Please note the Annual General Meeting of Cornwall RFU will be held at Camborne RFC on Wednesday 28th June at 7 pm.
All clubs are invited to attend. Agendas will be set out nearer the date.
Jane Bell
Hon.Sec Cornwall RFU
Hampshire prove too strong for brave Cornwall Women.
GILL BURNS DIVISION 2 SEMI-FINAL
CORNWALL WOMEN 0 – 38 HAMPSHIRE WOMEN
By Bill Hooper, at Polson Bridge
Under a blistering hot sun and a hard pitch, it proved not to be this season for a brave Cornwall Women’s side who found Hampshire just a little too hot to handle.
The visitors, seasoned campaigners at this level will play Eastern Counties in next Sunday’s final for the Division 2 title at Ealing Trailfinders.
Cornwall, never gave up they fought valiantly and tackled fearlessly until the final whistle, bruised and battered they showed the scars of a good fight.
Cornwall began promisingly, a good early run from skipper Amy Bunt took the game to Hampshire, however it soon became evident that Hampshire was wise to her threat closing her down well.
Hampshire began to dominate the breakdown, and always seemed to have that extra player in support to take any offload. They began to string good phases of play with their back row of Emelia Green, Natasha Bullock and Chardonnay Wilson catching the eye with their forceful runs.
Cornwall did well to soak up the pressure, eventually the pressure told when prop Ash Robertson found space to charge over. Full-back Abi Pearson kicking the first of her four successful conversions.
Cornwall continued to defend well, frustrating the visitors at every turn, in the end numbers out wide saw Hampshire exploit the space allowing centre Jariya Sime to dot down a converted try.
Just before the break Hampshire lost a player to the sin-bin as Cornwall looked to cut the deficit, sadly unforced errors and the Hampshire defence denied the home side.
Cornwall needed to get the next score, but due to an unkind bounce, Katie Wadeson profited, whilst Cornwall got back to tackle the wing, good support play from Green saw her on-hand to score.
That was the try that sealed Cornwall’s fate. Further tries from hooker Thea Kilby, scrum-half Hannah Kemish and Wadeson put the polish on the Hampshire win.
Despite the score-line there were some very good performances from Cornish players. Mel Ruby put in some big charges, whilst in the backrow Rhiannon Thomas again showed her class as did No.8 Kath Wherry.
Fly-half Georgia Hall, kicked well from hand and looked to get her line going, scrum-half Amy Warman battled away as ever and took charge when skipper Bunt had to leave the field with an injury. Bunt strong and determined in the tackle again showed what an all round player she is.
At the final whistle the crowd of some 600 showed their appreciation to the players and their never-say-die attitude.
After the match coach Jo Holden was philosophical in defeat. She said. “I am incredibly proud of the squad, we have been punching above our weight at this level, today we lacked the intensity and we will learn from this. We have now seen what level we must aspire to so we can be competitive at this level, this season was a massive learning curve for us and we will come back stronger next season.
“My one disappointment was our speed around the ruck area, we were well beaten there, but we will learn from that.
“The girls love playing for Cornwall and I think despite the score-line you saw that, near the end we were pushing for a score and showed great heart, but it just wasn’t to be.”
Cornwall Captain Amy Bunt congratulated Hampshire on their win but was also incredibly proud of her team. “Fair-play to Hampshire, but we battled well against a team drawing their side from players who play at least a couple of divisions higher than the majority of our girls. Defeat is never nice, but we will take it on the chin and go again next season and look to improve to take our game to another level
Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Rebecca Bennett (Truro), Shannon Foster (Plymstock AO), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman; Mel Ruby, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (all Launceston), Sian Westgarth, Sam Whitfield (both Truro) Rhiannon Thomas (Launceston), Katherine Wherry (Ivybridge).
Replacements: Josie Ninnis (Penryn), Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock AO), Oz Brazier (Truro), Caitlin Hancock (Launceston), Bryher Freight (Truro), Megan Tucker (Launceston).
Hampshire Women: Abi Pearson (Havant), Nina Hoadley (Ellingham & Ringwood), Jariya Sime (Havant), Samantha Wharton, Katie Wadeson (both Portsmouth), Sarah Butler (CC), Hannah Kemish (both Trojans); Keeta Rowlands (Portsmouth), Thea Kilby, Ashleigh Robertson (both Trojans), Tessa Down (Ellingham & Ringwood), Eloise Shrimpton, Natasha Bullock (CC) (both Havant), Emelia Green, Chardonnay Wilson (both Trojans).
Replacements: Ciera Forry (Portsmouth), Louise Weinfeld (Trojans), Natsha Davison (Portsmouth), Carol Tennant (Trojans), Emma Andrews (Southampton), Emmie-Lou Cooper (Portsmouth), Lauren Gillingham (Havant).
Hampshire scores: Tries, Robertson, Sime, Green, Kilby, Kemish, Wadeson, Cons, Pearson 4
(CC) = co captain
Referee: Lucy Smith (Somerset RRS)
Crowd: 600
Cornwall Women name side for semi-final
CORNWALL WOMEN SELECT TEAM FOR SEMI-FINAL
By Bill Hooper
Nine players from the Launceston club are in the match day squad for Sunday’s Gill Burns Division 2 semi-final against Hampshire Women at Polson Bridge, kick-off 2 pm.
Last Saturday Cornwall Women had a warm up game against Ivybridge Ladies, which gave the coaches the chance to view their options.
Cornwall coach Jo Holden had this to say. “Last Saturday was really useful for us to review the squad. So many players put their hands up for selection which again gave us selectors a headache, but again shows the strength in depth we are now developing.
In the front row Kim Upcott steps up from the bench and starts at tight-head prop in an all Launceston front row.
The other change in the pack is Sam Whitfield from Truro who comes into the back row in place of Penryn’s Rosie Ninnis.
The half backs remain the same with Amy Warman and Georgia Hall retaining their shirts.
Shannon Foster comes in for her Plymstock clubmate Jo Roberts, who is unavailable as are both Lisa Allin and Lydia Hawkins. Truro’s Rebecca Bennett gets a start on the wing following a good game against Ivybridge Ladies last Saturday.
On the bench, Josie Ninnis drops from the starting XV, whilst Truro’s Oz Brazier, along with the Launceston duo Caitlin Hancock and Meg Tucker come on to the bench.
Cornwall Women: Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Rebecca Bennett (Truro), Shannon Foster (Plymstock AO), Megan Okey (Ivybridge), Joey Sandercock (Launceston), Georgia Hall (Penryn), Amy Warman; Mel Ruby, Jenna Arnold, Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold (all Launceston), Sian Westgarth, Sam Whitfield (both Truro) Rhiannon Thomas (Launceston), Katherine Wherry (Ivybridge).
Replacements: Josie Ninnis (Penryn), Caitlin Milliken (Camborne), Roberta Smith-Scotland (Plymstock AO), Oz Brazier (Truro), Caitlin Hancock (Launceston), Bryher Freight (Truro), Meg Tucker (Launceston).
Stop Press: Hampshire Women’s side is as follows;
Hampshire Women: Abi Pearson (Havant), Nina Hoadley (Ellingham & Ringwood), Jariya Sime (Havant), Samantha Wharton, Katie Wadeson (both Portsmouth), Sarah Butler (CC), Hannah Kemish (both Trojans); Keeta Rowlands (Portsmouth), Thea Kilby, Ashleigh Robertson (both Trojans), Tessa Down (Ellingham & Ringwood), Eloise Shrimpton, Natasha Bullock (CC) (both Havant), Emelia Green, Chardonnay Wilson (both Trojans).
Replacements: Ciera Forry (Portsmouth), Louise Weinfeld (Trojans), Natsha Davison (Portsmouth), Carol Tennant (Trojans), Emma Andrews (Southampton), Emmie-Lou Cooper (Portsmouth), Lauren Gillingham (Havant).
Honda Volunteer Awards Presentation
Our second round of presentations took place at Camborne RFC on the occasion of Cornwall’s Bill Beaumont Cup match with Kent last Saturday. CRFU President John Sumnall making the pesentations.
Pictured above are the group from St. Austell RFC receiving their awards, Steve Murley, Tich Preston, Paul Hayes, Ian Grantham and Lesley Bennett.
Above Truro RFC members Phil Sleeman and Graham Trescothick received their awards under the Unsung Hero Award, whilst Stacey Newson, the Game for All Award.
Above Marc Dennis (Penryn Ladies Coach) receives his award in the Unsung Hero category.
Jo Bailey from St. Austell receives her Unsung Hero Award
Mike Allen (Illogan Park RFC) receives his Unsung Hero Award
Cornwall Women’s semi-final confirmed at Launceston 2 pm
Cornwall Women’s semi-final against Hampshire Women, will take place at Polson Bridge, Launceston RC on Sunday 28th May.
Kick-off time 2 pm.
Kent take chances to earn Twickenham final
BILL BEAUMONT CUP
CORNWALL 31 – 34 KENT
By Bill Hooper, at the Recreation Ground, Camborne.
On World Bee Day, Kent drew the sting of the Cornish swarm to book their place in this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup final at Twickenham next Sunday.
Cornwall can have no complaints, Kent were the better side on the day and fully deserved their win. It will be Kent’s first final in the top tier since 1986 when they lost to Warwickshire 16-6.
It was, of course bitter disappointment for the Cornwall players and the 2,000 plus crowd at Camborne, all bedecked in the black and gold who never-the-less serenaded their heroes on the final whistle.
Kent kicked off playing towards the clubhouse end and immediately set about their business.
Centre Jake Hennessey went very close to a try early on with only good Cornish defence keeping the centre from scoring. The Kent pack showed that they were a formidable unit.
Cornwall didn’t heed the warning, Kent were awarded a penalty close to the Cornish line, quick thinking from Toby Wallace saw the wing take a quick tap and sliced through the cover to score. Fly-half Sam Evans added the first of his four conversions.
Cornwall skipper Fraser Honey reduced the deficit with a penalty, before Cornwall scored a slightly bizarre try. Good play from Duncan Tout set up Mike Austin, the scrum-half kicked ahead, the ball bounced in-goal over the defenders head, back towards the on-rushing scrum-half who claimed the try. Honey added the extras.
Matt Shepherd thought he had scored a try from a quick throw in but the referee ruled the ball had been touched!
Evans tied the scores with a penalty kick as the nip and tuck nature of the game became increasingly evident.
The same player was on the money moments later to nudge Kent back into the lead with a second penalty.
Cornwall responded well, good lineout ball from Edd Pascoe saw the ball moved wide, with Shepherd jinking his way to the line, Honey added a fine conversion.
With half-time approaching, Kent launched another good attack, Matt Harrison made the hard yards before flanker Rafael Dutta took the ball to dive in under the sticks to leave the visitors 20-17 up at the break.
Cornwall needed a fast start to the second period and it came from a lineout. Ben Hilton won the ball before Sam Stevens took play up to the twenty-two, quickly recycled the ball found it’s way to centre Nico De Battista, the Argentinean scoring on his Cornwall debut.
Cornwall were back ahead, they needed to build on the score to put them more than a score ahead, crucially two penalty attempts at goal went begging, the second crashing against the Camborne upright and bouncing back beyond the twenty-two.
Instead it was Kent who scored next, from good lineout ball Alfie Orris showed his pace to fly in.
Both sides looked to the bench, Jordan Nicholls put in a big run for Cornwall gaining good ground. The next score would prove crucial as the game moved towards the last ten minutes.
Kent got close to the Cornwall line earning a penalty, Cornwall were guilty of switching off as Hennessey took another quick tap and dive over, Kent now had the two score margin!
Cornwall gave it one last go, they score through the excellent Stevens with Honey drop-kicking the conversion but it was too little, too late.
After the match Cornwall Captain Fraser Honey was naturally disappointed with the final outcome. “We all feel very frustrated. There were moments in that game that we should of capitalised on but didn’t and then we paid the price for those missed chances.
“We fell two score behind but in the past we have clawed back and stayed in the fight, I take my responsibility for missing those two penalties. We gave it a final fling after Sam Stevens’ try but it wasn’t to be. Fair play to Kent, they were well organised and good luck to them in the final.”
Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Nicolas De Battista (Camborne), Konnor Ewudzi (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes (Redruth), Ben Priddey (Camborne), Jess Tompsett (Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (all Redruth).
Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Richard Brown, Craig Williams (both Redruth) Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Lewis Thomas (Redruth).
Cornwall scores:, Tries, Austin, Shepherd, De Battista, Stevens, Cons, Honey 4, Pen, Honey
Kent: Bryan Hotson (Tonbridge Juddians), Toby Wallace (Tunbridge Wells), Jake Hennessey (Blackheath , Matt Harrison (Westcombe Park), Alfie Orris (Medway), Sam Evans (Worthing), George Daly (Blackheath) ; Luke Boon (Tonbridge Juddians), Ryan Jackson (Bishops Stortford), Reece Conlon (Tonbridge Juddians), Tom Stradwick (Blackheath), Dave Irvine (Canterbury), Rafael Dutta (Blackheath), Harvey Furneaux, Jamie Stephens (Capt) (both Canterbury). .
Replacements: Alex Witchell (Blackheath), Sam Carmen (Sidcup), Max Hayes (Tonbridge Juddians), Mo Pangarker (Medway), Tom Williams, Frank Reynolds, Lewis Hollidge (all Canterbury).
Kent scores: Tries, Wallace, Dutta, Orris, Hennessey, Cons, Evans 4, Pens, Evans 2
Referee: Callum Watson (RFU)
Crowd: 2,325
De Battista set for Cornwall debut
CORNWALL NAME SIDE TO FACE KENT
By Bill Hooper
Cornwall’s selectors have named the side to face Kent in the group decider at Camborne on Saturday, kick-off 2 pm.
With Camborne’s Jack Kessell ruled out of the rest of the competition due to injury, the selectors have turned to former Cornish Pirate star Nicolas De Battista. The Argentinean makes his Cornwall debut at centre alongside Duncan Tout.
Sam Parsons reverts to the wing.
In the pack, Edd Pascoe returns having been part of the Royal Navy side that defeated The Army last Saturday at Twickenham.
Jordan Nicholls reverts to the bench as does Richard Brown with Ben Priddey starting at hooker. Craig Williams also returns to bench at the expense of Declan Prowse, Jack King also is omitted due to the return of Pascoe.
The Kent side has not yet been announced, however in their previous games they have drawn from principally from Blackheath, Canterbury, Westcombe Park and Tonbridge Juddians. With all to play for they will not travel to Camborne lacking ambition.
Cornwall: Matt Shepherd (St. Austell), Sam Parsons (St. Austell), Duncan Tout (Tonbridge Juddians), Nicolas De Battista (Camborne), Konnor Ewudzi (St. Austell), Fraser Honey (Redruth, Capt), Mike Austin (Cinderford); Luke Barnes (Redruth),Ben Priddey (Camborne), Jess Tompsett (Redruth), Jack Heazelton (Camborne), Ben Hilton (Barnstaple), Edd Pascoe, Sam Stevens, Ben Fox (all Redruth).
Replacements: Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Richard Brown, Craig Williams (both Redruth), Freddie Stevenson (Bude), Jordan Nicholls (Camborne), Josh Semmens (Pirates Ams), Lewis Thomas (Redruth).
RFU Community Game Update 16 May
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Deadline to upload fixtures – just a few days left! The deadline for uploading club arranged fixtures via the Team Management module on the Game Management System is nearly upon us. Only fixtures uploaded by 26 May 2023 can be attributed towards a club’s new international ticket entitlement. Have you visited the RFU’s Tackle Height Hub yet? A comprehensive range of online resources, guidance documents, training videos and face-to-face training opportunities are being created by the RFU and can be found on the RFU Tackle Height Hub. Age Grade Regulations 23/24 & Summer Framework 2023 Find out more about Regulation 15 for 2023/24 and the Summer Age Grade Framework for 2023 in this piece. Regulation 9 – Pitch-side Emergency First Aid and Immediate Care Standards Following on from the implementation of the pitch-side emergency first aid and immediate care standards in the age grade game in the 2022-23 season, these standards will now be introduced across the adult community game from the start of the 2023/24 season. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Join our nationwide network of Tackle Champions Tackle Champions will play a key role in developing a community of coaches able to inspire a culture of the highest quality tackle technique and decision making in players. Find out more in this piece. Platform 4 Rugby User Groups – register your interest Platform 4 Rugby’s user groups for the upcoming season are the perfect opportunity for collaborative working to help shape our Game Management System and other digital platforms. We are looking for volunteers with different levels of knowledge and experience. Find out how to register your interest in getting involved. National Volunteers’ Week – 1-7 June Volunteers’ Week is being celebrated between Wednesday 1st and Tuesday 7th June. It provides a great opportunity to recognise the contribution volunteers make and to say thank you! 3. FOR AWARENESS Papa Johns Community Cup Round Up The Papa Johns Community Cup came to a close on 7th May, with 29 thrilling finals having taken place over two weekends at Twickenham, StoneX Stadium, Sixways Stadium and The Darlington Arena. Read about the finals and watch some of the brilliant stories from the teams in this piece. UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport The RFU welcomes the launch of the Government’s UK Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport; guidelines the RFU has been involved in developing. Read more about the guidelines in this article. Community club recipes for success In July 2022, a study was undertaken to establish what has contributed to operating successful community clubs. Read about the findings in this piece. Game Management System (GMS) maintenance In preparation for the start of the 23/24 season, the Game Management System (GMS) will be taken offline in mid-June to allow for a short period for system maintenance to be conducted. Read Online |
Tackle Safe Clinics & England Rugby Mentoring Awards
Good Morning
I wanted to make you aware that the THC’s and ERMA courses for Cornwall and Devon are now live for registering on GMS. Can I please ask you to promote and share them with clubs and via any social media channels possible.
I have attached information regarding the ERMA courses that contains a link to search for local courses and I have also attached locations details with individual club booking links as well. Official posters will be shared next Wednesday I believe via England Rugby official social media.
Any questions please ask.
Reedy
THC Courses
| 12th June | Tiverton RFC | Smudge Adult | https://bit.ly/3HXpf1Z |
| 14th June | Ivybridge RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/3NGJ6pB |
| 19th June | Barnstaple RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/3nr8WDt |
| 26th June | St. Ives RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/44v5jx2 |
| 3rd July | Tavistock RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/427gWsq |
| 5th July | Truro RFC | Reedy Adult | https://bit.ly/3nsuShk |
| 17th July | Torquay Athletic RFC | Reedy Adult | https://bit.ly/416PpWq |
| 19th July | St. Austell RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/44tXfwj |
| 31st July | Wadebridge Camels RFC | Reedy | https://bit.ly/3nrk6rP |
| 2nd August | Sidmouth RFC | Smudge | https://bit.ly/3nsWTW0 |
| 15th July | Crediton RFC | https://bit.ly/41vdQNx |
| 29th July | Bodmin RFC | https://bit.ly/41zqMSC |
| 30th July | Ivybridge RFC | https://bit.ly/3pz67ko |
Ben Bryant, wins most improved player of the year award
At the end of Sunday’s U17 game at Launceston Head Coach Andy Hawken presented BEN BRYANT from last year’s U18 squad with the Most improved player trophy.
Well done Ben.
