Cornwall Under 17’s begin their county programme this weekend with a trip to Wellington RFC to take on Somerset Under 17’s. Good luck lads.
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Cornwall Under 20’s taste defeat at Topsham
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 11th May at Redruth.”
Following a minute’s silence for former Devon Secretary and President Treve Mitchell the game kicked-off.
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.
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.
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
Cornwall Clubs XV’s defeat Devon Deaf XV
Cornwall Clubs v Devon Deaf @ Tavistock
By Stuart Hood
Devon Deaf hosted Cornwall Clubs for their final game of the season at Tavistock RFC. Cornwall clubs were guided by Tate Richardson (St Austell) and Mal Roberts (Truro) and quickly found their stride. After some early pressure Cornwall spun the ball wide to left wing Dan Navas who opened the scoring under the posts with Justyn Irons converting.
Shortly after, a strong scrummage from Clubs taking the ball against the head play was taken through a number of phases and following a mazey run by Dan Navas, St Austell scrum half Joe Welch dived over which was duly converted to give Clubs an early 0-14 lead.
After just under half an hour Justin Irons made a break from a turnover penalty inside the 22 and found Navas out wide to score his second. Irons converting for a 0-21 lead.
Devon responded with a well taken line out and drive bringing them back to 5-21.
Cornwall finished the half strongly picking up a loose kick which was returned through Justyn Irons, and Dan Navas completed a first half hat trick.
This was quickly followed by the strong running Tyler Tresidder (Lankelly-Fowey) and Irons converting to finish the half 5-35.
Cornwall started the second half strongly snapping up a turn over bringing right wing Adi Adeneikas into the the game showing a clean pair of heels, Irons converting 5-42.
With just under three quarters of the game players Tyler Croft (Newquay) started another move with a trademark barrelling run which was followed by some slick hands between backs and forwards, with captain Aaron McPherson popping up and with the try line at his mercy he popped inside to Navas for his fourth try. Irons converting 5-49
As the game moved in to the final quarter some fine interplay led to Archie Doidge (Liskeard) crashing over under the posts and Irons converted 5-56
In the final 5 minutes following some strong pressure Devon nipped in in the corner to bring the final score to 10-56.
Cornwall Clubs XV
1. Scott Pearce St. Austell Sinners
2. Archie Doidge Liskeard-Looe
3. Cadan Brown Lankelly-Fowey
4. Aaron McPherson (c) Newquay Hornets
5. Yestin Hutchings Liskeard-Looe
6. Callum Varcoe Perranporth
7. Izaak Spears Roseland
8. Tyler Croft Perranporth
9. Joe Welch St. Austell Sinners
10. Justyn Irons Perranporth
11. Dan Navas St. Austell Sinners
12. Tyler Tresidder Lankelly-Fowey
13. Charlie Reynolds St. Austell Sinners
14. Adi Andreikenas Perranporth
15. James Johnson Liskeard-Looe
16. Ed Llewelyn Roseland
17. Daubroy Delahunty Lankelly-Fowey
18. Lee Pascoe Newquay Hornets
19. Jack Grigg St. Austell Sinners
Gill Burns Cup Squad Named
Thirty players have been named in this season’s Gill Burns Cup squad by the coaching team headed by Jo Holden.
Unsurprisingly there are 11 players from Launceston Ladies who this season have won promotion to Championship 2 next season.
Cornwall Women have a challenging pool to navigate commencing with a trips to Hampshire and Gloucestershire before their home game at Polson Bridge against Devon, which will also see a Women’s Tamar Cup competed for for the first time.
“Congratulations to the players who have come through the trials, now we get down to preparing that first game against Hampshire at Havant.”
Jo Holden had this to say. “Once again it’s been a difficult selection process with many players trialling to get into the squad. This shows the progress the Women’s game is making throughout the length and breadth of Cornwall. This will only grow with the Women’s World Cup this summer.
FIXTURES
Sun 18 May, Hampshire Women v Cornwall Women @ Havant RFC, 2 pm
Sat 24 May, Gloucestershire Women v Cornwall Women @ Kingsholm, Gloucester RFC 2 pm
Sun 01 Jun, Cornwall Women v Devon Women @ Launceston RC 2pm
Female Health & Wellbeing
Want to become a Female Health Champion?
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the development of women and girls’ rugby to become Female Health Champions.
The Champions will receive training and resources to enable them to deliver female health workshops to clubs in their area, increasing the knowledge of the specific health needs of female rugby athletes and raising awareness of England Rugby’s female health toolkit for players, coaches, and club volunteers https://www.englandrugby.com/…/female-health-wellbeing
We are currently looking for expressions of interest from those who would like to take part in the project and will then attend one of four training sessions that we will be delivering in June 2025. If you are keen to be included please complete this form by 25th April 2025: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e162ba42fed54704a1095cae117caf61?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ4RIBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFXYWRPMWthdDFJU0JmaE9CAR679ACU8N5ZcEdmRflkNfaZxTZima77pBpH5BQPklPpuNyDFgUEv2brPeV9pQ_aem_lwkeA7lp7tBYlPgezjgS2w
Expression of interest does not guarantee a place on any of the Champion training courses, we will be in touch with those who have secured a place after the closing date.
Introducing Ian Davies as our 1st Guest Coach for the Cornwall XV Aside Conference
Dear Coach,
Following the success of last year’s coaching conference we are pleased to confirm we have scheduled for Saturday 12 July 2025. The invited coaches will be announced in the coming weeks.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic coaching development opportunity.
https://www.coachcentered.com/coach-development
We’re thrilled to announce the first of our guest coaches for the XV Aside Conference at Truro School on Saturday 12th July — Ian Davies, former DoR of Cornish Pirates.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best! Stay tuned for more announcements.
Click Here to secure your spot and access the early bird conference offer.
Jon Bates
Coach Centered Ltd
07764336709
Cornwall Under 20’s to play Devon Under 20’s
PRESS RELEASE
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 The Jason Leonard Cup.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2025 continues when they play their second pool match in this season Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Topsham RFC where they will face Devon U20 with a 14:30 kick off time.
CRFU President Andy Reed said “Following the first round of this year’s competition both the hosts and Cornwall won their opening fixture and so both will be out to try and continue in that manner. I know the players will not be sitting on their laurels after the victory over Gloucestershire and know they will face tough opposition across the border in Devon”.
Cornwall have named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another new player this season, Billy Jordan (Penryn) who is the vice-captain. Cornwall have made one change with Will Luscombe (Redruth) coming onto the bench in place of Ben Smith (Camborne)
Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Gloucestershire 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 Devon. Replace the errors that we made and take the opportunities that we create. Devon has home advantage, and they will be eager to put one over on us and so we must be ready for a tough 80 minutes”.
Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Camborne player 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 with Rich.
Cornwall Captain Jack Jenkin said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Gloucestershire and realise there are areas that we need to work 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 Devon and we put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.
Cornwall won their first game against Gloucestershire 32 – 22 and Devon defeated Somerset 57 – 26, with all 4 teams scoring a 4 try bonus point. The other game in the Southwest pool sees Somerset host Gloucestershire. The final pool game of this season sees Cornwall face Somerset at home at Redruth RFC on Sunday 11 May with a 14:30 kick off time.
The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” I know the coaches, players were happy but not over pleased with the performance v Gloucestershire and have been working on areas to correct some parts of their game plan and have worked hard in training to try and make amends when they face Devon. This game is not only for who heads the table, but also for the Brunel Cup, which Devon have held for the last 2 years, and I am sure the team would like to return it to the Duchy!”.
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 Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance. Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk
Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826
Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec
21/04/2025
Devon U20 v Cornwall U20
Sunday 27 April @ Topsham RFC 14:30 kick off.
| 1 | DAN BENNETT | ST AUSTELL |
| 2 | LEO ARMSTRONG-LEVER | HELSTON |
| 3 | OLLY DERRY | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 4 | CHARLIE KNIGHT | SALTASH |
| 5 | OLI WELLS | REDRUTH |
| 6 | FREDDIE JORDAN | PENRYN |
| 7 | WILL SYMONS | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 8 | JACK JENKIN (CAPT) | HELSTON |
| 9 | JARVIS LEE | TRURO |
| 10 | JOWAN KERRY | PERRANPORTH |
| 11 | RHYS BOWERY | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
| 12 | BILLY JORDAN (V CAPT) | PENRYN |
| 13 | BEN ROSKILLY | HELSTON |
| 14 | AYDEN EARNSHAW | HELSTON |
| 15 | BARNEY LEWIS | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
| 16 | JALAL BENNETT | TRURO |
| 17 | ROSKO TROUGHTON | HELSTON |
| 18 | JOE COURT | CAMBORNE |
| 19 | WILL LUSCOMBE | REDRUTH |
| 20 | LUKE YOUNG | REDRUTH |
| 21 | CALLUM PHILLIPS | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 22 | HARRY RIGG | HELSTON |
| 23 | LOWEN MEARS-OLLERENSHAW | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
| TR | OLA PHILLIPS | TRURO |
| TR | ETHAN WILLIAMS | FALMOUTH |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee
Team Manager LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Ronnie Bartlett + Donna James
Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
Under 20’s match change of venue
Please note Cornwall Under 20’s match against Devon Under 20’s will now be played at TOPSHAM RFC on Sunday 27th April, kick-off 2 pm.
Cornwall regain Tamar Cup in front of a big crowd
TAMAR CUP
CORNWALL 22 – 14 DEVON
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth
Roared on by a big Easter holiday crowd Cornwall wrested the Tamar Cup back from Devon in a pulsating encounter.
Cornwall were far from perfect but given the limited time the squad have had together they found a way to win which pleased backs coach Malcolm Roberts. He said. “Given our limited time to prepare I thought we put in a decent performance, pulling players together from various clubs you have to put in a structure and plan and I feel they did that.
Roberts was pleased with the performance from his backline. “I thought they looked sharp and put their tries away very well and that didn’t let up when we brought replacements on.
“I feel that a number of players today have enhanced their case to be included in the Championship squad next month and that for me is a nice conundrum to have.
Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence impeccably observed to remember former county player Terry Barnes also former Devon Secretary and past President Treve Mitchell, who hailed from Camborne.
Devon kicked off playing down the slope, the visitors enjoyed early territory and possession but the Cornish defence held firm.
Scrum-half Liam Jolly made a good break into the Devon half but his kick forward came to nothing.
Props Dec Prowse and Mitch Hawken drove into the Devon twenty-two before Matt Shepherd launched his backs, good hand from Ben Plummer and Cam Fogden put wing Ryan Cruickshanks in at scoreboard corner, Shepherd adding a fine conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The St. Austell pair of Archie Bees and Dan Tyrrrell were full of running along with the influential Fogden in mid-field as Cornwall started to hit their strides and show their mettle.
A quickly taken tap by Jolly five meters out led to Cornwall’s second try quick ball out to Shepherd saw him release fellow Saint Ben Plummer to bulldoze through the Devon defence and dot down.
Cornwall maintained their pressure, just before half-time a fine run and kick ahead by Tyrrell led to Cornwall’s third try, the winger kicked the ball forward with Bude’s Ben Hancock winning the race for the touchdown. Half-time 17-0 to the black and gold.
Cornwall began the second half at pace and were unlucky not to get an early score.
They did add to their tally when Jack Counter, just off the bench tore down the top touchline to score in Piggy Lane Corner.
Chances came and went the clinical touch was just missing to polish off the chances that came.
Both sides began to empty their benches with the game becoming a little dis-jointed, however it played into Devon’s hand as both their tries came from replacements.
They pulled a first try back through Corey Jamieson to give them some hope but they couldn’t add to their tally until the dying moments when Leon Horn scored, both tries converted by Declan Hadley.
The final whistle saw huge cheers from the Cornish faithful with Cornwall skipper Shepherd receiving the Tamar Cup from CRFU President Andy Reed.
With the National League season ending this coming Saturday it remains to be seen which players will become available for Cornwall in the Bill Beaumont Cup and for the match against Exeter Chiefs XV next month.
CORNWALL: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Ryan Cruickshanks (Saltash), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Dan Tyrrell, Matt Shepherd, (Capt, both St. Austell), Liam Jolly (Truro); Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels).
Replacements: Matt Boothby (St. Austell), Charlie Short (Launceston), Pete Harris, (St. Austell), Dan Head (Truro), Rory Jago (St. Austell), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne), Jack Counter (Wadebridge Camels), Declan Matthews (Truro), Jose Juarez (Launceston).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Cruickshanks 15, Plummer 35, Hancock 38, Counter 52
Con, Shepherd 16
DEVON: Declan Hadley, Henry Batty, (both Topsham), Louie Drennan, Andre Simonetti (both Brixham), Josh Woodland (Crediton), Lewis Paterson (Plymstock), George Hillsen (Launceston), Harvey Courtis (Plymstock), Charlie Dore (Exmouth), Christian Edbrooke (Topsham), Ollie White (Plymstock), Jordan Watson (Brixham), William Peakman (Ivybridge), Robin Edbrooke (Topsham).
Replacements: Daniel Armstrong (Sidmouth), Callum Arnold (Okehampton), Henry Trudgill (Ivybridge), Tom McGrattan, Leon Horn (both Okehampton), Jamie Hext (Brixham), Kieran Jamieson (Plymstock), Matt Smale (OPM), Joel Ashworth (Brixham), Corey Jamieson (Plymstock).
Tries, Smale 63, Batty 79, Cons Hadley 64,80.
Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock
Crowd: 1,732
Suez UK Man-of-the-match: Cam Fogden (Cornwall)
