It is understandable that many will be unable to be at Worcester this Sunday for the Under 20 Jason Leonard Cup Final between Cornwall and Kent. Kick-off on May 1st is 5:15 pm.
The RFU will be live streaming the game please click on the link to view
Rugby Football Union
by Bill Hooper
It is understandable that many will be unable to be at Worcester this Sunday for the Under 20 Jason Leonard Cup Final between Cornwall and Kent. Kick-off on May 1st is 5:15 pm.
The RFU will be live streaming the game please click on the link to view
by Bill Hooper
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Final.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 comes to a finale when they take on Kent in the final of the 2022 Jason Leonard Cup. The team travel to the home of premiership Worcester Warriors at Sixways Stadium on Sunday 1 May with a 1715 kick off time.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “These young guys had a 7-hour coach journey to play Lancashire in front of a very partisan home crowd at Wigan RUFC. Both teams gave their all in a pulsating match which saw Cornwall emerge as winners following the final whistle. I would like to record my thanks to all our sponsors, and for the effort that the coaches, medics, backroom staff have put in throughout the season which has brought about this appearance in the final. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented over the season, with 12 different clubs represented in the final team, we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”
Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & Wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarter-final. The quarter-finals were played at Camborne RFC with a home win 36 -17. The semi-final saw a 24 – 28 win over Lancashire which sees Cornwall earn their place in the final.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “This is the culmination of 6 months hard graft, and the boys deserve their place in the final. Following the win against Lancashire we have had one training sessions and the guys need to be ready from the off for this important game. Kent have had some impressive wins, and their semi-final victory over Yorkshire was on paper, an upset. We have played Kent a few times in the last few seasons, and we know they are a strong, well organised outfit. Over the season we have had a squad of between 50 / 60 players and unfortunately only 22 can be in the squad for the final. Everybody who has been involved has played a vital part in getting us to the final and although they will be disappointed, they should also be very proud to be part of an impressive squad. Everybody involved would also like to record our thanks to the CRFU management board for their continued support to enable us to progress within this competition”
Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “It doesn’t get any bigger than this! Most players will never experience a county championship final yet here we are. As a team we have proved time and time again what we are capable of, and plan to approach the final in the same way we have done the whole campaign. Off the back of an away semi-final win, the team is looking in great form and I’m excited to see what we can deliver at Sixways. As usual I’m backing us, and have full confidence in the team to get this last job done’’
Kent won their away pool game v Hertfordshire 19 – 56 before a home victory v Sussex 36 – 12 to top their pool. Their home game in the quarter-final v Devon saw them emerge as 33 – 29 winners, before winning their home semi-final v Yorkshire 31 – 13 which they won to take them into final.
The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” This is a fantastic achievement for these guys to reach the final of this national RFU competition. It is a real shame they do not get the opportunity to run out at Twickenham, but it is still being held at a premiership ground. The work that goes into organising everything that goes into these competitions at a local level is immense, and although they have been in training since November, planning started back in July. Everybody involved are volunteers who give up their time to support the future rugby stars of Cornwall”
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 Colin Hatch in the first instance.
Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com
Mob – 07967725368
Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec 25/04/22
Cornwall U20 v Kent U20
Sunday 1 May @ Sixways Stadium 1715 kick off
Cornwall Squad
1 | Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Captain) | Cinderford |
2 | Tyler Dower | Camborne |
3 | Declan Prowse | Camborne |
4 | Jago Sheppard | Redruth |
5 | Toby Osborne | Pirates Ams |
6 | Jack King | Camborne |
7 | Freddie Trewin | Helston |
8 | Archie Pilcher | Pirates Ams |
9 | Joe Tanswell | Penryn |
10 | Sam Walker | Exeter Uni / Falmouth |
11 | Lachlan Surridge | Camborne |
12 | Jamie Stanlake | Cardiff Met |
13 | Harry Andrewartha | Redruth |
14 | Lewis Bostock | Truro |
15 | Harry Larkins | Camborne |
16 | Matt Pritchard | Falmouth |
17 | Archie Rolls | St Austell |
18 | Pat Walton | Penryn |
19 | Connor Triggs | Truro |
20 | Joss Pascoe | Truro |
21 | Adam Hall | Redruth |
22 | Joe McCarthy | Camborne School of Mines |
Travelling Reserves | ||
23 | Rowan Lawrence | Falmouth |
24 | Cameron Leigh | Redruth |
25 | Josh Anderson | Truro |
26 | George Hutchinson | St Austell |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Sam West + Neville Curnow
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
by Bill Hooper
Interview with Richie Kevern ahead of Jason Leonard Cup Final 2022
By Bill Hooper
Following Cornwall Under 20’s superb win at Wigan last Sunday against Lancashire Under 20s in the Jason Leonard Cup semi-final, coach Richie Kevern was a proud man. “The boys put in a really big effort, Lancashire were no push-overs, they were a big side, especially in their own back yard. I was pleased with the way our boys managed the game throughout.
Richie,along with fellow coach Tyler Gendall was full of praise for fly-half Sam Walker who’s kicking proved a crucial part in Cornwall’s win. “Sam judged the wind very well putting us in the right position. We were able to build a score during the first half that left Lancashire having to play catch up.
“Having built a good lead at half-time I told the boys that they would have to defend hard against Lancashire as they would throw everything at them and to their credit they followed the game plan and saw the game out.
Attention now turns to the final and the game against Kent Under 20 at Worcester’s Six Ways Stadium. “The campaign so far has seen the team bond really well and they are ready to take on anyone, you can sense that they have a steely determination to go all the way. It will not be easy, Kent beat Yorkshire in the semis, they have dominated this competition in recent years so that makes Kent favourites. The boys will focus on the game plan and what they need to do and see where that takes us.
Richie doesn’t foresee many changes to the side. “We will train on Sunday and put in place our final touches. Injury wise we are looking good, hopefully no one has picked up any knocks this weekend playing for their clubs. The continuity will be the same. There is a big squad of players all pushing to be part of the squad so the competition is intense.
Team news should be released on Wednesday of this week.
by Bill Hooper
This post will be used to communicate information about the Final at Worcester Warriors Sixways Stadium on Sunday May 1st.
Kick-off time for the Cornwall U.20 v Kent U.20 Final is 5:15 pm
Tickets – The RFU have advised that it is FREE ENTRY and that seating is unrestricted.
Trelawny’s Army will be running a coach to the final of the Jason Leonard Cup Cornwall U.20 v Kent U.20 at Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium on Sunday 1st May, kick-off 5:15 pm.
The final is last of five age-grade matches scheduled for that afternoon at Worcester.
The coach will be up and back on the day.
by Bill Hooper
Cornwall Under 20s defeated their hosts Lancashire Under 20s 28-24 to book a place in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup Final against Kent Under 20s on Sunday 1st May at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium at 5;15 pm.
Below is a match report from our Hon. Sec, Terry Williams
Lancashire U.20, 24 – 28 Cornwall U.20
Yesterday saw Cornwall u20’s take on Lancashire in the semi final of the Jason Leonard Cup on a balmy spring day at a picturesque Wigan RUFC. It was a close encounter, ending in a win for Cornwall, 24-28. Cornwall started with a strong wind at their backs and took an early lead with a try by full back Harry Larkins in the 5th minute. This was followed up by a penalty 7 minutes later by fly half, Sam Walker, to make it 0-8. Lancashire then applied some pressure themselves which resulted in a converted try, 7-8.
On 25 minutes Cornwall further increased their lead following some forward pressure resulting in a try by Declan Prowse, converted by Sam Walker, 7-15. Just 4 minutes later Lancashire scored an unconverted try to make it 12-15. Cornwall then hit back on the 32 nd minute with a try again following on from forward pressure which resulted in No.8 Archie Pilcher crossing the line. This was duly converted by Sam Walker, to make the score 12-22, and this remained the same until half time.
At the start of the second half Cornwall we’re playing into the strong wind which showed no signs of abating and early on Lancashire scored an unconverted try to make it 17-22. Cornwall then got back in to the game but despite a lot of forward pressure we’re unable to get the ball over the line. However, on the 54th minute that pressure paid off when Cornwall were awarded a penalty in front of the post, converted by Sam Walker to increase the lead to 17-25.
Both teams then put in strong efforts to score, but defences were excellent with neither side giving way until the 72 minute when another infringement by Lancashire saw Cornwall awarded a penalty which was converted by Sam Walker to make it 17-28.
With less than 10 minutes to go Lancashire came back strongly and in front of a noisy home crowd they managed a converted try to make it 24-28. Cornwall then really dug deep and made sure that the game was played in the Lancashire half of the field. This was intelligent rugby and they went through several phases of play, keeping the ball in the forwards until in a dramatic final minute they gave away a penalty in the Lancashire 22. With a strong wind behind them they found touch deep in Cornish territory and duly won the line out, which then turned into a maul, but then committed an infringement and the referee blew the final whistle. Joy unbounded by the Cornwall players and the Lancastrians slumped to the floor. Cornwall winners 24-28!
This was a superb advert for the U.20’s county championship, a close game played in good spirit and some excellent rugby. The man of the match was Cornwall number 8, Archie Pilcher, a dominating display throughout. Captain Toby Osborne was rightly proud of his team’s all round performance.
A noisy bus ride home! Lancastrian hospitality superb. Showed what rugby is all about.
On now to Worcester for the final.
Cornwall U.20: Larkins (Camborne), Bostock (Truro), Andrewartha (Redruth), Stanlake (Cardiff Met), Surridge (Camborne), Walker (Exeter Uni), Tanswell (Penryn); Lawrence (Falmouth), Dower, Prowse (both Camborne), Sheppard (Redruth), Osborne (Capt, Pirates Ams), King (Camborne), Trewin (Helston), Pilcher (Pirates Ams).
Replacements: Pritchard (Falmouth), Rolls (St. Austell), Cardwell (Pirates Ams), Triggs, Pascoe (both Truro), Hall (Redruth), McCarthy (Camborne School of Mines).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Larkins, Prowse, Pilcher, Cons, Walker 2, Pens, Walker 3
by Bill Hooper
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 The Jason Leonard Cup Semi-final.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 continues as they take on Lancashire in the semi-final of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 17 April. The team face a 750-mile round trip and play the hosts Lancashire at Wigan RUFC at Wingates Road Wigan.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “Following a tremendous performance in the quarter-final v Hertfordshire, Cornwall must travel on Easter weekend to Lancashire. I would like to record my thanks for the effort that the coaches, medics, backroom staff have put in throughout the season which has brought about this semi-final appearance. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented over the season, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”
Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & Wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarter-final. The quarter-finals were played at Camborne RFC with a home win 36 -17 which sees Cornwall earn an away semi-final.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “We are now one of only four teams left in this competition for this year, and you do not get any second chances, so the guys must perform. Following the win against Hertfordshire we have had a few training sessions and the guys need to be ready from the off for this important game. We know that northern teams normally have big packs and will try to intimidate us, but the guys know what they are up against and must go out there and perform. All the remaining teams have won or been runners up in there qualifying pools as well as won their quarter-finals, so there are no easy games. Everybody involved would also like to record our thanks to the CRFU management board for their continued support to enable us to progress within this competition”
The winner of this game will play the winners of Kent v Yorkshire, a date, location, or time has not been released yet by the RFU!!
Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “We’re aware as a team of the pressure that we’ll face in this semi-final. That’s just a given considering the competitiveness in the last 4. But I don’t have any doubt that our team is ready to dig in away from home and do what’s required. We’re a strong team and regardless of the home or away turf I’m confident about the ability in our team.’’
Lancashire won their away pool game v Cheshire 17 – 29, their home game against Yorkshire was not played and they therefore had an away quarter-final v East Midlands which they won again 17 – 29 to take them into the semi-finals.
The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The competition this year has had some challenges for the CRFU as the RFU have cut funding for the pool stages and have initially said there will be no additional funding to assist in travelling or hotels costs. Therefore, the CRFU management board have had to look very closely at all expenditure, with the rising fuel costs and the game being played on Easter Sunday and with an away draw in the semi-final has certainly added to the pressures we face”
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 Colin Hatch in the first instance.
Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com
Mob – 07967725368
Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec
Gate entry at Wigan on Sunday is £4 with programme, Under 16’s £1.
Lancashire U20 v Cornwall U20
Sunday 17 April @ Wigan RUFC 1315 kick off
Cornwall Squad
1 | Rowan Lawrence | Falmouth |
2 | Tyler Dower | Camborne |
3 | Declan Prowse | Camborne |
4 | Jago Shepperd | Redruth |
5 | Toby Osborne (Captain) | Pirates Ams |
6 | Jack King | Camborne |
7 | Freddie Trewin | Helston |
8 | Archie Pilcher | Pirates Ams |
9 | Joe Tanswell | Penryn |
10 | Sam Walker | Exeter Uni |
11 | Lachlan Surridge | Camborne |
12 | Jamie Stanlake | Cardiff Met |
13 | Harry Andrewartha | Redruth |
14 | Lewis Bostock | Truro |
15 | Harry Larkins | Camborne |
16 | Matt Pritchard | Falmouth |
17 | Archie Rolls | St Austell |
18 | Max Cardwell | Pirates Ams |
19 | Connor Triggs | Truro |
20 | Joss Pascoe | Truro |
21 | Josh Anderson | Truro |
22 | Joe McCarthy | Camborne School of Mines |
Travelling Reserves | ||
23 | Eli Williams | Pirates Ams |
24 | Pat Walton | Penryn |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Sam West + Neville Curnow
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
by Bill Hooper
JASON LEONARD CUP
CORNWALL U.20s, 36 – 17 HERTFORDSHIRE U.20s
By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Camborne
A superb dominant performance from the Cornish pack saw them book their place in the last four of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup.
Prior to kick-off, there was a moment’s silence to reflect on events taking place in Ukraine.
A strong wind blew down the Camborne pitch with Cornwall electing to face the elements during the first half.
Early territorial advantage for the visitors saw them take the lead through a penalty from fly-half Tom Wilton.
However, Cornwall showed their intent with a couple of powerful runs from fly-half Sam Walker and wing Lewis Bostock.
Having kicked to the Herts twenty-two, Cornwall stormed towards the Herts line with both flanker Freddie Trewin and centre Jamie Stanlake making ground before fellow back row Jack King powered over for try converted by Walker.
Cornwall struck again almost immediately, following a barnstorming run from skipper Ethan Pearce-Cowley it was left to wing George Hutchinson to dive over for the second Cornish try.
Herts, to their credit replied instantly with a good score from wing Joe Radley following an arching run by centre Louis Suarez, Wilton adding the extras.
Cornwall looked to re-establish their lead and it came from another powerful maul with No.8 Archie Pilcher crashing over for an unconverted try.
The young black and golds weren’t done yet as they bagged a fourth try before the break through the forwards with prop Archie Rolls dotting down for a 24-10 lead at the break, as Herts went down to 14 men following a yellow card.
Herts made another fast start to the second period with an excellent try from the flying Finley Sutherland as the visitors went the length of the field. Wilton added the conversion.
Cornwall, using the wind, pinned Herts back in their twenty-two for long periods and the Cornish scrum really upped the ante with Pearce-Cowley giving the Herts tight-head a right old time.
Replacement hooker Matt Pritchard scored Cornwall’s fifth try from short-range before King bagged his second try of the game which Walker bettered to complete the scoring.
Joint coaches Richie Kevern and Tyler Gendall were delighted with the result and the performance. Kevern said. “It was a tough one today given the conditions , funnily enough we seemed to play better during the first half into the wind. Second half we were a little bit slow off the mark but we came good in the end. Gendall added. “We came good in the final quarter with a powerful forward performance, we were able to dictate field position and have a platform to work from.
Kevern also added. “It was good to see the hard work we have put in during training pay off with both the backs and forwards combining so well.”
Cornwall now face an away trip in the semi-finals when they must face Lancashire U.20s who defeated East Midlands on Sunday.
CornwallU.20: Larkins (Camborne), Bostock (Truro), Andrewartha (Redruth), Stanlake (Cardiff Met), Hutchinson (St. Austell), Walker (Exeter Uni), Anderson (Truro); Pearce-Cowley (Capt, Cinderford), Dower (Camborne), Rolls (St. Austell), Walton (Penryn), Osborne (Pirates Ams), King (Camborne), Trewin (Helston), Pilcher (Pirates Ams).
Replacements: Pritchard (Falmouth), Lawrence (Falmouth), Triggs (Truro), Newton (Wadebridge Camels), Hall (Redruth), Tanswell (Penryn), Davis (Camborne).
Scores: Tries, King (2), Hutchinson, Pilcher, Rolls, Pritchard, Cons, Walker (3)
by Bill Hooper
Result in today’s Jason Leonard Cup Quarter-final. Report to follow tomorrow.
by Bill Hooper
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2022 enters the knockout stage of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 20 March. The team host Hertfordshire who was runners up in their pool. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
CRFU President John Sumnall said “Following the pool stages in which Cornwall topped their pool we welcome visitors Hertfordshire who have travelled for this quarterfinal match. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”
Cornwall started their campaign with a narrow win over local rivals Devon 25 – 24, before travelling to Dorset & wilts where they were comfortable winners 7 – 64 which meant they topped their pool and gained a home quarterfinal.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “We are now in the knockout stage of this year’s competition and from now on you do not get any second chances, so the guys must perform. Following the win at Dorset and Wilts we have had a few training sessions and they need to be ready from the off for this important game. All the teams in the quarter-finals are pool winners or runners up so there are no easy games and having played Hertfordshire before we know they will be up for a keenly fought competition”
The winner of this game will have a semi-final which will be played on Easter Sunday 17 April.
Cornwall Captain Ethan Pearce-Cowley said, – “We’re aware as a team of the pressure that comes with playing in the knockout stages. But we’re ready to take on that pressure and deliver a quality performance on the day. The team is looking in good shape and I have full confidence we’re ready to take on the challenge. We’re unbeaten in this competition and that’s how we plan to keep it.”
Hertfordshire competed in pool 3 winning their first game 26 – 27 away to Surrey, they lost their second game at home to Kent 19 – 56 and therefore emerged as runners up in their pool.
The CRFU Hon Sec Terry Williams said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. This year due to Covid we have lost 2 years’ worth of experience and knowledge. As the U18’s season has finished we have invited players who are over the age of 18 to come to the last few training sessions as part of that transition. So, although this is the quarterfinal the coaches are already looking ahead to the 2022 / 2023 season. We have also had a few new players join the squad who we have identified and or been nominated from their clubs around the county”
Entry on the day will be by programme costing £5 on the gate with Under 16’s entering free.
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 Colin Hatch in the first instance.
Cornwall U20 v Hertfordshire U20
Sunday 20 March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off
Cornwall Squad
1 | Ethan Pearce-Cowley ( Captain) | Cinderford |
2 | Tyler Dower | Camborne |
3 | Archie Rolls | St Austell |
4 | Pat Walton | Penryn |
5 | Toby Osborne | Pirates Ams |
6 | Jack King | Camborne |
7 | Freddie Trewin | Helston |
8 | Archie Pilcher | Pirates Ams |
9 | Josh Anderson | Truro |
10 | Sam Walker | Exeter Uni |
11 | George Hutchinson | St Austell |
12 | Jamie Stanlake | Cardiff Met |
13 | Harry Andrewartha | Redruth |
14 | Lewis Bostock | Truro |
15 | Harry Larkins | Camborne |
16 | Matt Pritchard | Falmouth |
17 | Rowan Lawrence | Falmouth |
18 | Connor Triggs | Truro |
19 | Dillon Newton | Wadebridge Camels |
20 | Adam Hall | Redruth |
21 | Joe Tanswell | Penryn |
22 | Jack Davis | Royal Navy U23 + Camborne |
Travelling Reserves | ||
23 | Angus Williams | Penryn |
24 | Eli Williams | Pirates Ams |
25 | Harry Rogers | Pirates Ams |
26 | Lachlan Surridge | Camborne |
27 | Jacob Gatrix | Wadebridge Camels |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Dr John Garman, Sam West + Graham Ashton
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
by Bill Hooper
12 Cornwall U20’s in Southwest trials
During the pool stages of the Jason Leonard U20 competition coaches from both sides select and agree a “team of the day” which is also reviewed by the SW selectors if in attendance, or by watching the match footage.
Following the completion of the pool stages the SW selectors have announced a squad to be invited to the trials held on Sunday 10 April at Keynsham RFC.
Cornwall RFU are delighted to announce the following 12 players have been selected.
Ethan Pearce-Cowley – Cinderford
Declan Prowse – Camborne
Pat Walton – Penryn
Jack King – Camborn
Toby Osborne – Pirates Ams
Archie Pilcher – Pirates Ams
Dillon Newton – Wadebridge Camels
Matt Pritchard – Falmouth
Joss Pascoe – Truro
Harry Andrewartha – Redruth
Harry Larkins – Camborne
Lewis Bostock – Truro
Congratulations to all players on their well-deserved selection.
If you want to see these players in action, don’t forget Cornwall V Hertfordshire in the quarterfinal of the Jason Leonard Cup on Sunday 20 March at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
Colin Hatch – U20 Team Manager