JASON LEONARD CUP
CORNWALL U.20, 38 – 28 GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Camborne
In front of a good size crowd Cornwall put in a much better display in defeating Gloucestershire to give them a chance of making the knockout stage of this year’s Jason Leonard Cup competition.
When the visitors lost their back row forward Ben Kindred to a yellow card on 31minutes Cornwall took advantage scoring three tries before half-time.
Gloucestershire kicked off with a stiff breeze at their backs, however they failed to make proper use of the elements, which also cost them dearly.
A couple of early penalties from their fly-half Will Hammonds gave the visitors a 6-0 lead. But when Kindred was sent to the sin-bin Cornwall turned on the pressure.
Truro No.8 Connor Triggs scored the opening try following some good play from the forwards, Falmouth full-back Harvey Penhallurick added the extras, the first of his five successful conversions, in a faultless kicking display.
Penhallurick then bamboozled the Gloucestershire defence with a dazzling run to score by the posts.
Moments later hooker Matt Pritchard seized on an interception to gallop in under the posts.
Penryn’s Freddie Trewin had another big game for Cornwall, always a handful at the breakdown and putting in some big tackles on the heavy Gloucestershire forwards.
Just before half-time Gloucestershire scored from a catch-and-drive with hooker Harry Legg credited with the score. Hammonds adding the conversion for a score of 21-13 to Cornwall at the break.
Almost immediately after half-time Cornwall secured the bonus point score following further good forward play with Pritchard showing good strength to bag his second try.
Kindred made up for his earlier misdemeanour when he scored for the visitors from a catch and drive.
It was Cornwall’s turn to find themselves down to fourteen men when the excellent Pritchard was shown a yellow card.
Wing Owen Notley went in at the corner to cut the deficit to just five points, but that was as close as Gloucestershire would get.
Fresh off the bench St. Austell’s Peter Harris scored Cornwall’s fifth try and when Penhallurick kicked a penalty late on, Cornwall led by 15 points.
Gloucestershire had the final say scoring a 4th try at the death through skipper Lloyd Thomas to secure a try-scoring bonus point, which may prove useful in the final shake up.
Cornwall had the win they needed to have a chance of qualifying when they play Somerset in two weeks time, but they will also require Gloucestershire to beat Devon.
Coach Richie Kevern was pleased with his side’s performance. He said. “I thought that was a controlled performance from us, and we took our opportunities well. We kept our discipline during the first half but in the second we were guilty of giving away too many penalties. But all credit to the boys they deserved the win and know they have a chance in two weeks time to progress if results go our way.”
Cornwall U.20: H Penhallurick (Falmouth), L Bostock (Truro), J Statton (Launceston), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), J Pascoe (Truro,Capt), J Walker (Falmouth); M Cardwell (Pirates Ams), M Pritchard (Falmouth), M Boothby, J Maunder (both St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives), G Blacklock (Newquay Hornets), F Trewin (Penryn), C Triggs (Truro).
Replacements: P Harris (St. Austell), A Harris (St. Just), R Lawrence (Falmouth), B Jones (Perranporth), B Rosevear, F Deavin (both Falmouth), W Eddy (Pirates Ams).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Triggs, Penhallurick, Pritchard 2, Harris, Cons, Penhallurick 5, Pen, Penhallurick
