Match Report – Cornwall U18’s 30 v Somerset 5
17th December 2023 @ Hartpury College
Report by: Oscar Marr
The boys made their second trip to Hartpury to take on a physical Somerset side in their penultimate game of the SW tournament.
With better conditions the team got off to a flyer, with Sam Vickery going over early to give the lads an early lead. High physicality in defence led to errors from Somerset which were swiftly converted into points from the Cornwall boys. With just under 15 minutes played Sam Vickery went over for his second to push the lead to 10 points.
After the strong start from the pack the backs were eager to show what they could do with the remainder of the first half, a slick combination of moves led to Harry Rigg crashing over to strengthen Cornwall’s grip on the game.
The first half ended in positive fashion as a 4th try was scored by Aaron Jones, and a passion in defence continued to show, leaving Somerset scoreless at the end of the half.
With the beginning of the second half the team were keen to show more of the same and carry the
momentum through to the final whistle. Cornwall started off the half positively but attacking flourishes
were blundered with minor mistakes in crucial areas. However, they stuck to it, and a dominant scrum
followed by a moment of magic from Jowan Wilding led to a length of the pitch score. After this the second half was played in similar fashion to the first. A strong set piece, paired with a precise and pacey back line continued to pile on the pressure. Unfortunately, a lot of the pressure went to waste. With the theme of silly mistakes making the job hard work.
The momentum inevitably swayed and Somerset dug out a try through some brutal play from their forwards. Once again, the boys bounced back and the second half was finished on a high note as backs play was finished off in the corner by Oscar Marr.
The game finished 30 points to 5 in favour of the Cornish lads, another strong performance. In a game
riddled with mistakes, moments of brilliance shone through constantly in a convincing win which was
enjoyed by all involved.
Squad: Dan Bennett, Aaron Jones, Sam Vickery, Bailey Hadfield, Seb Dash, Jude Hardy, Ashton Rowe, Jack
Jenkin, Fin Stuart, Olly Pellow, Ted Kullich, Harvey Brough, Harry Rigg, Callum Phillips, Jowan Wilding,
Charles Byron, Joe Court, Jack Green, Issac Jago (Capt), Kaea Griffiths, Ross McKnight, Pierce Ford, Oscar Marr.
Tries: Vickery (2), Rigg, Wilding, Jones, Marr.
Coaches: Andy Hawken, LJ Colick.
