JASON LEONARD CUP

SOMERSET U.20, 22 – 34 CORNWALL U.20

By Terry Williams at Veritas Park, Taunton.

Cornwall u20’s ran out worthy winners versus Somerset on a hot afternoon in Taunton, scoring six tries in the process. This was a much more assured performance than against Devon a few weeks ago, with some stout defending against periods of sustained pressure and the back row, including replacements, and the midfield putting in some crunching tackles against heavier opponents throughout the game.

Somerset opened the scoring with a try from their right wing Eaves who ran across to the left to run in unopposed in the left corner. Somerset then continued to play most of the next 15 minutes in the Cornwall half but the defence was resolute and soaked up pressure, including forcing the opposition to give away penalties. On the 21st minute Cornwall drew level with a well taken try by centre Jack Statton.  There then followed a strange sequence during the conversion attempt with the ball falling off the tee twice, which caused Statton to hurriedly attempt a drop goal which passed wide of the post.

There then followed a period of Cornish dominance, which was started with a fine interception by full back Alfie MacDonald from well within his own half which he ran in to dot down almost under the post. This was converted by Statton without any fuss, 5 – 12. Vice captain Statton then continued his scoring spree with a try on 39 minutes which he duly converted, which brought the score to 5 – 19 at half time.

The second half continued with Cornwall again piling on the pressure and 3 minutes after the restart hooker Pete Harris, who had a fine game, going over for a try which was unconverted, 5 – 24. Cornwall then unfortunately picked up 2 yellow cards in 2 minutes, first to replacement Giddy Blacklock followed by prop Angus Williams. Somerset were awarded a penalty try after the first yellow, 12 – 24.

Cornwall did not let their heads drop however and some crafty manoeuvring of players saw them continue to stay in the game, and indeed increase their lead on 60 minutes by replacement winger Amori Matanatabu, who scored a spectacular diving try in the left corner for 12 -29.

There then followed an incident when Head Coach Ritchie Kevern asked the assistant referee about the length of time remaining on the yellow card. The referee, didn’t approve the line of questioning and ordered coach Kevern to the grandstand. (A subsequent review of the game showed second yellow lasted 14 minutes!)

The game continued and hooker Harris went over for his second try of the game to make the game safe at 12 -34. Somerset hit back with 2 unconverted tries to make the final score 22 -34, a fine win by a spirited Cornwall XV. Next up in 2 weeks’ time is a tough encounter away to Gloucestershire at Stow , who surprisingly lost to Devon 36-21 on the same afternoon.

Happily, any misunderstanding between Coach Ritchie Kevern and the referee was settled amicably after the game with handshakes all round and no further action.

Cornwall U.20: Macdonald (Exeter Saracens), Roskilly (Penryn), Deavin (Falmouth), Statton (Launceston), Keogh (St. Just), Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Chapple (Redruth); Lawrence (Falmouth), Harris (St. Austell), Williams (Penryn), Knight (Saltash), Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), Lister (Penryn), Eddy (Pirates Ams), Ellery (Newquay Hornets).

Replacements: Pope, Ikete (both Camborne School of Mines), Smith (Redruth), Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Blacklock (Falmouth), Matanatabu (Helston), Penhallurick (Falmouth).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Statton 21, 39, MacDonald 27, Harris 43, 70, Matanatabu 54, Conversions, Statton 28, 40

Somerset U.20, 22 – 34 Cornwall U.20

Dave Burrows streaming the game today from Taunton

Link to match kick-off 2 pm

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2024 continues when they play their second pool match in this season Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Taunton RFC where they will face Somerset U20 with a 1400 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “Following the first round of this year’s competition both the hosts and Cornwall lost their opening fixture and so both will be out to make amends. I know the players would like to see a different result and performance against Somerset, but the hosts will be wanting the same and so we should have an entertaining game”.

Cornwall have named Will Perkin (St Ives) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another player from last season, Jack Statton (Launceston) who is the vice-captain.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a poor start to this season’s campaign against a very good Devon side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Somerset. They will have home advantage and will be eager to put one over on us and so we must be ready for a tough 80 minutes”.

Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Cornish Pirates lock Steele Barker as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich, and Jago Sheppard another ex U20 and member of the winning 2022 team and current Camborne player assisting Steele with the forwards.

Cornwall Captain Will Perkin said, – “We were all disappointed with our performance last time out on what was our only home pool game for the season. We lost two key players in the warmup and first 5 minutes of the game, but we cannot use that as an excuse and should and must be able to adapt to these situations. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Somerset and we put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.

Cornwall lost their first game to Devon 7 – 41 whilst Somerset lost to Gloucestershire 57 – 31. The other game in the Southwest pool sees Devon host Gloucestershire, in what will be the top of the table clash. The final pool game of this season sees Cornwall face Gloucestershire away at a new venue of Stow on the Wold RFC on Sunday 5 May with a 1400 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said, -”I know the coaches, players were disappointed with the result v Devon, but they were the far stronger and cohesive team on the day. They will have worked hard in training to try and make amends when they face Somerset. This is the time when training becomes tough along with the decisions the coaches must make. The encouraging aspect is several of last season’s U18 squad, who are now 18, are now attending training as well to build again for the remainder of this season and the future”.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance. 

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com

Mob – 07967725368

SOMERSET U20 V CORNWALL U20

Sunday 21 APRIL @ TAUNTON RFC 1400 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Steele Barker, David Mankee + Jago Sheppard

Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop