh turn to fire a penalty into the corner and try a catch-and-drive, but the Pirates' defence kept them out.
A dynamic Pirates' breakout was foiled at the end by a dropped pass. Shortly afterwards, a slick Pirates' handling move seemed to create an overlap for Matt Jess but the winger put his foot in touch close to the line.
Pirates put another penalty into the corner but their subsequent rolling maul couldn't make progress against the strong Welsh pack. Pirates recycled the ball through many phases and eventually Kevin James went over. Barlow converted to extend the Pirates' lead to 6 - 17.
Pirates were awarded a scrum just inside their own half, but the referee changed his decision to a penalty to the Welsh for talking back. He then moved the penalty 10 yards forward when the Pirates failed to retreat quickly enough. This bit of indiscipline by the Pirates gifted the Welsh a very kickable penalty, which Meenan promptly converted to make the scores 9 - 17.
Just before half-time, the Welsh scored the best try of the game. Meenan kicked a cross-field ball which dropped just ahead of his sprinting winger. The winger gathered the ball without breaking his stride and raced over in the corner. Meenan was unable to convert, so the score at half-time was 14 - 17.
Early in the second half Pirates exerted some good pressure and a break was held up just short of the corner. However, on 14 minutes Meenan kicked a penalty to even the scores.
Pirates tried for another push-over try but were held up and forced to move the ball wide, where they were forced into touch.
The Welsh were awarded a penalty, for holding on, just outside the Pirates' 22, but Meenan fired wide of the posts. The Pirates then put together some good phases of play, switching the ball right and left, until they were eventually pulled up for crossing.
By this time the Welsh pack were looking the stronger. They seemed able to wheel the Pirates' scrum at will, and their rolling mauls were becoming difficult to stop. Some of their big forwards, such as lock Jim Brownrigg, were making good yardage when carrying the ball. A particularly strong passage of Welsh play was only halted by crossing.
With half an hour of the second half gone, and the scores still tied at 17 - 17, Pirates' hooker Viliami Ma'asi was replaced by Nick Makin. The Pirates started to put together some good back moves, but the Welsh defence was strong. Then, on 35 minutes, Pirates were awarded a penalty for an offence at a scrum. Barlow made no mistake and edged the Cornish side ahead again by 17 - 20.
In the first minute of injury time, Lee Jarvis came on for Tom Barlow and the nerve-wracking incidents described above occurred. In the end, the match was decided by the efficiency of the two sides' kickers: Meenan kicked 4 penalties, but missed 2 penalties and 1 conversion. Barlow kicked 2 penalties and 2 conversions, and missed none.
Redruth look to be back on track when they followed up their fine win at Stourbridge last week with an excellent 30-8 win over Blackheath at the Recreation Ground. Coach Nigel Hambly has called for a more professional approach from his charges and the last two games have seen the Reds step up to the mark.
Oscar Osula got the opening Reds' try, which Gavin Donald was unable to convert. Blackheath kicked three points through Adrian Delport. Then the Redruth pack set about asserting themselves on their opponents. Donald kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to give the Reds an 8-3 half-time lead.
Mark Scrivener came on for Donald after 50 minutes and soon increased the Reds' lead with a penalty. Blackheath's problems continued as No 8 Ken Asme spent 10 minutes in the bin. The Redruth pack then drove Blackheath back over their line for Richard Carroll to claim the second try.
A fine three-quarter move from deep saw Maltese International Jamie Caruana score the Reds' third try, Scrivener converting. Redruth sensed that the bonus point was available and went for the all-important fourth try, which duly arrived courtesy of prop Sam Heard, who proved unstoppable. Scrivener added the conversion to notch up the 30 points.
With the last play of the match replacement Nicholas Maurer scored a consolation try for the "Club".
Launceston suffered another reversal on the road, this time against old foes Halifax, with the Cornish All Blacks going down 20-10. The flu bug deprived Launceston of Stuart Alred and Nick Burnett. Wayne Sprangle and Nigel Simpson scored Launceston's two tries.
Next Saturday, Launceston entertain second-placed Moseley, whilst Redruth travel to the side above them in the league, third-placed Waterloo Drummers. Both matches will give the Cornish boys the stiffest of examinations.
In South West 1, Penryn recorded only their second league win of the season when they defeated Oxford Harlequins by 17-8. However, this fine result was marred by a serious injury to their influential back Andy Hymans, who suffered a fractured ankle in three places! Penryn welcomed back fly-half Dave Pascoe, who kicked four penalties, with Jason Peseta scoring the Borough's try.
In South West 2 West, Mounts' Bay defeated Hornets 41-23.
St. Ives scored a fine win on the road, winning at Coney Hill 16-3. Ian Veal scored the Hakes' try, with Dan Hooper adding the conversion as well a three penalties.
Dave Mankee saved the day for Camborne with a last gasp penalty to give the Cherry and Whites a share of the spoils in their home game with Gloucester Old Boys 19 - 19.
Truro were well beaten at St. Clements as visitors Brixham ran out winners by 44-13. Marco Danielli scored Truro's sole try.
In Western Counties West, Bude after turning around tied at 12 - 12 with basement side Ivel Barbarians, scored 29 unanswered second half points to run out 41-12 winners, Dave Uglow grabbing three tries.
Hayle enjoyed a fine win at home to Kingsbridge, winning 28-8.
The Cornish Pirates put in a storming second half display to take the spoils in this Boxing Day South West derby at the Brickfields and to head into 2006 on a high. As coach Jim McKay said after the match "Today was about raising the bar".
Nat Saumi, a former favourite in West Cornwall, put the Albion ahead after only four minutes with a penalty kick. Tom Barlow soon cancelled out the advantage as he notched the first points of the afternoon for the Cornish Pirates. The battle was joined up front as each pack attempted to assert its authority on the other. Inevitably it was Albion who made the breakthrough as they set up one of their trademark driving mauls near to the Pirates' line, allowing their Puma back row forward Martin Schusterman to score a fine try. Schusterman was then guilty of giving away a penalty, which led to Barlow kicking a second penalty just before half time.
Barlow gave way to Lee Jarvis during the interval. The Cornish Pirates were immediately on the attack, with Rhodri McAtee spurning an early chance when he coughed up the ball. This merely served to increase the Pirates' tempo and they soon set up a series of drives near Albion's line which eventually saw hooker Vili Ma'asi drive over. Jarvis kicked the conversion, as he did a short while later to his own try, a fine movement which saw centre Duncan Roke, McAtee, and full back Wez Davies all involved in the build up, to make it 20-8 to the visitors!
Albion were not about to lie down and they struck back just after the hour mark with a try from centre Keni Fisilau when he was driven over the Pirates' line. Saumi kicked the conversion. Saumi and Jarvis then traded penalties before, deep into injury time, Jarvis kicked a monster drop goal to give the Pirates a 26-18 lead. Time was still to be played according to referee Mr Rose, which allowed Albion to score a third try through French winger Nicolas Sestaret to clinch a losing bonus point. For once it was the Cornishmen who travelled back across the Tamar with a smile on their faces and keep the pressure on Harlequins at the top of the table.
Plymouth Albion: 15. L. Arscott, 14. N. Saumi, 13. R. Van Eyk,
12. K. Fisilau, 11. N. Sestaret, 10. E. Barnes, 9. N. Cane (M. Albina 40); 1.M.
Rice, 2. S. Pearl (G. Dawe 54), 3. R. Hopkins, 4. N. Rouse, 5. T. Hayes, 6. M.
Schusterman, 7. D. Thomas (capt), 8. A. Tooala (B. Luxton 76).
Reps not
used, S. Leung-Wai, J. Fabian, S. Zimmerman, C. Lowrie
Cornish Pirates: 15. W. Davies, 14. R. Welding, 13. D. Roke, 12.
K. James, 11. R. McAtee, 10. T. Barlow (L. Jarvis 40), 9. G. Cattle; 1. A.
Paver, 2. V. Ma'asi (N. Makin 57), 3. N. Adams (D. Seal 79), 4. W. James (H.
Senekal 65), 5. J. Beardshaw, 6. S. Hockings, 7. I. Motusaga (S. Betty 80), M.
Evans.
Reps not used, M. Jess, J. Pritchard
Referee Mr. D. Rose (RFU)
In Cornwall, the annual Boxing Day encounter between Camborne and Redruth saw, not surprisingly, Redruth emerge the winners by 25-8. Redruth scored five tries through centre Jamie Caruana, hooker Sam Harrison, and winger Nathan Pedley, with youngsters Marc Britton and Ryan Spargo completing the scoring. For Town, Tom Hinds scored a first half try with David Mankee kicking a second half penalty. Elsewhere St. Ives beat Hayle.
On a cold January afternoon, the Cornish Pirates gave another good-sized crowd a warming six-try performance in defeating a defiant Doncaster side, who in scoring four tries themselves left Cornwall with a bonus point, and not so much with their tails between their legs as they had done on the previous trip to Cornwall this season when losing to Redruth in the Powergen National Trophy!
Lee Jarvis kicked off for the Cornish Pirates towards Shortlanesend. The Pirates found it difficult in the opening quarter to impose their game on their opponents. Doncaster had early pressure up in the Mitchell & Webber PA box corner, with their centre Nick Wakley going close, only to be foiled by the Pirates' cover. Soon after, there was a fine mid-field break from Jarvis, who found his centre Kevin James, only for the Pirates to give away a penalty at the breakdown.
Slowly but surely the Cornish Pirates began to up the pressure on the Doncaster defence. Following a lineout, the Pirates worked a move that saw Rhodri McAtee come off his wing to collect a pass from Jarvis and score his first try of the afternoon on 19 minutes. Jarvis kicked the conversion.
Doncaster's skipper and fly half Rob Liley missed with a penalty attempt, as did Jarvis shortly later. The Cornish Pirates kept the tempo going, and centre Duncan Roke appeared to be impeded as he kicked through into Doncaster's 22. However, they were to be rewarded with three more tries before half-time. Doncaster were guilty of not clearing a kick from their 22, which the Pirates moved right before switching play back again, leaving McAtee in space to score his second try on 28 mins, Jarvis converting again. Then McAtee turned provider as he linked with Roke, who scored under the posts, giving Jarvis the simplest of conversions. The bonus point was secured in first half stoppage time, courtesy of lock Heino Senekal, who barged over from close range. Jarvis couldn't add the conversion, so half time saw the Cornish Pirates sitting pretty at 26-0 up.
The crowd were entertained to some excellent singing at half time from the ever-popular Cadgwith Singers, whilst the Bolingey Barbarians collected for worthy children's charities in Cornwall.
Doncaster made a couple of changes at half time with scrum half Charlie Harrison replaced by Lyr Lane and prop Richard List by Simon Bunting. Those changes, coupled with a few choice words from coach Pieter Muller, saw Doncaster fly out of the blocks on the restart. Lee Jarvis was caught in goal by Doncaster's England Counties' lock Dan Cook to concede a 5-metre scrum. The ball went right to winger Michael Wood, who scored in the Treliske corner. Rob Liley converted, despite the boorish behaviour of a few of the crowd.
Then Doncaster's centre John Cannon, who had proved to be a thorn in the Pirates' side all afternoon, popped up a pass to Wood, who sprinted in from 60 meters for his second try. Liley again obliged with the extras.
Jarvis steadied the ship with a penalty, following a fine move involving Kevin James, Matt Jess (on for Richard Welding at half time) and Roke. The defining moment of the match now came. A loose kick from Doncaster's full-back Jon Bowden was taken by Jarvis, who fed the ball to McAtee on his own 10 metre line. Feinting one way, then the other, the winger saw a gap and set off on an arcing run which took him clear of the Doncaster defence. He ran 60 meters all the way to the line in the Kenwyn Hill corner to rapturous applause from the home fans, a truly remarkable try, sheer magic! Jarvis added the extras.
Doncaster hit back with Wakely again tackled just short of the Pirates' line. Still the Cornish Pirates weren't finished, as skipper Gavin Cattle took a quick tap penalty whilst Doncaster were still re-grouping, to scuttle over the try line to score his side's sixth try of the afternoon, Jarvis once more adding the conversion.
Credit to Doncaster, who showed great character of their own in scoring two late tries through flanker Russell Earnshaw and prop Simon Bunting to seal a try scoring bonus point. A fracas near the end between Bunting and Alan Paver saw Paver sent to the sin bin. Doncaster brought on Duncan Murray as a replacement for Earnshaw during time added on.
Man of the match, Rhodri McAtee, who else!
A well-earned win, which keeps the Cornish Pirates in second place, just. Roll on Newbury.
Cornish Pirates: 15. Wes Davies, 14. Richard Welding (Matt Jess
40), 13. Duncan Roke, 12. Kevin James (Shaun James 73), 11. Rhodri McAtee, 10.
Lee Jarvis, 9. Gavin Cattle (capt); 1. Alan Paver, 2. Viliami Ma'asi (Nick
Makin (59), 3. Nick Adams (Dan Seal 68), 4. Heino Senekal (Sam Betty 75), 5.
Joe Beardshaw; 6. Simon Hockings, 7. Iva Motusaga, 8 Matt Evans. Reps not used,
Jon Pritchard, Peter Ince.
Doncaster: 15. Jon Boden, 14.
James Rothwell, 13. Nick Wakley, 12. John Cannon, 11. Michael Wood, 10. Rob
Liley (capt), 9. Charlie Harrison (Llyr Lane 40), 1. Richard List (Simon
Bunting 40), 2. Steve Boden (Johnny Roddam 72), 3. Ngalu Tau (Steve Barretto
67), 4. Glen Kenworthy (Oliver Cook 76), 5. Dan Cook, 6. Russell Earnshaw
(Duncan Murray 80), 7. Simon Grainger (Ryan Peacey 62), 8 Dan Montagu.
Referee: David Rose (RFU)
In the Skinners' Brewery Cornwall Cup, there was one second round match and two re-arranged first round ties. At Polson Launceston eventually overcame a plucky Mount's Bay side by 18-15, with Kieron Lewitt kicking a late penalty to ensure the Cornish All Blacks progress to the next round. Jamie Semmens and Palepoi Nonu scored first half tries for the Bay, with Lewitt kicking a penalty for the home side before Wayne Sprangle scored a try to make the half-time score 8-10. Steve Evans then scored a third try for the Bay to put them 15-8 up. Sprangle scored a second try which Lewitt converted to tie the scores. Both sides had chances to win the game until Lewitt's late kick took Launceston through.
In the re-arranged first round ties. Hayle overcame Liskeard & Looe 43-14, while Falmouth won at Wadebridge Camels 33-14.
It was a very successful Saturday for the majority of Cornish clubs. In National league 2, both Launceston and Redruth earned vital home wins. Launceston carried on their pre-Christmas form to defeat Manchester by 40 - 15 at Polson. Leading 14-8 at half time through a penalty try and one from centre Marc Sweeney, both converted by Stuart Alred, the Cornish All Blacks went on to totally dominate their opponents during the second period, adding further tries from the irrepressible Andy Birkett (2), Nigel Simpson, and replacement Barry Chapman. Alred converted five out of six. A result which sees the East Cornwall side leapfrog Redruth in the league table, just.
In South West 1, Penryn's cause was not helped with another home defeat by 8-5 to Clevedon. With the Memorial Ground resembling a mud bath, it was not easy to play constructive rugby. Nick Brown scored the Borough's try.
In South West 2 West, Mount's Bay remain on course for SW1 following a fine win at the Mennaye against Brixham by 52-15. Palepoi Nonu led the way with three tries, with other tries from Darren Semmens, Rongo Atkins, Everard Read, Jamie Semmens, and Steve Larkins. Larkins' boot accounted for the rest of the points.
St. Ives, who still have two games in hand, recorded a fine win at Exmouth by 41-17. Lee Taylor (2), Graham Corin, Andrew Skinner, Scott Perkin, and Paul Nixon scored the Hakes' tries. Dan Hooper kicked the other points. Mark Lea scored the Cockles only try.
In the Cornish derby at Camborne, the home side defeated Truro 19-7. Town led 6-0 at half time, thanks to a couple of Dave Mankee penalties. Camborne stretched their advantage after the break when player-coach Brian Andrew scored Town's first try. Andrew's replacement, Chris Hewitt, scored their second try. Mankee added a third penalty to make it 19-0. Joe Williamson scored a late try for Truro, which Scott Martin converted.
In Western Counties West, Bude slipped up at Newton Abbot by 31 - 8, Devon Melville scoring all 31 of the All Whites' points!
Hayle had another good win at home, defeating Ivybridge 35-12. Rob Hardwick, Kevin Jenkin, and Dave Seager scored the Lions' tries, whilst Paul Lello's trusty boot accounted for the other points.
In a Trial Match on Sunday afternoon at Redruth, Redruth Under 19s defeated Cornwall Under 20s 10 points to 5! Maybe the Reds Under 19s should be renamed the Cornwall Under 20s!
Redruth enjoyed a fine result against high-flying Esher, winning a close encounter 23 - 21 at the Recreation Ground. Redruth were delighted to welcome back scrum half Mark Richards after injury and he celebrated his return by scoring the Reds' opening try.
After a couple of penalties from Mark Scrivener for Redruth and Neil Hallet for the visitors, Esher scored the game's opening try following the sin-binning of Reds' winger Nathan Pedley for a handling infringement in his own 22. Esher kicked for the corner and drove over from the lineout, with Duncan Cormack getting the touch down. Richards then scored his solo effort from 40 meters out, which Scrivener converted to give Redruth a 2 point lead, 13-11. However, Hallet's third penalty before half time gave the visitors the slimmest of advantages at the break.
Scrivener regained the lead for Redruth in this see-saw encounter with his third penalty success shortly after the resumption of play. Redruth then had to endure a tremendous Esher onslaught, matched by Redruth's brave and defiant defence. Eventually Esher got a penalty which enabled them to kick to the corner and for Cormack to notch his second try from the catch-and-drive. Hallet kicked the conversion.
Redruth now threw everything at Esher. Damien Cook pinched a lineout on the visitors' 22 which enabled the Reds to drive towards the Esher line. Esher were guilty of pulling down, which saw their hooker Simon Elkinson sent to the bin. Redruth kept the pressure on Esher and further offences saw referee Mr Hall run under the posts to signal a penalty try, which Scrivener gleefully converted, to the joy of the Redruth faithful. Hallet did have a chance to snatch the spoils but his long-range effort sailed past the upright!
The Cornish Pirates maintained their second place in the league following another bonus point win over Newbury at Kenwyn on Sunday. Conditions were not easy, with driving wind and rain. Neither was the over fussy refereeing of Mr. Kitts, which stifled the game somewhat.
The local side adapted the better to the conditions. An early reward came when, following a kick out of defence by Kevin James, Newbury's skipper and fullback, Cornishman Malcolm Roberts, held on to the ball too long and was penalised. Lee Jarvis kicked to the corner and from the resulting line-out, Viliami Ma'asi was driven over to claim the Cornish Pirates' opening try after 5 minutes. A few minutes later centre Duncan Roke snapped up a cross-field kick to score his first try of the afternoon. A perfect start. Jarvis was unable to convert either score.
The Cornish Pirates lost influential skipper Gavin Cattle and hero of the last home match Rhodri McAtee within minutes of each other, to be replaced by Martin Chivers and Wez Davies. Chivers was soon involved in helping create the Cornish Pirates' third try on the half-hour mark, finding Jarvis, who spied a huge gap in the visitors' defence before off-loading to the on-rushing Iva Motusaga, who scored in the right-hand corner. Jarvis too had to leave the fray, replaced by Tom Barlow. Prop Alan Paver incurred the displeasure of Mr. Kitts and was sent to the bin. During this period Newbury scored their solitary points of the first half: following a catch-and-drive, flanker Chris Cracknell scored a well-worked try.
The Cornish Pirates were forced into a fourth change at half-time as flanker Simon Hockings made way for the returning Joe Bearman. Once again the home side made the brighter start, with Barlow kicking a penalty and then a couple of minutes later the conversion of his own try, an interception from inside his own half, to secure the bonus point. Newbury then scored a second try through flanker Matt Styles on 50 minutes.
The game then became bogged down and the score remained the same until the final minute. A penalty kick attempt from Barlow hit an upright and was fumbled by a Newbury player. From the resulting scrum Chivers found Roke, who scored his second try of the game to cap a fine performance.
Coach Jim McKay praised his side's fine win in dedicating the win to former Cornish Pirates' Chief Executive, David Jenkins, who relinquished his post during the week for personal and family reasons.
The Cornish Pirates will be buoyed up for the long trip to Rotherham for next Saturday's match against Earth Titans.
Redruth's never-say-die attitude saw them grind out, by the slimmest of margins, a second precious away win. The Reds picked up another two yellow cards, for second row Richard Carroll and prop Sam Heard, with Carroll also sustaining a suspected broken arm!
Reds' fly-half Mark Scrivener opened the scoring with a penalty after only 2 minutes. Redruth contained the dangerous Harrogate backs well. However, Mike Aspinall levelled the scores on 17 minutes with a penalty.
Redruth scored their first try when Harrogate were reduced to fourteen men, following the yellow carding of flanker Scott Powell. The Reds' forwards drove the ball towards the Harrogate line and, when the ball was moved out, winger Lewis Vinnecombe was on hand to score his eighth try of the season.
Redruth then saw their advantage disappear as Aspinall kicked three penalties to put the home side in front. Matters did not improve as Heard and Carroll trooped off to the bin within 3 minutes of each other. Redruth's defence was titanic as the Red line held firm. Heard and Carroll returned to the fray, but Carroll couldn't continue and was replaced. It was Heard who was to prove to be the match winner, scoring the Reds' second try following concerted forward play near to the home side's line.
Redruth then held out, with young Simon Peters on for Marek Churcher making an important tackle on Harrogate's No. 8 Maifea Maifea.
This game was characterised by hard, dour work by the packs with flashes of brilliance by both sets of backs. The first few encounters showed that it was never going to be pretty up front but both sides stuck to their task right to the end. Nevertheless, however achieved five points is five points! The score reflects the game but it might have gone the other way but for a very dubious decision against Stourbridge on the half hour; on the other hand Launceston could easily have had another three tries without any real Stourbridge complaints, such is the game! writes Tony Randel.
The first score was to Stourbridge after their lumpy but not terribly agile pack recycled the ball well as they made ground and forced Launceston into conceding a penalty in their own 22. Alex Grove landed his first points of the day to put the home side into the lead. It did not last long! Between the ninth and twelfth minutes Stuart Alred landed three penalties for the visitors, one simple one but two brilliantly from long range. The early Stourbridge pressure had been reversed as Launceston kept them pinned back around their 22m zone by good tactical kicking from messrs Birkett, Alred and Perry. A real Launceston scoring chance came soon after as the backs attacked from deep within their own half but the final pass went astray – the first of three such errors during the afternoon.
Stourbridge hit back on the half hour when fly half Alex Grove (an 18 year old rugby School pupil) lofted a beautiful cross-field kick for speedy winger James O’Brien to gather cleanly and make the ground before passing just inside for full back Jon Hall to score. Grove added the extras to put Stourbridge back into the lead. Almost straight from the restart O’Brien gathered a loose ball in his own 22, made off very fast down the wing and kicked ahead over the heads of the Launceston defence. The defence turned to chase him with virtually no chance of catching him but he was adjudged to have knocked on as he gathered his own kick – certainly those in the stand who were closer to the event than the referee thought it an odd decision! Had he scored and given Stour a worthwhile lead, things might well have gone differently for the rest of the day!
That was water under the bridge and the Cornish All Blacks took full advantage of their stroke of good fortune. Minutes later they struck from deep in their own half with a classic backs try. Good service from Marc Dibble straight to Steve Perry, set up Marc Sweeney to break through the Stourbridge defence before he passed to Nigel Simpson who made some 60m down his wing before passing back inside for Marc Sweeney to score his first try of the day. Stuart Alred landed the difficult conversion. Nudging ahead at 16-10 things were turning in the visitor’s favour. On the stroke of the forty minutes Andy Birkett took a quick throw-in to Andy Matchett on the half-way line. Matchett ran a superb diagonal straight to the opposite corner as he scythed through the Stour defence before he passed to Marc Sweeney, who had been right on his shoulder throughout the run, to score. Alred’s conversion attempt hit the upright. Launceston conceded a further penalty for offside in their own 22 just before the whistle went to turn round at 13-21 which was a fair reflection of the game at that point.
It did not take long into the second period for the scoring to start again. A good period of sustained Launceston forward pressure forced a penalty which Alred converted. Another good Nigel Simpson run down the right wing with Sweeney outside him looked like a score but the pass outside was just to far ahead of its man as it flew into touch. The second of the day! Stourbridge were determined to stop the game all being one way traffic and they put in a tremendously spirited burst of play in the middle of this half. After seven or eight minutes in the Launceston 22 something had to give. Eventually Hese Fatalou gathered from the base of a 5m scrum to score between the posts. A well deserved try for the hardest working of the Stour forwards; he works like a Jack Russell, always ‘snapping at heels’ and in the thick of things but has the build of a Staffordshire bull terrier! The conversion by Grove narrowed the Launceston lead to a mere four points.
Launceston could not escape this perilous looking situation until the 71st minute when, from a scrum on the Stour 22, Andy Birkett (replacing Marc Dibble at scrum-half) passed to Steve Perry, who was playing the game of his life, before he off-loaded to the ubiquitous Marc Sweeney for his hat-trick try! Again Alred added the extras. Launceston extended their lead, and got the bonus point, in 76th minute with another classic move by the backs. This time Andy Matchett set the line in motion before passing inside to Andy Birkett who sent a long raking pass straight out to Nigel Simpson on his wing, he broke two determined tackles before scoring.
Well into injury time, Stourbridge got a consolation try by Toby Handley after all the work had been done by Hese Fatalou and Jon Hall.
Although the Launceston front five never achieved the dominance they had in the last two games, they did enough for all the back row to make hard yards on many occasions before giving the backs the scoring chances. The back row and the backs all tackled like demons all day to show that there is more than one way of winning a game.
Old rivals Blackheath visit Polson next week. If past history is anything to go by that should be a cracker. Come and support the Cornish All Blacks on a bit of a roll!
Stourbridge: tries, Hall, Fakatou, Handley; cons, Grove (2);
pens, Grove (2).
Launceston: tries, Sweeney (3), Simpson; cons,
Alred (3); pens, Alred (4)
Stourbridge: Jon Hall, James
O’Brien, Toby Wilson, Julian Horrabin (Mark Eastwood 47), Cameron Mitchell
(Roman Pietroski 75), Alex Grove, Toby Handley, Virgil Hartland, Alan Hubbleday
(capt), James Tideswell, Lee Crofts, Simon Homer 9 Manny Sharima 75), Hese
Fakatou, Stean Williams (Tom Jordan 60), Scott Witcomb
Launceston:
Andy Birkett, Nigel Simpson, Marc Sweeney, Steve Perry, Andy Matchett, Stuart
Alred, Marc Dibble (Keiron Lewitt 68), Keith Brooking, Dave Risdon (capt), Ian
Langbridge, John Griffiths, Dave Simms (Julian Wilce 60), Josh Lord, Wayne
Sprangle, Nick Burnett (Dave Kimberley 75)
Referee: Mr Richard Draper
(RFU)
In South West 1, Penryn won a high-scoring basement battle against Cheltenham at the Memorial Ground by 46-38. A remarkable show of character as at one stage the Borough were trailing 21-3! Scrum-half Dave Pascoe scored 21 points, including a try. Other tries came from Lewis Webb (2), Nick Brown (2), and Justin Doney.
In South West 2 West, St. Ives defeated Camborne 16-0 at Alexandra Road in a feisty encounter. Dan Hooper kicked two first half penalties for the Hakes. The referee needed eyes in the back of his head as the game boiled over, two players from either side being sent to the bin. Paul Nixon scored two unconverted tries to seal St. Ives' win in the second half.
In Western Counties West, Hayle won 16-5 at Paignton.
In the Powergen Cups, Cornish interest ended f