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Notice of C.R.F.U. AGM

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Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Cornwall RFU will be held on Wednesday 26th June 2024, 7 pm at Camborne RFC.

We look forward to welcoming members from our clubs on the evening.

Reminder only appointed representatives of clubs may vote.

The Management Board is very keen to ensure that every club has a voice on the CRFU and for this
to happen it is essential for your club representative to attend meetings and to involve themselves
fully in the work of their chosen committees.

Please find agenda in the link

Jane Bell

Hon.Sec Cornwall RFU

Cornwall Women’s team for Gill Burns Cup Semi-Final

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GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2 SEMI-FINAL

CORNWALL WOMEN’S SIDE TO PLAY DURHAM WOMEN

Following last night’s training session at Bodmin RFC Cornwall Women wasted no time in announcing their side to travel to Stockton RFC to take on Durham in Sunday’s semi-final, kick-off 1 pm.

Cornwall coach Jo Holden explained how they broke the news to the squad. “The news that we had gone through was only released by the RFU late in the afternoon, so we were keen to make sure that the girls heard it first from us at last night’s training session. As you can imagine they were thrilled and excited to learn the news.

The moment the news broke they were playing a semi-final.

“We now have only a few days not only to prepare the squad but also for our backroom staff to get the logistics of a trip to Durham sorted, the girls are up for the challenge and looking forward to playing against another county in a national semi-final.

“As you would expect we have gone largely with the team that played against Somerset, Emily Kneale (Launceston) and Amy Bunt (Ivybridge) who were both unavailable last time out come back into the match day 22 for this trip.

The winners will meet either Hampshire or Eastern Counties in the final at Twickenham on Women’s finals day, Sunday 16th June.

Cornwall Women: Tia Larson (Bude), Millie Chaston (Ivybridge), Lily Relton (Truro), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Becky Bennett, Meg Okey (both Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (all Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock).

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Emily Kneale, Abigail Smith, Joey Sandercock, Amy Warman (all Launceston), Amy Bunt (Ivybridge).

Travelling Reserves: Rachel Hicks (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S)

Cornwall Women in Gill Burns Semi-Final

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GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2 SEMI-FINAL

We have this afternoon been informed by the RFU that Cornwall Women are through to the semi-finals of the above competition as the best runner-up.

Cornwall Women now will travel to Stockton RFC to play Durham Women this coming Sunday 2nd June, kick-off is at 1 pm.

Team news will be released later this week following the scheduled training sessions.

Cornwall Women run riot in Somerset

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GILL BURNS CUP

SOMERSET WOMEN 0 – 86 CORNWALL WOMEN

By Bill Hooper, at Veritas Park Taunton

Cornwall Women put in a clinically merciless display against a plucky Somerset side whom to their credit never gave up and battled gamely to the final whistle.

Cornwall knew they had to match Hampshire’s result against Somerset to give them a chance of advancing to the semi-finals, the answer to which remains unclear at the present time as confirmation is awaited from the RFU.

Lizzie Langton worked her socks off in the back row.

Cornwall got off to a great start when centre Abi Smith (pictured above) crossed for the first try to settle any nerves with Georgia Hall banging over the first of her seven successful conversions.

The play was a joy to watch, the passing was crisp and precise whist the forwards bossed the breakdown and lineout.

Hall sliced through the Somerset to score Cornwall’s second before full back Tia Larson scored the first of her five tries in the game. Larson’s play was top draw throughout, her strength and subtle change of movement opened up space for her as she cut the Somerset defence to shreds.

Tia Larson strides away towards the try-line

Amongst the forwards skipper Megan Arnold led by example, whilst Lizzie Langdon, Rosie Ninnis and Roberta Smith-Scotland caught the eye. Mention too for the front row with both props Caitlin Eddy and Zeta Penrose putting in some strong drives as did Kim Upcott when she came on in the second half.

Caitlin Milliken ensured some great lineout ball for the backs to work with.

Megan Okey heading for a well deserved try

One player who also deserves particular praise was fly-half Megan Okey, her distribution was quick and accurate, with confidence to make that break when it was on, she fully deserved her try late on which she also converted.

Abi Smith completed her hat-trick of tries with winger Millie Chaston scoring a brace as did Hall with Lisa Allin also dotting down. Heroes all from 1 to 22, they all played a part in a record win for Cornwall Women.

After the game a very happy and proud coach Jo Holden gave her thoughts. “What a game! We asked the girls to give us their all for the full eighty, we had to run up as big a score as possible to give us a chance of making the semi-finals.

“One of the great bonuses this season is the depth we have within the squad, we had a few players out injured or unavailable and the players coming in have maintained the level we have been playing at. This is exactly what we have been working to achieve the past couple of seasons. As an example Abi Smith has come in today and had a storming game all credit to her.

Team captain on the day Megan Arnold was equally pleased with the team’s performance. “We asked them to put it all out there on the pitch and leave all out there. I am incredibly proud of my team and how they represented Cornwall today, that score-line reflects everything we have been working at in training.”

Cornwall Women: Tia Larson (Bude), Millie Chaston (Ivybridge), Abigail Smith (Launceston)  Georgia Hall (Penryn), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman (Launceston); Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Megan Arnold (Launceston, Capt), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock).

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Kim Upcott (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Lisa Allin (Bude), Beccy Bennett (Ivybridge), Bex O’Reilly (Penryn).

Cornwall Scores: Tries, Smith 4, 57, 79, Hall11, 31 Larson 15, 23, 25, 48, 65, Chaston 19, 44, Allin 61, Okey 75, Cons, Hall 5, 20, 24, 26, 45, 49, 62,  Okey 76.

Cornwall come up short at Kent

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BILL BEAUMONT CUP

KENT 34 – 33 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall came up short against a well-organised Kent side who are now on course to return to Twickenham next month to defend their title.

The Black & Golds must have thought they would boss the game when Kent’s hooker Oliver Walliker was shown a red card for foul play on 33 minutes but a tenacious Kent side and some sloppy play from the visitors tipped the result in the home side’s favour.

A crowd of some 300 saw Cornwall take an early lead when Josh Semmens (pictured above) scored after just 3 minutes, Fraser Honey adding the conversion.

Kent came right back into the game, full back Bryan Hotson kicked penalty and then added a couple of conversions to a brace of tries from Andrew Denham to put the holders 17-7 up.

Cornwall needed a score before half-time and they got when prop Tommy-Lee Southworth went over with Honey again adding the extras.

Sam Stevens looks to take the ball into contact supported by Mark Bright and Adam Hughes – Photo Gaynor Goss

Cornwall were guilty of too many unforced errors and giving away a number of penalties. On the plus side Harry Larkins at full back put in some big tackles.

Hotson kicked an early penalty before adding the extras to an interception try when Leo Fielding latched on to a loose pass as Cornwall attacked in the Kent twenty-two, suddenly Cornwall had it all to do again.

Cornwall hauled their way back thanks to tries from skipper Ben Priddey and  Semmens for his second of the game, Honey added a conversion to leave Cornwall trailing by a single point 27-26.

Both sides lost players to the sin-bin as the game moved into the final quarter. Kent had momentum when centre Barney Stone made ground before slipping a pass to prop Archie Holland who scored under the posts, Hotson’s conversion putting Kent 34-26 up.

Under the pile of bodies skipper Ben Priddey has scored. Photo Gaynor Goss

With minutes to go Cornwall pulled back a score when Priddey bagged his second try off a Southworth pass, Honey added the extras to set up a grand finale.

Cornwall threw everything at Kent looking to set up a drop goal attempt for Honey but the hosts held on to their advantage, the final whistle left the Cornish lads crestfallen.

Cornwall must now re-group and look to put in a good finish at Redruth on Saturday when they take on Hampshire.

After the game head coach Graham Dawe said. “It’s disappointing and I feel for the boys who have worked hard in the short time we have been together. They put their bodies on the line and did the shirt proud. We will look to go again next week against Hampshire at Redruth.”

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Dan Tyrrell (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Rams), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey (Capt), Jon Drew (all Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion), Sam Stevens (Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).

Replacements: Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Launceston), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (both Camborne), Rhys Williams (Redruth), Will Hennessey (Truro).

Cornwall Scores: Tries Semmens 3, 63, Southworth 37, Priddey 60, 79, Cons, Honey 4, 38, 61, 80

Cornwall name side to face Kent

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Cornwall have named their side to play Kent on Saturday. The side sees a few changes to that which played Surrey at Esher last Saturday. Kick-off at Charlton Park RFC is 2 pm.

In the backs, Harry Larkins comes in for Matt Shepherd, who is unavailable, whilst Lewis Thomas starts in place of Jack Statton who is at the Under 20 SW trials.

Josh Semmens comes in for Sam James in the centre. In the pack, Edd Pascoe moves into the second row, with Hugo Culverhouse dropping to the bench. At no.8 Mark Bright starts with Brad Howe moving across to flanker.

On the bench, Ethan Pearce-Cowley comes in as do Rhys Williams and Will Hennessey

Cornwall: Harry Larkins (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Dan Tyrrell (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Rams), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Tommy-Lee Southworth, Ben Priddey (Capt), Jon Drew (all Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion), Sam Stevens (Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).

Replacements: Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Launceston), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (both Camborne), Rhys Williams (Redruth), Will Hennessey (Truro).

Travelling Reserves: Albert Horne (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne).

Cornwall Women side to play Somerset Women

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Enforced changes for Cornwall ahead of Somerset game

By Bill Hooper

Following Cornwall Women’s thrilling 42-5 win against Hertfordshire Women at Tabard last Sunday, the coaches are obliged to make a few changes ahead of Sunday’s game against Somerset Women at Taunton, kick-off 2:30 pm.

Speaking after the latest training selection coach Jo Holden said. “Unfortunately Amy picked up an injury in our last game so she is unavailable for this Sunday, we’ve switched Tia Larson from centre to full back. Also Lily Relton is unavailable so it’s a new partnership in the mid-field with Georgia Hall and Abby Smith.

“This week we start with Amy Warman at 9, with Lisa Allin, who had an outstanding game against Herts, on the bench ready to make an impact.

“There are a few changes in the pack. Kim Upcott has enjoyed two stellar games and deserves a little break so she’s on the bench with Caitlin Eddy starting. Jenna Arnold moves to hooker with Zeta Penrose starting at tight-head.

“Megan Arnold steps up from vice-captain to lead the side from the second row, she has shown great leadership qualities throughout the campaign and become a respected role model in the squad.

“Sadly, Emily Kneale picked up a knock at Herts, but we welcome back from her injury Liz Langton in the back row.

In looking forward to the game Jo said. “We understand it’s not in our hands and we will need some results to go our way. All we can do is play our game and get the result we require, in that respect I have every faith in our squad.”

Cornwall Women: Tia Larson (Bude), Millie Chaston (Ivybridge), Abigail Smith (Launceston)  Georgia Hall (Penryn), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman (Launceston); Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Megan Arnold (Launceston, Capt), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock).

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Kim Upcott (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Lisa Allin (Bude), Beccy Bennett (Ivybridge), Bex O’Reilly (Penryn).

Travelling Reserves: Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Rachel Hicks (Launceston), Sian Westgarth (Truro), Steph Nicolas (Camborne).

Honda Volunteer of Year Awards

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We were delighted to hold this event at Truro RFC on the occasion of Cornwall Women’s Gill Burns Cup match against Hampshire Women.

As ever it was inspiring to hear the stories behind our valued volunteers and all the hard work they put in at their clubs.

Pictured just a few of our worthy award winners.

Congratulations to everyone who picked up an award.

Cornwall Women stun Stags with 8 tries

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GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

HERTFORDSHIRE WOMEN 5 – 42 CORNWALL WOMEN

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women put in a tremendous performance at a blustery Tabard to keep their hopes of progress in this season’s competition alive until the final round of matches next Sunday.

It was Herts Women, known as the Stags, who scored first when a stray kick into the Herts half was fielded by their wing Lydia Edwards, she showed a great turn of speed to out flank the Cornish cover and score under the sticks, the conversion however was missed, but Cornwall had been given a warning regarding any loose kicks.

Cornwall levelled matters following great work from skipper Amy Bunt, Millie Chaston  and Emily Kneale before Kim Upcott powered over.

Gradually Cornwall began to get the upper hand through the forwards, the breakdown was much improved from the Hampshire game with good ball secured creating attacking platforms.

Kneale and Upcott kept carrying the ball to good effect, whilst the centre pairing of Lily Relton and Tia Larson were full of running. Lisa Allin at scrum-half was industrious, probing and sniping around the fringes with same again when Amy Warman came on during the second half.

Cornwall took the lead from a tap penalty which saw Megan Okey score by the posts, she also converted her own try.

Herts pressed in the Cornwall twenty-two, the play broke down, suddenly Amy Bunt was on her way charging some 60 meters, evading tackles to dot down a memorable try.

Just before half-time, Allin got her due reward when she spotted a gap to bag the bonus point try for a 22-5 advantage.

Georgia Hall came on after half-time as Cornwall were forced to reorganise the backs and she immediately got on the score-sheet to extend the lead.

Larson put in several of her trademark charges, almost getting her just reward, Okey completed her brace of tries before Joey Sandercock completed the scoring with her own couple of tries to seal a resounding victory.

After the game coach Jo Holden was understandably very pleased. “We have built on the Hampshire game and today we have seen the fruits of the hard work the girls have put in. We will enjoy the trip home and then back to training and preparation for the trip to Somerset. There is still a job to be done, we will roll the dice up at Taunton and see how they land after 80 minutes.”

Cornwall Women travel to Somerset next Sunday knowing that a win could give them a potential semi-final place depending on results elsewhere.

Herts Women: Clare Cranfield (Hitchin), Sarah Bello, Cayla Du Plessis, Livi Grace Hunt (all Welwyn), Lydia Edwards (Hitchin), Ella Whytock (Capt), Anabel Pidgeon (both Harpenden); Sophie Battams (Cheshunt), Heather Holmes (Harpenden), Millie Rennell (Bedford Blues), Emma Powdrell (Harpenden), Mercy Onu, Laura Stephens, (both Hitchin), Abbie Ambrose, Natalie Randall (both Welwyn).

Replacements: Verity Kennett (Cheshunt), Courtnay Burns (Tabard), Nina Wilkinson, Jemimah Orphanou (both Welwyn), Millie Coulbeck (Sudbury), Charli  Knibbs (Welwyn), Amelia Jenkins (RVC).

Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston),Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Emily Kneale (Launceston)

Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Abigail Smith (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn),  Amy Warman, Rachel Hicks (both Launceston),

Cornwall scores: Tries Upcott 12, Okey 22, 59, Bunt 28, Allin 36, Hall 44, Sandercock 66, 79, Cons, Okey 23

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