Cornwall Presidents XV v Royal Navy U23s: Match Report

Published On: 30 October 2025Last Updated: 30 October 2025By CornishStuff

Cornwall Presidents XV 50 v Royal Navy U23s 12

by Paul Hayes

The Cornish rugby world came together to commemorate the memory of John Sumnall following the sad news of the passing of the former CRFU President. John was a true champion of the community game who embodied the traditional values of rugby. He would no doubt have approved of the minute silence in his honour before the kick-off impeccably observed by the players and a large crowd at Tregorrick. John was also an inherently modest and humble man who would have been embarrassed by the fuss being made and flushed at the many glowing tributes recollecting his immense contributions to the game. One thing is for sure; he would have been delighted at the match that followed – a fiercely competitive contest between two young sides determined to run the ball at every opportunity.

📷Mr John Sumnall

Despite being drawn from ten different Clubs the Cornwall squad quickly clicked into gear to put the Navy under pressure from the start. The high tempo was stretching the Navy to the edges, but it was the powerful forward surges that delivered the first points. Hooker Pete Harris finished a lineout maul that moved almost 20m at a rate of knots. Number Eight Finn Wolstencroft repeated the routine in the opposite corner, and the pack soon added another with flanker Hector Bright dotting down under a pile of bodies. Archie Bees added the conversion, and this was quickly followed by a penalty try to make it 24-0 after a ruthless opening quarter from Cornwall. The Navy finally enjoyed some good possession on in dangerous areas but found the Cornish as adept in defence as they had been in attack. Another surge up field instigated by full back Archie Bees laid the foundations for a fifth Cornish try of the half with Finn Wolstencroft going over for his second of the evening. Pete Harris completed his brace and the final score of the half to make it 36-0 at the interval.

It was a rejuvenated Navy side that came out for the second period to show great heart and determination to stem the tide of Cornish scores. They dominated the third quarter to score two tries and one conversion to get themselves on the scoreboard. Both benches were now being emptied which broke the flow of the game as the changes took time to settle. Cornwall were being forced to defend for prolonged periods but did enough to prevent the Navy from adding to their two tries. As the game entered the final ten minutes the Cornish team regained their earlier high tempo with the forwards providing quick ball for live wire scrum half Will Tanswell to spin out to an eager backline. With a penalty advantage being played, an astute cross field kick found winger Ollie Bebbington out wide who finished superbly in Apples Corner. There was still time for Finn Wolstencroft to complete his hattrick from a catch and drive in the same area. Ben Rosevear converted both tries to make the final score 50-12 to complete a great win for Cornwall and a good workout for the Navy ahead of their Inter-Services tournament. Above all else the match and the occasion was a fantastic tribute to former CRFU President John Sumnall.

The Tribute Player of the Match was Finn Wolstencroft selected by Vice Admiral Andy Burns. The hattrick hero was pushed hard for the accolade by strong running prop Olly Derry, scrum half Will Tanswell who kept the Cornish team ticking, and hooker Pete Harris who was a constant thorn in the Navy side.

Scorers

5 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)

14 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC)

18 mins Hector Bright (St Austell RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)

20 mins Penalty Try

22 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)

33 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)

HT 36-0

41 mins Charlie Over (RN)

45 mins RN try, George Edson (RN) 36-12

69 mins Ollie Bebbington (Launceston RFC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)

78 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)