Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Website

Picture Roy Holwheg

Newquay Police dominated the game in the first half, scoring three tries in three minutes, all of which were converted. They were leading 21- 10, wh en key player Tom McIntyre hurt his back landing awkwardly in a tackle and was forced to retire.

Picture - Terry Barnecutt

Ian Pengelly, Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteer says;
‘Tom played a superb game before he was forced off, he hasn’t played for two or three years, but you wouldn’t know it, the way he played. He really deserved to win the ‘Man of the Match’ trophy. 'After he went off Newquay lifeboat crew were able to take over, scoring three tries, two of which were converted. We were leading 39 - 21, when Newquay Police scored their last try and the final score ended 39 – 26.

‘It was an excellent game, played in fantastic spirit. There was a mix of different levels and abilities playing, but everyone enjoyed themselves. The match was well refereed by Andy Robinson, and there was a good-sized crowd with support from both sides.

Celebrations followed the match and £142 was raised for the RNLI in an after match raffle.’

Newquay RNLI have now won seven out of the 12 matches, the Police have won four and there has been one draw.

Match report by volunteer crew member, Ian Pengelly:

Another great game played competitively in good spirit, with enthusiastic support for both sides, and well refereed by Andy Robinson. The match was eventually won by the RNLI team but, that did not seem likely three quarters of the way through the first half, with the Police winning 21-10, and looking like they were going to run away with the game.

The scoring opened in the opening minutes of the match with a forwards catch and drive from a 5 metre line out, touched down by the always impressive RNLI prop Phil Morris. The Police soon struck back with a breakaway try from 40 yards out by second row forward Sam Sargent, who had an excellent game in defence and attack. This was converted by fly half Tom McIntyre.

On 15 minutes the RNLI forwards drove over again, with second row Andy Burbidge getting the touch down in the corner. This prompted the Police to score two tries in three minutes, through Dave Pearce (who is a Toby Flood lookalike) and Greg Lanson. Both were converted by McIntyre and put the Police in to a 21-10 lead, which many around the ground genuinely believed would increase, as the Police were in firm control of the game.

What in many peoples view was the turning point of the match occurred after 30 minutes. The influential Police fly half Tom McIntyre sustained a back injury at a tackle, and had to leave the field. After this the RNLI began to claw their way back in to the contest and before half time scored two tries through wing Andy Blears and prop Paul Martin, to make the half time score 21-20 to the Police.

After the break all phases of play continued to be keenly contested, but the RNLI gradually moved in to the ascendancy. Hooker Luke Bazely completed the hat-trick of front row tries, centre and captain Ashley Mann broke away from near the half way line to score, and the ever busy flanker Phil Cornes got the final try. Fly half Aaron Pearson at last found his direction and landed two conversions, to make the score 39-21 to the RNLI. Ashley Mann's try prompted many in the crowd who know him well, to mumble 'I didn't know he could move that fast' as they dribbled in to their beer in the glorious afternoon sunshine.

The final passage of play for the match produced a fourth try for the Police scored by Matt Sargent, making the final score 39-26 to the RNLI, who have now won the trophy for the seventh time out of twelve matches between the two sides, their also having been one draw.

The Lifeboat Operations Manager Gareth Horner presented the 'Mangled Prop', trophy to the winning captain Ashley Mann. The man of the match 'Martin Edwards Memorial Shield' was awarded to Police fly half Tom McIntyre,who made excellent use of the clean ball provided by his pack, and quick service from scrum half Pete Davey. Tom dictated the patterns of play with good vision and clever positional kicks, and achieved 100% from his kicks at goal. As already mentioned the whole match turned when he got injured and had to leave the field.

The after match raffle produced £142, all proceeds going to the RNLI. Thanks go out to all those who donated prizes; to Paul Stevenson for getting the Police team together and providing kit for both sides; to Ashley Mann and Mark Morris for helping to get the RNLI team assembled; and finally to Newquay Hornets and the Sports Centre for the use of the facilities and equipment.

After twelve years it is becoming more difficult to raise a team as those that participate each year are all getting older. If there are any rugby players on Cornwalls RNLI lifegaurd or lifeboat crews , who would be interested in taking part in next years match, please contact the event organiser Ian Pengelly at Newquay lifeboat house, who will welcome you in to the playing squad.