Cornwall Fire Brigade Suffer Defeat in Southern Final

News dateline: 26th March 2008

By Colin Hatch.

The defending champions Cornwall suffered a defeat at the hands of Royal Berkshire in the English National Knockout Cup. The match, which was the southern final, was played at Taunton RFC on Wednesday 19th March. Cornwall suffered a number of setbacks prior to the game with unavailability of front row players due to injuries. On the day of the match, a road traffic collision caused us to lose one of our two remaining props.

We were determined that the game was going to be played so that the final could still be played on April 2nd. Travelling with a bare 15 and an inexperienced front row, the team took to the field. The first ten minutes the team failed to settle, and the nervous start allowed Royal Berkshire to score a breakaway try that was converted. This was not the start we needed; it got worse, when a failed clearance kick was picked up, passed along the back line for a second converted try. Ten minutes gone and 14 points down!

The team had to dig deep or capitulate, being Cornish and full of pride the team not only steadied the ship, but started to take control and get back into the game. After 30 minutes, a break off from the scrum saw John Navin pass to Rob Jose to score and Martin Middleton to convert. Six minutes later following more pressure Cornwall was awarded a penalty on the opposition 22-metre line. John Navin took a quick tap penalty ran through a weak defence to score, Mark Middleton again converting. Half time Cornwall 14 - 14 Royal Berkshire and all to play for.

The second half saw Royal Berkshire renew their attack and after three minutes caught Cornwall cold to break our back line and score a try 14 - 21! Cornwall continued to play and tried to pull the game back however, the lucky break never came. Our 15 began to feel the intensity of the game whilst Royal Berkshire brought on a number of fresh players to keep up the pressure. The final whistle saw Royal Berkshire win 14 -21 and rightly take their place in the final on April 2nd at Taunton RFC.

Heartbreak for Cornwall in our 50th season! However, we will pick ourselves up for our final game of the season, which will celebrate our 50th season. We will be playing the Cornwall RFU President's 15 at St Ives RFC on Wednesday 30th April. It will be a charity event with proceeds going to the Firefighters Charity and the Precious Lives Appeal.

We would be keen to hear from ex players who would like to attend the event, for further details please contact Colin Hatch on 01872 323775 or email chatchfire.cornwall.gov.uk