Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2023 continues as we enter the knock-out stages of this seasons Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall travel to North Dorset RFC on Sunday 7th May to take on Dorset and Wilts who were SW regional pool 1 winners.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “This is an opportunity for these guys to progress within this year’s competition. Last week the table showed us second after a fantastic victory over Somerset which meant that we were out of this season’s competition however, with several counties being deducted points included our neighbours Devon, it means Cornwall top Southwest pool 2”.
Cornwall narrowly lost their first game away to Devon 35 – 29 but came away with 2 losing bonus points. The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 38 – 28 victory over Gloucestershire whilst denying them a losing bonus point. Cornwall won handsomely in their last pool game 79 – 19 over Somerset.
Coach Rich Kevern said .“We asked for a massive performance against Somerset and the boys certainly put in a great shift and produced a superb win. We now must travel to Dorset and Wilts who topped Southwest pool 1 on Sunday and need another big performance. We are now into knock-out rugby, win and we progress or lose and end of season”.
The game will be played at North Dorset RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
Cornwall Captain Joss Pascoe said. “Every game we play now is crucial and we will not get another second chance. For several players including myself this is our last season with the U20 and so we must perform on the day. I know the boys are up for the challenge, but we also know some face a club v county dilemma. At the end of the day we will put out the best team available to us and give 110% whilst wearing the black and gold shirt”.
Cornwall make one change with Joss Pascoe moving to the bench and Jack Statton who had a powerful performance from the bench on the last outing earning the starting 13 shirt. Will Perkin (pictured above) takes over the captaincy role whilst Matt Pritchard at hooker takes up the vice captains’ role for this game. The winner of this game will face the winner of the Essex v Hampshire game and will be played on Sunday 21 May.
CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said. ” Logistically this causes all teams some headaches, with the senior men playing on the Saturday the senior women and the U20’s playing on the Sunday and of course this is the same day as the Papa John’s finals, which several Cornish could be involved in! A big thank you to all our supporters and sponsors, the players, coaches, and backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support all our teams”.
Cornwall U.20: H Penhallurick (Falmouth), L Bostock (Truro), J Statton (Launceston), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), N Dart (Camborne), J Walker (Falmouth); M Cardwell (Pirates Ams), M Pritchard (Falmouth), M Boothby, J Maunder (both St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), W Eddy (Pirates Ams), B Jones (Perranporth), C Triggs (Truro).
Replacements: P Harris (St. Austell), A Harris (St. Just), R Lawrence, J Peck, B Rosevear, F Deavin (all Falmouth), J Pascoe (Truro).
