Rugby Football Union
Several members of Cornwall’s historic County Championship winning team were present at Redruth last Saturday as guests of the CRFU.
The players were entertained pre-match by the CRFU and at half-time they paraded around the Redruth pitch, scene of many of their glorious encounters before packed crowds.
The present day supporters gave them a rousing cheer and applauded them, notably in Hellfire corner.
The team also picked Duncan Tout as Tribute man-of-the-match.
GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2 SEMI-FINAL
DURHAM WOMEN 25 -17 CORNWALL WOMEN
By Bill Hooper
Two late tries denied Cornwall Women a trip to Twickenham as Durham edged this pulsating yet at times physically brutal game in the final 10 minutes of a match played in very warm conditions.
Cornwall made a good start with Lisa Allin scoring an unconverted try after just 3 minutes to the joy of the vociferous travelling support.
Durham’s speedy winger Laura Wood gave notice of her danger with a good run that set alarms bells ringing in the Cornish defence.
Cornwall continued to harry the home side, whilst the tackle count was mounting, Durham knew they were in a game.
A mistake by Cornwall led to a try from Wood who dotted down under the posts giving skipper Marguerite Julia a comfortable conversion.
The breakdown was fiercely contested by both sides with Liz Langton catching the eye, as did skipper Megan Arnold, there was also great work from Roberta Smith-Scotland.
Cornwall’s cause was not helped with injuries to both Millie Chaston and Georgia Hall in quick succession, which saw the introduction of both Joey Sandercock and Abi Smith much earlier than planned by the coaching staff.
Up front Kim Upcott was putting in her big drives almost getting over the whitewash herself, Durham found her a handful to deal with.
Approaching half-time Cornwall strung some phases together with Tia Larson’s pass finding Sandercock out wide, the winger showed good pace getting in at the corner for an unconverted try and a 10-7 half-time lead.
Cornwall, trying to play out of their twenty-two were pinged by the referee for crossing offering Durham a penalty which Julia kicked to level the scores.
Cornwall obtained good field position, from a tap penalty they moved the ball wide with Becky Bennett making good ground to score near the posts, Megan Okey then kicked a conversion courtesy of the crossbar.
Durham’s bench made a difference as Cornwall tired in the crucial final moments. Two tries from Jess Clubby and Nicole Johnstone sealed their place in the final where they will meet Hampshire Women.
For Cornwall disappointment, but the Women can be proud of their superb campaign, which has confirmed them as force to be reckoned with at this level.
Coach Jo Holden said. “I am so proud of the girl’s performance today they really gave Durham a good hard game. Crucially we needed a score to put us two scores ahead, sadly we couldn’t quite manage it, that doesn’t take anything away from my pride in the squad and the levels of performance we have achieved in a short space of time.”
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).
Scores: Tries, Allin, Sandercock, Bennett, Con, Okey
BILL BEAUMONT CUP
CORNWALL 48 – 24 HAMPSHIRE
By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Redruth
The Twickenham dream may have been fully extinguished when Surrey forfeited their final match against Kent late on Friday afternoon, but the Cornwall supporters flocked in their masses to Redruth to make it a mini Twickenham experience.
All the trimmings where laid on, Trelawny’s Army revelled in the presence of the Cornwall team of 91, guests of honour of the CRFU, the Falmouth Marine Band, the pasty being hoisted on the crossbar. The Cornish sunshine and the Cornwall team performance and a good old sing song post-match also helped put smiles on their faces come the final whistle.
Seven tries scored in a resounding win, but great game, against a valiant and dogged Hampshire side, showed just what the competition can offer if organised properly!
Head coach Graham Dawe was satisfied with his side’s performance. He said. “It was tight up to half-time, we only led by three points and Hampshire were deservedly in the game. We said at half-time that we didn’t need to chase the game, the conditions playing down the slope will help us and that Hampshire will tire, we had a very strong bench, and that made the difference.
“We were much better today on the penalty front and worked very hard at the breakdown, whilst outside we showed vision playing the ball.
“We made a great start to the second half, Honey put us in the right area of the field, we won the ball putting us in a position to exploit their defence, we played sensible rugby, were patient and chances came our way. We have blooded some good young players this season and they will only get better in the seasons to come, so I am very confident that we can go on to better things.”
Hampshire scored first thanks to an early penalty from Lewis Dennett, their big forwards put in some telling drives.
It didn’t take long for Cornwall to reply as Duncan Tout, who had an outstanding game in the centre, ran in a great try from distance, Honey adding the first of his five conversions.
Ryan Morrell ran hard into the Cornwall twenty-two setting up a lineout for the visitors that led to a try by Kanter Wittock, bettered by Dennett.
Honey tied the scores with a penalty, however, Hampshire soon struck again when Max Fletcher made good ground before slipping a pass to Curtis Barnes to dot down, Dennett again found the uprights with the extras.
Good play from Harry Larkins and Josh Semmens led to a popular score in the corner from Dan Tyrrell, the winger repeating the dose just moments later off a great CJ Boyce pass to put Cornwall 20-17 to the good at the break.
Cornwall needed a fast start to the second half playing down the famous slope, it came thanks to giant lock Hugo Culverhouse who stormed like a demented wildebeest into Hellfire corner to score a great try to huge cheers from the packed ranks of supporters.
Cornwall had a cushion and they continued to press the pedal to the metal with further tries from Jordan Nicholls twice, the second off a great pass from man-of-the-match Tout, and Boyce.
Hampshire never threw in the towel and were rewarded with a penalty-try near the end, which no one could begrudge them.
Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Harry Larkins (Camborne), 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), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Ben Fox, Sam Stevens (both Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).
Replacements: Tom Cowan-Dickee (Plymouth Abion), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Pat Walton (Plymouth Albion), Adam Hughes (Camborne), Sam James (Redruth), Will Tanswell (Camborne).
Cornwall scores: Tries Tout 14, Tyrrell 34, 36, Culverhouse 41, Nicholls 60, 67, Boyce 63, Cons, Honey 15, 42, 61, 64, 68, Pen, Honey 25
Please use the link below to access the Durham Women v Cornwall Women game on Sunday 1 pm kick-off.
Dave usually gets it up and running about 15 mins before kick-off.
Cornwall selectors have made a couple of changes to the starting XV to play Hampshire at Redruth on Saturday kick-off 3 pm.
Matt Shepherd returns to the side having been unavailable last week and Ben Fox comes into the back row, in what will be his final game before retirement.
Hugo Culverhouse moves up from the bench to start in the second row alongside Edd Pascoe.
On the bench, Tom Cowan-Dickee comes in, whilst Sam James makes a return having missed the Kent game.
Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Harry Larkins (Camborne), 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), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Edd Pascoe (Redruth), Ben Fox, Sam Stevens (both Redruth), Mark Bright (Richmond).
Replacements: Tom Cowan-Dickee (Plymouth Abion), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Brad Howe, Pat Walton (both Plymouth Albion), Adam Hughes (Camborne), Sam James (Redruth), Will Tanswell (Camborne).
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.
“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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
