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