Berkshire U20s 19, Cornwall U20s 7

Cornwall's young guns went down by 12 points to a well organised Berkshire side at Redingensians RFC on Sunday 7th February.

Playing with the wind at their backs the hosts opened the scoring after just three minutes with a well taken try by left winger SJ Mahon (University of Reading). Rory Garrett (Swansea University) added the extras with a tricky conversion from the touch line.

Five minutes later hooker Allen Crawshaw (Windsor RFC/Newcastle University) chased down a speculative kick to score Berkshire's second try but this time Garrett's conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The Cornish boys started to work their way back into the game but were unable to turn some good possession into points as the scoreline remained at 12-0 at the interval.

With the advantage of the wind for the second period the visitors were still very much in the game but it was Berkshire who scored next when inside centre Jordan Souter (University of Reading) went over for a fine solo try after a dazzling run from fifty metres out left the Cornish defence in disarray. Garrett converted to leave Cornwall with a nineteen point deficit to overcome in the last half-hour.

The introduction of Ryan Burley (Penryn) to the Cornish front row gave the black & gold scrum dominance and a series of penalties from the set piece set up the scoring opportunity for full back Ben Stean (Camborne), who had defended valiantly all afternoon, to touch down for James McFarlane (Redruth/Exeter University) to convert.

Mahon almost made it four tries for Berkshire but after an impressive break he dropped the ball in the process of going over the line.

Cornwall continued to battle but were unable to add to their single score.

Next up is a difficult trip to Cinderford on Sunday 28th February to face Gloucestershire.

CORNWALL U20s: Ben Stean (Camborne), Lewis Thomas (St Ives), Jack Simmons [Capt.] (Camborne), Dan Rutter (Redruth), Konnor Ewudzi (St Austell), James McFarlane (Redruth/Exeter University), Brandon Andrews (Saltash), Tommy-Lee Southworth (Camborne), Adam Smith (Camborne), Tommy Phillips (Redruth), Luke Hattam (Redruth), Andy Inch (St Austell), Locryn Williams (Chinnor), Liam Moyle (Camborne), Adam Hughes (Penryn).

Replacements: Ryan Burley (Penryn), Harry Smith (Wadebridge Camels), Angus Brown (Camborne), Kieron Down (Saltash), Tom Sandercock (Launceston), Connor Swan (Cardiff Met), Connor Bick (Pirates Amateurs).

Travelling Reserves:

Aaron Vincent (Lankelly-Fowey), Will Whitworth (Redruth), Dane Jane (St Austell).