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 defeated Camborne School of Mines in their first warm up game 45 – 15 at Hayle last evening.

The following report by Terry Williams;

On Wednesday night the Cornwall u20’s had their first run out of the season at Hayle RFC in a friendly v Camborne School of Mines. Cornwall ran out easy winners in the end with a score of 45 – 15. A crowd of over 200 enjoyed an entertaining game with both teams willing to run the ball with emphasis on attack. Cornwall had a full squad of 26 players so coaches Ritchie Kevern and Brad Howe were able to cast their eyes over a good number of players with all of them taking the field for part of the game.

The first half started with both teams making mistakes and giving away silly penalties. Cornwall opened the scoring after 5 minutes with an unconverted try scored by no 8, Jenkin. (Captain).15 minutes later CSM drew level with an unconverted try. Cornwall again took the lead with a try from a forward drive, converted by full back Williams. CSM hit back with an unconverted try, but almost on half time second row Dash crossed the line and the try was again converted by Williams. The referee, Mr Thurgood, then blew for half time with the score at 19 – 10.

CSM scored almost from the start of the second half to make it 19 -15, but this would prove to be their last score of the match. Throughout the remainder of the half the coaches made changes, some positional, and there was then a steady flow of tries from a number of players, bringing the final score to 45 -15. Both teams defended stoutly throughout the game, and coaches Kevern and Howe learning a lot about the players. All in all it was a satisfying performance.

Training will resume on Sunday morning with the next friendly taking place at St Austell on Wednesday 26 February v Cornwall Clubs XV, 7.30 KO

This game will now take place on Wednesday 5th February at 7:30 pm at Hayle RFC

Entry £2, under 16s free.

8 Cornwall U20’s selected for the SW trials.

Following the 3 pools games the SW selectors have announced the squad for the
SW trials. The SW coaching staff and selectors attend every pool game in the region
to assess players and invite them to the SW trials which will be held on Sunday 26th
May at Hartpury College Gloucestershire.

It is somewhat ironic that after a 17-hour day when Gloucestershire decided to take
Cornwall to Stow on the Wold RFC on a bank holiday weekend that the trails are
again held some 200 miles away for the Cornwall players again on a bank holiday
weekend. Why a more central location can not be used is a cause of much
disappointment and concern. The SW selectors / coaching squad have been told
how to you expect to get the best out of them when they must leave home at 0530
and face a 4 – 41/2-hour journey!

The 8 selected players are-
Angus Willams Prop representing Penryn.
Pete Harris Hooker representing St Austell.
Will Perkin Lock representing St Ives.
Ben Smith Flanker representing Redruth.
Jacob Chapple Scrum Half representing Redruth.
Idris Logan Scrum Half representing Helston.
Jack Statton Centre representing Launceston.
Jack Keogh Wing representing St Just.
Congratulations to all 8 players and best wishes for the trials on Sunday 26th May.

The selected players and the Cornwall U20 section thank both the CRFU and
Trelawny’s Army for their support for those players attending the SW trials.

Colin Hatch
Cornwall U20 Team Manager