CRFU – Page 9

Cornwall name side for Tamar Cup clash

March 21, 2024 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall selects side to face Devon in Tamar Cup

By Bill Hooper

The Cornwall selectors have picked a squad from level 5 down to play Devon on Wednesday in the Tamar Cup.

This follows a request from Devon as they are competing this season in Bill Beaumont Division 3 as opposed to Cornwall who will compete in Division 1.

Cornwall will be looking to maintain the grip they have had on the Tamar Cup ever since they won it off Devon in 2012.

The selected squad sees several players who featured in the recent drawn game at St. Austell against the Royal Navy. It also gives the selectors the chance to run the rule over a number of players yet to feature.

Last season lock Freddie Stevenson from Bude featured in the county championship matches having impressed in the Tamar Cup. Another Bude player Ben Hancock will be hoping to follow in Freddie’s footsteps.

The Bill Beaumont Cup games will see the return of players from both Camborne and Redruth, along with those who have impressed from both the Navy and Tamar Cup games.

The game is being played at Ivybridge RFC with a 7:30 pm kick-off. Gate admission is £5.

Cornwall (Launceston unless stated): Shepherd (St. Austell), Davies (Devonport S), Fogden, Semmens (Pirates Ams), Tyrrell (St. Austell), Hennessey (Truro), Boyce (St. Austell); Pearce-Cowley, L Powell (Truro), Lambourn (Pirates Ams), Goldsmith, Horne, Head (Truro), Taylor (St. Austell), Rowley.

Replacements: Treleaven (Wadebridge C), Bulut, Hawken, A Powell (Liskeard-Looe), Elderkin (Truro), Hancock (Bude), Bullen, Plummer (both St. Austell), Tucker.

Cornwall Senior Men’s Home Game – 1st June 2024 – Venue Confirmed.

March 19, 2024 by Bill Hooper

Following a successful tender bid, this season’s only home game will be played at Redruth RFC.

This venue needs no introduction and has held many iconic games instrumental to Cornwall’s journey to Twickenham over the years.

It is with a nod to times gone by that at this event, the Team that won the historic game in 1990/1991 at rugby HQ are invited to attend as CRFU’s special guests.

There will be more information on this game as well as away fixtures in the coming weeks.

Like and follow all our social media platforms to ensure you have the most up to date information.

A special thanks to our sponsors for Senior Men’s Team:

Tribute, Jewsons, MSB Group Ltd, Anns Pasties, Kelsall Steele, O’Neills, Ocean BMW Falmouth, Hopleys Coaches, Lusty Glaze

Youtube link featuring our sponsors

Community Game Update – March

March 12, 2024 by Bill Hooper

SWROC – Role Advert

March 12, 2024 by Bill Hooper

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE

SEASON 2024/25

Due to a well-earned retirement, the South West ROC is inviting applications for the role of Co-Ordinating Secretary to replace the current post holder.

We are looking for someone with the following attributes:

The ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders (Clubs, CB’s & RFU)
Have a good grasp of RFU Competition regulations
Be approachable and yet able to make decisions
Good teamwork ethic
Have practical knowledge of IT

If you would be interested in talking some more about the role and to find out what commitment is required , or would like to apply, please contact the South West ROC Admin Office on admin@swrugby.co.uk.

Closing date for applications is Friday 19^th April 2024.

The South West ROC oversees the England Men’s Leagues, details can be found on

www.swrugby.co.uk

Cornwall lose Leonard Cup opener to Devon

March 10, 2024 by Bill Hooper

JASON LEONARD CUP

CORNWALL U.20, 7 – 41 DEVON U.20

By Bill Hooper, Recreation Ground, Camborne

Cornwall Under 20s made a disappointing start to this season’s campaign, well beaten by a very good Devon side who dominated the game from start to finish.

The Devon win saw them retain the Brunel Cup, which both sides play for annually.

Head coach Richie Kevern was understandably very disappointed by his side’s performance. “We were second best today, what disappointed me most was the vulnerability of our set-piece. Our lineout never got going, whilst our scrum was OK for sixty minutes, when Devon brought on their replacements we went backwards.

“The lads will need to have a long hard look at themselves, ahead of our next game at Somerset next month.”

Pete Harris (St Austell) of Cornwall U20s dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall were awarded an early kickable penalty, sadly Jack Statton’s effort went wide of the posts.

Devon were soon on the offensive, a speculative hack towards the Cornwall line saw flanker Isiah Akinrowo win the race to dot down the try. The Devon back row looked very sharp all afternoon with blind-side Ethan Millard catching the eye.

Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth) of Cornwall U20s on the attack. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall’s scrum was going well during this point of the game, they got a penalty that Statton kicked to the corner from the catch and drive, hooker Pete Harris bagged the try converted by Statton.

Disappointingly for Cornwall that was a good as it got. Devon began to dictate play with fly-half Matt Smale pulling the strings.

They got their reward when prop Dan Butt broke a tackle to score, Smale adding the extras before slotting a penalty shortly after.

Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by George Guy (Topsham) Vice Captain of Devon U20s and Ethan Millaed (Devonport Services) of Devon U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Under pressure, Cornwall lost a player to the sin-bin, allowing Devon to pile on the pressure with wing Josef Webber dotting down in the corner, Smale’s conversion giving the visitors a useful 22-7 half-time lead.

Despite Devon also finding themselves down to fourteen men early in the second half, Smale scored and converted Devon’s fourth try.

Jack Keogh (St Just) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Connor Jack (Devonport Services) of Devon U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 10/03/24, Cornwall U20s, Devon U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall’s woes in the set-piece continued and when Devon brought on their replacement front row, their final semblance of parity vanished.

Further tries from wing Austin Crow, and skipper George Pooley with a conversion from Stark Leighton completed the win for a very worthy Devon side.

Cornwall Under 20s are next in action on Sunday 21st April when they travel to Taunton to play Somerset Under 20s.

Cornwall U.20: Harvey Penhallurick (Falmouth), Ben Roskilly (Penryn), Jack Statton (Launceston), Alfie Hammersley (Falmouth), Jack Keogh (St. Just), Harry Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Jacob Chapple (Redruth); Rowan Lawrence (Falmouth), Peter Harris (St. Austell), Angus Williams (Penryn), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Will Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), Fin Lister (Penryn), Wes Eddy (Pirates Ams), Dom Ellery (Newquay Hornets).

Replacements: Dan Pope (Camborne SOM), Fin Holt (Redruth), George Oakley (St. Austell), Olly Derry, Will Symons, Ieuan Evans (all Wadebridge Camels), Rhys Richards (Redruth).

Cornwall scores: Try Harris 10, Con, Statton 11

Tamar Cup – Change of Venue

March 7, 2024 by Bill Hooper

Please note the Tamar Cup match between Devon & Cornwall on Wednesday 27th March will now take place at IVYBRIDGE RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm.

Cornwall Under 20s to face Devon in Championship opener

March 6, 2024 by Bill Hooper

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2024 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2024 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts neighbours Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 10 March. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 2 pm kick off.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s campaign off with a local tie against our neighbours Devon. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.

Admission is by programme £5, with Under 16s free.

Cornwall and Devon will also be playing for the Brunel Cup in this fixture.

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

Jack Keogh (St Just) of Cornwall U20s on the attack. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 31/01/24, Cornwall U20s, CSM, Camborne School of Mines, Friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Hayle, Memorial Ground, Cornwall, England

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Devon is never easy, playing Devon in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.

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.

Jack Stanton (Launceston) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Finley Mellis (Newent) of Gloucestershire U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 09/04/23, Cornwall U20s, Gloucestershire U20s, Jason Leonard Cup, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Camborne, Recreation Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall Captain Will Perkin said, – “It is an honour to be asked to be captain the side for this season. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my second season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 10th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 21^st April at Taunton RFC with a 2 pm kick off time and then Gloucestershire at Cheltenham RFC on Sunday 5th May again with a 2 pm kick off.

The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. There are a number of these players who will be around for the next two seasons, and we are always on
the lookout at new talent who can come into the squad and join them over the coming seasons”.

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, her email is : commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

We will be monitoring the weather this week. If there are any changes regarding the venue of the match this will be advised on the Cornwall RFU website and social media channels.

Cornwall U20 v Devon U20 Sunday 10th March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.

TEAM
1 ROWAN LAWRENCE (FALMOUTH RFC)
2 PETE HARRIS (ST AUSTELL RFC)
25 ANGUS WILLIAMS (PENRYN RFC)
4 CHARLIE KNIGHT (SALTASH RFC)
5 WILL PERKIN (CAPTAIN) (ST IVES RFC)
6 FINN LISTER (PENRYN RFC)
7 WES EDDY (PIRATES AMS RFC)
8 DOM ELLERY (NEWQUAY HORNETS RFC)
9 JACOB CHAPPLE (REDRUTH RFC)
10 DEAN WILLS (REDRUTH RFC)
11 JACK KEOGH (ST JUST RFC)
12 ALFIE HAMMERSLEY (FALMOUTH RFC)
13 JACK STATTON (VICE CAPTAIN) (LAUNCESTON RC)
14 BEN ROSKILLY (PENRYN RFC)
15 HARVEY PENHALLURICK (FALMOUTH RFC)

IMPACT PLAYERS
16 DAN POPE (CAMBORNE SCHOOL OF MINES RFC)
17 FINN HOLT (REDRUTH RFC)
18 GEORGE OAKLEY (ST AUSTELL RFC)
19 OLLY DERRY (WADEBRIDGE CAMELS RFC)
20 WILL SYMONS (WADEBRIDGE CAMELS RFC)
21 HARRY WALSH-NEWTON (FALMOUTH RFC)
22 RHYS RICHARDS (REDRUTH RFC)

TRAVELLING RESERVES
TR ALEX WATKINS (CAMBORNE SCHOOL OF MINES RFC)
TR JAMES SUTTON (SALTASH RFC)
TR AYDEN EARNSHAW (PENRYN RFC)
TR AMORI MATANATABU (HELSTON RFC)

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

Cornwall U.20 v Devon U.20

March 4, 2024 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Under 20s take on Devon Under 20s in their opening Jason Leonard Cup match this Sunday at Camborne RFC, kick-off 2 pm.

Admission is by programme, £5, with Under 16s free.

Team news will be released later in the week. Meanwhile we look forward to your support for our young players.

The game will also see both sides contest the Brunel Cup.

We are delighted to welcome back for another season our principal shirt sponsor for Cornwall Under 20s.

Cam scoops Tribute Award

February 29, 2024 by Bill Hooper

Tribute Man of the Match Winner – Cam Taylor – Sponsored by Atlantic Reach.

Cornwall & Royal Navy end honours even under Tregorrick lights

February 29, 2024 by Bill Hooper

CORNWALL 26 – 26 ROYAL NAVY

By Bill Hooper, Tregorrick Park, St. Austell

Cornwall began their preparations for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup campaign in an exciting match against a very lively Royal Navy side which ended all square on the night.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s applause for former referee and St. Austell club stalwart Fred Woods.

After a cagy opening it was the Navy who landed the first salvo when their wing Kane Teear-Bourge plucked a Cornish pass as the Black & Golds looked to play out of their twenty-two, to fly in under the posts, full back Ben Chambers added the simple conversion.

Lewis Thomas (Redruth) of Cornwall dives for the corner. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, St. Austell, Tregorrick Park, Cornwall, England

Roared on by the one thousand plus Tregorrick Park crowd, flanker Adam Hughes steamed up to the Navy twenty-two, the ball was re-cycled quickly by the forwards who went through a couple of phases before the ball got to wing Harry Larkins, via a Josh Matavesi pass, the wing darting into the corner to score, full back Matt Shepherd judging the conversion to perfection.

Cornwall kept the momentum going when hooker Luis Powell finished off a great phase of play for the Black & Gold’s second try, which went unconverted.

Mark Vian (St Austell) of Cornwall holds the ball as the Cornwall forwards maul towards the try-line. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, St. Austell, Tregorrick Park, Cornwall, England

The nip and tuck of the game continued as Navy skipper Kye Beasley made good ground into the Cornwall twenty-two, from an ensuing maul the Navy got over the line with hooker Jack Wright credited with the score.

Teear-Bourge time and again showed his pace out wide keeping the Cornwall defence on it’s toes.

Just before half-time Wright got his second try, again from a powerful Navy maul, with Chambers adding the extras, Navy turned around at the break 19-12 up.

Shepherd, fly-half Will Hennessy and flanker Cam Taylor had caught the eye for Cornwall in the opening period.

J Toogood of Royal Navy box kicks. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, St. Austell, Tregorrick Park, Cornwall, England

Kickable penalties were ignored by both sides as they looked to their set-piece. From a kick to the corner Cornwall got the drive on for Powell to score his second try of the game, Shepherd adding the extras to tie the scores.

With the game well into the final quarter and both sides emptying their benches, Cornwall’s No.8 Brandon Rowley cut a fine line to dot down a fourth try for the Black & Golds, Shepherd judging his third conversion to perfection.

Brandon Rowley (Launceston) of Cornwall dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, St. Austell, Tregorrick Park, Cornwall, England

Navy had a final broadside up their sleeves; a chip over the Cornwall defence was seized upon by Teear-Bourge who steamed in unopposed under the sticks for Danny Ronald to tie the game with his conversion.

Both sides had chances to win it, but a draw was a fair result at the final whistle.

The Tribute man-of-the-match award went to St. Austell’s No.7 Cam Taylor, sponsored by Atlantic Reach.

– Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 28/02/24, Cornwall, Royal Navy, friendly, CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, St. Austell, Tregorrick Park, Cornwall, England

After the final whistle, Cornwall head coach was satisfied with the result. He said. “Credit to the boys, they played for the shirt tonight, we can look back and perhaps if one or two lineouts had gone our way we could have made more of it. Our scrum went well, thought the reserve front row went well when they came on, overall we missed some chances in that second half.

“Hopefully the lads will go away and train hard, improve their fitness and look to fight their way into the squad come May.”

CRFU Chairman, Dave Saunter thanked St. Austell RFC for hosting the game and thanked the match sponsors for their valuable support.

Cornwall (Launceston unless stated): Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Lewis Thomas (Redruth), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Josh Matavesi (Capt,), Harry Larkins (both Camborne, Will Hennessy (Truro), CJ Boyce (St. Austell); Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Albert Horne, Dan Goldsmith, Adam Hughes (Camborne), Cam Taylor (St. Austell), Brandon Rowley.

Replacements: Peter Harris (St. Austell), Adam Strick (Penryn), James Lambourn (Pirates Ams), Mark Vian (St. Austell), Chris Fuca (Camborne), Adam Powell (Liskeard/Looe), Will Tanswell (Camborne), Freddie Davies (Devonport Services), Cameron Fogden, Ben Bryant.

Tries; Larkins 15, Powell 23, 54, Rowley 67, Cons, Shepherd 16, 55, 68

Royal Navy: Ben Chambers, Kane Teear-Bourge, AJ King, Jesse Lowe, Kristen Dobson, Dan Rutter, Jay Toogoog; Kye Beasley (Capt), Jack Wright, Dom Cleverley, Dan MacAdams, Will Scott, George Wagstaff, Ben Mallet, Chris Mills.

Replacements: Connor Turgood, Harry Wright, Tam Lindsay, Lewis Sutton, Evan Williams, Robbie Hume, Ronald, Ryder, Briggs, Hall, Duncan.

Tries: Teear-Bourge 9, 88, Wright 28, 39, Cons, Chambers 10, 40, Ronald 89

Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock

Crowd: 1,025