cornwall rugby – Page 17

Five Players from Cornwall U.20s selected for SW Team

May 15, 2022 by Bill Hooper

Following trials at Bristol on the 8 May, the SW selectors confirmed 5 Cornwall U20 players had been selected for the SW team.

Unfortunately, the RFU have decided there will be no England Counties U20 this season, and so these players were denied the opportunity to try and earn an England Cap!

This also meant that the SW trials were rearranged at the end of the season due to Cornwall and Berkshire reaching their respective cup finals. A big thankyou to Trelawny’s Army who assisted the players attending the trials with fuel costs.

The 5 players selected were; –

Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Cinderford)

Declan Prowse (Camborne)

Pat Walton (Penryn)

Harry Larkins (Camborne)

Joss Pascoe (Truro)

Many congratulations to all five on their achievement.

Colin Hatch Cornwall U20 Team Manager

Battling defensive display sees Cornwall Women home

May 15, 2022 by Bill Hooper

GILL BURNS CUP

MIDDLESEX WOMEN 5 – 10 CORNWALL WOMEN

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women made it two wins on the bounce with a gutsy display at Grasshoppers RFC against their hosts Middlesex Women. The old adage that defence wins games was so true in this titanic contest.

A very even first half saw both sides have scoring chances but the defences held firm. It was Cornwall Women who got the important first score some 17 minutes into the half when following a penalty that missed touch, wing Emma Stefanotti hacked the ball into clear space, with the Middlesex defence wrong-footed, she kicked on again before gathering to score at the posts.

Cornwall were unable to convert so it remained 5-0 to Cornwall until half-time.

In the second half Cornwall were under almost constant pressure but their defence was unrelenting with a huge tackle count. Eventually Middlesex got over the line to level the scores thanks to prop Louise Simons.

Cornwall remained unfazed to put in a strong finish which saw full back Amy Bunt pick up a loose ball to run in the winning score from her own half, tackled short of the line she managed to place the ball on the line for the winning try.

Cornwall now face Somerset Women at Hayle RFC next Sunday 2 pm kick-off with a place in the Gill Burns Division 3 final at stake.

Cornwall Women: Bunt, Stefanotti, Allin, Larson, Hawkins, Rowe, Warman; Ruby, Derrante, Rowland, Gallagher, Milliken, Eddy, Holden (Capt), Hampton.

Replacements: Upcott, Ninnis, Carbis, Westgarth, Roberts, Kneale, Towers.

Cornwall Women Scores: Tries, Stefanotti, Bunt.

Cornwall score eleven tries in big win

May 14, 2022 by Bill Hooper

BILL BEAUMONT CUP

CORNWALL 78 – 12 HAMPSHIRE

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Photos Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Cornwall served up a veritable feast of attacking rugby at Redruth as they opened the defence of the Bill Beaumont Cup with an emphatic win against a valiant Hampshire.

St. Austell’s Matt Shepherd was the star of the show helping himself to four tries, whilst fly-half Fraser Honey missed just one kick at goal all afternoon.

Matt Shepherd of Cornwall (St Austell) breaks for the try-line with Mike Austin of Cornwall (Cinderford) in support. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

In front of a large crowd Cornwall got off to a fast start. Honey kicked a routine penalty before adding the extras to a Alex Ducker try following a jinking run from the winger.

Hampshire replied with a try from their prop Dan Sargent following some good pressure with fly-half Tom Fieldsend adding the extras.

However, from the re-start Cornwall were back on the scoreboard as they secured the re-start to launch a blistering attack that saw centre Jack Simmons gallop through.

Alex Ducker of Cornwall (Plymouth Albion) on the charge. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Off the back of scrum Jack Oulton found Shepherd to put him in, the winger stretching to dot down on the line.

There were some big drives from the forwards with prop Tommy Phillips, and locks Tony Whittle and Toby Freeman prominent, a word too for the work of flanker Ben Fox in the loose.

From a catch-and-drive the forward powered towards the line with hooker Ben Priddey coming up with the ball, to leave Cornwall 31-7 up at half-time.

Tony Whittle of Cornwall (Falmouth) makes a break. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

During the break Cornwall’s Under 20s paraded the Jason Leonard Cup around the pitch to huge cheers from the black and gold supporters.

After half-time it was more of the same. Oulton and Ducker launched a blistering attack that saw Shepherd in for his second.

Hampshire pulled a try back through wing Chris Buckett, but immediately Shepherd bagged his third try.

Ducker then completed his brace before Shepherd scored his fourth to put the Cornwall supporters in dreamland!

Tommy Phillips of Cornwall (Redruth) charges forward with Sam Stevens of Cornwall (Redruth) on his shoulder. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Mike Austin on as a replacement scrum-half got Cornwall’s next try with Redruth favourite hooker Richard Brown coming up with one of his trademark tries off a catch-and-drive.

Cornwall’s final try went to Freeman making his county debut, the former Cornish Pirate was delighted with his score.

Will Trewin had a solid game at full back on his county debut, he suffered a bad knock near the end but left the field walking.

Cornwall, Head Coach Graham Dawe. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Cornwall head coach Graham Dawe was satisfied with the result. He said. “The guys came together really well this week, they were determined to put on a show, first of all get the win and also score some points and as big a margin as possible.

“I thought we kept our shape well for the full eighty, we had defend at times and we put in some big tackles. The whole 22 got a good run out and we were able to see what they had to offer in a match situation.

“Next week at Hertfordshire will another step up, so we will prepare accordingly.”

Cornwall (Redruth unless stated): Trewin, Shepherd (St. Austell), Simmons, Tout (Tonbridge), Ducker (Plymouth Albion), Honey, Oulton; Phillips, Priddey (Camborne), Tompsett, Freeman (Tonbridge), Whittle (Falmouth), Fox, Stevens, Marriott (Capt, St.Austell)

Replacements: Barnes, Brown, Prowse (Camborne), Pascoe, Howe, Austin (Cinderford), Gilbert.

Cornwall scores: Tries, Ducker 2, Simmons, Shepherd 4, Priddey, Austin, Brown, Freeman, Cons, Honey 10, Pen, Honey.

Hampshire (Havant unless stated): Barnes (Worthing), Morris, Smith, Dugan, Fieldsend (Ryl Wootton Bassett), Holt; Jenkinson (Tottonians), Shepherd, Sargent (Worthing), Cuffe (Worthing), Young, Brock, Rees (Bournemouth), Perkins (Worthing).

Replacements: Featherstone (Trojans), Clark (Petersfield), Williams (Tottonians), Carkeet (Rosslyn Park), Rabjohn, Sutherland (Bournemouth), Read (Eastleigh).

Hants scores: Tries, Sargent, Buckett, Con Fieldsend

Referee: Ben Woods

Cornwall side to face Hampshire in Bill Beaumont Cup opener

May 13, 2022 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall selectors have announced their side to play Hampshire in their first game in this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup.

Only two players who featured in the recent Crawshay’s match feature in the match day 22, Matt Shepherd and Tony Whittle.

Former Cornwall captain Kyle Marriott returns as captain having last played for Cornwall in the winning final of 2016 against Cheshire.

Ben Priddey gets the nod for the hooker spot, fresh from playing in the recent Army v Navy game at Twickenham

Toby Freeman a former Cornish Pirate and Harlequin comes into the side. The former Spanish Cup winner with Ordizia forms a powerful second row partnership with Whittle.

The Redruth half backs, Jack Oulton and Fraser Honey will once more play a pivotal role in Cornwall’s fortunes this season.

The boy from Bude, Duncan Tout teams up with Redruth’s Jack Simmons to form an exciting centre pairing.

A deserved senior debut for Will Trewin at full back, he has enjoyed a great season in the red shirt and fully deserves his Cornwall call up.

On the bench one of the stars from Cornwall Under 20’s Jason Leonard Cup win, prop Declan Prowse, whilst former Falmouth player Mike Austin will be the scrum-half cover off the bench.

Cornwall team to play Hampshire at Redruth Saturday 14^th May 3 pm.

1. Tommy Phillips (Redruth)

2. Ben Priddey (Camborne & Royal Navy)

3. Jess Tompsett (Redruth)

4. Toby Freeman (Tonbridge Juddians)

5. Tony Whittle (Falmouth)

6. Ben Fox (Redruth)

7. Sam Stevens (Redruth)

8. Kyle Marriott (St. Austell) (Captain)

9. Jack Oulton (Redruth)

10, Fraser Honey (Redruth)

11. Alex Ducker (Plymouth Albion)

12. Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians)

13. Jack Simmons (Redruth)

14. Matthew Shepherd (St. Austell)

15. Will Trewin (Redruth)

Replacements;

16. Luke Barnes (Redruth)

17. Richie Brown (Redruth)

18. Declan Prowse (Camborne)

19. Edd Pascoe (Redruth & Royal Navy)

20. Brad Howe (Redruth)

21. Mike Austin (Cinderford)

22. Connor Gilbert (Redruth)

Travelling Reserves

Matt Ballard (Wadebridge Camels)

Todd Prisk (Redruth)

Kyle Gratrix (Wadebridge Camels)

Kyle Bradley (Redruth)

Tickets available on the gate.

Cornwall Women make minimal changes to face Middlesex Women

May 12, 2022 by Bill Hooper

Fresh from their success against Dorset & Wilts Women last Sunday by 30-15 at Polson Bridge, Cornwall Women travel to take on Middlesex Women at Grasshoppers RFC with a 1 pm kick-off.

In the pack both hooker Emily Carbis and flanker Rhian Roberts drop to the bench, with Holly Derrante and Briony Eddy come into the starting pack.

In the threequarters, Lydia Hawkins comes in for Mariella Blanchard. On the bench Emily Kneale comes into the matchday 22.

Middlesex like Cornwall won their opening game when they defeated Somerset last Sunday at Weston Hornets 35-17.

Post match thoughts from Verity Holden and Emma Stefanotti plus video highlights link

May 9, 2022 by Bill Hooper

POST-MATCH REACTION FROM CORNWALL WOMEN’S WIN

After the final whistle Bill Hooper caught up with Cornwall Women’s captain Verity Holden and try scorer Emma Stefanotti.

I asked Verity how she felt after that tremendous Cornish performance. “I am so proud of all the girls, they really smashed it out there today. They played for the Kernow shirt today and left it all out there on the park.

Despite the hot conditions the girls stuck at it for the full eighty. “They really put everything into it. I thought our backline was tremendous today they put their bodies on the line especially when we had to defend hard in our red zone. In attack they looked sharp and posed a lot of questions. It wasn’t just the fifteen who started but also the replacements who came on and played their hearts out.

With a win in the bag the girls can now look forward to their remaining games with confidence. “We are really up for the challenge this season. Kernow women are here and willing to play and that scoreline today puts us on the map and a few people will take note that we mean business this season.

Turning to Emma, she was over the moon with her great try. “It was called in from the outside, Verity heard the call a little one two with my teammates and I was off, the space opened up so I put my head down and went for it. Having Amy (Bunt) with me helped as we play together at Ivybridge I just went and looked for space and luckily for me it opened up.

“Now the trick is to do it again, we have had a couple of weeks together and built up a great team spirit, I can’t wait for the next game at Middlesex this is a great squad and I am really proud to wear the black and gold and be part of it”.

Match highlights on youtube

Cornwall Women get Gill Burns campaign off to a winning start

May 8, 2022 by Bill Hooper

GILL BURNS CUP

CORNWALL WOMEN 30 – 15 DORSET & WILTS WOMEN

By Bill Hooper, at Polson Bridge. Photos Izzy Ninnis

Cornwall Women got their campaign off to the best possible start with a bonus point win against Dorset & Wilts Women on a gloriously warm day at Launceston.

Prior to the kick-off there was a minute’s applause to remember Chloe Dawe who was part of the squad prior to the pandemic but who sadly passed away earlier during the season.

Rhian Roberts scores Cornwall’s first try with skipper Verity Holden in support

Cornwall kicked off playing towards the town end and immediately established good field position, Beth Hampton at No.8 putting in the first of some big drives. Cornwall worked the phases and it was flanker Rhian Roberts who dotted down behind the whitewash for an unconverted try.

Cornwall continued to boss the early stages with Tia Larson in the centre putting in some huge tackles as well as looking dangerous on the attack.

It came as no surprise when Cornwall doubled their score with a superb try from full-back Amy Bunt who showed her pace to out-stretch the cover.

Amy Bunt shows her pace as she scores try number 2

Dorset & Wilts rolled their sleeves up and got some territory in the Cornwall twenty-two, from a tap and go lock Kathy Hancock powered over in the clubhouse corner to cut the deficit.

The same player repeated the trick before half-time to see both sides level at the break 10-10.

Cornwall again began the half in dominant mood with prop Nicole Rowland showing her strength to get over from a pick and go.

Emma Stefanotti finishes off her try under the posts

Cornwall then scored the try of the game, Bunt combined with wing Emma Stefanotti who set off on a mazy run of some 50 meters breaking tackles, keeping her balance to score a memorable try under the sticks, fly-half Faith Rowe adding the extras.

Cornwall weren’t finished, centre Lisa Allin skipped out of a tired tackle to score Cornwall fifth try to the delight of the crowd.

Marina Trevarton from Trelawny’s Army presents the match ball to Cornwall Women’s scrum-half Amy Warman

There were a few hold up for injuries as both sides tired, Rowe pushed Cornwall to the thirty point mark with a penalty from in front of the posts with just a couple of minutes to go.

However, the visitors had the final say when prop Lucy Brewer got over for their third try.

After the final whistle, Cornwall Captain Verity Holden spoke of her pride in the team and praised her side for their hard work both in preparing for the season and during the game. “I couldn’t have asked for more the girls played for the shirt today I am over the moon with our result today.

“The girls put their bodies on the line today, they defended like demons to keep out Dorset & Wilts.

“I think today was a big statement that Cornwall Women can play rugby and have the heart and the passion for it.”

Cornwall Women are on the road next Sunday against Middlesex at Grasshoppers RFC.

Cornwall Women: Bunt, Blanchard, Allin, Larson, Stefanotti, Rowe, Warman; Ruby, Carbis, Rowland, Gallagher, Milliken, Roberts, Holden (Capt), Hampton.

Replacements: Upcott, Ninnis, Thompson, Westgarth, Perry, Brazier, Towers.

Cornwall Women scores: Tries, Roberts, Bunt, Rowland, Stefanotti, Allin, Con, Rowe, Pen, Rowe.

Cornwall Women announce team to face Dorset & Wilts Women

May 5, 2022 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women get there Gill Burns Cup Division 3 campaign off this Sunday at Launceston RC 2 pm, against Dorset& Wilts Women. Entry is free.

There are no match day programmes on Sunday so please copy & paste team sheet below and print off.

Cornwall Women v Dorset & Wilts Women

15. Amy Bunt (Ivybridge)

14. Mariella Blanchard (Penryn)

13. Lisa Allin (Bude)

12. Tia Larson (Bude)

11. Emma Stefanotti (Ivybridge)

10. Faith Rowe (Camborne)

9. Amy Warman (Launceston)

1. Mel Ruby (Launceston)

2. Emily Carbis (Devonport Services)

3. Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge)

4. Alex Gallagher (Bude)

5. Caitlin Milliken (Camborne)

6. Rhian Roberts (Plymstock AO)

7. Verity Holden (Capt, Ivybridge)

8. Beth Hampton (Penryn)

Replacements;

16. Kim Upcott (Launceston)

17. Josie Ninnis (Camborne)

18. Claire Thompson (Penryn)

19. Sian Westgarth (Truro)

20. Rhian Perry (Helston)

21. Oz Brazier (Truro)

22. Chloe Towers (Truro)

Kevern thrilled for Under 20’s success

May 4, 2022 by Bill Hooper

By Bill Hooper at Sixways

Just moments following the final whistle and with the Cornwall Under 20’s in full celebration mode on the pitch, I managed to grab Richie Kevern for a few words. He said. “The boys put in a big effort today, we defended really well at times, we had to, we were under the cosh at times especially in the third quarter, but today was culmination of the months of hard work and preparation that has gone into this campaign.

Asked about Cornwall’s electrifying start to the game finding themselves 17 points up in as many minutes. “We set out to not let Kent settle, we wanted to disrupt as much as possible, chances came our way and we were able to get the early scores and give Kent something to think about. I am glad we need because Kent showed their class with some very quick players who if you let them play will hurt you on the scoreboard.

Asked if he had any doubts when Kent got their noses ahead with some 10 minutes to play. “We had to find a way back into the game and change the momentum, the team spirit shone through and when the opportunity came they were patient working the pick and go until Pat Walton found the hole in their defence to crash over, Sam Walker’s conversion was crucial as they had to score a try to win the game. I never doubted them for one minute, we’ve been to Lancashire and won there, belief was a strong motivator. Huge credit to Pat for then saving a try when he got under the ball as Kent drove over our line.

“Both Tyler (Gendall) and I are delighted and pleased with how the whole season has gone. Tyler has worked hard with the forwards and you could see what a well-drilled pack they are.

Richie, was delighted for one chap who couldn’t be there today, team manager Colin Hatch. “It’s gutting that Colin couldn’t be with us today, the amount of work over the years that Colin has put into rugby at this level is immeasurable. The boys had him in their hearts as they played out there. He is the reason that this has happened, he is passionate about the Under 20s he his passionate about Cornish rugby. We will make sure that he get s his hands on the Cup just as soon as we can see him back in Cornwall.”

Cornwall Women select match day squad

May 2, 2022 by Bill Hooper

Following successful training sessions Cornwall Women have selected their Match Day Squad for this season’s Gill Burns Cup Competition.

Cornwall open their campaign next Sunday 8th May against Dorset & Wilts at Polson Bridge, Launceston, kick-off 2 pm.

Cornwall Women;

Alex Gallagher (Bude)

Amy Bunt (Ivybridge)

Amy Warman (Launceston)

Beth Churchill (Camborne)

Beth Hampton (Penryn)

Briony Eddy (Launceston)

Caitlin Milliken (Camborne)

Chloe Towers (Truro)

Claire Thompson (Penryn)

Emily Carbis (Devonport Services)

Emily Kneale (Launceston)

Emma Stefanotti (Ivybridge)

Faith Rowe (Camborne)

Holly Derrante (Penryn)

Holly Williams (Launceston)

Jo Roberts (Plymstock AO)

Josie Ninnes (Camborne)

Kim Upcott (Launceston)

Lisa Allin (Bude)

Lydia Hawkins (Penryn)

Mariella Blanchard (Penryn)

Megan Arnold (Launceston)

Mel Ruby (Launceston)

Mia Wray (Launceston)

Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge)

Oz Brazier (Truro)

Rhian Perry (Helston)

Rhian Roberts (Plymstock AO)

Sian Westgarth (Ivybridge)

Tia Larson (Bude)

Verity Holden (Ivybridge)

Vinnie James (Bude)

Head Coach Ronan O’Neill, Forwards Coach Jo Holden, Assistant Backs Coach Amy Warman, Assistant Forwards Coach Verity Holden. Team Manager Jess Humber