Cornwall Girls Under 18 side picked to face Gloucestershire Girls Under 18 at Truro College on Sunday 7th December at 2 pm.
Camborne Women toast their Team of the Month Award
Introducing Cornwall RFU Women’s Team of the Month Camborne RFC.
Last evening prior to training Tanya Thomas from the CRFU met with the players, along with Josh Geary from The Cornish Wine Company to present their award.
Josh, who is one of the directors of the company has kindly offered to sponsor this award for us this season.
Due to the time of the year, the team were game to embrace the festive season and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.
We wish them all the best for their future fixtures.
Congratulations on your nomination.
Penryn Ladies, Women’s Team of the Month for October
A new monthly award by the CRFU.
Women’s Team of the Month…..
Training delayed slightly this evening whilst the Women’s Team were informed that they are our Team for October.
Penryn Ladies are reguarily fielding two sides with the first team playing in NC1 South West and the second team part of the Inner Warriors league.
The award is kindly sponsored by The Cornish Wine Company represented this evening by Josh Geary one of the company Directors.
Wishing Penryn all the best for this weekend.
Looking forward to selecting next months Womens Team.
Cornwall Women win Tamar Cup
A stirring second half performance saw Cornwall Women overturn a ten point half-time deficit to win the inaugural Women’s Tamar Cup 31-27 at Polson Bridge.
Devon’s two bonus points from the game were enough to confirm them as group winners and progression to the semi-finals.
Match report below
GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2
CORNWALL WOMEN 31 – 27 DEVON WOMEN
By Bill Hooper at Polson Bridge.
On a glorious afternoon at Polson Bridge both sides served up a feast of attacking rugby for the four figure crowd.
For Cornwall the spoils of the game and with it the Tamar Cup that captain Amy Bunt proudly lifted in front of the grandstand.
Devon too had much to celebrate, two bonus points from the game enough to see them top the group and advance to the semi-finals.
Devon kicked off towards the Devon end and immediately put Cornwall under pressure.
Cornwall defended well but gave away too many penalties, eventually the Devon pressure told when the ball was worked wide to wing Charleigh Hopkin to dot down.
Having missed the conversion Devon’s Beth Plumpton kicked a routine penalty from in front of the posts to stretch their lead.
Cornwall needed to get into the game, Abi Smith sounded the charge with a good run, the first of many. Cornwall kicked a penalty to the corner from which scrum-half Amy Warman fed Michaella Roberts, the No.8 used her strength to power over for a try bettered by Georgia Hall.
Roberts was again involved when Cornwall took the lead, she linked with Smith who’s pass found Bunt who scored an unconverted try in the corner.
Smith then showed her defensive qualities with a crunching tackle on a Devon player that left her square on her back!
The threat from Devon on the wings was still there and when the ball reached Issy Edworthy the Okehampton wing showed her speed to outpace the cover and score under the sticks allowing Plumpton a simple conversion.
Despite losing No.8 Megan Heath to a yellow card Devon scored again before half-time through the impressive Edworthy, Plumpton’s extras giving the visitors a 22-12 lead at half-time.
The break allowed the Cornwall Women’s team from 1994 to parade around the ground, players that Cornwall head coach Jo Holden described as “true pioneers who laid the foundations for what we have now.”
Cornwall came out for the second half in determined mood. An early try-scoring chance just failed to go to hand with line beckoning.
The Cornish forwards through Roberts, Kim Upcott and Izzy Burrows were making ground.
A quick tap penalty from Warman near the Devon line led to Meg Okey charging over near the posts allowing Hall the conversion.
Just as Cornwall had Devon in their sights a moment of lapse concentration allowed Edworthy to escape the clutches to score her third try.
With both sides turning to their respective benches, it was Cornwall who finished the stronger. Leading by example Bunt shrugged off a tackle to score in the corner to bring Cornwall to within three points.
Devon then lost Plumpton to a yellow card as Cornwall now pressed hard.
The winning score came from another quick tap penalty from Warman who found Smith who scored near the posts, Hall’s conversion completed the scoring as Cornwall saw out the game.
Speaking after the match head coach Jo Holden said. “They put everything out there today I am so proud of each and every one of them.
“Winning the Tamar Cup is a huge milestone for us as we strive to improve each season, this is a very good Devon side we beat today. I can’t wait for next season and where it can take us as a group.”
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless mentioned): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Meg Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitkin (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).
Replacements: Janna Arnold, Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).
Cornwall scores: Tries Roberts 19, Bunt 24, 56, Okey 52, Smith 74, Cons, Hall 20, 53, 75
Referee: Rob Lowe (Plymouth RRS)
Crowd: 1,054
Cornwall Star Player: Michaella Roberts
Cornwall Women name team for Tamar Cup clash
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 
Our 23 are READY for battle! 
Cornwall Women take on Devon this Sunday at Polson Bridge in a massive clash that’s about more than just points. It’s pride, progression, and the inaugural Women’s Tamar Cup on the line 
With a place in the Gill Burns Cup semi-finals at stake, this one promises to be a cracker. You won’t want to miss it!
Sunday, June 1
Polson Bridge, Launceston
Kick-off: 2:00 PM
Be loud. Be proud. Be there.
Fan Base link now open for Cornwall Women v Devon game
You can now purchase your tickets via the Fan Base link below.
Cornwall Women bounce back at Kingsholm
GILL BURNS CUP
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WOMEN 0 – 37 CORNWALL WOMEN
By Bill Hooper
Cornwall Women bounced back from their defeat last Sunday against Hampshire to gain an emphatic win against Gloucestershire at Kingsholm stadium.
The win keeps Cornwall’s chances of making the semi-finals alive when they take on Devon Women at Polson Bridge in their final pool match, it also gives them a great memory playing at one of English rugby’s iconic stadiums.
Cornwall dominated throughout building their score. No.8 Michaella Roberts drove over for the first try with skipper Amy Bunt, centre Abby Smith, scrum-half Lisa Allin getting herself a brace and wing Tia Larson all touching down. Centre Georgia Hall kicked two conversions and a penalty.
Cornwall will now look to their final pool game against Devon on Sunday at Polson Bridge, 2 pm, to hopefully do enough to get a semi-final berth.
This match will also see the winners awarded the Women’s Tamar Cup.
Women’s head coach Jo Holden was delighted with her side’s performance but knows a stiffer test lies ahead. “I think we need to go into the game with confidence, the women have two matches under their belts now and have confidence in themselves. It should be a really good game, hopefully we can edge it next week.
“The call goes out to our wonderful supporters to come along to Polson Bridge on Sunday and get behind the team. It would be great to see all the black and gold around the ground.”
Cornwall Women (Launceston, unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Suz Franks, Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).
Replacements: Teigan Aitken (Penryn), Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Holly Williams, Amy Warman, Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).
Cornwall Women side to play Gloucestershire
The Cornwall Woimen’s side to play Gloucestershire Women at Kingsholm on Saturday kick-off 2 pm.
Cornwall Women push Champs Hants all the way
Gill Burns Cup
Hampshire Women 41 – 19 Cornwall Women
By Steve Murley at Havant RFC
In a fantastic game at Havant on Sunday, Cornwall Women gave a great display and were always in the game against a Hampshire team who have won the past two Gill Burns County Championship Division 2 titles, before succumbing 41-19 following a late flurry of tries.
Hampshire started the game and almost immediately, skipper Amy Bunt fielded a long clearance and set off on a side-stepping, careering 50m run taking play deep into the Hants 22m. If there was ever any doubt about it, it was now clear that Head Coach, Jo Holden and her coaching team had sent her team out to take the game to a Hants team dominated by 14 players from Championship 2, including 7 from league champions, Trojans who now move onto Championship 1.
Stung into action Hants responded with wave after wave of attacks inching closer to the Cornish line. A penalty for a high tackle, a momentary loss of concentration and live wire Hants scrum half, Hannah Kemish, darted over for the opening try after 8 minutes Hants 5 – 0 Cornwall.
Hants were settling to their work. Outstanding outside centre, Rose Brown, launched a 40m penalty kick to touch into the Cornish 22 to set up a prime attacking opportunity. Hants fly half Hannah Wilson made a cute break and it was Brown on her shoulder to finish the move and add the conversion. 10 minutes gone Hants 12 – 0 Cornwall.
Through all of this early pressure, the Cornish had been steadily building and asserting their scrum dominance. with Kim Upcott, Teigan Aitken and Libbie Cole having the upper hand. The forwards took a scrum against the head and forced a penalty from the next scrum for standing up which was kicked to the corner.
Cornish backs and forwards drove hard at a Hants defence which was standing firm but conceding penalties resulting in their hooker being shown a yellow card for a high tackle. Cornwall, now in the ascendancy, kept up the pressure and it was Libbie Cole who charged over under the posts for a well deserved Cornish score, converted by Georgia Hall. 20 minutes Hants 12 – 7 Cornwall.
The next 15 minutes saw Hants just shading the possession stats but coming up against a determined and aggressive Cornish defence while the Cornish themselves has several good attacking opportunities with Upcott prominent close to the line with her bullocking runs hard to hold.
With 5 minutes to go, strong running Hants no 8 Tash Bullock drove hard at the Cornish defence making good ground and from the resulting ruck hooker Forry dived over. 36 minutes Hants 17 – Cornwall 7
Upcott was replaced by Jessica Varker in the 36th minute and the half ended with a determined Cornwall pounding away at the Hants line but just not able to get the ball down.
Half time Hants 17 – 7 Cornwall
It was Hants who got the first second half score with a magnificent, width flowing backs move that saw their right winger touch down into the corner. 43 minutes Hants 22 – 7 Cornwall
Coach Holden decided to freshen up her team on 45 minutes with Cornish number 8 Roberta Smith-Scotland replaced by Nic Rowland and Suz Franks taking over from Meg Tucker.
Hants pushed hard for the next 10 minutes but could not find a way through. From a turn over a brilliant break from outside centre Abigail Smith carried play deep into the Hants half, from the quick ruck the Cornish backs showed quick hands to get the ball to winger Tia Larson who bravely finished in the corner requiring several minutes of attention after her great effort. 58 minutes Hants 22 – 12 Cornwall
Holden again went to her bench after this try with Jenna Arnold on for Teigan Aitken and Josie Ninnis replacing Libbie Cole
Cornwall now had their tails up and with debutant flanker Izzy Burrows putting in the hard yards with some eye catching drives, Hants found themselves again under pressure. So severe was the Hants defence tested that they found themselves down to 13 players after the ref issued 2 yellow cards in quick succession.
In what was probably the key period of the match Cornwall attacked time and again but 13 woman Hants showed their Champions credentials with their determined defence as the Cornish just could not make the numerical advantage pay. Several times the black and gold were held up over the line, while there were key turn overs with Hants number 8 Bullock prominent. Cornwall just could not find the gaps in the Hants defence.
Cornwall made their final replacements on 70 minutes with Lisa Allin replacing veteran Amy Warman, Vinnie James for Rhiannon Thomas and Faith Rowe for Megan Okey.
Drawing inspiration from their titanic 13 woman defensive effort Hants launched into the attack in the final 10 minutes scoring tries in the 72 and 75 minute against a tiring Cornish side
72 minutes Hants 27 – 12 Cornwall
75 minutes Hants 34 – 12 Cornwall
In the 70th minute Suz Franks saw yellow for a deliberate knock on
Cornwall took a deep breath and launched their final attack working the ball wide for inspirational skipper Bunt to touch down wide on the right
78 minutes Hants 34 – 19 Cornwall
Hants were not to be denied and deservedly had the final say when a lovely blind side move saw quick hands allow them to score wide out on the left. Centre Brown converted brilliantly from near the touch line to give a final score of Hants 41 – 19 Cornwall
FT Hants 41 – 19 Cornwall
This was always going to be a tough ask against a side dominated by 14 players from Championship 2 teams Havant and Trojans who as champions move up to Championship 1. Cornwall once again punched above their weight and can take great heart from a skilful, gutsy and determined performance. They were held up over the line 4 times and will be working hard on ways of converting half chances into tries.
This is a young and developing side while they can be proud of their performance against an experienced title winning Hampshire, their desire and drive to improve will push them on to achieve even more in the black and gold, starting at Kingsholm on Saturday when they face Gloucestershire Women.
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Megan Tucker, Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitken (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Devonport Services).
Replacements: Jenna Arnold, Jessica Ann Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lisa Allin (Bude), Suz Franks
Cornwall scores: Tries, Cole 16, Larson 53, Bunt 77, Cons, Hall 17, 78
Cornwall Women name side to face Hants
Cornwall Women have named their side to face Hampshire Women this Sunday at Havent RFC, kick-off 2 pm.
The team will once again be captained by full-back Amy Bunt, who will lead by example.
Last season Cornwall gave the double Division 2 title holders a shock in their game at Truro before the Hampshire side rallied to run out winners.
Head coach Jo Holden had this to say about selection and the picking of the squad.
“We’re really excited about our squad this year. The level of talent we’ve seen has been incredible, and while it means leaving behind some great players, it also shows the strength in depth we have. With two more games left in the group, don’t be surprised to see different players coming through and competing for shirts.
“Training has been at a really high level, and all the coaches have been hugely impressed with the progress every player is making. What’s particularly encouraging is seeing a number of fringe players from previous years now stepping up and seriously fighting for places. The progress has been fantastic.
“We know it will be a big challenge against the reigning champions, Hampshire, but we’re ready for it and have full belief that we can go there and compete.”
Entry at Havant is £5, Under 18’s free.
