cornwall rugby – Page 24

Arthur Relton picked for England U.20 opener

June 18, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Former student at Mullion School and Truro Penwith College, Arthur Relton now with Exeter Chiefs, has been picked on the wing for England Under 20’s opening RBS 6 Nations Under 20 game against France at Cardiff Arms Park this Saturday.

Arthur played for Penzance & Newlyn through the age groups helping them win the Colts Cup Final in 2019.

Everyone at the CRFU wish Arthur well for Saturday.

Footnote: It was pleasing to see Arthur score England’s 4th try as they staged a remarkable second half comeback to defeat France 38-22.

Exeter Chiefs Supporters Club – Youth Section Grants

May 26, 2021 by Bill Hooper

I am writing to you just as a reminder that we are open for business in relation to our Small Grants Scheme whereby any of your Youth Sections can apply for a grant of up to £500.00p to purchase or replace any training equipment etc they may need, be it as a one-off purchase or to be combined with any fundraising any of the teams may be doing.

As previously mentioned we are surprised that since we started this Grant Scheme only one has been received from the Cornwall area being a £500.00p grant back in April 2018.

Would it be possible for you to put this out to all of your clubs again so we can help them in some way. The monies are in the bank waiting to be used. As suggested before all they need to do is apply via our website www.chiefssupportersclub.co.uk or direct to me at my email address, email: pcurgenven.pc@gmail.com.

All applications will be considered by the committee. To date we have given away £8,900.00p in grants to assist in youth development.

In this time of cutbacks etc, we are sure there are clubs in Cornwall, whose youth sections would find a grant from this source beneficial. Over to you.

Gerry McKeown – RIP

May 15, 2021 by Bill Hooper

We are very sorry to have learned today of the passing of former County player Gerry McKeown.

A wing forward in the mighty Penryn side of the 1960s/70s, McKeown played for Cornwall on 29 occasions, most notably the 1969 County Championship Final against Lancashire at Redruth.

He was also an England Trialist and played for Devon & Cornwall against the Wallabies in 1967.

His program notes in the 69 final program read thus; “He is a hard worker and ferocious tackler, who never lets up. His non-stop performances have caused havoc to the opponents’ defences and his opportunism has not infrequently resulted in some finely-taken tries.”

The President and committee of Cornwall RFU wish to express their sincerest condolences to Gerry’s family and friends.

Funeral details:

The cremation of Gerry Mckeown will be on Tuesday 1st June . Due to number restrictions it is a private ceremony. No flowers. Any donations towards Treliske Childrens ward can be sent to Keith Penrose Funerals, Appleshaw, Bareppa, Mawnan Smith, TR11 5EG .

It is hoped to hold a celebration for Gerry’s life at a later date when covid restrictions have been further relaxed.

Peter Floyd – RIP.

May 14, 2021 by Bill Hooper

It is with much sadness that Camborne RFC have to report the passing of Cherry & White stalwart and club Treasurer Peter Floyd after a long battle with Cancer aged 77.

Peter had been involved with Camborne Rugby Club for over 60 years starting as a player (fly half), going on to be a coach, Mini-Junior Treasurer before becoming senior club Treasurer in 2008.

A hard working and conscientious member of the Executive committee Peter’s legacy will be how he turned around the clubs finances during his tenure as Treasurer.
He transformed the Cherry & Whites from a club in the red to one in a sound financial position that’s now well and truly in the black.

During this time the club has also had a major overall of it’s facilities which are now among the best in the County with the team gaining promotion twice and winning the Cornwall Cup on four occasions.
Peter has certainly left the club in a much better state than he found it both on and off the pitch, he will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.

Our thoughts are with Rose and the rest of Peter’s family at this difficult time.
We will advise of funeral details as soon as we have them.

The President and committee of the Cornwall RFU wish to express their sincerest condolences to Peter’s family, friends and all at Camborne RFC at this sad time.

Luke Cowan-Dickie named in Lions squad

May 6, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Exeter Chief’s Cornish hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie was today named in Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions squad for this summer’s series in South Africa.

Luke came through the ranks of Penzance & Newlyn minis and juniors.

Everyone at Cornwall RFU are delighted for Luke and wish him well for the tour.

Bundee Aki Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Also named in the squad today was Ireland International Bundee Aki who spent time at Truro College, as Luke did, and played briefly for Falmouth RFC.

Alun Wyn Jones will lead the the side in South Africa, full squad in the link

20th April 1991 – “Last one out, turn off the lights.”

April 20, 2021 by Bill Hooper

CORNWALL 29 – 20 YORKSHIRE aet

Those famous words spoken by the late Bill Bishop really sum up the mood of the Cornish people as they made their way in their thousands to the home of English rugby, Twickenham on a cold April morning 30 years ago today.

It remains an iconic moment in Cornish sporting history, never before, nor since, have so many Cornish folk been assembled for a sporting event. It was more than just a game of rugby, it was a statement of the very essence of Cornishness.

The game, like the weather on the day, twisted and turned one way and then dramatically another, accompanied by and ever rising crescendo of noise to the beat of Falmouth Marine Band Dave Saunby’s bass drum.

Spurred on, by a sense off injustice, following Yorkshire’s second try of the game that put them 16-3 up with the touchline conversion from Liley with the game entering the final quarter, Cornwall roared back to score two tries from scrum-half Richard Nancekivell, with the boot of Grant Champion tying the game, his last gasp conversion failing to win the title in eighty minutes. Extra-time it would be.

Again spurred on by the increasingly excited crowd Cornwall scored two further tries during extra-time through Tommy Bassett and Billy Peters, Champion added a penalty and conversion to complete the job that late Yorkshire consolation try by skipper Mike Harrison could do nothing to stop.

The final whistle brought scenes of unparalleled joy as the Cornish supporters invaded the hallowed turf to celebrate a first county title since 1908 and to trigger celebrations that lasted for days after.

Cornwall: Kevin Thomas, Tony Mead, Grant Champion, Chris Allcock (Capt) (Mark Chatterton 56), Tommy Bassett, Billy Peters, Richard Nancekivell; John May, Graham Dawe, Richard Keast, Mark Wesson, Andy Read, Glyn Williams, Adrian Bick, Jason Atkinson.

Replacements (unused): Stuart Whitworth, Keith Plummer, Adam Ellery, Brian Andrew, Paul Thomason.

Cornwall scores: Tries, Nancekivell (2), Bassett, Peters, Penalties, Champion (3), Conversions, Champion (2)

Yorkshire: John Liley, Mike Harrison (Capt), Jason Georgiou, Paul Johnson, Ericson Atkins, Steve Townend, David Scully; John Woodthorpe, Steve Cruise, Roger Burman, Ian Carroll, Simon Croft, Simon Tipping, Peter Buckton, Sean Bainbridge.

Replacements (unused): Jim Mallinder, Andy Caldwell, Ian Wright, Phillip Wright, John Fletcher, Jim Chapman

Yorkshire scores: Tries, Johnson, Scully, Harrison, Penalties: Liley (2), Conversion, Liley.

Referee: Mr Roger Quittenton (Sussex, London)

A link to the interviews compiled by Ross Ellis of BBC Radio Cornwall aired on 20th April 2021

The Meaning of Black & Gold

April 1, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Part one of the documentary video “The Meaning of Black & Gold”, with players and supporters of the Cornall rugby team, produced and edited by the CRFU Social Media Team of Davis Burrows and Mark Collett.

Click on the link below to access the video on Youtube.

The Meaning of Black and Gold

Merryn Doidge called up to England Roses 6 Nations squad

March 26, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Exeter Chief’s full-back/wing Merryn Doidge has been selected for the England Roses squad for the upcoming Women’s 6 Nations.

Merryn, who began her playing career with Liskeard-Looe before progressing to Newquay Queen Bees, has played for Cornwall U.18s as well as England at both U.18 and U.20 level.

Everyone in Cornwall wishes Merryn the very best.

CRFU Chairman looks forward to the return of rugby

March 3, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Thoughts of Chairman Saunts

Hi all we are finally on the road to normality, both in general and Rugby. The Prime Minster has given us the roadmap to return and the key date is 29th March.

We are not sure at this stage as to what we’ll be able to do but, the RFU have invited me to a Zoom meeting on Friday when we will find out more.

My gut feeling is Ready4rugby for approximately a month and then some form of contact, maybe similar to previous return map, but we will keep you informed.

We do however get the feeling that the 21/22 season will be back to normal, and we will be looking at ways to generate both interest and income in the early part of the season.

As this is going to be an expense time for clubs, getting their changing rooms, clubhouses and facilities ready for return the CRFU are depositing £225 to all our clubs to help with this.

Whilst doing this exercise it has become apparent that some clubs have not updated their Golden Roles on GMS. For future communication from RFU it is vital that these are completed and kept up to date. From an RFU view, if you are applying for any funding this will be part of the criteria, we (CRFU) will also be taking that approach moving forward. So please review your Golden Roles on your club GMS page now.

This Saturday The Cornish Pirates take on Saracens in the RFU Championship at the Mennaye and I’m sure we all wish them luck with the season ahead. Something to watch on their livestream service.

Everyone stay safe and we’ll be in touch with an update after Friday which is of course St Piran’s day.

Saunts

Nadelik Lowen ha Bledhen Nowyth Da

December 23, 2020 by Bill Hooper

The President, Chairman, Officers and members of the Management Board of the Cornwall RFU wish everyone involved with rugby in Cornwall a very Merry Christmas and warmest best wishes for the New Year.

Our Chairman Dave Saunter wishes to add the following;

Hi all
In what can only be described as an extraordinary year I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a rugby filled 2021 on behalf of the management board.

The news continues to be filled with COVID-19 and you’ll all be aware that Cornwall will move into Tier 2 on Boxing Day. I hope all who have their traditional derbies and President matches have a great day and the weather stays good for you.

Please make sure you abide by RFU laws and those of HM Govt. As a management board we have been very active since March when we entered the first lockdown, meeting every fortnight on Zoom keeping the wheels of Cornish rugby turning. Our final act was to get the fixtures out to you all, to wet the appetite and hopefully they will start up on 16th January.

This will be a sharp learning curve for all including Players coaches and officials. Working with the CRRS will be crucial and I’m sure the refs are as keen as us to experience actual game time.

Mine, and I suggest all the MB laptops will be off for a few days now to spend some quality time with family and loved ones at this special time of year.

To all our clubs, thanks for buying into Project Trelawny and all other communications that may have come your way. We have something very special in Cornish rugby and I am keen to preserve it for all 28 of our clubs.

To you all. “Nadelik Lowen ha Bledhen Nowyth Da.”

Saunts.