Somerset U20 v Cornwall U20
By Colin Hatch at Burnham-on-Sea RFC
On a bright sunny afternoon Cornwall U20’s took on Somerset at Burnham to decide the winners of South-west pool 2 in the 2026 Jason Leonard Cup.
It was Somerset who started the fastest scoring their first converted try after 3 minutes. Somerset went further ahead in the 14th minute with another converted try! With just over 20 minutes gone a penalty led to Somerset kicking deep into our 22, from the resulting lineout and catch and drive saw them get another converted try. Somerset 21 – 0 Cornwall!!!
Somerset had their tails up, the crowd behind them who were shouting and cheering at every Cornwall mistake, a turnover or break from their team.
Something had to change and change fast, it looked as if we were still on the coach travelling up the M5!!! Things did start to change and good work between No2 Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn) saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) crash over to be converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) to make the score Somerset 21 – 7 Cornwall.
Somerset fought back strongly and with just over 30 minutes gone a good run down the wing by their No 14 saw him score and their No 10 covert again to put the home side 28 – 7 ahead, and secure a 4 try bonus point. With half time approaching a break from N0 17 Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels) saw No 6 Oli Mount (Penryn) cross the line and Oli Roberts (Camborne) once again converting.
Half time Score Somerset 28 – 14 Cornwall
The halftime team talk from coaches Rich Kevern and Jack Hazelton, left no stone unturned and laid bare a few home truths!! They also left the players in no doubt what kind of reaction would be required and needed to turn this game around and cheer up the large travelling support.
It was vital we made the first score in the second half and this was duly delivered when No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) scored to put us within 9 points!! Cornwall now started to dominate and get the upper hand although still making the odd silly mistake that kept Somerset in the game. 20 minutes into the second half saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) cross the line for his second try and converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne).
This not only put us within 2 points of the opposition but also gave us our 4 try bonus point. This meant if the result remained the same we would still be pool winners and qualify for the quarterfinals. However, 1 point was not what anybody in the Cornwall side wanted, they needed a strong final 20 minutes, show their true potential and the ability to come back from a poor start to earn the win and establish some credibility.
Things do not always go to plan, but on this occasion 2 further tries first scored by captain No 10 Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn) and secondly No 14 Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets) both converted by Oli Roberts (Camborne) saw the score Somerset 28 – 40 Cornwall. Somerset were down but not out and with 5 minutes to go crashed over for a converted try to be behind by 5 points!!
A penalty awarded to Cornwall saw the captain immediately point to the post, his thinking 3 points gives us a 2-score advantage going into the final minutes. However, and intervention by the assistant referee saw not only the penalty reversed but a yellow card for Cornwall!! The wait for the final whistle could have been uncomfortable, but stout defence and aggressive tackling subdued any attack from Somerset. No 19 Joel Pryor (Redruth) making a decisive crunching tackle which eventually led to No 22 Tom Tanswell (Penryn) crossing the line and No 11 Oli Roberts making his 6th conversion of the afternoon making the final score; –
Somerset 35 – 47 Cornwall
Cornwall now have a home quarterfinal on Sunday 3 May against South-West pool 1 Winners Berkshire, further details to follow.
Scorers
Tries Riley Raikes (St Austell) 2, Oli Mount (Penryn) Oli Roberts (Camborne) Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets), Tom Tanswell (Penryn)
Conversions Oli Roberts (Camborne) 6
