Its Cornwall Cup semi-final weekend between Saints and Camels. It only seems like we played them just a couple of weeks ago…..

A prominent cup fixture feels a little different to the league affairs. Its all or nothing and not the marathon with several twists and turns that a league fixture offers. We already know the opponents in the final should we succeed as Saltash gave a walkover to St Ives. St Ives play in ‘South West 1’ which is one above WCW. This would be a great opportunity to test our metal against a higher level in front of a large crowd at Redruth where the final is due to be played but first there is the not insignificant hurdle of beating the Camels to overcome and its at Molesworth Fields.

Camels had a reasonable start to the year, not withstanding they faltered badly to Kingsbridge in the first January round of fixtures 54-22, since then they have started to improve. They could have taken Sidmouth as the Saints did a week earlier but narrowly lost out. The Camels brought lessons learned from that performance to Tregorrick Park just over two weeks ago although it showed late in the game as they fought back against the Saints, who should have in fairness closed the game down, to pip us 24-27. They then welcomed 7th place Tiverton to Molesworth and scored a try bonus point winning victory to keep them in 5th. Still a good way off 4th place Wellington but they are definitely looking to finish the year strongly.

Saints could not have asked for a stronger start to the year than a win at Sidmouth. They then delivered wins away at Winscombe and also, like the Camels, didn’t give Tiverton a look in when they visited us at Tregorrick. From then it’s gone a little awry with a draw to Truro and losses to Camels and Wellington. It goes without saying that the squad are keen to get back to winning ways and could the cup be the elixir to that?

Kyle Marriot after Tuesday training: “A cup semi-final brings a new focus for the Saints team. Wadebridge took the spoils at ours a couple of weeks ago in the league and we know we must put in a much improved performance this weekend. It is great to be involved in the cup competition, and the dangling carrot of a cup final in April is sure to spur us on. We are aiming for improved physicality and accuracy this weekend in what is sure to be a hugely competitive game. COYS!!”

So its destination Molesworth Field this Saturday! The Saints really need your support and voices there in what is always an electric atmosphere and a tough fixture. Let’s see how much red and white we can amass?

In other news the Colts are playing Newquay at Tregorrick with a kick off of 12.30pm. The 6 nations games are all being shown in the Clubhouse including the new ‘game of the competition’ when England take on Wales at 4.45pm. Everyone welcome to come up to watch our brilliant Colts then either to dash over to Wadebridge or stick around, enjoy a drink and watch 6N action.

The Sinners, as I type this, are away to Wadebridge as well. They plan to KO at 12 noon before the Saints game. Let’s hope we can keep this fixture alive!

Yours in Rugby

Ian Grantham

Ale, Gin & Cider Festival 2019 – Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April. Bands so far confirmed: Friday night we have ‘The Dweebs’. Saturday we welcome the Tregony Teachers followed by ‘The Hoodle’ and we are still talking to other groups so keep your eyes peeled! Want to sponsor either the Friday night or Saturday afternoon and evening session? We have put together a really good package for any business or entity that wants to take a greater part in Ale and Cider Fest 19. More details are HERE. Contact our Sponsorship manager Julie on juliewhite58@btopenworld.com. Want to sponsor a barrel? Get in touch with Darren at tregorrickpark@hotmail.co.uk to talk about how you can!

Senior Players Awards Night – Friday 10th May in ‘The Seahorse’ at Pentewan Sands. A 3-course meal and live music from the Mighty Off-Beats will accompany Senior player and other awards. Tickets at £30 each will be limited for what promises to be a fantastic night. Get them early to avoid disappointment from Lesley Bennett via either 07890 001117 or lesleybennett1@aol.com.

100 club –You can still join…Your number will be assigned in the next month’s draw. Feeding funds into purely rugby activities is central to our strategy to grow the whole club, providing help to the people who volunteer at Tregorrick to get qualified and to buy equipment when needed. If we don’t invest in ourselves we won’t progress! The fund that we are placing the money in is explained HERE. The form is available around the club in wall holders. Please get behind this…3 cash prizes a month and it needs your support!

RFU Grand Draw – Paul Gilder is coordinating efforts with Clair Grantham dealing specifically with Youth, Rhian Roberts with Supporters and Neil Grigg for Senior players. More details HERE but in essence sell some tickets and we will be able to afford some nice new tables which helps us attract more function and events business which in turns helps us to keep fees down! Let’s have one last push too move some!

Pre-Match Lunches – HAVE TOTALLY SOLD OUT! We are running a reserve list. We always seem to get a few drop outs closer to the time at this time of the year due to illness etc so get your name down with Tich today. He’s available on sardineslayer@hotmail.co.uk. More details are HERE.