JASON LEONARD CUP

SOMERSET U.20, 22 – 34 CORNWALL U.20

By Terry Williams at Veritas Park, Taunton.

Cornwall u20’s ran out worthy winners versus Somerset on a hot afternoon in Taunton, scoring six tries in the process. This was a much more assured performance than against Devon a few weeks ago, with some stout defending against periods of sustained pressure and the back row, including replacements, and the midfield putting in some crunching tackles against heavier opponents throughout the game.

Somerset opened the scoring with a try from their right wing Eaves who ran across to the left to run in unopposed in the left corner. Somerset then continued to play most of the next 15 minutes in the Cornwall half but the defence was resolute and soaked up pressure, including forcing the opposition to give away penalties. On the 21st minute Cornwall drew level with a well taken try by centre Jack Statton.  There then followed a strange sequence during the conversion attempt with the ball falling off the tee twice, which caused Statton to hurriedly attempt a drop goal which passed wide of the post.

There then followed a period of Cornish dominance, which was started with a fine interception by full back Alfie MacDonald from well within his own half which he ran in to dot down almost under the post. This was converted by Statton without any fuss, 5 – 12. Vice captain Statton then continued his scoring spree with a try on 39 minutes which he duly converted, which brought the score to 5 – 19 at half time.

The second half continued with Cornwall again piling on the pressure and 3 minutes after the restart hooker Pete Harris, who had a fine game, going over for a try which was unconverted, 5 – 24. Cornwall then unfortunately picked up 2 yellow cards in 2 minutes, first to replacement Giddy Blacklock followed by prop Angus Williams. Somerset were awarded a penalty try after the first yellow, 12 – 24.

Cornwall did not let their heads drop however and some crafty manoeuvring of players saw them continue to stay in the game, and indeed increase their lead on 60 minutes by replacement winger Amori Matanatabu, who scored a spectacular diving try in the left corner for 12 -29.

There then followed an incident when Head Coach Ritchie Kevern asked the assistant referee about the length of time remaining on the yellow card. The referee, didn’t approve the line of questioning and ordered coach Kevern to the grandstand. (A subsequent review of the game showed second yellow lasted 14 minutes!)

The game continued and hooker Harris went over for his second try of the game to make the game safe at 12 -34. Somerset hit back with 2 unconverted tries to make the final score 22 -34, a fine win by a spirited Cornwall XV. Next up in 2 weeks’ time is a tough encounter away to Gloucestershire at Stow , who surprisingly lost to Devon 36-21 on the same afternoon.

Happily, any misunderstanding between Coach Ritchie Kevern and the referee was settled amicably after the game with handshakes all round and no further action.

Cornwall U.20: Macdonald (Exeter Saracens), Roskilly (Penryn), Deavin (Falmouth), Statton (Launceston), Keogh (St. Just), Walsh-Newton (Falmouth), Chapple (Redruth); Lawrence (Falmouth), Harris (St. Austell), Williams (Penryn), Knight (Saltash), Perkin (St. Ives, Capt), Lister (Penryn), Eddy (Pirates Ams), Ellery (Newquay Hornets).

Replacements: Pope, Ikete (both Camborne School of Mines), Smith (Redruth), Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Blacklock (Falmouth), Matanatabu (Helston), Penhallurick (Falmouth).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Statton 21, 39, MacDonald 27, Harris 43, 70, Matanatabu 54, Conversions, Statton 28, 40