To download the forms for participation in this season’s CB Festivals please click on the following links
Any problems please go to the Girls Development Page in the link to contact via the Facebook group.
Ladies’ game tonight is OFF
Tonight’s Cornwall Club Select v Launceston Ladies has been cancelled due to water logged pitch. Please spread the word.
Cornwall under ’20s down the Fire Service in final friendly
Cornwall’s youngest stars ran out for their final friendly, before taking on Devon on January the 26th in the Jason Leonard Cup. This bruising and physical affair proved to be a rewarding one, as Cornwall came off 32 – 22 winners, reports Elliot Trotman at Hayle RFC
Cornwall found themselves on Fire’s five-metre line early on through poor hands. The ’20s showed patience and were rewarded as hooker James Lambourn muscled his way over for the opening score, with captain Aaron Simmonds adding the extras.
This was certainly a wake-up call for the Fire Service who levelled the scores instantly from a pick and go from the back of a scrum.
Soon after Cornwall found themselves with a penalty in front of the sticks from a hand in the ruck penalty, this was converted by Simmonds to take the score to 10 – 7.
Cornwall’s defence was tested throughout the game, but first-up tackles were consistent and the Fire Service found this difficult to break down. As a result, Fire’s fly-half took a shot at a drop goal which leveled the scores.
The ‘20s drew last blood right before the half, as the second row Mawgan Osborne went over to make the score 15-10 at the break.
The beginning of the second half saw a very different Fire Service, a Fire service that was quick and alert. Handling errors from the ‘20s led to the Fire going under the posts, resulting in the ‘20s going behind for the first time in the match.
From poor hands to quick hands, the ‘20s bounced back as Fraser Nottle beat his man on the outside to score in the corner putting Cornwall back in front. Simmons delivered the extras to make the score 22 – 17.
Tom Spiers made an instant impact off the bench, scoring from a pick and go giving Cornwall a two-score lead. Simmonds once again adding the two points.
The Fire Service found themselves dead and buried when a clumsy penalty led to a Simmonds’ three points and a big gap to chase with little time remaining. However, they didn’t go down without a fight and were rewarded for their efforts with another try, but it proved too little too late.
The referee’s final whistle saw Cornwall worthy winners 32 – 22 .
Speaking after the game skipper Aaron Simmonds said. “We learnt a lot. We didn’t target the win, we wanted a performance, we showed that tonight!
Looking towards the Devon game Simmonds was enthusiastic following his teams’ win.
“The boys are positive after tonight’s game, we can certainly take what we learnt from this performance and use it against Devon. There’s still lots to work on, but with training on Sunday we will certainly have momentum going into next weeks’ game.”
The ‘20s game v Devon will be played at Ivybridge on the 26th of January with a 1400 kick off time. It will certainly be a must-watch game.
Kevern & Gendall pleased with preparations
Cornwall Under 20s had an excellent run-out on Wednesday evening under the lights at Hayle defeating a very good Cornwall Fire & Rescue XV containing several well-established players by 32-22, reports Bill Hooper at Hayle RFC
The squad played some exciting rugby with a willingness to attack when the opportunity presented itself.
The key now is to translate this form into the forthcoming Jason Leonard Cup games. With two games on the road and only one at home it will be a tough test for our Cornish lads.
After the final whistle coaches Tyler Gendall and Richie Kevern gave their thoughts on the game and the battles ahead. Gendall feels the boys are on the right track. “I feel that we are in a good place, we have had good numbers all the way through training from October onwards and the boys have brought in to what we want to do. The competition for places is red hot.
Gendall is pleased with the way his pack is shaping up. “We have got some big boys in the pack this year, good height in the lineout and players who love to carry the ball. Tonight we showed that when we get the platform we can unleash our potent backs who look very sharp.
For Richie Kevern it’s his second year coaching the under 20s and he is excited about the prospects. “We have got a proven half-back combination with James Murray and James Tucker, Tucks has been around the squad a while and has had National League experience, but we have also got other options in those positions as well. Our skipper Aaron Simmonds led well and brought his experience to the side.
Kevern also enthused about patterns of play put into place and the willingness to maintain the pressure in the red-zone. “The boys really upped the tempo at the right moments going through the phases and keeping good ball retention against a physical side. We learnt a lot last month when playing a good Redruth XV.
Thoughts now turn to the game at Ivybridge on Sunday 26th January, kick-off 2 pm. “We will have another session this Sunday and look to put our game plan in place. Selection will be tough with so many lads putting their hands up. You don’t need any motivation for a Cornwall v Devon game, a cross Tamar battle is always one to savour.”
Fixtures 2020: Jason Leonard Championship
- 26th January v Devon (Away) @ Ivybridge RFC 2 pm
- 23rd February v Berkshire @ Camborne RFC 1:30 pm
- 15th March v Gloucestershire (Away) @ Dings Crusaders RFC 2:30 pm
Tamar Cup – New Date
The annual Tamar Cup match against Devon will now take place on Tuesday 28th April at St. Austell RFC kick-off 7:30 pm
Girls Development Day huge success
Sunday’s Girls Development Day at Truro College for U.13, U.15 & U.18 proved to be very successful. Jonny Stephenson Cornwall’s Rugby Development Officer was delighted with the turnout. He remarked ” Wow! 116 girls attended the development session this afternoon at Truro College! Great to see so many smiling faces!
A big thank you to all the coaches-Jonny, Neil, Phil, Ross Tucknott, Ronan, Dave Roberts, JP, and the other Camborne coach! (sorry I couldn’t remember your name)
Paddy Bradley – RIP
Cornwall RFU are saddened to learn of the passing of former county player Paddy Bradley (Redruth).
Paddy played for Cornwall between 1957-58 on the wing.
A well know authority, author on Cornish life, Paddy amassed a very large collection of photographs depicting various aspects of Cornish Life, notably rugby. He was a bard of the Cornish Gorsedh.
Cornwall RFU wish to express their condolences to family and friends.
The funeral will take place on Friday 24th January at St. Stephen’s Church, Treleigh at 1 pm.
Girls Development Day
County Development Training
Sunday 12th January – Truro College
Arrive 12.45pm for a prompt 1pm start- finish time 3pm
Open to all U13 ,U15 and U18 females, suitable for all levels of experience.
Bring Trainers, boots, gumshields and water bottles.
Workshops led by our County England RFU Boys – Neil Smith, Jonny Stephenson and Phil Morris .
Do not miss the great opportunity!
For more details contact
Lesley Bennett 07890001117
Ross Tucknott 07973 724248
New website
Cornwall RFU website has gone live, but still in it’s infancy! Have a look around the website, if you see something out of place or the information is inaccurate, drop me a line
Letter from the President
Welcome to our new website and we thank all those that have enabled this work to take place.
As we enter the second half of the season I would like to share some of my experiences and thoughts during my visits to the Cornwall Clubs and Rugby in Cornwall.
Of the eleven Clubs that I have visited so far, I have been impressed by the commitment that their volunteers give not only to their Club but also to rugby and their community by many different methods.
The successful hosting of sponsors at pre match meals and buffets at Bude, Camborne. Launceston and St Austell not only cater for their followers but it also brings in welcome finance and occasionally new people to the game and the Club. Liskeard-Looe provide a very welcome hot drinks cabin adjacent to the pitch and Saltash, on the day that I visited, were selling home made cakes and goodies to help with a mini/junior tour. At Wadebridge, I was impressed by the number of helpers on their two pitches and in the Club House, all volunteers.
The number of ex players attending the matches at Newquay Hornets and Penryn state much about the continual commitment and value of these guys and hopefully their current players will follow their example.
Deep down in the far south west that great community Club, St Just, had just purchased adjacent land to extend their camping facilities during the summer with the intention of providing even more facilities at their Club.
However, there are unknown benefits to be gained when visiting Clubs and these outcomes include discussing their requirements to enable the CRFU to help to meet, as far as possible, their needs. At Lanner training lights have been arranged. Stithians had ten registered players and two committee members at the beginning of the season and have recently completed all their fixtures well done Stithians. May I remind Clubs that they do not have to wait for a visit. Just ask!
A very pleasant evening was spent at a CRRS meeting when a discussion was held entitled “Rugby in Cornwall” and the referees chose to discuss not refereeing but their concern for the state of the game. These included the loss of players between 16 and 18, the introduction of “Game On” and the reasons for the deduction of league points. Most enlightening. Monthly visits are made to the Cornwall Rugby Sages when an update is given on CRFU matters before they enjoy their pasty, pint and singing. These are always well attended by some great past players and stalwarts of Cornish rugby and I thoroughly recommend them to you.
A special highlight was to be invited to the England Women v. France Women at Exeter and not only observe a great win for England but the magnificent spectacle of some 150 girls ferried from Cornwall by our CDCs and others. The Ladies and Girls game is certainly growing in Cornwall from this interest and I wish them every success.
