Lancashire 24-39 Cornwall: Sam Matavesi heaps praise towards his fellow warriors

Bill Beaumont Division 1 Final

By William Bull

Lancashire …….. 24pts

Tries: Ellam 12, Kasam-Sharples 36, Freeman 42

Conversions: Johnson 13, 37, 43

Penalty: Johnson 5

Cornwall ………….39pts

Tries: Buzza 6, Ducker 14, Moyle 18, Matavesi 60, Bodilly 69

Conversions: Moyle 7, 15, 19, 61

Penalties: Moyle 34, 51

Cornwall ended a four-year wait to regain the Bill Beaumont Cup as they beat Lancashire at Twickenham to secure their eighth County Championship title.

The Black and Gold completed an outstanding campaign in style, lifting the trophy for the first time since 2022.

It capped a memorable day for Cornish rugby after the county’s women had earlier claimed the Gill Burns Division Two crown at England‘s national stadium.

Captain Sam Matavesi, formerly of Northampton Saints and a 38-time Fijian international, praised his side’s composure after the final whistle.

Proud

He said: “Full credit to Lancashire, I thought they were outstanding, but I think all the plaudits go to our boys and our squad.

“I think we handled the game so well when Josh went off.

“It probably gave us a bit of a spark that we needed, and when he came back on he made a few massive plays that helped in the win.

“It’s tough when you only get a few weeks’ prep; not everyone trains, not everyone takes part. So to get that result is massive.

“You can’t get bored of playing finals, especially at Twickenham, and to be in that contest to win is incredible.

“I’m proud of all the lads, all the coaches and all of Cornwall.”

All set: Cornwall ahead of battle at Twickenham

PICTURE: Simon Bryant Iktisphoto

Match action

Cornwall made a fast start but found themselves trailing 10-7 after Sean Buzza’s early try was cancelled out by Chris Johnson’s penalty before Jack Elam crossed for Lancashire.

The deficit did not last long as Alex Ducker and Kyle Moyle struck in quick succession to put Cornwall firmly in control at 21-10 after the opening 20 minutes.

Moyle added a penalty before Ashton Kassam-Sharples powered over to keep Lancashire in touch and reduce the gap to 24-17 at the interval.

Lancashire hit back strongly after the break and drew level when Sam Freeman crossed eight minutes into the second

half. They were unable to capitalise further, though, despite Cornwall losing Josh Matavesi to the sin-bin.

Instead, Cornwall regained the initiative. Moyle’s penalty edged them back in front before Matavesi, shortly after returning from the sin-bin, produced a crucial score to stretch the lead to 34-24.

Any hopes of a Lancashire comeback were ended 10 minutes from time when Max Bodilly finished off an excellent flowing move for Cornwall’s fifth try, sealing a deserved victory and a famous county double for Cornwall rugby.