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 show positives in Sandy Park sunshine
Exeter Chiefs XV, 38 – 14 Cornwall
By Steve Murley at Sandy Park
A vocal crowd of 2725 basked in brilliant May sunshine at Sandy Park as a young and pacy Exeter Chiefs team scored 19 unanswered points in the last quarter to win a pulsating encounter 38 – 14.
Chiefs kicked off and immediately moved the ball quickly stretching the Cornish defence which creaked but did not break. Rallying a great clearance by Cornwall’s fly half rolled on the baked Sandy Park ground into the Chiefs dead ball area where Chiefs full back fumbled what looked like a routine touch down.
The Cornish scrum under the shadow of the Chiefs posts, and which had already looked the stronger, won their ball and saw the backs move the ball left but a strong blitz defence knocked the ball free for Chiefs right wing to gather and go the length of the field, leaving black and gold defenders in his wake. Chiefs 10, Louie Sinclair set out his stall for what would be an excellent display by converting
Within a couple of minutes of the restart Chiefs doubled their lead with a try on the left hand side of the field and after 7 minutes Cornwall were 14-0 down and it looked like a long afternoon could be in store.
Cornwall shook their heads and came storming back and after a periodic pressure took a scrum ahead the head and with Josh Matavesi tying up 3 players with a dummy and strong run it was Aiden Brassington (pictured above) who dotted down for the first try, converted by Matt Shepherd.
Sadly Matavesi left the field soon after to be replaced by Cam Fogden.
Chiefs once again turned the screw but Cornwall defended well and from a penalty skipper Shepherd drilled the ball to within 5m if the line. The lineout was won and after a series of strong Cornish drives it was Jamie Prisk who had the final touchdown with Shepherd once again converting.
After 35 minutes the game was tied at 14-14. Just as many of the crowd thought Cornwall could take that score into half-time a yellow card for Cornwall number 7 Jordan Nicholls and Sam James replacement of the injured Dan Rutter maybe disrupted their defence and the Chiefs right winger scored out wide to make the half time score Chiefs 19 – 14 Cornwall
The second half was hard fought with injuries starting to mount and with the heat taking its toll Cornwall were forced into several substitutions but with 20 minutes gone the score remained as at half time 19 – 14.
While Chiefs enjoyed the majority of possession and position Cornwall were launching regular attacks of their own.
Chiefs scored another try wide on the right through their pacy backs who executed a set move perfectly to move into a 26 -14 lead on 65 minutes.
Both sides began to empty their benches and the Chiefs took advantage their pacy backs once again causing havoc with a try only being stopped by heroic scramble defence by Cornwall. They were not to be denied and from the resulting lineout and series of close sorties, drove over powerfully close the posts to make it 33-14 after 72 minutes.
Almost immediately from the restart winger Duncan Tout saw yellow for what was adjudged a deliberate knock on.
Taking full advantage of their numerical supremacy with their outstanding 10 scoring the final try of the afternoon to give a final score of Chiefs 38 – 14 Cornwall.
With the opening County Championship match against reigning Champions on the 24 May, Cornwall would have been pleased to have this game against challenging opposition. With a few players leaving the field with knocks they would hope none of these were too serious as all roads lead to Redruth in a week’s time.
Cornwall: Matt Shephard (St. Austell, Capt), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge J), Jack Simmons (Redruth), Josh Matavesi (Camborne), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Dan Rutter (Redruth), Josh Pengilly (Brunel Uni); Kye Beasley (Camborne), Tom Cowan-Dickee (Redruth), Tyler Gendall (Redruth), Jamie Prisk (Redruth), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Adam Hughes (Camborne), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Aiden Brassington (Camborne).
Replacements: Luke Barnes (Redruth), Luis Powell (Truro), Charlie Short (Launceston), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Jack Hazelton (Camborne), Harry Larkins (Camborne), Will Hennessy (Camborne), CJ Boyce (Camborne), Sam James (Redruth), Cam Fogden (Launceston).
Cornwall scores: Tries Brassington 11, Prisk 34, Cons, Shepherd 12, 35
Crowd: 2,725
Cornwall side to play Exeter Chiefs XV
Players chosen for this Saturday’s fixture against Exeter Chiefs XV.
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.
Cornwall Senior Squad for Bill Beaumont Cup named
Cornwall’s selectors have named a 40 man squad for this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup matches and Saturday’s match against an Exeter Chiefs XV. Let’s get behind the lads!
Note- Declan Prowse should be listed as Camborne RFC
Cornwall Under 17’s to play Devon Under 17’s
Cornwall Under 17’s continue their programme of matches on Wednesday evening at Polson Bridge against Devon.
Cornwall Under 20 battle back for draw
JASON LEONARD CUP
CORNWALL U.20, 33 – 33 SOMERSET U.20
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Redruth
A try by full-back Barney Lewis salvaged a draw for Cornwall Under 20’s against a very good Somerset side whom looked set for a rare win on Cornish soil.
Cornwall trailed their visitors for most of the game, at one point during the second half they found themselves seventeen points adrift as they struggled to get to grips.
That they “stuck at it” and pulled themselves back on the scoreboard has to be commended.
Cornwall kicked-off down the slope but it was Somerset who bagged the first points with a good try from wing Billy Coombes. Fly-half George Nuttycombe banged over a good conversion, the first of his seventeen point tally.
Cornwall struck back with a good try from flanker Will Symons, bettered by fly-half Jowan Kerry who had earlier missed a penalty chance.
Nuttycombe’s try and conversion nudged the visitors ahead before centre Alfie Hodge stretched their advantage further.
Cornwall needed a score before the break and it came through flanker Freddie Jordan by the posts with Kerry adding the extras.
The start of the second half saw Somerset increase their lead with tries from No.8 Aiden Cable and shortly after flanker Will Clapham.
Cornwall needed a quick response and it came thanks to a try scored by Ayden Earnshaw following a good backs move.
Cornwall started to empty the bench with Ola Phillips making some telling charges and putting his side on the front foot. Cornwall finally began to get some good ball which gave centre Billy Jordan the chance to score.
Trailing by just five points Cornwall threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Somerset and with the final play full back Barney Lewis jinked his way to the try line to tie the scores.
Cornwall had a chance to win it but the conversion sailed past the post with a draw being a fair result for both sides.
Devon’s win against Gloucestershire sees them top the group and progress to the next round.
Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis (Newquay H), Ayden Earnshaw (Helston), Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw (Newquay H), Billy Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay H), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Callum Phillips (Wadebridge C); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Jalal Bennett (Truro), Olly Derry (Wadebridge C), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Jack Jenkin (Helston, Capt), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge C), Will Luscombe (Redruth).
Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Ola Phillips (Truro), Ethan Redondo-Barter (St. Ives), Luke Young (Redruth), Ethan Williams (Falmouth), Harry Rigg (Helston), Ted Kullich (Camborne).
Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Symons 11, F Jordan 39, Earnshaw 57, B Jordan 68, Lewis 79, Cons, Kerry 12, 40, 58, 69.
Cornwall Star Man: Ola Phillips
Cornwall U.17’s head to Somerset
Cornwall Under 17’s begin their county programme this weekend with a trip to Wellington RFC to take on Somerset Under 17’s. Good luck lads.
Cornwall Under 20’s taste defeat at Topsham
JASON LEONARD CUP
DEVON U.20 46 – 21 CORNWALL U.20
By Bill Hooper, at the Bonfire Field, Topsham
Cornwall’s hopes of progressing from the pool stage were dealt a blow with this defeat at Topsham on Sunday against a well-drilled powerful Devon side who proved too clinical.
Coach Richie Kevern was understandably disappointed with the result. “We worked hard to get the score-line back to 20-14 at half-time and I thought we started the second period well but we were crucified when Devon scored four tries in the space of 12 minutes that put the game to bed.
“We will get back to the training paddock and look to put in a much better performance against Somerset in our final pool match on the 11th May at Redruth.”
Following a minute’s silence for former Devon Secretary and President Treve Mitchell the game kicked-off.
Cornwall fell behind in the first minute when they conceded a penalty that the Devon captain Matt Smale kicked.
Cornwall came back into it when centre Billy Jordan intercepted in his own half, he made it almost to the Devon line before being hauled down.
Cornwall recycled the ball went through several phases before skipper Jack Jenkin scored with fly-half Jowan Kerry adding the first of his three conversions.
Devon worked the spaces well allowing wing Kai Kidd to score, Smale again on the money with extras as he was shortly after with a penalty and conversion of Matt Whitlock’s try.
Full-back Barney Lewis pulled a try back for Cornwall to keep them in touch at the break.
Devon made a few changes at half-time and that seemed to give them a greater cutting edge.
Once they scored their bonus point try they turned the screw scoring two further tries to put the game out of reach.
Topsham wing Matt Hammond caught the eye with his strong running as did the Devon No.6 Finlay Crockett.
Cornwall had the final word when Lewis went over for his second try, however the Brunel Cup remains in Devon for another year.
Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis (Newquay H), Ayden Earnshaw, Ben Roskilly (both Helston), Billy Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay H), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Jarvis Lee (Truro); Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Olly Derry (Wadebridge C), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Olli Wells (Redruth), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge C), Jack Jenkin (Capt, Helston).
Replacements: Jalal Bennett (Truro), Rosko Troughton (Helston), Joe Court (Camborne), Will Luscombe, Luke Young (both Redruth), Callum Phillips (Wadebridge C), Harry Rigg (Helston), Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw (Newquay H).
Cornwall scores: Tries: Jenkin 8, Lewis 35, 79, Cons, Kerry, 9,36,80.
Cornwall Star Player: Barney Lewis
