While the rugby season may be coming to a close, plenty of Cornish sides have important games on the way. Falmouth, Penryn, and the Cornwall Under-20s all have games that could change the fate of their sides next year, and determine whether or not their season has been successful.
The Cornwall Under-20s are one game away from the hallowed turf of Twickenham, with a semi-final against Cheshire under-20s in the Jason Leonard under-20s county championships, whilst Penryn are set for a promotion battle with Saltash.
The Cornwall under-20s semi-final on Sunday is the biggest game of their season so far, and a win at home would bring the reward of a final in the home of English rugby. The game kicks off at 1pm at Camborne rugby club on the 15th of April, and the players will be no doubt helped on by what could be an attendance in the hundreds.
Cornwall under-20s manager Colin Hatch said: “I think the team were obviously elated that they won the quarter, but they’re a group of guys who know that now they need to go out and perform against Cheshire. Cheshire have also reached the semi-final of the Jason Leonard cup so they’re a very good unit as well as Cornwall.”
Penryn rugby also have a big game in their attempts to climb out of the Tribute Cornwall and Devon league, but will have to get past their closest challenger Saltash on Saturday.
The team are coming off the back of a resounding 41-7 win away to Plymstock Albion Oaks, and haven’t lost in the league since the 7th of January.
Whilst they might have a 9 point league lead on their opponents, with Saltash’s two games in hand, it is vital for their promotion hopes that they come away from this one victorious.
Penryn Rugby Club Press Officer Ben Gilby said: “From our perspective, if we can get the win on Saturday then you would say we would probably be warm favourites to go up. But with the games that Saltash have left to play, it is hard to call.”
“Of the games to go this is definitely the biggest challenge. There’s so much riding on a particular game as it’s the last time we play somebody in the top four.”
“It won’t be a complete disaster if we don’t go up. There’s four very good teams going for two places so I think worst case scenario, if we don’t go up, I think we’d still be challenging next year. Obviously we want promotion, but we’re not going to celebrate too soon.”
Falmouth Rugby Club have a game that may save them from the drop on Saturday. The 12th placed side are just 1 point ahead of fellow relegation candidates Crediton, so a win in their last home game of the season is vital to protecting their place in the Tribute Western Counties West of South West Division.
Falmouth and Penryn will both play on Saturday the 14th of April.