Bolingey Barbarians v Bude, Wadebridge and Launceston (BWL)

Sunday 14^th April 2024

Bolingey Barbarians played their penultimate fixture of the season against a combination side from Bude, Wadebridge and Launceston (BWL).

On a bright and breezy afternoon, the playing surface at Ponsmere Valley was back to its old self. The now remarkably firm surface ready to catch out the unwary, a bouncing ball is unreadable and veteran legs are liable to tangle themselves after invisible tackles.

Due to entirely foreseen circumstances, a cohort of Bude players were unavailable to make the scenic journey down the Atlantic Highway. This left the opposition fielding a ‘baker’s dozen’ to face the kick off as referee Danny Robins started the game.

In the seventh minute a line break sent Bolingey’s centre, Paul Carter, over to open the scoring. Fly Half, Adam Harris was next to touch down only three minutes later, the elusive runner exploiting the narrowest of gaps to race across the line, 10-0 to the Barbarians.

The game was played at a fast pace and became very open due to reduced numbers. Lee Goodson added to the Barbarians tally. After a platform provided at the ruck, the industrious Goodson steamed over and was unstoppable for the Barbarians third try.

With the dry conditions providing opportunities wide out, both teams made use of the passing game. After some hectic midfield battles the ball was spun out through Bolingey’s three-quarter line. Centre, Paul Weller, who flew after the wing with speed, cutting back inside to receive a beautifully weighted floated pass to dive over the line, 20-0.

Paul Carter went in for his second try soon after with BWL unable to plug the gaps. Carter then swapped teams to even things up. This soon paid dividends, BWL putting some fine phases together to apply pressure deep into Barbarian territory, the home defence scrambling but unable to stop the forwards from powering over in the corner.

Just before half time a kick ahead was gathered by Bolingey, Sean Oates making the dash to score for Bolingey. 30-5 at the whistle. A novel plan was hatched at the break, this soon became apparent shortly into the second period. Bolingey’s Stuart Aldritt scored for Bolingey and promptly turned his shirt inside out to play for the opposition.

BWL fought back to make it 35-10. James Instance was next to score for Bolingey, after a foot race to the line against Bude’s ‘deceptively pacey’ Barry Sobey. Luckily this remarkable contest was captured by staff photographer, Stephen Uphill. The expensive long lens providing the necessary shutter speed to slow down the action The apparent launch, ‘river dance’ style, adopted by Sobey as he shadowed the visibly impressed Instance, is embedded in this report.

Resulting in, shirt change for Instance, 40-10 to Bolingey.

Danny Robins was able to join the action as a player for BWL, referee duties taken on by trainee Bobby Trevail. Richard Rowe was next on the honours list, the powerful forward crashing over to score for Bolingey. The ever-present Barbarian fly half Adam Harris showed great balance and touched down for his brace of tries five minutes later.

Indeed, it was Danny Robins, minus the whistle, who replied for BWL to make it 50-15. Adhering to the Barbarian ‘shirt swap’ policy, Adam Harris, now playing for the opposition had the final say of a most entertaining afternoon of veteran rugby. His mazy run breaching the defence for try number fifteen. Trevail used sign language instead of wasting valuable puff on the whistle to bring a most enjoyable game to a close.

The players were in good spirits during the ‘third half’. Enjoying the hospitality at Perranporth RFC, before making the short journey to The Bolingey Inn.

Bolingey Barbarian’s chairman, Roger Mead, gave thanks to Landlord, Stuart Lane, and the staff at the Inn for looking after the players and supporters. Providing a fine meal and oiling the wheels of the players debrief. Roger outlined the most recent charities who have received donations, thanking everyone who most generously help the Bolingey Barbarians raise funds for the less fortunate children in Cornwall. Committee members manned the catering, Trevor Harris took care of the raffle duties. Andy Stephens in fine form as always, conducted the auction. Some interesting lots were enhanced by description. Bottles of wine, ‘good ones with holes in the bottom’! A package containing ‘dozens of golf balls’. It said 18 on the box! A kicking tee, signed and used by Jonny Wilkinson. ‘Think he used to play for St Day’!

Due to the recent monsoons, the fixture against South Cornwall, on the 25^th February, was postponed, now due to take place on the 28^th April. This will be the last match of our season and promises to be well attended. All are welcome, please come and show your support and enjoy the company of old friends and new.

St Austell v Bolingey Barbarians

Sunday 24th March 2024

Thank you to all the players and supporters that helped The Bolingey Barbarians celebrate St Austell RFC’s 60th Anniversary.

The match was a most entertaining affair, played in true ‘Barbarian’ spirit, with some fine tries scored by both sides.

St Austell RFC have always been great champions of The Bolingey Barbarians. St Austell chairman, Paul Hayes, presented the Barbarians with £1000 from recent fund-raising efforts for the charitable causes which was a fantastic gesture towards the fund raising on the day.

An auction was conducted by Andy Stephens, long time servant to both clubs. Together with a raffle. Bolstered by some very generous amounts by individual donors. Making a total raised on the day of £2445.00.

Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Roger Mead, thanked all the players and supporters of St Austell for their support and wished the club every success at all levels for the future. 

We look forward to welcoming all to support veterans’ rugby, continuing our charitable endeavours, helping the less fortunate children in Cornwall.

The following is a response from Paul Hayes, chairman of St Austell RFC.

On behalf of St Austell RFC, I want to say thank you to The Bolingey Barbarians for the game on Sunday.

I could not think of a more fitting way to mark the 60^th Anniversary of our Club – the sun shone, rugby was played in the proud traditions of the game and the Clubhouse reverberated to the sound of songs during a fantastic “third half”. To cap it all, nearly £2,500 was raised in support of Children’s Charities in Cornwall underlining the great work that Bolingey Barbarians does on behalf of Cornish rugby.

It is a day and an occasion that will live long in the memory, and on a personal note I would like to thank you for making me an honorary member of The Bolingey Barbarians. I will wear the tie with pride and look forward to the next game.

Kind regards, Paul Hayes.

Pirates promote the Barbarians

Saturday 10th January 2024

Bolingey Barbarians had a great day out at The Mennaye Field for The Cornish Pirates fixture versus Nottingham. The rugby didn’t disappoint, what a great 41-17 victory for the Pirates. Both sides grappling with the blustery conditions with a mix of territorial high ball brinkmanship and a willingness to run the ball through the hands for some splendid phases of play, providing a high scoring spectacle for the fans.

Our endeavours to help children’s charities in Cornwall through our collection was equally successful. We raised nearly £800 thanks to the generous support of all those who kindly donated to our appeal.

The Barbarians wish the Pirates every success in this season’s campaign. We extend congratulations and recognise the remarkable achievements of Cornish Pirates owner, Sir Richard ‘Dicky’ Evans awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours.

With thanks expressed to Phil Westren, Penzance Pirates media liaison officer. Phil has championed the Bolingey Barbarians cause for years and has been instrumental in making us feel welcome, highlighting our charitable work with his informative commentary to the rugby faithful at the Mennaye. We are delighted to make Phil an ‘honorary Barbarian’ and hope he enjoys wearing his black and gold tie as much as we do.

Better than par for the course!

Bolingey Barbarians committee members were delighted to be presented with a cheque for £1000 when they visited Carlyon Bay Golf Club earlier this month.

The senior Golf Club captain, Clive Frost, had previously contacted the Barbarians and explained their wish to make the veteran rugby club their nominated charity for 2023.

The Bolingey Barbarians wish to thank members and friends at Carlyon Bay for this most generous donation on behalf of children’s charities in Cornwall.

Pictured, left to right: Chris Taylor, Clive Frost, Andy Stephens and Graham Nolan.

Bolingey Barbarians v Perranporth, St Agnes, Newquay (PAN)

Sunday 10^th December 2023

Before the match both teams lined up on the pitch to face the spectators for all present to conduct a minute’s applause. This was to honour the memory of dear friends and former players. Heartfelt condolences to all their families and friends are expressed by your ‘rugby family’. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.

This December fixture is played for (The Bolingey Bowl). The elusive cut glass trophy made an appearance this year and will be presented to the victors for safe keeping. A pre-Christmas celebration, when participants are encouraged to dust off the festive knitwear and use the opportunity to dry clean club blazers and iron their shirts!

The opposition traditionally a combination from Perranporth, St Agnes and Newquay RFC’s (PAN). This cocktail of players in varying amounts always provide a tough test for the Barbarians. The pitch at Ponsmere Valley is the home of both Perranporth and the Barbarians. So, the away team was at home and the home team were at home, to avoid confusion the home team wore green and white hoops, and the other team wore black and gold horizontal stripes.

Thank you to referee, Steve Avenell, who answered the late call to officiate and is familiar with the nuance of veteran rugby, helping everyone enjoy a most entertaining game.

After the previous deluge of rain, the weather brightened in the afternoon, leaving heavy but playable pitch conditions.

This proved to be an evenly matched contest, but the first score came after ten minutes when (PAN) flyhalf, Ryan Johns put through a deft chip kick for his brother Dan to collect, the centre making no mistake to touch down 0-5 or was it 5-0?

The game see-sawed for the bulk of the first half, each side unable to break through. (PAN) head coach, Steven Arthur, was frustrated with the lack of cohesion that he stated was evident at the team’s mid-week training session when his men were, charging like ‘injured rhinos’ into the mini-junior tackle bags!

On the cusp of half-time the fourth official was not needed. P.A.N.’s Aran McPherson received from the back of a maul twenty metres from the Barbarian goal line, the athletic second row forward jinked past the last defender for his sides second try 0-10 at the whistle.

The restart saw the Barbarians start to make effective inroads, with fly-half Kevin Mankee’s hands finally warming up to provide some good phases. After twenty minutes a forward drive and ensuing ruck ball saw Trevellyan Ward peel off to make no mistake with Bolingey’s first try of the match to halve the deficit 5-10.

With the contest becoming more frenetic as the low winter sun bounced shadows across balding heads, creating a strobe effect normally only seen at the annual dinner dance, Saturday, March 2^nd at the Penventon Hotel, all welcome.

Spirited play became more evident as the stalemate after thirty minutes brought out competitive clashes. The scrum half battle saw P.A.N.’s Bruce Robertson pinballing into his opposite number, Mark Murray, the ball spinning wildly to flyhalf Mankee who knocked-on under pressure. More heavy challenges in the mid-field saw Barbarian James Instance folded into a new yoga position resembling a ‘mud crab’!

After referee Avenell asked captains to make sure their Christmas lists were in order or they might be reported to Santa’s helper, linesman Daniel Dunkin, recognised as the official wearing an elf hat complete with pointed ears.

This attritional last quarter saw the spoils go to P.A.N. With play reset, their fly-half, Ryan Johns topped off a fine personal performance, sprinting over in the corner to score, making the result 5-15.

At the post-match chat, referee Steve Avenell said that the low sun and sea mist contributed to a free-flowing game! Thanks again Steve for getting the balance just right.

The trophy was presented at Perranporth RFC to the winning captain by Bolingey Barbarian Chairman, Roger Mead.

A short journey for the ‘third half’ at The Bolingey Inn. Landlord Stuart Lane provided a meal and together with hard working staff kept everyone fed and watered.

The usual raffle, auction and fund-raising efforts were generously supported. With an impressive array of Christmas jumpers worn, the festive theme was enhanced with the donation of a brace of hand-crafted wooden Reindeer.

These fine beasts, complete with red noses and knitted scarves were kindly provided by Bolingey Barbarian, Paul Cholwill. Built in large numbers at the family farm near Bude to raise money for Little Harbour, Children’s Hospice. It is a quite remarkable effort, and more information can be easily found on the internet and their Facebook page.

The bidding at auction for these and other fine lots, together with a most generously laden raffle prize table went towards a total of over £1500 raised on the day.

On behalf of the less fortunate children in Cornwall. Thank you to everyone who generously supports the Bolingey Barbarian’s.

Bolingey Barbarians v Bodmin, Lankelly-Fowey, Roseland (BLR)

Sunday 11^th November 2023

Bolingey Barbarians second domestic fixture of the season was against a large combination squad of players from, Bodmin, Lankelly-Fowey and Roseland RFC’s, (BLR). The visitors were intent on enjoying the full Barbarian experience, stepping from their team coach at Perranporth RFC and eager to enjoy ‘three halves’ of rugby.

Referee, Dan Thoroughgood’s whistle started the match in blustery but dry conditions.

Both teams struggled to judge the flight of the ball in the opening plays, each conceding possession as the swirling wind punished the defence and ambitious long passes.

It was Bolingey who retained the ball most effectively to earn the first try of the game, pressing hard inside the ten-metre line to find centre Joner who dived over to score after seven minutes.

Five minutes later (BLR) countered with a strong forward drive, only to be held up under the posts by a scrambling Barbarian defence.

The game settled into a hard-fought mid-field battle with ball carriers unable to find a way through until Barbarian winger James Brobyn found an overlap wide out and raced over in the corner for their second try.

The perfect response came soon after when the visitors scored through Mark Trevarthen, rounding off a great team try with another good line break.

On the stroke of half time Bolingey Barbarians forwards won a ruck and released the ball to find Joner who outpaced the defence to make it 15-5 with his second try of the period.

Ten minutes into the second half Bolingey scored their fourth, flyhalf Tate Richardson found touch with a well-placed kick, five metres from the goal line. The resulting line out was lost and regained, then shipped through the three quarters for Danny Robins to go over between the posts, 20-5, Bolingey.

The score line flattered to deceive as (BRL) threatened to unlock the home defence, making good use of the bench they finished the final quarter with the lion’s share of possession.

Indeed, they scored the try of the match, a high defensive kick from Bolingey was superbly fielded at pace by the (BRL) full back, Paul Carter. His fluid defence splitting run was passed through two pairs of hands to find Tom Cheeseman who made no mistake to double their score, 20-10.

This spurred the visitors on to breach the Bolingey line for their third try, a strong forward drive saw them scramble over in the corner, 20-15.

With a tied score looking ominous, the visitors were denied after Bolingey regrouped and kept up sustained pressure deep in the danger zone. Steve Instance had the last word and breached a valiant defence to make the final score 25-15.

The afternoon was rounded off back at the Bolingey Inn. After the players enjoyed a fine meal provided by landlord Stuart Lane. A raffle and auction together with generous donations and match fees were collected, all proceeds on the day amounted to £1472.00, an amazing sum, which will make such a difference to the less fortunate children in Cornwall.

Two new cap Bolingey Barbarian players, together with the debut referee were presented with club ties by President David Driver.

Chairman, Roger Mead, thanked everyone for supporting the Bolingey Barbarian’s charitable endeavours. Outlining the latest recipients of children’s charities in Cornwall.

The next fixture will be played on Sunday, December 10^th, kick off 1pm. This is against a combination side from Perranporth, St. Anges and Newquay. This traditional December game is an opportunity for all players and supporters to dust off their Christmas jumpers and other dubious festive attire. All are welcome, please come and enjoy veteran rugby and support children’s charity in Cornwall.

Bolingey Barbarians v Camborne Vets

Sunday 22^nd October 2023

After the recent inclement weather, the traditional new season opener against stalwart Barbarian champions, Camborne Vets, was bathed in autumnal sunshine.

The large gathering of spectators lining the rails were treated to a most entertaining display of veteran rugby. With the on-field action conducted with great passion and equal measures of laughter, when the ‘champagne’ moves were spilled and the Perranporth ‘wabbit holes’ tripped the unwary.

Thanks to referee Kevin Williams who kept the game moving from start to finish and always enjoys the special atmosphere that Barbarian rugby brings.

Both teams fielded large squads, the starters and finishers all played their part, the dry weather facilitated the passing game, enabling the half backs to give their three-quarter lines plenty of quick ball.

Good quality possession was equally shared, the deadlock broken after ten minutes by Bolingey Barbarian, Paul Carter, who showed good pace on the wing to speed over, the new cap scoring the games opening try in the corner.

It was a short-lived celebration though, Camborne won the ball from the restart, number eight Cameron Bone received a slick pass and cut an angled line to crash over and draw the game 5-5.

Another well contested ten minutes produced some fine interplays from both sides, their forwards and backs all involved in some great running phases.

It was Camborne’s Ben Priddey who put his side into the lead after twenty minutes, the cherry and white’s hooker playing at openside flanker for the vets. Priddey collected the ball from just inside his own half and cast off to race through the defence, leaving the Barbarians all at sea in his wake.

The visitors started to put together some superb moves, a perfect cross kick splitting the defence and finding Josh Matavesi who nutmegged the last man to send his wing Mark Murray through for the third score 5-15, Camborne at the half time whistle.

The second period saw both sides ring the changes with tired old legs being replaced by fresh old legs!

Camborne continued to make the best of their opportunities, after five minutes another slick handling move found Jim Richards in space to dot the ball over wide out.

The remainder of the match was more evenly contested. With the score fixed at 5-20 to Camborne. It needed something special to turn the tide in Bolingey’s favour. It was left to David ‘Jumbo’ Reed, seemingly with eyes in the back of his head he produced the kind of tackle that would go ‘viral’ if anyone could work the internet.

This spurred the Barbarians on, the first side to compose themselves and capitalise on the spectacle from the dug-out.

Indeed, it was Bolingey’s Oily Mounts who gathered the loose ball and embarked on another long-range attacking run to finish the game with a fine solo try to make it 10-20 at William’s final whistle.

The ‘third half’ of this match was destined to be a memorable occasion. After the players and spectators enjoyed a cooling down period with their friends at Perranporth RFC, before the coach was loaded for the short journey to the Bolingey Inn.

Landlord Stuart Lane put in a tremendous amount of work, providing a hearty menu which sustained players and supporters. It was all systems go and everyone was fed and watered. Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Roger Mead, thanked Stuart and his staff for their hospitality.

In his chairman’s address, Roger Mead provided an update on the charitable donations recently made, together with requests for consideration by the Bolingey Barbarian committee.

Roger also thanked Camborne for their great show of support both on and off the field. He went on to explain the scoring system of 2 tries to 4 with home advantage and ‘count back’ making the final result 3-3 on aggregate, rugby always the winner!

New caps, Scott Withecombe and Paul Carter were presented with their Bolingey Club ties by President David Driver.

Sean Oates replied on behalf of Camborne and presented Roger Mead with a donation from Camborne RFC. A quite remarkable £830, raised on the day and during previous events at the club.

Stalwart Bolingey Barbarian, Andy Stephens, conducted the raffle and most entertaining auction. Cornish Fijian international Sam Matavesi played a small part from where I was standing! Welcome home our friend.

Before enjoying a rousing sing along to end the afternoon at the Bolingey Inn. Roger Mead announced that together with the donation from Camborne and all involved on the day, a total of £2,155 was pledged. A quite staggering amount which will go such a long way to help the less fortunate children in Cornwall.

Plaque presentations

Bolingey Barbarian committee members have been visiting some of the worthy causes that we have been proud to be associated with this season. Wall plaques were presented for the facilities to display on behalf of our generous supporters of children’s charities in Cornwall.

The Dreadnought Centre in Pool, Redruth, had their kitchen redecorated, extractor fans fitted, upgraded units with new doors.

Gwealan Tops Adventure Playground, East End, Redruth, were supplied with timber. The children will receive tuition, working with hand and power tools, using the materials to make dens and other things around the site. We are grateful for the support of M.A. Griggs for their help with the timber and the ongoing support of the Bolingey Barbarians. We have also agreed to form a work party for later in the year to upgrade some of their larger wood structures.

Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust Charity are developing a children’s garden.

During lock down we supported the children’s ward, donating new kitchen appliances for the parents’ kitchen and toys and games for the ward.

Karen Murrish, fundraising manager at RCHT shared the following report:

Bolingey Barbarians brighten hospital play space.

Cornish veteran rugby side the Bolingey Barbarians visited Royal Cornwall Hospital’s Children’s Garden this week to see first-hand the ‘4 in a row’ wall mounted game provided through their generous funding via Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity (RCHT Charity).

The recently opened ‘Garden of Freedom,’ provides a space away from clinical environment for young people who are perhaps patients or visiting family at the hospital.

In their 30^th season, the core aim of the Barbarians is to support causes relating to children through their shared sporting interest,

“We are delighted to make this presentation to Treliske Hopsital, as one of our worthy causes this season,” Roger Mead, Chairman, Bolingey Barbarians.

Thanks were extended to the group from the children’s unit team who witness the benefit of the garden and the game to their patients,

“We would like to express how much we appreciate the equipment. It is making lots of our paediatric patients very happy.” Said Stephanie Camden-Entwistle, Health Play Specialist.

Kind Regards, Karen.

We also visited (The Cove, Youth Centre) at Royal Cornwall Hospital. Where we received a warm reception in the outside space created next to the day room. Bolingey Barbarians provided a security gate and permanent fencing to provide privacy and facilitate ownership of the area for that department. Whilst enjoying a cuppa and cake we even managed to fix our plaque to the wall!

Bolingey Barbarians v West Penwith

Sunday 30th April 2023

The Bolingey Barbarians final home game of the season was against our friends from West Penwith.

The opposition normally fielding a combination team from Hayle, St. Ives, and St. Just.

This year witnessed a smaller contingent with players from St. Just taking up the challenge and together with the help of the Barbarians they were able to produce a most entertaining game of veteran rugby at Perranporth RFC.

Thanks to referee, Eddie Ingram, officiating in his debut at a Barbarian match. The game ran smoothly under his stewardship. We hope he enjoyed the unique environment, earning a deserved Bolingey Barbarian tie which was presented during the ‘third half’ at the Bolingey Inn.

The overcast but pleasantly mild weather produced perfect playing conditions. With the teams able to move the ball on a firm dry pitch, it was West Penwith who opened the scoring in the fifth minute, through full back, Scatt Batten, sprinting twenty metres to touch down.

After ten minutes of deadlock, it was Barbarian openside Shaun Kelly of Lankelly who crashed over on his belly in a try worthy of the telly to make it one a piece.

The Barbarian’s went ahead a few minutes after the restart, flyhalf Nigel West the scorer after some fine handling sent him through the defensive line to dot down between the posts.

The lead was short lived when Matt Trevail received a well-timed pass and outpaced his opponent to equalise the match at 10-10.

Both sides were creating opportunities, the packs contesting well to win ruck ball. Barbarian full back Colin Cooper broke the impasse and was next to score and edge his team ahead in the twenty-fifth minute.

The spectators were treated to a fine solo try just before half time. Winger, Matt Trevail scoring his second after kicking ahead and catching a high bouncing ball on his fingertips without breaking stride. This put West Penwith back on equal terms in a six try first half.

It was the evergreen Trevail who opened the scoring after the break with his hat-trick to put the visitors back in front. West Penwith’s full back Scatt to everyone with a mazy run through the Barbarians, offloading to Trevail who was deadly from three metres.

With such an evenly fought contest, neither side was able to pull more than one score in front. This trend continued when Barbarian flyhalf Nigel West broke through the line for his second of the match to tie the game 20-20.

After another strong passage of play it was now the turn of Barbarian number eight Scott French to earn a place on the score sheet, putting his side ahead for the third time in the closing minutes of the game.

It was a fitting finale, West Penwith winning a race up field to contest a kick ahead, Mark Murray gathering and dashing over the line to equalise and draw the game for a ten try thriller! 25-25.

The players and spectators enjoyed a post-match summary from Bolingey Barbarian chairman, Roger Mead. A special thank you address was given to Perranporth RFC for their hospitality throughout the season. A bouquet was presented to Lisa for keeping us all hydrated in the clubhouse.

After retiring for the ‘third half’ at the Bolingey Inn, the players enjoyed a hearty post-match meal provided by landlord Stuart Lane. Roger Mead presented Stuart with a Bolingey Barbarian tie and thanked him for his hospitality this year.

The raffle and auction were most successful, thank you to all who so generously support children’s charity through the Bolingey Barbarians.

Bolingey Barbarians v Falmouth Legends

Sunday 26th March 2023

Bolingey Barbarians were honoured to be invited to Falmouth RFC on Sunday, March 26^th, 2023. Joining the celebrations of 150 years of continuous rugby in Falmouth since 1873.

A large crowd gathered in anticipation of what promised to be a great display of veteran rugby played in pleasant spring sunshine. At the Recreation Ground, Dracaena Avenue.

The game was billed as the Falmouth Legends v Bolingey Barbarians Invitational, supported by the Falmouth Marine Band Cornwall. As the drums fired up the band were led out by Truro RFC’s Brian Chenoweth, Graham Hill, and Milly Edwards. This honoured another Cornish rugby tradition as they carried a giant pasty to be hung over the crossbar.

They say reminiscing ain’t what it used to be!  But this reporter was transported back in time, witnessing the same trio at Twickenham on 20th April 1991. Dodging the stewards to hoist the oggy before Cornwall won a remarkable County Championship final against Yorkshire. More than 40,000 Cornish people travelled to Twickenham to watch the game.

Meanwhile, back in Falmouth. They marched the length of the pitch to repeat the ceremony, the Marine Band resplendent in Cornish Kilts in fine fettle. The players then lined up alongside the band in the centre of the pitch to pay their respects to a former band member.

Thanks to referee Kevin Williams who did a splendid job officiating. Veteran rugby has an ebb and flow that needs a steady hand on the tiller. With both sides having large squads eager to participate in this anniversary match.

As befitting of the occasion, the game had a festival atmosphere, the players all contributing to the challenge. This gave the supporters plenty of reason to cheer on their friends.

It was Falmouth who had the upper hand as the game ended. Their strong running backs outpacing a tired defence to score some fine solo tries before Williams’s final whistle heralded a result to give the hosts a victory gladly accepted by Steve Instance. ‘Only on pay day’ was his cryptic message as the ‘third half’ beckoned!

The post-match party lived up to expectations, a big thank you to the catering and bar staff who put in a great shift to keep everyone fed and watered. Bolingey Barbarians love a good sing along and joined in as Will Keating and John Dowling took the stage, leading the singing and providing musical accompaniment to many a favourite Cornish anthem.

Bolingey presented Falmouth’s, chairman, John Bullock, an anniversary plaque which was handmade by wood carver, Roger Gluyas of Probus.

The Bolingey Barbarian’s charitable endeavours were supported by hosts, Falmouth RFC. Many players from this club are also Barbarians. Together with a raffle, auction, ground collection and the generous donations of many kind individuals of the rugby family. A total of £2,666.10 was raised on the day.

Bolingey Barbarian’s Chairman Roger Mead gave an address of thanks to all friends and supporters on behalf of the charities we hope to help now and in the future.

The latest recipients being Penhaligons Friends, supporting bereaved children. The Dreadnought Centre, working with children and young people across Cornwall. St. Piran’s ABC Boxing Club, helping young people through the sport’s discipline. Royal Cornwall Hospital, providing equipment for the children’s garden.