Under 20s

Cornwall announce Under 20 team to play Berkshire Under 20s

April 27, 2026 by Bill Hooper

PRESS RELEASE

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2026 continues as we enter the knockout stages of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall host Berkshire RFU who werethe Southwest pool 1 winners. The game will take place on Sunday 3rdMay with a 1400 kick off time at Redruth RFC.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “This is an opportunity for theseguys to progress within this year’s competition. Last week the table showed us first after a fantastic victory over Somerset and Southwest pool 2 winners. The guys had to work hard to overcome a first half deficit, showed real grit and determination to overcome a strong Somerset team to earn this home quarterfinal”.

Oli Roberts (Camborne RFC) switches to the wing for the Berkshire match. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Cornwall won their first game at home to Devon by 46 – 15 and more importantly denied Devon any points in what proved to be a tight pool.
The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 35 – 47 victory over Somerset who had also lost their first game against Devon.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We asked for a massive performance against Somerset and the boys certainly put in a great shift and produced a superb win after a shaky first 30 minutes. We now must
prepare for Berkshire on Sunday who topped southwest pool 1 and need another massive performance. We are now into knockout rugby, win and we progress or lose and end of season”.

The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1400 kick off time.

Photo: Cornwall Under 20 Captain Oscar Marr makes a break against Devon Under 20s. Photo credit, Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “Every game we play now is crucial and we will not get another second chance. For several players including myself this is our last season with the U20 and so we must perform on the day. I know the boys are up for the challenge. At the end of the day, we will put out the best team available to us and give 110% whilst wearing the black and gold shirt. As a group we really have appreciated the support at home and especially away last week at Burnham on Sea and hope the Black and Gold army will be out in force on Sunday to lift us and cheers us on”.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the Hertfordshire v Kent game and will be played on Sunday 17th May.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” Logistically this causes teams some headaches, with the senior women also playing on the Saturday at Falmouth RFC. These are challenges that the support staff deal with to ensure both teams get the same level of support they need and deserve. As most leagues fixtures have now ended hopefully club v county dilemma will be avoided and a fully firing team will be put out to face Berkshire. A big thank you to Redruth RFC, all our supporters and sponsors, the players, coaches, and backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support
all our teams”.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.
Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826

Cornwall U20 v Berkshire

Sunday 3rd May @ Redruth RFC 1400 kick off.

TEAM
1 Rosko Troughton Helston
2 Ted Hocking Penzance & Newlyn
3 Callum Johns Launceston
4 Dan Kent Wadebridge Camels
5 Ed Boaden Helston
6 Oli Wells Redruth
7 Joel Pryor Redruth
8 Fin Robinson Redruth
9 Alfie Brooksbank Camborne
10 Oscar Marr (Captain) Penzance & Newlyn
11 Oli Roberts Camborne
12 Robbie Paul Redruth
13 Marley Johns Redruth
14 Bracken Headland Newquay Hornets
15 Barney Lewis Newquay Hornets

Impact Players
16 Leo Armstrong-Lever Helston
17 Archie Beetles Wadebridge Camels
18 Riley Raikes St Austell
19 Dan Bennett St Austell
20 Jack Jenkin Helston
21 Jake Walker Camborne
22 Tom Tanswell Penryn
23 Sam Blake Truro

TR Harry Derry Wadebridge Camels
TR Callum Phillips Wadebridge Camels

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee, Jack Hazelton
Team Manager LJ Collick, Colin Hatch
Medical cover – Ronnie Bartlett + Hen Gard
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant,

Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop, Bethan Jones

Cornwall Under 20s book play-off spot

April 19, 2026 by Bill Hooper

Somerset U20 v Cornwall U20

By Colin Hatch at Burnham-on-Sea RFC

On a bright sunny afternoon Cornwall U20’s took on Somerset at Burnham to decide the winners of South-west pool 2 in the 2026 Jason Leonard Cup.

It was Somerset who started the fastest scoring their first converted try after 3 minutes. Somerset went further ahead in the 14^th minute with another converted try! With just over 20 minutes gone a penalty led to Somerset kicking deep into our 22, from the resulting lineout and catch and drive saw them get another converted try. Somerset 21 – 0 Cornwall!!!

Somerset had their tails up, the crowd behind them who were shouting and cheering at every Cornwall mistake, a turnover or break from their team.

Riley Raikes (St. Austell) scores for Cornwall, Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Something had to change and change fast, it looked as if we were still on the coach travelling up the M5!!! Things did start to change and good work between No2 Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn) saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) crash over to be converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) to make the score Somerset 21 – 7 Cornwall.

Somerset fought back strongly and with just over 30 minutes gone a good run down the wing by their No 14 saw him score and their No 10 covert again to put the home side 28 – 7 ahead, and secure a 4 try bonus point. With half time approaching a break from N0 17 Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels) saw No 6 Oli Mount (Penryn) cross the line and Oli Roberts (Camborne) once again converting.

Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn) showed his strength all afternoon. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Half time Score Somerset 28 – 14 Cornwall

The halftime team talk from coaches Rich Kevern and Jack Hazelton, left no stone unturned and laid bare a few home truths!! They also left the players in no doubt what kind of reaction would be required and needed to turn this game around and cheer up the large travelling support.

Oli Roberts (Camborne) had a big game for Cornwall Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

It was vital we made the first score in the second half and this was duly delivered when No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) scored to put us within 9 points!! Cornwall now started to dominate and get the upper hand although still making the odd silly mistake that kept Somerset in the game. 20 minutes into the second half saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) cross the line for his second try and converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne).

This not only put us within 2 points of the opposition but also gave us our 4 try bonus point. This meant if the result remained the same we would still be pool winners and qualify for the quarterfinals. However, 1 point was not what anybody in the Cornwall side wanted, they needed a strong final 20 minutes, show their true potential and the ability to come back from a poor start to earn the win and establish some credibility.

Cornwall Under 20 captain Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn) scores. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Things do not always go to plan, but on this occasion 2 further tries first scored by captain No 10 Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn) and secondly No 14 Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets) both converted by Oli Roberts (Camborne) saw the score Somerset 28 – 40 Cornwall. Somerset were down but not out and with 5 minutes to go crashed over for a converted try to be behind by 5 points!!

Tom Tanswell (Penryn) about to score Cornwall’s 7th try. Photo Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

A penalty awarded to Cornwall saw the captain immediately point to the post, his thinking 3 points gives us a 2-score advantage going into the final minutes. However, and intervention by the assistant referee saw not only the penalty reversed but a yellow card for Cornwall!! The wait for the final whistle could have been uncomfortable, but stout defence and aggressive tackling subdued any attack from Somerset. No 19 Joel Pryor (Redruth) making a decisive crunching tackle which eventually led to No 22 Tom Tanswell (Penryn) crossing the line and No 11 Oli Roberts making his 6^th conversion of the afternoon making the final score; –

Somerset 35 – 47 Cornwall

Cornwall now have a home quarterfinal on Sunday 3 May against South-West pool 1 Winners Berkshire, further details to follow.

Scorers

Tries Riley Raikes (St Austell) 2, Oli Mount (Penryn) Oli Roberts (Camborne) Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets), Tom Tanswell (Penryn)

Conversions Oli Roberts (Camborne) 6

Cornwall Under 20s side named to play Somerset Under 20s

April 13, 2026 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 continues when they play their second pool match in this seasons Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Burnham-on-Sea RFC where they will face Somerset U20 with a 1430 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “Following the rearranged game and victory over Devon, it sees Cornwall on top of their pool having earn’t maximum points. It was also a pleasure to be able to present and see the “Brunel Cup” return to Cornwall for the first time since 2022. This side was relatively new to championship rugby with a lot of new players representing 10 different clubs, but they played as team throughout the 80 minutes.”.

Cornwall have named Oscar Marr (Penzance and Newlyn) as the captain for this game, alongside him is another new player this season, Jack Sherratt (Helston) who was the vice-captain and won player of the match.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Devon side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Somerset. Somerset have home advantage and will take comfort from holding us to a draw in last seasons fixture. More importantly the players realised the importance of an 80-minute performance and ensuring Devon went away with no points from the game, which could prove crucial when the pool stages end”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, are well established Rich Kevern an ex U20 player and Brad Howe. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich and joining us this season Jack Hazleton assisting Brad with the forwards.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Devon and realise there are areas that we need to work and build on. We were a virtually new squad this season with 18 of the 23 players playing their first championship game and although we have trained together that was our first competitive game in this year’s championship. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Somerset, put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.

Cornwall won their first game against Devon 46 – 15 in front of a large crowd of well over 350.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” It was a pleasing performance in this rearranged fixture on a blustery day at Redruth RFC. Although Cornwall went behind early in the game, they showed resolve and grit to not only come back and dominate in all areas but also to earn a well-deserved 5 points and the Brunel Cup. Although 23 players took to the field, thanks must go to the others who have been training, the coaches, medics and back-room staff who all put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to enable these guys to represent Cornwall”.

Email – ljc80@aol.com

Mob – 07967054826

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

13/04/2026

Cornwall Under 20s with statement win

March 29, 2026 by Bill Hooper

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

CORNWALL U.20, 46 – 15 DEVON U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth.

Cornwall Under 20s produced a storming second half performance to shock last season’s finalists in this competition and in the process reclaim the Brunel Cup played for between the two sides.

In front of a packed grandstand Cornwall began playing up the slope.

Oli Wells (Redruth) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Roman Alford of Devon U20s (Oakhamptoon). – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Devon looked the stronger side early on taking the lead through a try scored by Rob Hennessy, who also added the conversion.

A penalty kicked to the corner by skipper Oscar Marr put Cornwall 5 meters out, from the catch and drive Ted Hocking went close. Devon gave away a penalty and from a tap man-of-the-match Jack Sherratt crashed over for an unconverted try.

Ted Hocking (PZ&N) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Jak Bowden of Devon U20s (Tiverton). – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Hennessy nudged Devon further ahead with a penalty before Alfie Brooksbank intercepted a Devon pass on half-way making good ground before his well-timed pass put Marr in for the try, which was bettered by Robbie Paul.

Cornwall defended just before keeping Devon out as they stormed the line, Hocking seeing yellow for an infringement. The score remained 12-10 to Cornwall at the break.

Oscar Marr (PZ&N) Captain of Cornwall U20s intercepts the pass and makes a break. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Cornwall came out fired up for the second half, Barney Lewis put in a great run following turnover ball from Sherratt.

A Cornish scrum 5 meters out saw a big drive from the black and gold pack with Fin Robinson scoring on his home ground, Paul missed the conversion but he made up for it moments later with a penalty to put Cornwall two scores ahead.

Jack Sherratt (Helston) Vice Captain of Cornwall U20s dives over for the try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Devon weren’t finished back they came with a superb try in the corner finish off acrobatically by Nyakallo Makate.

That was as close Devon would get as Cornwall scored twenty-six unanswered points during the final quarter. Sherratt bagged his second, with Lewis Riley Raikes and Bracken Headland all crossing the line. Conversions from Paul and two from Headland completed the scoring.

Cornwall Under 20’s head coach Richie Kevern was delighted with his side’s showing. “I am delighted with this win, Devon have been finalists for the last two seasons, so to beat them is a feather in our cap. We knew this was going to be a tough one. We have worked hard the last few weeks and I was pleased the boys stuck to the game plan giving us the reward at the end.

“First half I thought our half-backs Alfie Brooksbank and Oscar Marr controlled the game well, Oscar put us in good positions. The pack also put in a huge effort, second half our forwards really put us on the front foot, the whole squad fully contributed today with the replacements bringing energy at the right time.”

Jack Sherratt (Helston) Vice Captain of Cornwall U20s presented the Tribute player of the match by CRFU President Andy Reed. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Cornwall U.20s: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay H), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Jack Jones (Penryn), Oscar Marr (Penzance & N), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne), Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & N), Callum Johns (Launceston), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells (Redruth), Jack Sherratt (Helston), Oli Mount (Penryn), Fin Robinson (Redruth)

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge C), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Dan Kent (Wadebridge C), Joel Pryor (Redruth), Jake Walker (Camborne), Ethan Taylor (Redruth), Dan Navas (St. Austell).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries Sharratt 16, 69 Marr 26, Robinson 49, Lewis 71, Raikes 73, Headland 78, Cons, Paul 27,72, Headland 74,79 Pen Paul 64

Cornwall Under 20’s name side to play Devon this Sunday

March 23, 2026 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 finally gets underway with their rearranged first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts local rivals Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 29^th March 2026. The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1430 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “It will be great to get this season underway with this rearranged fixture against our next-door neighbours Devon. Unfortunately, the weather meant that the condition of several of the pitches throughout the county were not available. Understandably host clubs have their own league fixtures to play, and we are very grateful that they allow county matches to be played at their venues”.

Cornwall had named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him a new player this season, Oscar Marr from Penzance and Newlyn, who was the vice-captain. However, an injury to Jack in the warmup game v Cornwall Clubs means Jack is no longer available. Oscar will take over as captain and vice-captain will be Jack Sheratt from Helston.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time along with a few players from last season. Devon have had the advantage of playing one fixture already, having taken on Somerset at Sidmouth RFC”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, is well established Rich Kevern as the head coach, and ex U20 player and Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs again with Rich, and joining the team is Jack Hazelton another county player assisting Brad with the forwards. LJ Collick remains as the team manager.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “It was an honour to be asked to be vice-captain of the side for this season, however due to the unfortunate injury to Jack I will now be taking on the role of Captain for this game. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 29th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 19th April at Burnham on Sea RFC with a 1430 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. Any player who is named in match day squad during the season at level 4 i.e. Camborne or Redruth first team, makes them ineligible for consideration for the competition. That means this season alone we have lost about 10 potential players. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

23/03/2026

Cornwall U20 v Devon U20

Sunday 29^th March @ Redruth RFC 1430 kick off.

1	Rosko Troughton	Helston
2	Ted Hocking	Penzance & Newlyn
3	Callum Johns	Launceston
4	Ed Boaden	Helston
5	Oli Wells	Redruth
6	Jack Sherratt (Vice Captain)	Helston
7	Oli Mount	Penryn
8	Fin Robinson	Redruth
9	Callum Phillips	Wadebridge Camels
10	Oscar Marr (Captain)	Penzance & Newlyn
11	Jack Jones	Penryn
12	Robbie Paul	Redruth
13	Sam Blake	Truro
14	Bracken Headland	Newquay Hornets
15	Barney Lewis	Newquay Hornets
16	Leo Armstrong-Lever	Helston
17	Archie Beetles	Wadebridge Camels
18	Riley Raikes	St Austell
19	Dan Kent	Wadebridge Camels
20	Joel Pryor	Redruth
21	Alfie Brooksbank	Camborne
22	Ethan Taylor	Redruth
23	Dan Navas	St Austell

TR	Harry Derry	Wadebridge Camels
TR	Telio Jenkins	St Ives
TR	Jamie Trewin	Helston

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee, Jack Hazelton

Team Manager LJ Collick

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop

Under 20s new date v Devon U.20

February 22, 2026 by Bill Hooper

The re-arranged Jason Leonard Cup match between Cornwall Under 20s and Devon Under 20s will now take place on Sunday 29th MARCH, at Redruth RFC, kick-off 2:30 pm.

Cornwall Under 20s v Devon Under 20s

February 11, 2026 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Under 20s open their Jason Leonard Cup campaign against old foes Devon at Redruth RFC on Sunday 22nd February 2:30 pm kick-off.

Entry by Programme £5, with Under 16s free entry.

Also up for grabs on the day will be the Brunel Cup, which for the last three seasons has resided in Devon, so time for a return to Cornwall.

Team news nearer the time. We look forward to your support on the day to cheer on our lads who have been working hard in training.

Fixtures 2026: Jason Leonard Cup Championship

Sun 22nd Feb, Cornwall U.20 v Devon U. 20 @ Redruth RFC 2:30 pm

Sun 19th Apr, Somerset U.20 v Cornwall U.20 @ Burnham-on-Sea 2:30 pm

Post code for Burnham-on-Sea ground for travelling support is: TA8 2BS

Cornwall Under 20 warm up fixture

January 15, 2026 by Bill Hooper

Cornwall Under 20’s look forward to your support in both their warm up fixtures ahead of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup games.

match kicks-off at 7:30 pm.

Camborne School of Mines game is cancelled

Cornwall Under 20 battle back for draw

May 11, 2025 by Bill Hooper

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.

Freddie Jordan (Penryn) of Cornwall U20s dives between the posts for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

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.

Jack Jenkin (Helston) Captain of Cornwall U20s fends off Tom Lancaster (Yeovil) of Somerset U20s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

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.

Ola Phillips (Truro) of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Maison Turner (Hornets) of Somerset U20sand George Pester (Somerton) of Somerset U20s.- Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

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 Under 20’s taste defeat at Topsham

April 28, 2025 by Bill Hooper

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 11^th May at Redruth.”

Following a minute’s silence for former Devon Secretary and President Treve Mitchell the game kicked-off.

Billy Jordan (Penryn) Vice-Captain of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Robert Hennessy (Sidmouth) of Devon U20. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 27/04/25.

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.

Barney Lewis (Newquay Hornets) of Cornwall U20s runs in a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 27/04/25.

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.

Jack Jenkin (Helston) Captain of Cornwall U20s is tackled by Finlay Crockett (Bideford) of Devon U20. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 27/04/25.

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