Cornwall u20’s concluded their warm up fixtures with a convincing win over an experienced Cornwall Clubs XV , at St Austell RFC, 38 – 5. This was a sterner test than the previous game v School of Mines, more physical, which was exactly what was needed.

U20’s started strongly going 19 – 0 up after half an hour with the first try scored by forwards pushing over the line . Prop Derry then added another shortly after, then Rigg on the half hour. Two conversions by fly half Kerry set the u20’s on a period of domination. A final score of the half by wing forward Symons was again converted by Kerry bringing the half time score to 26-0. It was not all one way traffic as the u20’s were called upon to do some stout defending in the final 10 mins of the half.

Shortly after the start of the second half the coaches emptied the bench bringing on all 10 subs. This had an effect on the cohesion and play became more fractured during the second period. However, it did give players an opportunity to show what they could do.

The u20’s managed 2 tries in the final quarter, Blyth and Kullich, the first again converted by Kerry. In between those scores Clubs managed a try after forward pressure, making a final score of 38-5.

The coaches have seen a number of players over the 2 warm up games and there will be some interesting choices facing the selection team. Numbers training on a Sunday morning at Truro College have been very good with over 40 players turning up for every session. There will be a further 3 sessions before the first County Championship game at Camborne at the end of the month.

Terry Williams
Assistant Team Manager

Cornwall U20 v Cornwall Clubs XV

Wednesday 26 February @ St Austell RFC with a 1930 kick off time.

As part of the build up to the U20 County Championship campaign they play their second and final warmup game v a Cornwall Clubs XV on Wednesday 26 February at St Austell RFC.

Coaches Rich Kevern have used the opportunity to look at a few new players in the squad after their first warm up game against a competitive Camborne School of Mines side in January. A few new players have joined the squad transitioning from the U18 age group, along with players identified at club level.

The squad of 25 player includes players from 12 different clubs across Cornwall which is a great advert for this age group and club rugby.

Head coach Rich Kevern said: – This will be a stern test for these young guys facing a Clubs XV who will bring experience and game hardness with them. We want this to be that kind of test as in a few weeks’ time we will be facing other tough county sides in the championship.

Team Manager LJ Collick said; – We have had good numbers at training and over 70 in the enlarged squad. We cannot give everyone game time in two matches and, build for the championship. We have observed other players in club matches, and certainly all players are in contention for a spot come the championship games.

Jack Jenkin (Helston) has been named as Captain with Ted Kullich (Camborne) being named as Vice-Captain of the 25-player squad.

Entry on the evening is £2 with under 16 gaining free entry. So come along and support the future Cornwall players along with those representing several of their own clubs in the Clubs XV side.

Cornwall U20 Team

1. Dan Bennett                         St Austell
2. Jalal Bennett                         Truro
3. Olly Derry                              Wadebridge Camels
4. Charlie Knight                      Saltash
5. Oli Wells                                Redruth
6. Freddy Jordan                      Penryn
7. Will Symons                          Wadebridge Camels
8. Jack Jenkin (Capt)               Helston
9. Callum Phillips                     Wadebridge Camels
10.  Jowan Kerry                         Perranporth
11.  Harry Rigg                            Helston
12.  Billy Jordan                          Penryn
13.  Ted Kullich (V Capt)           Camborne
14.  Rhys Bowery                       Newquay Hornets
15.  Ayden Earnshaw                Helston
16.  Leo Armstrong Lever          Helston
17.  Telio Jenkins                        St Ives
18.  Will Luscombe                     Redruth
19.  Rosko Troughton                Helston
20.  Ben Smith                            Camborne
21.  Jarvis Lee                             Truro
22.  Barney Lewis                       Newquay Hornets
23.  Josh Blyth                            Hayle
24.  Luke Young                         Redruth
25.  Lewis Wiltshire                    Wadebridge Camels

Coaches   – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee

Team Manager – LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams

Medical Cover – Hen Gard, Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

Match recording David Burrows, Photographer Simon Bryant, Multi-media Kevin Bishop

Cornwall Under 20s play their next warm up fixture against a Cornwall Clubs XV at St. Austell RFC on Wednesday 26th February at 7:30 pm.

Admission on the gate is £2, with Under 16s free.

You can also use the Fan Base App to purchase in advance, see link below.

https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9151

Cornwall U20’s v Camborne School of Mines

Hayle RFC Wednesday 5 February  1930 Kick off time

Cornwall U20’s has their first warm up game of the season v Camborne School of Mines at Hayle RFC with a 1930 kick-off time. 

Cornwall will use this opportunity to prepare for their upcoming County Championship campaign, CSM will use it in preparation for their upcoming “Bottle Match” v London School of Mines. 

Cornwall has selected players from 12 different clubs across the county from Saltash to St Just. There will also be potential U20 players who will be representing CSM on the night. 

Cornwall have another warmup game at St Austell RFC on Wednesday 26 February where other players will have the opportunity to pull on the black and gold shirt when they play a Cornwall Clubs XV. 

LJ Collick, the new Cornwall U20 team manager, said; – It has been pleasing to see the number of players that have attended training from all over the County. We appreciate that most will have played for their clubs on Saturday and then give up 2 hours on a Sunday to come to our sessions. We have players who are transitioning from U18 into adult representative rugby along with players who are in their last eligible year at this age grade.  

Head Coach Rich Kevern said – The guys have only had 2 training sessions due to the weather conditions, and so this will be a good test and also give them the opportunity to play together as a team for the first time.  Other players will be given their opportunity of a runout when we play Cornwall Clubs XV at the end of the month. 

Entry will be £2 on the gate with U16’s having free access. 

Cornwall U20’s Team to Face Camborne School of Mines