Mounts Bay RFC

2006/7 Match Reports & Photo's

2007/8 Match Reports & Photo's

Embracing professionalism back in 1996 was a truly historic step, one which has helped increase the profile of our beloved game in leaps and bounds. However it was the introduction of league rugby nine years earlier which played a leading part for it to be ultimately deemed necessary that a new club be formed in our area.

The Pirates had found it increasingly difficult to get regular and challenging fixtures for their reserves, the idea then mooted that perhaps a new club could be formed.

In December,1999 a Special Meeting of Penzance & Newlyn RFC unanimously endorsed its Management Committee's proposal for Mounts Bay RFC to be formed, though it is worth noting that a first 'friendly' game had actually been played in September it coming as no surprise when a team made up of players over forty years of age lost 61 - 5 at Falmouth.

After the new club's inaugural meeting the following February, an immediate and ultimately successful application was made to the Cornwall RFU for inclusion in their league structure for 2000/01. The first league game was played at the Mennaye field on 2nd September, it resulting in a 55 - 5 win against St. Agnes. With the present Team Manager Bernard Durrant in charge of coaching, it was a successful season which saw them top Cornwall 2.

In 2002/3, the side finished runners-up to Falmouth in Cornwall 1, but their second promotion was secured after beating OMP's (runners-up in Devon 1) 20 - 8 at Elburton.

The following season saw Mounts Bay continue their charge up the league ladder when crowned as champions of the Cornwall & Devon league, not forgetting that they had also reached the semi-final of the Powergen Junior Vase, being desperately unlucky to lose 13 - 10 away to North Ribblesdale after extra time.

Western Counties (West) was hurdled at the first attempt, it was followed the following season by yet another upward step when they topped SW2, scoring a massive 1023 points in the process. A pleasing aspect, for which the coaches deserved praise, was to witness the development of a good number of young local players such as Darren and Jamie Semmens, and Richard Humphries, whilst prop Richard Hoskins showed more of the potential in him.

South West 1 and promotion to the National League was the target for the 2006/7 season, leading the league for almost the whole season, the promotion, as champions, to National 3 was achieved. First target hit, the second to go as far as possible in the EDF Intermediate Cup, after playing all its early games away the semi-final was at home to North 1 champions Caldy. In a game worthy of the final itself Bay managed to win and make it to the final against former winners Dunstablians. On a fantastic day for Penzance rugby, the Cornish Pirates won the Trophy, at Twickenham in front of a large crowd, Bay went on to win the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup 46 -36.

The third target the Skinners County Cup, after beating division 2 side The Cornish All Blacks by 1 point in the semi-final the final took place at Camborne against another division 2 side Redruth with the visit to Twickenham just one week away, Bay took their eye of the ball and where well beaten by a very strong Redruth side.

The 2007/08 sees our first season in the National Leagues and the aim is to consolidate our position in that league, with the changes in the EDF competition, Mounts Bay will this season be playing in the EDF Energy National Trophy. Getting off to a good start in the league with a home win 63 - 10 against Barking the league campain sees Bay going 12 league games before losing their first game, away against Cinderford, with only one other league defeat at home to Ealing, Bay lead the league for the whole season and secure promotion as champions in a home clash with second placed Cinderford, Bay taking revenge for the earlier loss.

In the EDF Trophy we again start are campain against Barking at home, Bay winning that game and the following game, we are drawn away at Division 2 side Southend, with the long trip to Essex and playing in bad conditions Bay where surprise winners 13- 12. In the next round Bay draw Division 1 side Coventry at home, played in the worst conditions many could remember both sides contrived to display great skill Bay losing 3 - 12.

In the new format Skinners Brewery Cornwall Super Cup, Bay beat Division 1 side Launceston in the final.

President Michael Leah, continues to be a driving force behind the Club's dramatic progress - everyone connected with the 'Bay' is extremely grateful for his strong leadership and support.

For all involved, the players and coaches having worked especially hard, it has been an enjoyable experience, with the side now being further bolstered to take on the extra challenge of National League 2. It promises to be another fascinating journey as Mounts Bay work to consolidate their position. It won't be easy - but enjoy the ride!

Phil Westren

Club Achievements

1999 Inaugural Season

2000/01 League - Cornwall 2

League Position 1st Promoted to Cornwall 1

2001/02 League Cornwall 1

League Position 2nd to Bude lost to Teignmouth in Play off

2002/03 League Cornwall 1

League Position 2nd won play off for promotion

Runners up (RFU Cornwall Clubs Cup)

2003/4 Devon & Cornwall League

League Position 1st

Semi Finalists (Powergen Junior Vase)

2004/05 Western Counties (West)

League Position 1st. Promoted

2005/06 South - South West 2

League Position 1st. Promoted

2006/07 - South West 1

EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Winners

Skinners County Cup Finalists

League Position 1st. Promoted to National 3 South

2007/08 National 3 South

Skinners Brewery Cornwall Super Cup Winners

League Position 1st. Promoted to National 2