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Cornwall U20s 18 v Kent Under 20s 8 TWO Match Reports

James Tucker touches down for a vital try (photo courtesy of Simon Bryant – Iktis Photo)

JASON LEONARD UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS – QUARTERFINAL

CORNWALL 18 – 8 KENT

By Bill Hooper at Tregorrick Park

In difficult conditions Cornwall wore down a spirited Kent side to earn a semi-final spot in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup.

Despite a few changes to the side from the previous week due to injuries and unavailability the Cornish lads put up a solid performance, notably when having to defend constantly putting their bodies on the line.

With driving rain coming in just before kick-off Cornwall played with the wind first half.

Despite good early territory Cornwall were a little too eager at times falling foul of referee Zerran Bell’s whistle.

Kent got into the game and surprised Cornwall with a well-worked opening try scored by their wing Jordan Thomas with a blindside move. Despite a good attempt by fly-half Sam Evans the try remained unconverted.

There were a couple of good runs from Cornwall’s fly-half James Tucker but sadly the support was a little slow arriving at times.

Flankers Will Gibson and Tian Clark combined well and looked threatening as did skipper Torin Clarke who led by example throughout.

Cornwall made a couple of changes after 24 minutes with both Jack Hodge at prop and Noah Nash scrum-half coming on.

Hodge’s presence was soon felt as he got stuck in at scrum time.

Cornwall earned a penalty, which Tucker kicked to the corner from the catch and drive Cornwall drove for the Kent line after a couple of phases Hodge barged over for an unconverted try.

Cornwall struck twice just before half-time. Tucker kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to put the black and golds into the lead for the first time in the game. Tucker then converted his own try that came about after a powerful break from tight-head prop Ollie Andrews from just inside the Kent half, the Falmouth player almost made the line himself but was hauled down under the posts just short, the ball was moved wide for Tucker to dot down for a 15-5 half-time lead.

In the worsening conditions Cornwall’s backs found it increasingly difficult as the pitch cut up, centres Connor Gilbert and Jake Penprase worked hard to create an opening but the Kent defence was tight.

The line out proved to be a lottery for both sides. Kent cut the deficit early in the second half when Evans kicked a penalty but that was as good as it was to get for the visitors.

Cornwall’s only points of the half came from a Tucker penalty after 61 minutes following a powerful Cornish scrum that shoved the Kent pack backwards at a rate of knots leaving their giant replacement prop Thomas Little, who’d proved a handful, crumpled on the ground.

Kent tried to salvage a score but the clock was against them and the Cornish were in no mood to yield.

The final whistle saw the Cornish lads leaping in the air and the Tregorrick crowd cheering them to the rafters.

After the game Cornwall coach Josh Lord was delighted with his side’s performance. He said. “I am really delighted they all put in a fantastic performance today. We ground out a victory in difficult conditions.

Lord also had huge praise for the players that had come in today. “Every player who took the field was fantastic today. The squad works, trains and plays together and that ethos showed today.

There are always things to work on and Lord thought that his side had been a little to eager at times. “Especially during the first half we tried to force it a little too early when we need more control. We had a chat at half-time and I feel the boys controlled the game far better in the second forty.

Josh was also pleased with the way his side defended when called to do so. “Defences win games and we tackled our hearts out and didn’t give them the time or space to play. The boys have got a huge passion and desire to go as far as they can in the tournament.

Josh, Matt Shepherd and the lads can now look forward to a home semi-final on -Sunday 15th April against Cheshire who beat North Midlands 17-12 at Dudley Kingswinford. The other semi-final sees Hertfordshire play Yorkshire.  

Cornwall: E Tyler (Penryn), S Cornish (Penzance & Newlyn Colts), C Gilbert (Redruth), J Penprase (Bath Uni), D Hubble (Falmouth), J Tucker (Redruth), C Boyce (St. Austell); R Bentham (Launceston), H Lightfoot (Launceston), O Andrews (Falmouth), D Goldsworthy (Launceston), B Rowley (Lainceston), T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Met), T Clarke (Launceston, Capt)

Replacements: Q Cross (Wadebridge Camels), C Jenkins (Launceston), J Hodge (Redruth), A Brassington (Redruth), S Firth (Falmouth), N Nash (Brixham), J Carr (St. Austell).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Hodge, Tucker, Con, Tucker, Pens, Tucker (2)

Kent: T Lennard (Cranbrook), A Orris (Medway), H Roberts (O. Elthamians, Capt), T Adamson (O Elthamians), J Thomas (O Elthamians), S Evans (Blackheath), W Luxford (O Elthmians); B Bratton (Tonbridge Juddian), T Petty (O Elthamians), T Simmons (Westcombe Park), C Dee (O Elthamians), A Keheli (Blackheath), L Remington (Ashford), K Clarke (Ashford), J Stubbington (Medway)

Replacements: J Simmons (Westcombe Park), T Little (Canterbury), K Wright (Thanet Wanderers), M Beard (Medway), L Hollidge (Medway), S Elllison (Sidcup), T Agu-Benson (Cranbrook)

Kent scores: Try Thomas, Pen, Evans

Referee: Z Bell (Devon RRS) 

 

 

Cornwall u20s 18 – 8 Kent u20’s

 

Chris Jones Reports

 

Cornwall progressed into the semi-finals of Jason Leonard cup after grinding out a hard-fought win over Kent.

 

Conditions were not ideal with heavy rain and blustering winds contributing to a lot of handling errors throughout the match.

 

Jack Hodge returned to the Cornwall squad after a long period out with a broken shoulder and made his mark after scoring the first try of the match.

 

Coach Matt Shepherd said after the game: “I’m immensely proud of what the boys have achieved and getting to the semi-final of the Jason Leonard Cup is incredible.”

 

Kent took the early ascendency and were the better team early on and could have scored within six minutes if the ball had not have eluded the hands of a Kent forward which resulted in a knock on near the line.

 

But only moments later and Kent did have their lead after a superb blind side move off the back of a scrum deep in the Cornwall 22 resulted in winger Jordan Thomas crashing over to score the game’s first try. Fly-half Sam Evans could not convert meaning the score read 5-0.

 

After Cornwall had gone behind, it seemed that this was the wake-up call they needed and took firm control from there on in.

 

James Tucker had a chance after Ethan Tyler’s great run and so did Jake Penprase, however it was a forward who scored first for Cornwall after a series of rucks over in the left corner when prop Jack Hodges heaved himself over the line to level the scores at 5-5 in the 33rd minute. Tucker had missed the following conversion.

 

Tucker made amends for his errors a couple of minutes before the break and coolly converted a penalty in front of the posts putting the Black and Golds in the lead for the first time of the match at 8-5.

 

Cornwall were even further ahead seconds before the break at 15-5 after a superb breakaway from Ollie Andrews left the Kent defence scrambling. The young prop was stopped just before the line but the run had created space wide-right which Cornwall exploited after a simple passing move and Tucker dived over the line before converting well to add the extra points.

 

Kent added to their points tally in the 42nd minute when they were awarded a penalty which Evans converted after he judged the wind direction and speed well to bring the scores closer at 15-8.

 

Cornwall were not phased and finished well. They finished the scoring in the 60th minute after a solid scrum led to a penalty which Tucker showed the same class he had all day to convert and add the three points, which meant at fulltime the score read 18-8.

 

Team:

 

1.     R. Bentham

 

2.     H. Lightfoot

 

3.     O. Andrews

 

4.     D. Goldsmith

 

5.     B. Rowley

 

6.     T. Clark

 

7.     W. Gibson

 

8.     T. Clarke ©

 

9.     C. Boyce

 

10.J. Tucker

 

11.D. Hubble

 

12.J. Penprase

 

13.C. Gilbert

 

14.S. Cornish

 

15.E. Tyler

 

16.Q. Cross

 

17.C. Jenkins

 

18.J. Hodge

 

19.A. Brassington

 

20.S. Firth

 

21.N. Nash

 

22.J. Carr

    

 
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Dorset & Wilts U20s 22 v Cornwall U20s 34

Cornwall u20’s secured a home quarter final fixture after a superb away victory in Weymouth.

Chris Jones reports from Weymouth & Portland RFC

Photo shows Declan Matthews  diving over to open Cornwall’s scoring - courtesy of Simon Bryant (Iktis Photo)

Click on the link for a glimpse behind the video courtesy of Kevin Bishop:

https://youtu.be/0iN-rynur3w

It was end to end stuff between the two young sides in the first half, but a strong second half from Cornwall secured the victory in a well-fought battle.

Coach Mat Shepherd was pleased with his side’s performance after the game and felt that they thoroughly deserved the win.

He said: “We scored six tries away from home and didn’t give away too much that we didn’t need to and from what we did on the pitch I’m really happy with the boys today.”

It only took three minutes for the first points to be put on the board and it was Cornwall with the first say of the day when Declan Matthews got on the end of a superb passing move from midfield to dive over in the left corner. Reuben Edwards missed the kick from a tight angle leaving the scores at 5-0.

But the home team responded quickly when Noah Cannon latched onto the end of a superb kick over through and his pace was too much for the Cornwall defence as he put the ball down under the posts which left Harry Bazalgette with an easy conversion to make it 7-5.

Dorset and Wiltshire scored again in the 17th minute. After a successful line out the home pack heaved themselves over the line, Captain James Hill this time with the try, and after Bazalgette missed the conversion the scores read 12-5.

The young Cornwall side never doubted their chances and their free flowing rugby was rewarded in the 19th minute when Jake Penprase made it 12-10 after Ethan Tyler’s great line and offload allowed the pacey winger to score down the right side.

The away side then put themselves in front for the second time in the match when a well drilled lineout turned maul was too much for the Dorset and Wiltshire defence and Harry Lightfoot got his first of the match right under the posts and Edwards converted with ease taking the scores to 17-12.

It truly was end to end stuff with both teams hungry for the victory. Dorset and Wiltshire regained their lead in the 33rd minute in mirrored fashion to Cornwall’s last try. A good lineout and drive pushed Tom Cordery over the line for Dorset and Wiltshire and after Bazalgette missed the kick it was 19-17.

But the scoring for the first half wasn’t done there, and Cornwall wanted to have the last say of the half and they succeeded when Tiaan Clark heaved himself over the line from the back of maul in the right corner taking the scores at half time to 22-17.

Three minutes after the break though and Dorset and Wiltshire were level at 22-22 after Bazalgette converted a penalty from straight in front of the posts.

Cornwall started to run away with it after 60 minutes and it was 27-22 when Connor Gilbert received the ball from the back of a scrum in the Dorset and Wiltshire final five and placed the ball down unchallenged before James Tucker converted with ease.

Ten minutes later and after a fairly dominant second half the young Black and Golds put the game to bed after Falmouth Prop Ollie Andrews scored in the corner and after Tucker missed a difficultly placed kick the scores ended 34-22.

Team:

1.    R. Bentham

2.    H. Lightfoot

3.    K. Gratrix

4.    D. Goldsmith

5.    N. Stanier-Smith

6.    T. Clark

7.    A. Brassington

8.    T. Clarke ©

9.    B. Callum

10.  R. Edwards

11.  D. Hubble

12.  D. Matthews

13.  C. Gilbert

14.  J. Penprase

15.  E. Tyler

16.  Q. Cross

17.  C. Degenhardt

18.  O. Andrews

19.  B. Rolwey

20.  J. Tucker

21.  N. Nash

22.  K. Bradley

 

Cornwall Scores: Tries by Declan Matthews, Jake Penprase, Ollie Andrews, Tiaan Clark, Connor Gilbert and Brandon Rowley with a conversion each for Reuben Edwards and James Tucker.

 
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Cornwall U20s 25 v Hampshire U20s 22

Following a pulsating win over Hampshire all roads will lead to Dorchester on Sunday 18th March when a win over Dorset & Wilts will guarantee a home quarter final in the 2018 Jason Leonard Under 20 County Championship.

Pictured are coaches Josh Lord and Matt Shepherd smiling after Sunday’s win.

Not only are there TWO match reports for the price of one below – also check out Kevin Bishop’s fantastic “behind the scenes” video here:

https://youtu.be/qiBsuhlKRLg

 

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP POOL 4

CORNWALL 25 – 22 HAMPSHIRE (HT 12-5)

By Bill Hooper at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell

Time added on proved dramatic indeed as Hampshire scored a fourth try to level a pulsating game, the conversion was missed after the ball toppled over and the Hampshire player was forced to make a drop attempt into a biting easterly wind.

There was still time, from the re-start, Cornwall managed to win a penalty allowing fly-half Reuben Edwards to split the posts and keep Cornwall on track for the quarter-finals with a 25-22 win.

Speaking after the game joint Cornwall coaches Matt Shepherd and Josh Lord were happy with the result. Shepherd said. “I was pretty happy with our first half performance we played the game in the right areas of the pitch, we went in having played into the wind 12-5 up. I thought we could go on and dominate the second forty but it didn’t quite work out that way which was a little disappointing.

“We encourage the lads to play an expansive game, sometimes you have to be more street-wise with what’s in front of you. Heads could have dropped when they levelled it near the end but all credit to the boys for working to get that final penalty to get the win.

Josh Lord was pleased with the way his forwards played. “I thought our pack looked good and went well, we dominated in the set-piece, although at times the line out was a bit of a lottery in the wind. It’s a young side these guys are still learning the game. There are still things to work on but I can’t fault the lads’ commitment.

“Torin Clarke played well for us today, as did the whole of the back row, we have got some great talent there and he leads by example. The whole squad works hard not just those in the match day twenty-two but those who turn up for training and are knocking on the door.”   

Despite the bitterly cold weather there was a good crowd at Tregorrick Park as both sides took to the field. Interestingly last season’s Trelawny’s Army Cornwall Under 20 player of the year Will Gilder was an assistant referee, part of the trio of officials from Gloucestershire, Will now studying at Hartpury.  .

Cornwall began well making some good early breaks and with barely two minutes on the clock one such break by centre Connor Gilbert almost saw the Redruth player make the line, however winger Jake Penprase was in support to score in the corner an unconverted try.

It was just the start Cornwall would have hoped for, however despite dominating the first quarter they couldn’t add to the score.

Hampshire came more into it and from a penalty kicked to the corner by fly-half Harry Johnstone from the resulting lin out and drive skipper Josh Moore crossed to level matters.

Cornwall certainly looked the better side during the first half with the forwards driving well and the backs looking very threatening.

Their endeavours were rewarded before half-time when skipper Torin Clarke drove over after a series of pick and goes near the Hampshire line, Edwards adding the extras for a 12-5 half-time lead.

The second half began much as the first as Penprase intercepted a pass running hard for the line cutting inside the last defender to score nearer the posts allowing Edwards to convert for a handy 19-5 lead.

Hampshire replied almost immediately when following a kick chase by centre Russell Bennett fellow centre Eddie Jenkinson scored a try converted by Johnstone to bring them back into it.

Despite losing prop George Cotterell to a yellow card Hampshire maintained their pressure when following a good burst from No.8 Pita Koroi led eventually to an unconverted try scored by lock Toby Warburton from close-range, leaving Hampshire only two points adrift.

Cornwall got back downfield to earn a penalty in front of the posts, Edwards making no mistake with his kick with some 18 minutes to play.

Hampshire threw everything at Cornwall, as the game moved into time added on, Johnstone made a fine break eluding tackles to score in the corner and tie the scores.

However, Edwards second penalty of the half made the game safe for Cornwall much to the relief of the Tregorrick crowd.

Onwards to Dorchester and Dorset & Wilts on March 18th.

Cornwall U.20: E Tyler (Penryn), J Penprase (Bath Uni), C Gilbert (Redruth), D Matthews (Camborne), J Carr (St. Austell), R Edwards (Launceston), N Nash (Brixham); R Bentham (Launceston), L Barnes (Camborne), K Gratrix (Penryn), D Goldsmith (Launceston), D Reed (Wadebridge Camels), T Clark (Camborne), W Gibson (Cardiff Met), T Clarke (Launceston, capt).

Replacements: H Lightfoot, C Jenkins, R Cinnamond, B Rowley (all Launceston), D Hubble (Falmouth), C Boyce (St. Austell), K Bradley (Penryn)

Cornwall scores; tries, Penprase (2), Clarke, cons Edwards (2), pens, Edwards (2)

Hampshire U.20: T Jennings (Portsmouth Uni), A Gooch (Chobham), E Jenkinson (Birmingham Uni), R Bennett (Wild Geese), J Rudder (Havant), H Johnstone (Cardiff Met), J Prior (Wimborne); M Gorry (Oxford Uni), S North (Hartpury Uni), G Cotterell (Bracknell), R Cuffe (Havant), T Warburton (London Scots), M Whitehead (Havant), J Moore (Swansea Uni, capt), P Koroi (London Scots)

Replacements: A Hankins (Portsmouth Uni), A Warner (Wild Geese), W Owen (Havant), S Rai (Camberley), O Cook (Winchester), S Bloomer (St. Mary’s Uni), C McGuigan (Havant)

Hampshire scores: Tries, Moore, Jenkinson, Warburton, Johnstone, Con, Johnstone

Yellow Card: Cotterell (51)

Referee: Astie Bolton (Gloucs RRS)

Match balls sponsored by Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club   

 

 

Cornwall 25-22 Hampshire

Report by Christopher Jones

Cornwall U20’s left it very late to defeat Hampshire at Tregorrick Park to make it two wins from two so far in The Jason Leonard County Championship.

Cornwall benefitted from Hampshire’s slow starts and scored very early in the first and second half.

After a late 78th minute try from Hampshire to make it 22-22, it looked as though the points would be shared, however a late 80th minute penalty conversion from Rueben Edwards secured the win for the Black and Golds.

Coach Josh Lord said after the game: “A fantastic result, but I’m not sure we were up to scratch in terms of what we expect from our players.

“At times we looked absolutely brilliant, and at times we look shambolic but championship rugby is about getting results and this is another win and we can take this into the next match and hopefully get another one.”

Cornwall got off to a lightning start and scored within the first three minutes when Connor Gilbert broke the Hampshire line before offloading to Jake Penprase who scored just to the right of the posts. Edwards could not convert leaving the scores at 5-0 early on.

Both sides had further chances but it wasn’t until the 35th minute until the game saw its next score. This time Hampshire with a try as Captain Josh Moore crashed through the Cornwall line to level the scores at 5-5. Again the kick was missed leaving the scores level.

But Cornwall were back in the lead on the stroke of half time Torin Clark this time going over the line under the posts, before Edwards converted to secure a 12-5 lead going into the break.

Almost immediately after the break the home side were further ahead, Penprase with his second try of the game after he stepped past his opposite number and Edwards again converted to make it 19-12.

Hampshire were having no luck and found themselves a man down when George Cotterell was given a yellow.

But this only seemed to give Hampshire the wake-up call they needed as they scored six minutes later in the 56th minute when second rower Rob Cuffe went over the line, and after Harry Johnston missed the conversion the scored read 19-17.

Edwards then put Cornwall an extra three points ahead at 22-17 after he converted a penalty from straight in front in the  60th minute.

However, Hampshire pulled back level in a breath-taking finish when Johnston shrugged off the tackle from Ethan Tyler to dive over the line and equal the scores for the second time of the day at 22-22. Johnston again could not convert the try.

The game seemed destined for a draw with neither team really playing to the best of their ability, however a late penalty directly in front of the posts presented Edwards with the opportunity to seal the win for the Cornwall in the final seconds. With the crowd silent and tension in the air he stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to leave the final score at 25-22.

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Gloucestershire U20s 15 v Cornwall U20s 24

 

Cornwall u20s overcame a very good Gloucestershire team at a very chilly Cinderford on Sunday 11th February to get the 2018 campaign in The Jason Leonard Under 20 County Championship. The boys are pictured celebrating their win courtesy of Simon Bryant (Iktis Photos).

Cornwall secured a four try bonus point with Kyle Gatrix (Penryn) scoring 2 tries and Noah Nash and Jake Penprase scoring 1 try each.


Kyle Gatrix got Cornwall underway with an early driven maul for Gloucestershire to get back on terms. The home team added a penalty on 20 minutes to make the score 8-5 to Gloucester before Cornwall scrum half Noah Nash exploited a gap and nipped over to regain the lead for Rueben Edwards to add the extras. On half time Tian Clarke scored a well worked try for Edwards to take a 19-8 lead.


The second half was a very well contested game. A tribute to u20 rugby and in particular the Cornish defence. Relentless attacking play led to Gloucester winger adding a try to make it 19-15 Cornwall. The enthusiastic crowd had to wait until the 75th minute for Cornwall to seal the game following good control in the Gloucester 22. Kyle Gatrix went over for the all-important score to set up a final 24-15 score-line.


With the final whistle the Cornwall boys could celebrate a well-deserved victory knowing that there is still work to be done before Hampshire at St Austell on 25th February.

The Cornwall team is selected from players who have a birthday after 31 August 1998, were born or reside in Cornwall, or are registered as a player with a Cornish club. 

The squad of over 50 players have been training since the start of the year and are coached by Matt Shepherd and Josh Lord both of whom have played senior rugby for Cornwall and are RFU qualified coaches. The squad consists of 18, 19 and 20 year old players and forms part of the CRFU’s progression and development of young players.

The gates open at St Austell on the 25 February at 1200. Entry will cost £5 including a match programme with accompanied U16’s having free entry. Please come along and support the young “Black and Golds” in the potential pool decider.

Gloucestershire U20 v Cornwall U20

Sunday 11February @ Cinderford RFC

Cornwall Squad 

1

Rikki Bentham

Launceston RFC

2

Luke Barnes

Camborne RFC

3

Kyle Gatrix

Penryn RFC

4

Dan Goldsmith

Launceston RFC

5

Jack Osborne

Not affiliated

6

Tiaan Clark

Camborne RFC

7

Will Gibson

Cardiff Uni

8

Torin Clark (Captain)

Launceston RFC

9

Noah Nash

Brixham RFC

10

Reuben Edwards

Launceston RFC

11

Matt Blee

Exeter Uni

12

Connor Gilbert

Redruth RFC

13

Jake Penprase

Not affiliated

14

Dan Hubble

Falmouth RFC

15

Callum Boyce

St Austell RFC

16

Harry Lightfoot

Launceston RFC

17

Chae Jenkins

Launceston RFC

18

Jack Hodge

Redruth RFC

19

Dan Reed

Wadebridge Camels RFC

20

Declan Matthews

Camborne RFC

21

Liam Jolly

St Ives RFC

22

Jake Carr

St Austell RFC

 

Travelling reserves

23

Rory Cinnamond

Launceston RFC

24

Brandon Rowley

Launceston RFC

25

Ethan Tyler

Penryn RFC

26

Seb Firth

Falmouth RFC

 

Coaches - Matt Shepherd, Josh Lord

Medical cover - Lauren Albury, Sam West

Kit - Paul Hurrell, Colin Hatch

 

 

 
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Hampshire U20s 25 v Cornwall U20s 19

Despite a valiant fight back in the last ten minutes the young “Black & Golds” went down to a well organised Hampshire side who sealed the group with their third victory of the campaign. Gloucestershire’s victory over Berkshire meant the end of the road for this season’s campaign for Cornwall who finished third in the group.

Cornwall were well supported at Overton RFC who ply their trade in Hampshire II (Level 10 of the rugby pyramid). It was a strange setting for county rugby at the end of what appeared to be a lengthy farm track on a steeply sloping pitch. Apparently, Hampshire Under 20s love it there and they were certainly quickly out of the blocks looking well fired up for the encounter.

Playing up the hill with a strong breeze at their backs the hosts opened the scoring after five minutes with a forty-five-metre penalty from centre Matt Evenhand.  Ten minutes later left wing James Wise showed electrifying pace to exploit the space vacated whilst Cornish full back Toby Robinson was off the field for a head injury assessment. His touch down in the corner went unconverted.

With five minutes of the first period remaining the visitors set up a promising attack on the Hampshire line but the ball was turned over and kicked up field culminating in a try for full back Adam Musa. Evenhand added the extras to give Hampshire a 15 – 0 lead at the break. 

Despite having the advantage of the wind for the second half the steep slope appeared to give the visitors a mountain to climb both metaphorically and literally and despite a try-saving tackle by Robinson it seemed all over when Jerome Rudder and Cameron Smith combined for Smith to touch down for an unconverted try which extended the Hampshire lead to 20 – 0.

Cornwall dug deep with centre Declan Matthews carrying well and a period of sustained pressure saw the visitors open their account with a Jack Osborne try converted by Fraser Honey fifteen minutes into the second half.

The “Black & Golds” continued to press but ten minutes later Hampshire’s flying left wing, Wise, used his pace once again to cross in the corner for the home side’s bonus point try.

The final ten minutes saw the Cornish boys show real character as they stormed forward to set up a try for Cameron Sayer. Honey’s conversion attempt went wide but with the deficit reduced to thirteen points the visitors sensed that an upset was possible and threw everything at Hampshire. An excellent backs move led to a Robinson try converted by Honey.

With four minutes remaining and only one score separating the sides Cornwall kept the ball alive and pressed hard but the Hampshire defence held on to secure their quarter-final berth.

Cornwall:

T. Robinson (St Austell), E. Tyler (Truro), D. Matthews (Redruth), M. Blee (Camborne), C. Boyer (St Austell), F. Honey (Launceston), N. Nash (Brixham), J. Bishop (St Ives), L. Powell (Redruth), J. Hodge (Redruth), H. Culverhouse (Wadebridge), D. Reed (Wadebridge), H. Smith (Wadebridge), W. Gilder [Capt.] (St Austell), M. Duggan (St Austell).

Replacements: M. Healey (Penryn), A. Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), J.  Osborne (Launceston), C. Sayer (Camborne), R. Edwards (Launceston), T. Sandercock (Launceston), H. Jones (Unattached).  

Coaches: Mike Rawlings, Bryn Jenkins, Matt Shepherd

Team Manager: Chris Lea

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Cornwall U20s 9 v Gloucestershire U20s 18

The young Black & Golds were overpowered by a big, powerful visiting pack at a wet and windy Redruth on Sunday 26th February leaving them with a “must win” game against Hampshire at Overton RFC on Sunday 19th March (K.O. 1.00 p.m.).

Photo: Declan Matthews on the attack

We have video highlights here (courtesy of Kevin Bishop TV):

and  TWO match reports from the pundits, Bill Hooper and Chris Jones (Undergraduate Journalism Student at Falmouth).

 

Our first report is by Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth.

Cornwall have it all to do in three weeks time against Hampshire following defeat in their second pool game of this season’s Championship.

The conditions suited the big heavy Gloucestershire pack which they revelled in. Sadly Cornwall had no answer to the powerful visiting scrum, they were mercilessly penalised by the referee, with the penalty count against them well into double figures, and more, by the end. It was a salutary lesson for the lads.

Naturally it was a result and performance that disappointed Cornwall coach Mike Rawlings. He said. “We were never going to win that game without any scrum or set-piece ball, we weren’t good enough today in a game and conditions that suited an upfront game and that obviously cost us dear.

“Credit to the boys, they never gave up trying and at the end they managed to pinch one against the head.

Rawlings acknowledges that it had been a steep learning curve. “Some of the lads learnt a lot today, a steep learning curve for them, hopefully they can take that lesson going forward and we can improve on that in our next game.

“We will regroup at training over the next couple of Sundays at Truro College and look to address the problems we had today.

“The focus now is away to Hampshire if we can get a win up there then we will progress to the quarter finals and that would be a great achievement for this young group this season.

There were aspects from Cornwall’s performance that pleased Rawlings. “I thought Cavan Boyer kicked his penalties very well in difficult conditions. Max Duggan at No.8 carried well he brings a lot of aggressiveness to his game, Cory Teague got through a lot of work and Declan Matthews in the centre tried very hard on a day that didn’t suit the backs.    

Playing down the slope into the driving rain Gloucestershire dominated from the kick-off as Cornwall struggled at the set-piece; it was no surprise that the visitors went ahead after just 7 minutes when skipper Tyler Jerum powered over with an unconverted try.

A high ball into the twenty-two from centre Declan Matthews was not released by Gloucestershire’s full back Macaulay Dale leading to a penalty kicked by wing Cav Boyer.

Boyer was on the money with another kick just a couple of minutes later for Cornwall to put his side 6-5 up.

Cornwall were still under pressure at scrum time, eventually referee Max Weston’s patience wore out with Cornwall prop Adam Wright being yellow carded.

Gloucestershire maintained their domination scoring a second try from a catch and drive through winger Terence Barbarinsa, converted by centre Robbie Faulkner.

Cornwall No.8 Max Duggan was having another excellent game, he carried a lot of ball and looked dangerous going forward. A good break by fly-half Callum Boyce led to a third penalty success for Boyer and leave Cornwall trailing 9-12 at half-time.

If Cornwall hoped playing down the slope would bring a change of fortune it didn’t materialise as the rain and murk intensified during the second half. Two penalties from Faulkner closed the game out for the visitors.

Despite great vocal support from the contingent of Trelawny’s Army at the game, Cornwall couldn’t find a way through a very well-organised Gloucestershire defence.

Frustrations erupted a couple of times during the game when a couple of bouts of fisticuffs broke out, but the dye was cast well before the final whistle sounded.    

Cornwall must now travel to unbeaten Hampshire for their final game in three weeks time. Hampshire defeated Berkshire 36-24 at Sonning in the other game played on Sunday.

 

Cornwall U.20s: R Edwards (Launceston), D Hubble (Falmouth), D Matthews (Redruth), M Blee (Camborne), C Boyer, C Boyce (both St. Austell), N Nash (Brixham); A Wright (Redruth), C Dewson (Launceston), K Vinson (Penryn), H Culverhouse, C Teague (both Wadebridge Camels), J Osborne (Launceston), W Gilder (Capt), M Duggan (both St. Austell).

Replacements: J Hodge (Redruth), A Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), M Scott (Saltash), C Sayer (Camborne), B Andrews (Devonport Services), S Firth (Falmouth), H Jones (Unattached).

Cornwall scores: Pens, Boyer (3)

Yellow Card: Wright (20)

Gloucestershire U.20s: M Dale (Bristol Uni), T Babarinsa (Cinderford), R Smith (Cardiff Met), R Faulkner (Drybrook), F Murphy (Cleve), T Webb (Newent), S Boyland (Brighton Uni); C Lane (Lydney), J Williams (Gloucs Uni),  A Chalkin (Bristol Uni), W Greenway (Gloucs Uni), R Herbert (Stroud), B Mustoe, T Jerum (Capt) (both Cleve).

Replacements: J Hughes (O Patesians) C Lane (Lydney), F Crosby (Gloucs Uni), M Adams (Cinderford), L Locke (Longlevens), M Loader (Salisbury), F Sharp (Clifton), T Knight (Chosen Hill FP).

Gloucestershire scores: Tries Jerum, Babarinsa, Con, Faulkner, Pens, Faulkner (2)

Referee: Max Weston (Somerset RRS)

Crowd: 250

 

 

Finally a report from Chris Jones:

Cornwall could not carry on their winning form in the County Championship after a thoroughly dominant forward’s performance from Gloucester.

Three converted first half penalties from Cavan Boyer gave Cornwall their nine points in what was a very wet and windy game at Redruth RFC.

Cornwall stay on five points level with Gloucester meaning they will need a win when they play their next fixture against leaders Hampshire on the 19th of March.

Coach Mike Rawlings said after the game: “Scrums and set pieces weren’t good enough today and that cost us the game.

“We forget this game now, Hampshire is our focus, we go there, we focus and we get that win and then we know we’re through to the next round.”

The away side was the first to break the deadlock through captain Tyler Jerum in the 7th minute after a thoroughly dominant scrummage from 5 metres out was shoved over the line for the number eight to score with ease. Robbie Faulkner could not convert the try.

Cornwall answered back only three minutes later after centre Declan Matthews’ kick and chase allowed him to catch the Gloucester fullback, who was penalised for not releasing. Cavan Boyer converted from just left of the posts to take the score to 5-3.

The Black and Golds soon took the lead and it was Boyer again with another expertly taken penalty from halfway in the 15th minute of play to make it 6-5.

Eleven minutes later and Gloucester were back in the lead, after Tom Webb’s tricky footwork and offload to winger Terence Babarinsa who crashed over the line and this time Faulkner did convert to make take the score line to 12-6.

Cornwall gained another three points just before halftime after Gloucester were penalised for not releasing in the ruck and Boyer converted from 30 yards.

Gloucester resumed the scoring 5 minutes after the restart after Jack Osborne was too hasty in taking the ball from the scrum and Faulkner converted down the middle from 20 yards.

The away side converted yet another penalty in the 63rd minute take them nine points ahead after a truly dominant display in the scrum and Faulkner converted with ease from 10 yards in front of the posts.

Despite a heavy period of pressure in the final 10 minutes, Cornwall could not muster any more points, replacement Cam Sayer came closest after a well driven maul however the Cornish forward could not find the try line.

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Cornwall U20s 64-3 Berkshire U20s

Cornwall's young guns make an electrifying start to their County Championship campaign. We have TWO reports, first from Bill Hooper followed by another take from student journalist Christopher Jones!

Cornwall 64-3 Berkshire (HT19-0)

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

Cornwall ran riot at Camborne on Sunday afternoon scoring ten tries as they comprehensively defeated their Berkshire counterparts 64-3.

It was a win and performance that delighted and pleased head coach Mike Rawlings. He said after the game. “I was so pleased to see the boys hard work over the past few weeks and months pay off today. I can remember only too well being on the wrong end of similar score-line a couple of years ago when Cornwall lost a semi-final to Yorkshire here at Camborne.

“I did think we were up against it early on as Berkshire dominated but the guys weathered the storm and that built confidence and the guys thought we can do this.

And Rawlings was full of praise for the whole squad. “They really showed their skills levels out there today, but there is still much to work on, our set-piece wasn’t up to scratch and Bryn Jenkins and I will look at that and work on it. Our fitness really told in the final quarter they fell away badly but we kept our energy levels up and finish strongly with that final try.

Cornwall skipper St. Austell’s Will Gilder was equally pleased. “I couldn’t have asked for anymore we put in an eighty minute performance today, some of our tries today were top draw we want to play a fast open style of rugby and offloads and that final try we scored (Tyler’s third) down in the corner was the pick of the tries today.

Rawlings is under no illusion that his lads must keep their feet on the ground with stern tests to come not least Gloucestershire in three weeks time at Redruth. “We will not take them lightly but we will look to impose our game on them and run them off their feet. We will put our plans in place over the next three weeks and make sure we a full prepared to take them on.”    

Despite a slow start, the set-piece came under early pressure from the big Berkshire eight,  Cornwall soon got on top of their opponents with an opening try from full-back Toby Robinson following a tap and go from scrum-half Noah Nash a chip kick was missed by the Berkshire cover and Robinson pounced to score.

Centre Declan Matthews scored a second try following a solo break from his own twenty-two just moments later.

Berkshire came close to reducing the arrears when Cameron Golby-Barr was hauled down short of the line by covering wing Ethan Tyler.

The visitors then butchered a golden chance when they failed to work an overlap as the Cornish defence scrambled across to cover.

Robinson made a great break before the ball found it’s way to Tyler, the Truro winger scoring Cornwall’s third try. Wing Cav Boyer added two conversions to make it 19-0.

Berkshire’s woes continued as their hooker Griffri Whiston was yellow carded for a high tackle just before the break.

Cornwall made full use of the man advantage at the start of the second half as Matthews broke the cover with his skipper Will Gilder in support to take the scoring pass for the bonus point try.

No. 8 Max Duggan was having an influential game for Cornwall constantly catching the eye.

Berkshire looked to find a way back into the game but they were undone by two interception tries from Matthews and Boyer, the St. Austell winger kicking all three conversions to put Cornwall 40-0 up.

Berkshire pulled three points back with a penalty from Jake Finlay but that was the only crumbs Cornwall dropped from the table as they wrapped up the game with further tries from Tyler, replacements Harry Smith and Seb Firth before Tyler completed his hat-trick with arguably the try of the game a sweeping move from 60 meters with Matthews feeding Tyler for a score in the West Bank corner.  

Tyler banged over a couple of late conversions for a nineteen point haul for the game.

Cornwall’s next game is at home to Gloucestershire at Redruth on Sunday 26th February kick-off 2pm

Cornwall U.20 (St. Austell unless stated): T Robinson, C Boyer, D Matthews (Redruth), T Sandercock (Launceston), E Tyler (Truro), N Nash (Brixham); A Wright (Redruth), M Healey (Truro), L Lee, M Scott (Saltash), C Teague (Wadebridge Camels), S Sayer (Camborne), W Gilder (Capt), M Duggan.

Replacements: J Bishop (St. Ives), K Vinson (Truro), J Osborne (Launceston), H Smith (Wadebridge Camels), S Firth (Falmouth), R Edwards (Launceston), H Jones (Unattatched).

Cornwall scores: Tries, Robinson, Matthews (2), Tyler (3), Gilder, Boyer, Smith, Firth, Cons, Boyer (5), Tyler (2)

Berkshire U.20 (University of Reading unless stated): J John, G Sims (Redingensians), E Jones, C Stacey (Bath Uni), C Golby-Barr (Newbury), M Smart (Camberley), A Walton (Bracknell); D Morgan (Maidenhead), G Whiston, J Lane (Redingensians), N Wake, L Meek-Carter (Maidenhead), L Goodison (Bracknell), M Clementson (Redingensians) (Capt), T Field (Bracknell).

 

Cornwall U20 64-3 Berkshire u20

Report by Christopher Jones

Cornwall RFU Under 20s began their County Championship campaign with a superb win over Berkshire.

The Black and Golds thoroughly dominated the away side - who beat them in their campaign last season.

Ethan Tyler scored a hat trick for Cornwall with Toby Robinson, Will Gilder, Declan Matthews, Harry Smith and Seb Firth also getting onto the scoresheet.

After a shaky start it was the home side who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through Robinson after a kick over the top wasn’t collected cleanly by the Berkshire fullback. Cavan Boyer could not convert leaving the score at 5-0.

Only three minutes later and the black and golds extended their lead to 12-0 after Berkshire’s Jacob John failed to kick past the Cornwall defence leaving Matthews to collect and charge 50 metres to score Cornwall’s second and Boyer added the extra two points.

Cornwall scored again in the 36th minute, Robinson involved again, this time with the pass to winger Tyler who scored just left of the posts. Boyer again converted taking the scores to 19-0.

The Black and Golds came out for the second with the same intentions as the first, and it wasn’t long until they scored again, this time through captain Will Gilder who went over after a superb offload from Matthews and with Boyer’s conversion the scores read 26-0.

Mathews was involved yet again with Cornwall’s 5th try in the 52nd minute after a superb interception in his own 22 put him through with no defenders able to catch the speedy centre and Boyer again added the conversion making it 33-0.

In the 57th minute Cornwall made it 40-0, Boyer was able to capitalise on a misplaced pass from the Berkshire scrum-half which allowed the winger to race through under the posts from his own half and he then converted.

Berkshire were able to put three points on the board through a Jack Finlay penalty in the 59th minute from 20 yards out to make it 40-3.

Cornwall were a further seven points ahead through Ethan Tyler’s second try of the game in the 61st minute, his quick feet allowed him to get on the inside of the Berkshire centre and score under the posts. He then converted with ease.

Cornwall were thoroughly dominating by this point and scored again in through Harry Smith after the Black and Golds won their own lineout and drove over the line, however the conversion was not made.

Falmouth’s Firth added Cornwall’s 7th try after Matthews again broke the Berkshire defence before passing to his left to put Firth through to score, Tyler converted from the left meaning the scores read 59-3.  

Cornwall’s final try was a superb team effort, first Mathews broke the defence before offloading to Firth, who offloaded to Tyler to score his 3rd try of the game and to round the scores off at 64-3.

 

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Video from Under 20s v Devon

Click on the link for a fascinating insight of what is going on with Cornwall Under 20s this season. (Alternatively copy and paste into your browser.)

Want to see more?Come and support the boys on Sunday 5th February when they get their Championship campaign underway against Berkshire at Camborne RFC (2.00 p.m.)

 
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Cornwall U20s 33 v Devon U20s 19

Cornwall U20s Get Their Season Off To A Good Start

(Pictured is Ethan Tyler who scored a brace of tries for Cornwall)

Cornwall 33 Devon 19

U20s coaches Mike Rawlings, Brynn Jenkins and Matt Shepherd will have been pleased by the bright start their squad have made to the season prior to the Championship pool matches. With conditions good at Polson Bridge the crowd were able to see the new crop of talented Cornish lads run in five tries against their Devon counterparts.

After three weeks of training the large training squad of over 60 players representing many Cornish clubs brought together by Colin Hatch was reduced to 34 for the game against Devon. The numbers of players available at this age group is quite remarkable and represents the effort that has been invested into developing players out of Colts or College rugby. The coaches had to maintain the tricky balance of giving all the players a good chance to show their skills as the next match day squad will be reduced to 22 with 4 reserves. To come away with a win as well was really fine work and the players were really keen to make sure that the chance to play in the black and gold shirt was a proud moment and a chance not to be missed.

The tries were scored by Ethan Tyler (2) Toby Robinson, Aaron Vinson and Max Duggan but they were down to good continuity and possession and effort by their team mates. Tyler and Boyer added the conversions. Devon for their part scored three tries, (one of those a penalty try) and added two conversions. But the organisation and preparation of the Cornwall squad was very apparent and the players stuck to the plan.

There now follows one more training session at Truro College and then it’s off to Camborne on Sunday 5th February to play Berkshire in the first of the three pool games. The focus and attention to detail will provide the selected squad every opportunity to make Cornish supporters proud.

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  • Cornwall Rugby Football Union Ltd
    The Cornwall Rugby Football Union was formed in 1883 and operated until 2009 as an unincorporated body when it registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 becoming Cornwall Rugby Football Union Limited. Clubs affiliated to Cornwall Rugby Football Union Limited are Members with representatives of each club in…