Please see the side below chosen to play Gloucestershire Under 17 at Bodmin RFC this Sunday 2:30 pm.
Cornwall take the win 32-31, well played lads.
Cornwall Under 17 beat Gloucestershire Under 17, 32-31
Cornwall lay down marker in Surrey leafy lanes
BILL BEAUMONT CUP
SURREY 0 – 55 CORNWALL
By Bill Hooper at Molesey Road, Esher with photographer Graham Walker
Cornwall made the perfect start to their campaign scoring eight tries as they comfortably defeated Surrey at Esher.
It didn’t take long for Cornwall to get on the score board as young Jack Statton dotted down following good wok from Matt Shepherd. Fraser Honey was on the money with the first of his six successful conversions.
Good lineout ball saw Cornwall again unleash the backline with Duncan Tout gathering a chip ahead to score in the corner.
Again Cornwall came away with points from their visits to the Surrey twenty-two when Honey kicked a penalty from in front of the posts.
Honey then turned provider as his pass found Shepherd allowing the full-back to canter to the line and a useful half-time advantage 22-0.
The backs looked very sharp with Tout and Sam James in mid-field, they also tackled like demons when required.
Cornwall’s locks Pat Walton and Hugo Culverhouse ensured plenty of good lineout ball, whilst the back row, notably Brad Howe had a big game.
The second half saw tries aplenty from the Camborne contingent. A simple catch and drive was meat and drink for skipper Ben Priddey as finished off the maul with a trademark try. Priddey came up again with the ball after the forwards had done their job leaving Trelawny’s Army in full voice.
Further tries came from Jon Drew and Declan Prowse, before Priddey, having just saved a Surrey try, completed his hat-trick to put the polish on the win.
Speaking after the game skipper Priddey was full of praise for his side. “The boys played outstandingly well today. Our forwards laid the foundations for this result, we look to be dominant in that area and we certainly were today, also credit to our backline, Fraser Honey put us in the right areas of the field and then when we go the backs are very sharp as you saw today. Credit to the whole squad today they all gave 100%.
Full back Matt Shepherd also gave his thoughts on the game. “We’ve had some good training sessions together and I feel today you saw the fruits of that work. Hats off to the players on debut today they didn’t look out of place, young Jack Statton getting a try on his Championship debut having stared for the Under 20s this season, personally I was pleased to see CJ Boyce and Dan Tyrrell both had good games today.
Next up for Cornwall is a trip to Kent next Saturday at Charlton Park RFC to take on the champions from last season.
Surrey: Zach Rodber (Guildford), Jordan Fadoju (London Irish WG), John Efiong (Richmond), Adam Hakimian (Henley Hawks, Capt), Jonathan Ilori (London Welsh), Werner Nel (Chinnor), James Smith (Barnes); Pete McCain (Chobham), Ed Pasfield (Guildford), John Smith ((Richmond), Ben Harrison (Camberley), Josh Stace (Wimbledon), Max Keen (Richmond), Daniel Benton (Chobham).
Replacements: Sam Woodhams (Farnham), Akex Hankins (Guildford), Jack Buxton (Farnham), Sam Goddard (Chobham), Tan Chabata (Blackheath), Tom Wautier (Richmond), Christian Klass (Beckenham).
Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Jack Statton (Launceston), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Sam James (Redruth), 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), Hugo Culverhouse (Guernsey), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens (both Redruth), Brad Howe (Plymouth Albion).
Replacements: Luke Barnes (Redruth), Declan Prowse, Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (all Camborne), Mark Bright (Richmond), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Harry Larkins (Camborne).
8 Cornwall Under 20 players picked for SW trial
8 Cornwall U20’s selected for the SW trials.
Following the 3 pools games the SW selectors have announced the squad for the
SW trials. The SW coaching staff and selectors attend every pool game in the region
to assess players and invite them to the SW trials which will be held on Sunday 26th
May at Hartpury College Gloucestershire.
It is somewhat ironic that after a 17-hour day when Gloucestershire decided to take
Cornwall to Stow on the Wold RFC on a bank holiday weekend that the trails are
again held some 200 miles away for the Cornwall players again on a bank holiday
weekend. Why a more central location can not be used is a cause of much
disappointment and concern. The SW selectors / coaching squad have been told
how to you expect to get the best out of them when they must leave home at 0530
and face a 4 – 41/2-hour journey!
The 8 selected players are-
Angus Willams Prop representing Penryn.
Pete Harris Hooker representing St Austell.
Will Perkin Lock representing St Ives.
Ben Smith Flanker representing Redruth.
Jacob Chapple Scrum Half representing Redruth.
Idris Logan Scrum Half representing Helston.
Jack Statton Centre representing Launceston.
Jack Keogh Wing representing St Just.
Congratulations to all 8 players and best wishes for the trials on Sunday 26th May.
The selected players and the Cornwall U20 section thank both the CRFU and
Trelawny’s Army for their support for those players attending the SW trials.
Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager
Cornwall team to play Surrey
The selectors have picked the following side to play Surrey at Esher RFC tomorrow afternoon at 2 pm.
Cornwall Squad
| 1 | Tommy-Lee Southworth | Camborne |
| 2 | Ben Priddey © | Camborne |
| 3 | Jon Drew | Camborne |
| 4 | Pat Walton | Plymouth Albion |
| 5 | Hugo Culverhouse | Guernsey |
| 6 | Edd Pascoe | Redruth |
| 7 | Sam Stevens | Redruth |
| 8 | Brad Howe | Plymouth Albion |
| 9 | CJ Boyce | St. Austell |
| 10 | Fraser Honey | Rams |
| 11 | Dan Tyrrell | St Austell |
| 12 | Sam James | Redruth |
| 13 | Duncan Tout | Tonbridge Juddians |
| 14 | Jack Statton | Launceston |
| 15 | Matt Shepherd | St. Austell |
| 16 | Luke Barnes | Redruth |
| 17 | Declan Prowse | Camborne |
| 18 | Adam Hughes | Camborne |
| 19 | Jordan Nicholls | Camborne |
| 20 | Mark Bright | Richmond |
| 21 | Cam Fogden | Launceston |
| 22 | Harry Larkins | Camborne |
| Travelling reserves | ||
| TR | Albert Horne | Launceston |
| TR | Matt Pritchard | Redruth |
| TR | Lewis Thomas | Redruth |
Cornwall Women make a couple of changes ahead of Herts match
By Bill Hooper
Following the physical battle against Hampshire Women on Sunday Cornwall Women have been forced to make a few changes ahead of the game at Tabard RFC this Sunday.
In the backs, Joey Sandercock starts on the wing in place of unavailable Beccy Bennett, whilst at scrum-half Amy Warman drops to the bench with Lisa Allin moving to the starting berth.
In the forwards Roberta Smith-Scotland moves to flanker in place of Elizabeth Langton, who picked up an injury, with Emily Kneale moving up from the bench to start at No.8.
On the bench, prop Caitlin Eddy (Helston) gets a call up whilst the Penryn’s Georgia Hall comes into the match day squad. Rachel Hicks (Launceston) is also called up onto the bench.
Coach Jo Holden reports that the squad were full of confidence and eager to go against Herts this Sunday following Tuesday evening’s squad training session. “There is a huge buzz from last Sunday in the squad, we as leaders will manage that this week ,but our girls are keen to go again.
“There are a couple of enforced changes but I have confidence in the squad as whole to do their job and play to the patterns we have set out. We play for each other.”
Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Jenna Arnold (Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Emily Kneale (Launceston)
Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Caitlin Eddy (Helston), Abigail Smith (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman, Rachel Hicks (both Launceston),
Travelling Reserve: Steph Nicholas (Camborne)
Information re Kent game Charlton Park RFC
The following has been sent to us by Kent RFU;
- The club’s post code is SE3 8NB and for an inner London club we have a great deal of room to be able to accommodate all those attending.
- Can you put out on your website please that we would ask supporters attending not to park on the roads around the ground as it will cause problems with the local junior football club also having an event on their ground next door to us. Kent have further informed us that road parking will not be permitted.
- We will have hot food and drink available before and during the game and we will open our gates at 12pm.
- Have Tribute as a guest beer!!
- Ground entry is FREE!! £5 charge per car for parking Charlton Park say they have plenty of room for parking.
Promising performance despite defeat
GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2
CORNWALL WOMEN 10 – 24 HAMPSHIRE WOMEN
By Bill Hooper at St Clements Hill Truro
Cornwall Women gave reigning Division 2 Champions Hampshire Women a far tougher game than perhaps they envisaged as they made their way down to Truro on the coach.
Against a side that was made up of players predominately from Havant and Trojans clubs, the Cornwall side played their hearts out.
Captain Amy Bunt proudly led her side out through a guard of honour made up of the children of past and current Cornwall Women players.
The early stages of the game saw both defences tested with Cornwall putting in some crunching tackles.
Eventually the visitors got a chance when Abi Pearson slipped a great pass to Becky Fenn who scored in the corner an unconverted try.
Hampshire looked to press home their advantage, but the Cornish defence was equal to them with Bunt putting in a crunching tackle typifying their spirit.
Despite losing a player to a yellow card Cornwall held out, clearing their lines and it remained 5-0 to Hampshire at half-time.
Early in the second half Cornwall slipped off a tackle allowing the speedy Pearson to dot down Hampshire’s second try, Rose Brown added the conversion.
To keep in the hunt Cornwall needed the next score and it came following great work from forwards and backs, notably Kim Upcott and Becky Bennett before Jenna Arnold cleverly scored an unconverted try to huge cheers from the crowd.
Cornwall backs were looking hungry, both centres Tia Larson and Lilly Relton put in some good breaks, but it was Hampshire who went further ahead when Kesha Drain went over from close range, Brown again adding the extras.
With the game now in the final 10 minutes Cornwall pressed for another score, Upcott was again involved in the build-up as were Relton and Joey Sandercock, the ball was fired out to Larson, her power beat the tackle to dot down Cornwall’s second try to even more rousing cheers.
With the final play of the game Hampshire, to their huge relief, scored a fourth try through Cerys Ralph to ensure the bonus point win, the drained look on their faces testimony they had been in a battle.
Coach Jo Holden was full of praise for her side’s performance. “We’ve come a long way from last season’s score line, 0-38. The girls have taken on board everything we asked of them. Hampshire were shall we say surprised by our play today, they didn’t expect that and it rattled them.
“They put their bodies on the line tackling everything that moved, then showing tremendous guts to fight back and get those two scores, a never say die attitude. I couldn’t be prouder of them all.
“We will build on today going into next Sunday’s game against Hertfordshire.”
Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Ivybridge), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Jenna Arnold (both Launceston), Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (both Launceston),Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock)
Replacements: Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Joey Sandercock, Abigail Smith (both Launceston)
Hampshire Women: Abi Pearson, Nina Hoadley (both Havant), Rose Brown (Trojans), Jay Sime (Havant), Rebecca Fenn, Hannah Wilson (both Trojans), Lauren Gillingham (Havant); Kesha Drain, Thea Kilby, Ashleigh Robertson (all Trojans), Carol Tennant, Tessa Gale, Eloise Shrimpton (all Havant), Hannah Blount (Trojans) Natasha Bullock (Havant).
Replacements: Katie Casey, Lucy King (both Havant), Ciera Forry, Georgie Harris (both Portsmouth), Cerys Ralph (Havant), Jenna Berretta (Trojans), Ella Spacey (Winchester)
Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock
7 players earn their county caps and county ties!
Following the game v Gloucestershire, Alan Milliner MBE, Cornwall RFU Council rep made presentations of ties and caps to Cornwall players.
Players making their first U20 appearance are awarded their U20 tie. 3 recipients were presented with their ties: –
Idris Logan – Helston
Alex Watkins – Camborne School of Mines
Robbie Paul – Redruth
Making 7 county championship appearances earns the player a county cap. 4 players joined Falmouth’s Rowan Lawrence in being awarded their cap this season. The players are: —
Harvey Penhallurick – Falmouth
Wes Eddy – Pirates Ams
Vice-Captain Jack Statton – Launceston
Captain – Will Perkin St Ives
2 other players narrowly missed out on having caps, having only paid 6 games over the last 2 seasons, Peter Harris St Austell, and Fin Deavin Falmouth.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating all the players on their achievements this season.
Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager
Cornwall Women side for Gill Burns Cup opener
CORNWALL WOMEN’S SIDE TO PLAY HAMPSHIRE WOMEN
By Bill Hooper
Cornwall Women’s selectors have announced their side for Sunday’s Gill Burns Division 2 pool match against reigning Division 2 champions Hampshire Women at Truro RFC this Sunday kick-off 2:30 pm.
Last season Hampshire Women defeated their Cornish opponents in the semi-finals 38-0 at Polson Bridge Launceston before defeating Eastern Counties 53-8 in the final at Ealing Trailfinders ground.
Nine women from the Cornwall team that played Hampshire last season remain in the match day squad for Sunday’s game.
There are seven players from Ivybridge Women who play at the same level as both Havant and Trojans from Hampshire. Cornwall’s captain Amy Bunt (pictured above) having faced both sides knows what to expect. “It will be tough against the Division 2 Champions but we are improving all the time and I believe we can give them a good game. I am excited to see what our team can produce against the defending champions at this level.”
It’s also good to see Tia Larson back in the black and gold following a long term injury that kept her out of the game for a long period. This will be her first game back for Cornwall since the Division 3 title win in 2022.
Coach Jo Holden added. “This is set to be an exciting season, probably our most challenging yet in terms of the counties we are up against. But with the talent coming through we are seeing improvements in all areas of the pitch and we are hoping to showcase at our first game.”
Entry will be £5, with under 16s free.
Trelawny’s Army will be present with their merchandise stand.
Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Capt), Millie Chaston (both Ivybridge), Tia Larson (Bude), Lily Relton (Truro), Rebecca Bennett (Ivybridge), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Jenna Arnold (both Launceston), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Kim Upcott (Launceston), Caitlin Milliken (Ivybridge), Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Elizabeth Langton (Ivybridge), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock)
Replacements: Emily Carbis (Devonport S), Zeta Penrose (Truro), Vicki Doidge (Launceston), Paige Clarke (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Joey Sandercock, Abigail Smith (both Launceston).
Late tries deny Cornwall at Stow
Gloucestershire U.20, 33 – 27 Cornwall U.20
By Terry Williams at Stow on the Wold RFC
The cruellest of blows saw a valiant Cornwall U20’s XV go down 33 – 27 to Gloucestershire at Stow on the Wold RFC.
With the clock in the red Cornwall were leading 26 -27, but then with the referee signalling the final play of the game, Gloucestershire went through a number of phases for a try in the left corner, which was converted. Jubilation from Gloucestershire players and supporters and disbelief on the Cornish side. However, to take a positive , this was the best the team had played throughout the season. Lessons were learnt from the Devon game, and the away win to Somerset was a good one, and truly they deserved a win yesterday. No excuses, but the long journey to Stow on the Wold did not help, it’s almost in Worcestershire. Perhaps a trip to St Just next season might restore the balance!
The game was entertaining for the supporters, and there were a number of Cornish there who made their presence felt. Gloucestershire opened the scoring on 5 minutes with a converted try, but Cornwall struck back 9 minutes later with a try by hooker, Pete Harris (pictured above in a previous game), the first of 3 for the afternoon. He has had an outstanding season for the under 20’s.
In a free flowing game, during which both teams made mistakes, Cornwall kept their noses in front. Winger Jack Keogh getting on the score sheet interrupting Harris’s run of tries. Jack Statton made a contribution with the boot, 2 conversions and a penalty. Congratulations to him on his selection for the senior county squad.
The game was tight and at half time the score was 14 – 15 to Cornwall but they were never able to put a lot of daylight between the scores, and Gloucestershire rallied with 2 late tries as the Cornwall team showed signs of tiredness towards the end.
To sum up, a somewhat disappointing Jason Leonard Cup campaign, but as the die hards say: there is always next season to look forward to!
Cornwall U.20: Macdonald (Exeter Saracens), Penhallurick, Deavin (both Falmouth), Statton (Launceston), Keogh (St. Just), Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Chapple (Redruth); Williams (Penryn) Harris (St. Austell), Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Lister (Penryn), Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), Smith (Redruth), Eddy (Pirates Ams), Ellery (Newquay Hornets).
Replacements: Pope (Camborne School of Mines), Holt (Redruth), Knight (Saltash), Watkins (Camborne School of Mines), Matanatabu, Logan (both Helston), Paul (Redruth).
Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Harris 14, 32, 57, Keogh 45, Cons, Statton 15, 58, Pen, 40
