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Roger Watson R.I.P.

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It is with great sadness that the CRFU learned today of the passing of our former Honorary Secretary Roger Watson.

Roger’s passion for Cornish rugby was demonstrated by the many roles he undertook in the game.

As well as afforded Life Membership by his club Redruth RFC, he was also made a Life Member by Trelawny’s Army Supporter’s club

Our thoughts are with Nikki and all the family at this sad time.

The following appeared on Redruth RFC’s website earlier today;

Roger held many roles in his service to the game. Roger was the first Honorary Secretary of Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club and in 1994 Honorary Secretary of Cornwall Schools (16 Group) and sat on the CRFU Committee. From 2001 to 2014 Roger was the Honorary Secretary to Redruth RFC and travelled the length and breadth of the country in support of the Reds. In recognition of his service to the club, Roger was awarded Life Membership. In 2015 Roger became Honorary Secretary to the CRFU and held this position until 2018 whilst also holding the position of Secretary to Cornwall’s Disciplinary Committee. Soon after Roger and Nikki, along with their son Rawlyn moved to the Rhymney Valley in South Wales to be closer to their daughter Esyld and young Granddaughter Isla. Roger continued to love the game and was still attending matches locally last season.

Funeral details will be posted when available.

Cornwall Women win Tamar Cup

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A stirring second half performance saw Cornwall Women overturn a ten point half-time deficit to win the inaugural Women’s Tamar Cup 31-27 at Polson Bridge.

Devon’s two bonus points from the game were enough to confirm them as group winners and progression to the semi-finals.

Match report below

GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2

CORNWALL WOMEN 31 – 27 DEVON WOMEN

By Bill Hooper at Polson Bridge.

On a glorious afternoon at Polson Bridge both sides served up a feast of attacking rugby for the four figure crowd.

For Cornwall the spoils of the game and with it the Tamar Cup that captain Amy Bunt proudly lifted in front of the grandstand.

Devon too had much to celebrate, two bonus points from the game enough to see them top the group and advance to the semi-finals.

Devon kicked off towards the Devon end and immediately put Cornwall under pressure.

Cornwall defended well but gave away too many penalties, eventually the Devon pressure told when the ball was worked wide to wing Charleigh Hopkin to dot down.

Player of the match Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge) of Cornwall Women is tackled by Enya Surtees (Cullompton) of Devon Women.. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo

Having missed the conversion Devon’s Beth Plumpton kicked a routine penalty from in front of the posts to stretch their lead.

Cornwall needed to get into the game, Abi Smith sounded the charge with a good run, the first of many. Cornwall kicked a penalty to the corner from which scrum-half Amy Warman fed Michaella Roberts, the No.8 used her strength to power over for a try bettered by Georgia Hall.

Roberts was again involved when Cornwall took the lead, she linked with Smith who’s pass found Bunt who scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Smith then showed her defensive qualities with a crunching tackle on a Devon player that left her square on her back!

Georgia Hall (Penryn) of Cornwall Women on the attack. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo.

The threat from Devon on the wings was still there and when the ball reached Issy Edworthy the Okehampton wing showed her speed to outpace the cover and score under the sticks allowing Plumpton a simple conversion.

Despite losing No.8 Megan Heath to a yellow card Devon scored again before half-time through the impressive Edworthy, Plumpton’s extras giving the visitors a 22-12 lead at half-time.

The break allowed the Cornwall Women’s team from 1994 to parade around the ground, players that Cornwall head coach Jo Holden described as “true pioneers who laid the foundations for what we have now.”

Izzy Burrows (Truro) of Cornwall Women on the attack. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo.

Cornwall came out for the second half in determined mood. An early try-scoring chance just failed to go to hand with line beckoning.

The Cornish forwards through Roberts, Kim Upcott and Izzy Burrows were making ground.

A quick tap penalty from Warman near the Devon line led to Meg Okey charging over near the posts allowing Hall the conversion.

Amy Warman (Launceston) of Cornwall Women throws a pass. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 01/06/25.

Just as Cornwall had Devon in their sights a moment of lapse concentration allowed Edworthy to escape the clutches to score her third try.

With both sides turning to their respective benches, it was Cornwall who finished the stronger. Leading by example Bunt shrugged off a tackle to score in the corner to bring Cornwall to within three points.

Abigail Smith (Launceston) of Cornwall Women hands off the tackle from Issy Edworthy (Okehampton) of Devon Women. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo.

Devon then lost Plumpton to a yellow card as Cornwall now pressed hard.

The winning score came from another quick tap penalty from Warman who found Smith who scored near the posts, Hall’s conversion completed the scoring as Cornwall saw out the game.

Cornwall Women celebrate with the 1994 Cornwall Women’s team. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo.

Speaking after the match head coach Jo Holden said. “They put everything out there today I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Winning the Tamar Cup is a huge milestone for us as we strive to improve each season, this is a very good Devon side we beat today. I can’t wait for next season and where it can take us as a group.”

Cornwall Women (Launceston unless mentioned): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Meg Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitkin (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).

Replacements: Janna Arnold, Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).

Cornwall scores: Tries Roberts 19, Bunt 24, 56, Okey 52, Smith 74, Cons, Hall 20, 53, 75

Referee: Rob Lowe (Plymouth RRS)

Crowd: 1,054

Cornwall Star Player: Michaella Roberts

Cornwall finish on a high

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BILL BEAUMONT CUP

HAMPSHIRE 32 – 41 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall travelled to Havant looking to finish their programme on a high following the defeat to Kent last Saturday.

In the event both sides looked to serve up some running rugby to royally entertain the crowd. Cornwall’s second half performance saw them build up a good lead and see off a late Hampshire revival.

It was the homeside who scored first, a cross-field kick from fly-half Lewis Dennett found wing Jack Phillips who crossed in the corner.

Jack Counter (Wadebridge) of Cornwall slips the tackle by Alex Mawdsley (Winchester) of Hampshire. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo.

Cornwall eventually responded when Matt Shepherd made a good break feeding wing Harry Larkins for an unconverted try.

Cornwall were falling foul of the referee as the penalty count against them mounted, it was no surprise that Hampshire re-took the lead when prop Dan Sargent crashed over.

Pat Walton (Barnes) of Cornwall dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 31/05/25.

Shepherd was again involved in Pat Walton’s try and this time he added the extras.  Good play from Shepherd and Jordan Nicholls set up Jack Counter for Cornwall’s third try.

Nicholls was constantly looking to jackal the ball at the breakdown.

Jordan Nicholls (Camborne) of Cornwall is tackled by Karter Whittock (Petersfield) of Hampshire. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 31/05/25.

Hampshire levelled the scores before the break when Phillips bagged his second try which was bettered by Dennett.

Hampshire made the better start to the second half, a good run from wing Jack Colbourne led to a Hampshire penalty from which hooker Cam Boa scored.

Cornwall now began to get the upper-hand. Tom Cowan-Dickie took a quick tap from 5 meters out which led to a Dan Rutter try under the posts, with Shepherd adding the conversion.

Matt Shepherd (St Austell) Captain of Cornwall runs in a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 31/05/25.

Rutter then kicked a fine 50/22 which set up Shepherd for a try that he bettered. It was then the turn of Ben Hancock to get on the scoresheet with Shepherd’s conversion Cornwall led 38-22.

Luke Barnes thought he had scored but the referee ruled it out. Shepherd added a penalty as Hampshire scored two late tries through Phillips and Sargent, but Cornwall had enough in hand to see out the game.  

Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell, Capt), Harry Larkins (Camborne), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Sam James (Redruth), Jack Counter (Wadebridge C), Dan Rutter (Redruth), CJ Boyce (Camborne); Luke Barnes, Tom Cowan-Dickie (both Redruth), Sam Rodman (Camborne), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Pat Walton (Barnes), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls (both Camborne), Hugo Culverhouse (Tonbridge J).

Replacements: Pete Harris, Matt Boothby (both St. Austell), Rohan Ewels (Falmouth), Ben Hancock (Bude), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Will Hennessy (Camborne), Archie Bees (St. Austell).

Cornwall scores, Tries, Larkins 13, Walton 20, Counter 22, Rutter 46, Shepherd 52, Hancock 58, Cons, Shepherd 21, 47, 53, 59, Pen, Shepherd 68

Cornwall Women name team for Tamar Cup clash

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SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

Our 23 are READY for battle! 🖤💛

Cornwall Women take on Devon this Sunday at Polson Bridge in a massive clash that’s about more than just points. It’s pride, progression, and the inaugural Women’s Tamar Cup on the line 🏆🔥

With a place in the Gill Burns Cup semi-finals at stake, this one promises to be a cracker. You won’t want to miss it!

📅 Sunday, June 1

📍 Polson Bridge, Launceston

🕑 Kick-off: 2:00 PM

🎟 Be loud. Be proud. Be there.

Cornwall Women bounce back at Kingsholm

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GILL BURNS CUP

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WOMEN 0 – 37 CORNWALL WOMEN

By Bill Hooper

Cornwall Women bounced back from their defeat last Sunday against Hampshire to gain an emphatic win against Gloucestershire at Kingsholm stadium.

The win keeps Cornwall’s chances of making the semi-finals alive when they take on Devon Women at Polson Bridge in their final pool match, it also gives them a great memory playing at one of English rugby’s iconic stadiums.

Centre Abi Smith crosses the whitewash for Cornwall Women at Kingsholm

Cornwall dominated throughout building their score. No.8 Michaella Roberts drove over for the first try with skipper Amy Bunt, centre Abby Smith, scrum-half Lisa Allin getting herself a brace and wing Tia Larson all touching down. Centre Georgia Hall kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Cornwall will now look to their final pool game against Devon on Sunday at Polson Bridge, 2 pm, to hopefully do enough to get a semi-final berth.

This match will also see the winners awarded the Women’s Tamar Cup.

Cornwall Women’s skipper Amy Bunt’s arching run ends in another try. Tia Larson in support.

Women’s head coach Jo Holden was delighted with her side’s performance but knows a stiffer test lies ahead. “I think we need to go into the game with confidence, the women have two matches under their belts now and have confidence in themselves. It should be a really good game, hopefully we can edge it next week.

“The call goes out to our wonderful supporters to come along to Polson Bridge on Sunday and get behind the team. It would be great to see all the black and gold around the ground.”

Cornwall Women (Launceston, unless stated): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Suz Franks, Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Lisa Allin (Bude); Libbie Cole, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).

Replacements: Teigan Aitken (Penryn), Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Holly Williams, Amy Warman, Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).

Kent leave Twickenham hopes in tatters

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BILL BEAUMONT CUP

CORNWALL 18 – 34 KENT

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Redruth

Kent deservedly booked their place in the Bill Beaumont Cup final with this thrilling win against a Cornwall side that can have no complaints.

Some will point to the disallowed Ben Plummer try on 64 minutes when Cornwall trailed by six points following a superb break by Duncan Tout. Sadly for the Cornish faithful in Hellfire corner the officials got it right as the St. Austell winger’s right foot touched the whitewash as he was about to score.

It came at a time when Cornwall were pressing hard to get on level terms and proved a pivotal moment in the game.

Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth) of Cornwall powers for the try-line. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 24/05/25.

Cornwall played up the slope first half looking to restrict Kent, an early penalty to Cornwall was kicked to the corner. Tom Cowan-Dickie made ground from the lineout but Cornwall infringed.

Kent got the opening score on 10 minutes, a clearance kick was charged down by the visitors on the Cornwall twenty-two, ball bounced wickedly on the hard surface eluding Tout but not Kent’s No.8 Ben Charnock, he grabbed the ball and romped in under the sticks. Fly-half Sam Evans added the extras.

Bryan Hotson (Dorking) of Kent scoops up the loose ball ahead of Matt Shepherd (St Austell) Captain of Cornwall and Alex Ducker (Camborne) of Cornwall. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 24/05/25.

Cornwall needed a reply and it came from a lineout up in the scoreboard corner when Cowan-Dickie powered over for an unconverted try.

Kent upped their game with their back row looking sharp whilst the backs gave notice of their powerful running.

The visitors had a lineout down in Hellfire corner, they set up the drive that saw Cornwall take the drive to ground, Jon Drew sent to the bin and Kent awarded a penalty try.

Worst was to come, from a scrum on the Cornwall twenty-two, Charnock broke away shrugging off a poor Cornish tackle to stride under the posts, Evans’ conversion and Cornwall already faced a mountain to climb.

Good play from Alex Ducker and Matt Shepherd took play up towards the Kent line, from an ensuing lineout Cowan-Dickie was again on hand to get over and dot down.

A penalty from Evans put Kent two scores ahead early in the second half, Shepherd cut that back with his one successful kick of the game.

Harry Larkins (Camborne) of Cornwall dives in for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 24/05/25.

With the game in the final quarter both Ducker and Harry Larkins combined to put the young Camborne wing in at the Piggy Lane corner.

Plummer’s chance came and went, Larkins was again called into action to stop Kent’s hooker from scoring, it proved a brief respite as Kent’s excellent scrum-half Mikel Davies scored their fourth try converted by Evans to start the celebrations.

Cornwall’s head coach Graham Dawe was understandably disappointed with the result. He said. “I felt we did well in the set-piece but at times we tended to over play it a bit, we were second best in the tackle area we need to see what went on there.

Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians) of Cornwall on the attack with Ben Plummer (St Austell) of Cornwall in support. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 24/05/25.

“Losing a couple of players to yellow cards didn’t help neither the foot in touch which would have made it a one score game at a critical moment.”

Cornwall will now need to refocus ahead of their final game away to Hampshire next Saturday at Havant and look to finish with a win.

Cornwall (Camborne unless stated): Matt Shepherd (St. Austell, Capt), Harry Larkins, Duncan Tout (Tonbridge J), Sam James (Redruth), Alex Ducker, Dan Rutter (Redruth), CJ Boyce; Kye Beasley, Tom Cowan-Dickie (Redruth), Jon Drew, Jamie Prisk, Edd Pascoe (both Redruth), Adam Hughes, Jordan Nicholls, Hugo Culverhouse (Tonbridge J).

Replacements: Ben Priddey, Luke Barnes (Redruth), Sam Rodman, Pat Walton (Barnes), Ben Hancock (Bude), Chris Rovery (Redruth), Ben Plummer, Archie Bees (both St. Austell).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Cowan-Dickie 20, 37, Larkins 61, Pen, Shepherd

Attendance: 2,075

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