Everyone connected with Cornwall RFU would like to wish our oldest surviving England International John Collins a very Happy Birthday and wish him well.
Ben Hilton made a Life Member of the CRFU
At Wednesday night’s Finance AGM and Club Forum held at Camborne RFC, former Cornwall captain Ben Hilton received Life Membership of the CRFU from President John Sumnall.
Ben also received a long overdue county cap along with an inscribed glass tankard.
Many congratulations to Ben.
President’s Update
The season is well underway with Clubs having varied success mainly, I am afraid, relating to players being available or not making themselves available. On the one hand we have St Austell RFC who are now fielding three teams most Saturdays and Stithians RFC who have reformed and played a match, to a Club that has had to withdraw from the League, Camelford RFC but very sensibly joined the Duchy Leagues to play whenever they can. Some Clubs have had a temporary problem and have not been able to play the odd League match. All in all we can say that the League amendments appear to have been well received, with a reduction in mileage for some and most importantly a regular and agreed fixture list for those teams that now play in the Cornwall Counties League 3 (formally Clubs from the old Cornwall 1 & 2). What is certainly remarkable is that the fear of second teams entering the Leagues which was entertained by some Clubs has generally fallen away and that they can be beaten in the league in which they play.
Earlier, I mentioned player’s availability but perhaps it is willingness to play as there are far too many distractions. At a visit to a Club that shall remain nameless I learnt that when a player was asked why he did not turn up to play the previous Saturday his answer was that he had decided to have a new tattoo, and some of us were not allowed to be married during the season. Seriously, there has been a drop off and has been seen throughout the Country but should not make the CRFU complacent. I am well aware of those volunteers that turn out every Sunday morning to help the various age groups to enjoy the game of rugby but we need to keep these players when they reach 15 and 16 years as that is when the choice of distractions increase. Good coaching, comradeship and being involved in local community activities is a suggested way forward.
At long last we now have the fixtures for the three County Championships that we are so anxious to defend. These are:
- Bill Beaumont Cup Division 1 (Open to players from National 1 and below.)
- 06 May Somerset RFU (H) (As this is also The Coronation we may play later in the day or the following day.
- 13 May Hampshire RFU (A)
- 20 May Kent RFU (H)
- Gill Burns Cup Division 2
- 07 May Oxfordshire Women (H)
- 21 May Somerset Women (A)
- Jason Leonard Cup U.20 (Open to players from Regional 1 and below.)
- 19 March Devon RFU (A)
- 09 April Gloucestershire (H)
- 23 April Somerset (H)
- 07 May Quarter-Finals (A)
- 21 May Semi-Finals (Neutral Venue)
- 03 June Final
There may well be amendments and these will be posted on our Web.
Enjoy your season and if I can help any time please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours,
John.
Navy Big Guns sink brave Cornwall
CORNWALL U.20, 17 – 31 ROYAL NAVY U.23
By Bill Hooper at Memorial Park, Hayle
Cornwall Under 20s game the Royal Navy Under 23s a good run before eventually being out-gunned by a more physical Navy side in an entertaining game.
The match began in a downpour which made handling difficult. Cornwall suffered a blow with the early loss through injury of lock Toby Osborne.
Cornwall dominated the opening exchanges pinning the Navy back in their twenty-two. They were rewarded with a try from hooker Matt Pritchard converted by full-back Adam Hall.
Much of the play during the first half was in mid-field with Cornwall scrum-half Joe Tanswell trying to create some space and fly-half Joss Pascoe kicking into space, however the Navy defence was very solid.
No.8 Archie Pilcher worked hard all game and was deservedly given the Cornwall-man-of-the-match award by Trelawny’s Army.
Hall increased Cornwall’s advantage with a penalty kick, as the rain began to clear the Navy began to put their game together and just before half-time their pressure was rewarded with a try from No.8 A.J.. Hussell converted by fly-half Kieran Manson.
Both sides began to introduce the bench after half-time. The Navy side carried on where they had left off bossing the game. They took the lead with a try from skipper Dom Cleverley.
Try number three again went to Cleverley with Scott adding the extras. Cornwall looked for a way back but too many errors saw promising chances missed.
The Navy got back downfield to score a fourth try through Oli Raynor as the game moved into the final quarter.
Harry Andrewartha pulled a try back for Cornwall, bettered by replacement Archie Bees, however the Navy had the final say as Scott went over for the final try, bettered by Raynor
Speaking after the game Cornwall coach Richie Kevern as satisfied with the squad’s effort. “We had a good look at 26 players today as we build towards next spring’s Jason Leonard Cup campaign and it was a good test for these lads against a strong Navy side. Today’s squad saw some of our older players who will be moving on show the new boys the ropes in playing at this level and get a feel for what awaits them. I thought our commitment and effort was top draw today and we can build on this going forward.”
For the Royal Navy Ben Priddey was pleased with his side’s performance. “We have come together well after being in camp all week and built on our last game against Cardiff Met. We have good a good squad all chomping to get involved as we build towards our Inter-Services campaign.”
Cornwall U.20: Hall, Bostock, Andrewartha, Stanlake, Statton, Pascoe, Tanswell; Pearce-Cowley (Capt), Pritchard, Leigh, Williams, Osborne, Triggs, Trewin, Pilcher.
Replacements: Hambly, Boothby, Lawrence, Relton, Maunder, Chapple, Bees, Walsh-Newton, Marsden, King.
Cornwall Under 20s name side to face Navy
PRESS RELEASE
CORNWALL U20 v ROYAL NAVY U23
Sunday 23 October @ Hayle RFC with a 1400 KO time
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) are delighted to confirm the teams for their match v the Royal Navy U23, on Sunday 23 October at Hayle RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
As the U20 County championship campaign will not commence until early in 2023, the Cornwall team will consist of several players who played in the final at Worcester Warriors back in May.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “It is great to get this year’s county rugby kicked off with this prestigious fixture against the Royal Navy U23. We thank everyone at Hayle RFC for hosting us
and allowing us to use their facilities. We also thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable this fixture to be played.”
Cornwall have named Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Plymouth Albion) as the captain for the game, alongside him is Pirates Ams Toby Osborne who is the vice-captain.
Cornwall coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a massive test for this set of young players, some have experience from last season whilst others have come into the squad from scratch. With the change in dates for the Jason Leonard Cup, we will not start training for the new season until the New Year, so we need to blow away the cobweb’s early doors, against an older age group team, and one who have already been training together.”
Cornwall U20 v Royal Navy U23
Sunday 23 October @ Hayle RFC 1400 kick off
Cornwall Squad
1 Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Captain) Plymouth Albion
2 Matt Pritchard Falmouth
3 Cameron Leigh Redruth
4 Eli Williams Pirates Ams
5 Toby Osborne (V Captain) Pirates Ams
6 Connor Triggs Truro
7 Freddie Trewin Penryn
8 Archie Pilcher Pirates Ams
9 Joe Tanswell Penryn
10 Joss Pascoe Truro
11 Jack Statton Launceston
12 Jamie Stanlake Cardiff Met
13 Harry Andrewartha Redruth
14 Lewis Bostock Truro
15 Adam Hall Redruth
16 Dan Shaw Falmouth
17 Matt Boothby St Austell
18 Rowan Lawrence Falmouth
19 Ted Relton Helston
20 Joe Maunder St Austell
21 Jacob Chapple Camborne
22 Archie Bees St Austell
23 Harry Walsh-Newton Falmouth
24 James Marsden St Ives
25 Jack King Redruth
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Neville Curnow + Ronnie Bartlett
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Match Day filming David Burrows, Photographer
Simon Bryant, Multimedia Kevin Bishop
Cornwall has maintained the same coaching set again with Tyler Gendall, Brad Howe coaching the forwards and Adam Kevern and Richie Kevern coaching the backs.
Owen Salmon Royal Navy U23 ADoR said, – The Royal Navy U23’s are excited to travel to Kernow to play Cornwall U20’s in what is expected to be a very competitive fixture in the build up to this season’s Interservice Competition. There has been a long and proud history between the 2 clubs, this game presents a great opportunity to renew those links and look to the future. With RNAS Culdrose located in Helston, there have been many Navy players who have represented Cornwall, indeed current RN U23 coach Ben Priddey pulled on the black and gold jersey for last season’s winning County Championship side. The Navy know they will face a tough young Cornish side but are looking forward to the
challenge.”
Cornwall U20 preparations for the new season are well in hand, with training planned for Sunday mornings at Truro College between 1000 –1200 starting in the New Year. An extended squad list is being complied and if you are eligible and want to be considered then please contact the
team manager in the first instance. Criteria: – must be over 18 before training or playing, under 20 years of age on the 1 September 2022, registered for a Cornwall Club, born, or are living in Cornwall, or
represented Cornwall at a younger age group.
The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said, -” This has the makings of a very exciting game between two young age group teams. It would be great if we can get good support for them on Sunday afternoon at
the memorial ground at Hayle RFC”
Entry fee on the day will be £2 on the gate, with Under 16’s entering
free.
There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may beinterested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance.
Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com
Mob – 07967725368
Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec
Cornwall Under 20s to take on Royal Navy U.23s
Cornwall U20 V Royal Navy U23
Hayle RFC Sunday 23 October 1400 kick off.
Cornwall U20 face their first game of the new season with a tough challenge versus the
Royal Navy U23 team, at Hayle RFC on Sunday 23 October with a 1400 Kick off time.
The new seasons fixtures and opponents for the U20 have not been confirmed yet by the
RFU but the opportunity to play this fixture was too good to turn down. The Cornwall squad
will be most of the Championship winning team that won the Jason Leonard Cup back in
May. However, some of the players will be unable to play due to other commitments and so
potential players for the new season will be drafted in to introduce them to this level of rugby.
Entry will be charged at £2 per adult with children under the age of 16 gaining free
admission.
This will be an opportunity for the championship winning team to play one last game together
in Cornwall before the new season commences.
Further details to follow, but book the date in your diaries, and come along and support the
young “Black and Golds”.
Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager
Could you play for Cornwall Under 20?
Cornwall U20 – 2022/2023 – Expressions of interest
Cornwall U20 build up to the new season has commenced. We are awaiting fixtures and dates from
the RFU but expect to commence training in early 2023.
In preparation the CRFU has written to all clubs asking for them to nominate potential players, in
addition we have players transitioning from the U18 group along with existing players from last
season.
Players must be over the age of 18 to train / play and must be under 20 years of age on the 1st of
September 2022. You must either live in Cornwall, be born in Cornwall, be registered with a Cornish
club, or have played for Cornwall in a previous age group.
We will train on Sunday mornings at Truro college on the Astro pitch between 10-12.
Any body interested in being considered for the squad or requires any further information should
initially contact the team Manager Colin Hatch on either 07967725368 or
hatch0348@btinternet.com.
Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager
Girls Rugby Taster Day at Bodmin RFC
Please see details on the poster and contact Lesley to book your place.
CRFU Hon.Sec makes award presentation
Cornwall RFU Hon. Secretary Jane Bell made the presentation to Matt Shepherd last evening of the Bill Osborne Memorial Shield at Trealwny’s Army Supporters Club A.G.M. held in the convivial surroundings of St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.
Matt previously won the trophy in 2015 when playing for Launceston, the year Cornwall won their first Bill Beaumont Cup. He is only the second player to be awarded the trophy more than once, the other player being three-times winner Richard Carroll 2003,04 & 05.
The Jess Humber Shield, for the Cornwall Women’s Player went to full-back Amy Bunt of Ivybridge Ladies RFC. Amy scored in every game for Cornwall this season and proved a constant threat to the opposition with her strong runs from deep. Amy came through the ranks at Liskeard-Looe RFC and is destined for greater things in the Women’s game.
The Tony Mead Memorial Shield for the Cornwall Under 20 player went to the skipper of the Jason Leonard Cup winning side, Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Ethan proved an inspirational leader of his side guiding them through a tough campaign that saw them defeat Kent at Worcester’s Sixways to become the first Cornish side to win at this level. Ethan came through the youth set-up at St. Austell RFC and is currently playing for National League1 side Plymouth Albion.
There was also a presentation on Tribute Ale to Cornwall Under 20 Team Manager Colin Hatch, whilst Lee Maher was on hand to receive a cheque from the Army for £500 for Colts rugby in Cornwall this season.
Adam Ellery – R.I.P. – Funeral Details
It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the passing of Dr. Adam Ellery, who played for Cornwall and was part of the 1991 County Championship winning squad. A powerful prop-forward he played locally for both Penzance & Newlyn and Redruth. Adam played 26 times for Cornwall between 1989-93.
John Sumnall, President of the CRFU along with the officers wish to express their sincerest condolences to Adam’s family and friends.
Funeral details;
St. Buryan Church on Saturday 20th August, 2:30 pm.
Afterwards meet at Logan Rock Inn. TR19 6LG.
