cornwall rugby – Page 24

XGirl Cup: Newquay/Perranporth Storm to Glory

November 29, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Stage 2 @ Launceston RFC, Report by Ross Tucknott

The sun was out and the winds of Storm Arwen had petered out, but a different force of nature descended from the north Cornish coast to wreak more havoc on Sunday’s second stage of the CRFU’s XRugby competition for girls, as Newquay and Perranporth officially combined in both the U15s and U13s to continue their unbeaten runs in the competition.

Newquay & Perranporth U15s – alongside a pair of talented St Austell players – secured maximum points on the day, with only Truro & Liskeard in the last game coming away with anything to show for their own efforts. They weren’t the only force from the north coast to make waves either: Bude continued their own impressive start to the competition by splitting into two squads and each only losing to the table-toppers. Truro & Liskeard took league points from every game they played, and their opening draw ensured that Launceston – also ably assisted by St Austell – secured their first points of the campaign, as well as from a hard fought bonus point against Bude B.

Not to be outdone by their older clubmates, the Newquay & Perranporth U13s also joined with a St Austell player and grabbed an impressive clean sweep. Launceston came closest to upsetting the visitors, losing by only a single point, as well as participating in a blistering 38-38 draw with Truro & Liskeard and only falling short of matching Camborne by a single try as well. Camborne, Bude and Truro & Liskeard all pocketed wins and but every team’s defence was noticeably improved from Stage 1, promising to create even more tight and exciting games as the season progresses.

Last but far from least, the Launceston U18s continued their own 100% record in the competition with emphatic wins over their opponents. With only a handful of Belerions players able to attend, those that made it joined up with Truro Bengals to inflict a handy defeat upon the Truro Siberians, but the Siberians in turn managed to restrict Launceston to a narrower scoreline than their clubmates.

So at the halfway stage of the league competition, the U18s and U15s tables now stand as follows:

Full Results:

U18s

Launceston 24 – 14 Truro Siberians

Truro Siberians 21 – 47 Truro Bengals & Belerions

Launceston 31 – 12 Truro Bengals & Belerions

U15s

Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell 34 – 12 Bude A

Launceston & St Austell 12 – 12 Truro & Liskeard

Bude B 21 – 54 Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell

Bude A 45 – 7 Launceston & St Austell

Truro & Liskeard 35 – 38 Bude B

Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell 68 – 7 Launceston & St Austell

Truro & Liskeard 24 – 63 Bude A

Bude B 43 – 31 Launceston & St Austell

Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell 55 – 38 Truro & Liskeard

Bude A P-P Bude B (scored as a draw)

U13s

Bude 24 – 42 Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell

Launceston 38 – 38 Liskeard

Camborne 10 – 31 Bude

Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell 22 – 21 Launceston

Liskeard & Truro 28 – 26 Camborne

Bude 54 – 24 Launceston

Liskeard & Truro 0 – 56 Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell

Camborne 42 – 35 Launceston

Bude 33 – 35 Liskeard & Truro

Newquay/Perranporth & St Austell 56 – 12 Camborne

Tribute Cornwall Knock Out Cup 1st Rd Draw

November 24, 2021 by Bill Hooper

C.R.F.U. TRIBUTE CORNWALL KNOCK OUT CUP 2021-22

There are 14 teams entered, 2 teams will get a bye for the 1st round leaving six 1st round ties to be played on or before Sunday 27th February 2022.

Teams given a 1st round bye, Camborne & Launceston

1st Round Draw;

Newquay Hornets v Wadebridge Camels

Veor-Holman v Falmouth

Pirates Amateurs v Liskeard-Looe

Bude v St. Austell – AWAY W/O

Truro v Hayle

Saltash v Penryn

Round 1 to be played on or by Sunday 27th February

Round 2

Semi-Finals to be played on or by Sunday 13th March

Final to be played on Saturday 16th April (Easter Saturday) @ Redruth RFC 5 pm

Cornwall Under 20s team building day

November 23, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Over 50 players assembled at Truro RFC last Sunday as the Cornwall Under 20 squad launched their preparations for this season’s Jason Leonard Cup campaign that will commence in January.

Everyone was welcomed by CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter.

Once again Tyler Gendall and Richie Kevern head up the coaching staff with Adam Kevern assisting.

Cornwall U20s Team Building meeting. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Part of the day was given to the President’s Challenge, team manager Colin Hatch takes up the story. “

Cornwall U20 squad taking part in the RFU Presidents run around the field. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

As part of the 150 anniversary of the RFU, both the RFU President and our own President John Sumnall challenged individuals and teams to raise money for the Injured Players Foundation with the theme of “150”.

He added. “50+ players attended and each completed 3 laps of the Truro pitch making a total of 150 laps completed. All of the players and the back room staff were also required to donate 100 pennies this was then enhanced so that for every 100 pennies a further 50 pennies was donated making a total of 150 form everybody attending. The total raised was £100 pounds for the injured players foundation which is an excellent commitment from these young players.

“Thanks to one and all for participating”.

The squad will now meet up on a regular basis with a couple of warm up games programmed ahead of the championship.

Training on the field. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Fixtures 2022: Jason Leonard Cup Championship

Sunday 23^rd January CORNWALL U.20 v DEVON U.20 (HOME) VENUE TBA
Sunday 6th February DORSET & WILTS U.20 v CORNWALL (AWAY) VENUE TBA
20th March Q/final
17th April S/final
1st May Final

Roles to be filled for both Under 18 & Under 15 County Girls teams

November 16, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Team Managers, First Aiders & Coaches… Your Duchy Needs You!It’s been (too long) a while since the girls got to put on the Black and Gold, but not for much longer.

Trials are coming in February, the U18s matches start at the end of March and the U15s get their turn in May.

We’re looking for new team managers for both U18s and U15s to help organise the campaigns and support the girls, plus first aiders to help at training and on match-days. This year’s matches can’t occur without YOU!We also want to add to the coaching team, with an important change from previous years. We’re looking to add specialist coaches to work alongside the head coaches of both age groups, some of whom need not attend at the festivals, just training sessions.

So whether you’re defence-minded or you think attack is the best form of it, forward-thinking or backs-oriented, or just like teaching players how to kick the ball away (!) then there may be a place for you on the team. We’re also looking for fresh faces too: county campaigns aren’t just a development opportunity for the girls!So please get in touch: send Ross an email at womensandgirls@crfu.co.uk to show your interest

DBS checks will be required.

Jason Leonard Cup fixtures released

November 16, 2021 by Bill Hooper

With the withdrawal of Gloucestershire from this season’s Under 20s County Championship, Cornwall find themselves with Devon and Dorset & Wilts in a group of three teams. The top two sides from the group will advance to the Quarter-Finals.

Cornwall’s group fixtures are as follows;

Sunday 23 January 2022 – CORNWALL U.20s v DEVON U.20s @ Camborne RFC Kick-Off time tba

Sunday 6 February 2022 – DORSET & WILTS U.20s v CORNWALL U.20s Venue & Kick-Off time tba

Launceston light up XGirl Cup launch

October 26, 2021 by Bill Hooper

XGirl Cup Stage 1 @ St Austell R.F.C.

Sunday 24/10/21

The opening round of Cornwall RFU’s XRugby tournament for girls saw 14 teams, 29 matches and a staggering 1922 points scored at a sunny St Austell.

With a flexible format allowing games between 5-10 players on each team, clubs have a greater ability to either compete alone, form lasting partnerships with others, or simply team up on an ad hoc basis and still score points for their clubs weighted by their number of players.

The U18s competition was dominated by Launceston, who comfortably won all three of their matches with try bonus points through dogged defence and an inexplicable defiance of gravity as they scored more points playing up the hill on Pitch 3 than they did down it! Truro Bengals drew with the Belerions – a combination of players from St Austell, Camborne, Penzance and Perranporth – and both beat Truro Siberians to take joint second place in the league table.

The U15s saw similarly imperious performances from both Bude and a joint Newquay-Perranporth team. The home team was the best of the rest, with the Angels also the only side to stop Newquay-Perranporth from gaining four tries. Camborne and a joint Truro-Penzance team showed great promise, and after a slow start against the top three sides Launceston rallied as well to come a whisker away from nicking a bonus point in their final game.

Meanwhile the U13s were racking up some incredible scores in their matches, despite the RFU-mandated friendly status of their competition. Indeed, attack as the best form of defence seemed a universal truth down on Pitch 2 with every single team bagging four tries or more in every game! Bude & Launceston won 4 out of 5 games, with only Newquay & Perranporth upsetting that run as they won 3 out of 3. Camborne, Truro, Liskeard and the joint St Austell & Penzance team all showed immense promise and attacking flair.

So with one league stage from five complete the league tables look like this:

Points% is simply the amount of points secured from those available, both based on a club’s share of players in each game, and this year is the chief metric so that clubs don’t dominate the table simply because they have more players. League points are then the secondary factor, again based on a share of players in each game.

Thanks to St Austell RFC for delivering such a successful start to the competition, with a huge amount of support in setting up and delivering the event. Thank you referees, thank you pitch admins, thank you coaches, thank you first aiders, thank you clubhouse staff and thank you parents!

Scores:

U18s

Launceston 45 Truro Siberians 5

Belerions 21 Truro Bengals 21

Launceston 40 Belerions 21

Truro Siberians 21 Truro Bengals 40

Launceston 64 Truro Bengals 14

Belerions 28 Truro Siberians 19

U15s

Camborne 7 Bude 38

Launceston 0 Newquay/Perranporth 63

Penzance/Truro 19 St Austell 45

Camborne 0 Newquay/Perranporth 56

Bude 46 Penzance/Truro 7

Launceston 7 St Austell 45

Camborne 26 Penzance/Truro 42

Bude 59 Launceston 0

Newquay/Perranporth 21 St Austell/Bude 12

Camborne 39 Launceston 15

Bude 54 St Austell/Camborne 12

Newquay/Perranporth/Camborne 40 Penzance/Truro/Camborne 17

U13s

Camborne 47 Liskeard 61

Newquay/Perranporth 42 St Austell 27

Truro 31 Bude/Launceston 33

Camborne 47 St Austell/Penzance 43

Liskeard 42 Truro 47

Newquay/Perranporth 49 Bude/Launceston 35

Camborne 49 Truro 35

Liskeard 42 Newquay/Perranporth 70

St Austell/Penzance 28 Bude/Launceston 40

Liskeard 40 Bude/Launceston 42

Camborne 28 Bude/Launceston 35

Ben Plummer (St Austell RFC) Awarded his U20 Cornwall Cap

October 10, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Ben Plummer who plays his rugby at St Austell RFC was presented with his U20’s Cornwall cap at his home club on Saturday 9^th October.

Ben Plummer is congratulated by Colin Hatch

Ben earned his Cornwall tie on his first appearance for the U20’s back in February 2019 against Devon and was a regular squad member until the last game before Covid 19 struck in the away victory against Gloucestershire in March 2020. Had it not been for the pandemic Ben would have potentially made several further appearances and had his cap presented at one of the games in front of his teammates!

CRFU President, Frazer Nottle, Cam Taylor, Ben Plummer, Colin Hatch, Max Bullen

The presentation took place on the pitch before their home match against Old Patesians It was pleasing to see not only the players who played with Ben on the last occasion for Cornwall in the photograph, but they, and many other ex U20’s in the St Austell side on the day which is a testimony to club’s youth policy and player development. The CRFU President John Sumnall congratulated Ben on his achievement and wished him well in his future rugby career.

Congratulations to Ben on this well-deserved presentation.

Colin Hatch

Cornwall U20 Team Manager

Steve Murley – DOR St. Austell RFC added. “We believe it is a valuable and important of our players on-going development to represent Cornwall whenever selected.

They enjoy being challenged and tested in competitive environments against the best in their age group, both within the county and in national championships. In addition it takes players away from their home clubs and out of their comfort zone where they have to learn to adapt to new coaching styles and playing strategies. That helps make them more adaptable and flexible in their thinking.

All of this helps to develop players who not only see the standards they have to achieve to progress their rugby careers but also helps them to become problem solvers and to think on their feet when confronted by situations on the field.

We can see many positives in our players representing Cornwall and believe it complements the coaching they receive within our club. All at St Austell appreciate the help and support that we get from the CRFU and the respective age group coaches and support staff “

CRFU statement regarding Rugby League

September 30, 2021 by Bill Hooper

CRFU’s stance on Rugby League in Cornwall

Over the past few months there has been a lot of activity in the county involving Rugby League.

The County have been approached for their support and possible involvement.

Our view is simple the CRFU represent all Cornish rugby union clubs and its sole purpose is to promote RUGBY UNION.

That said we cannot and will not influence any club or players who may be interested in giving league a go in the close season. The choice lies with each club.

This County has had League sides before mainly populated with Union players, but at a time of player overload a mixture of the two maybe seen as too much and affect player welfare.

Dave Saunter

Chairman CRFU

Cornwall to face Crawshay’s Welsh XV

September 30, 2021 by Bill Hooper

The CRFU last night confirmed the date and venue for their representative fixture against Crawshay’s Welsh XV, who will be celebrating their centenary this season.

The game will take place on Saturday 30th April 2022 at Camborne RFC, kick-off time to be advised nearer the date ,as will ticket prices.

Sat 30 April 2022 CORNWALL v CRAWSHAY’S WELSH XV @ Camborne RFC

CRFU attend Trelawny’s Army A.G.M.

September 23, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Chairman Dave Saunter, Council rep Alan Milliner and Assistant Hon.Sec Bill Hooper attended Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club A.G.M. held at the St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.

With our Supporters Club coming out of lockdown it was good to touch base with our valuable supporters.

Alan was able to give them an update on how matters were progressing regarding the County Championship ahead of the RFU Council Meeting next month.

Dave re-iterated the CRFU’s thanks to TASC for all that they do for Cornish rugby, which is greatly valued and appreciated. He also announced that the CRFU will be making a donation to the club’s funds from the sale of redundant kit.

Following the meeting a pasty supper was held and enjoyed.