Liskeard Athletic 3, Helston Athletic 5 (after extra time)

Helston Athletic will meet Newquay in the semi-finals of the Westinsure Cornwall Senior Cup after beating Liskeard Athletic after extra time in an incident-filled clash at Lux Park, writes Lee Hall.

Premier division Liskeard ended the game with ten men, while Helston manager Sid Taylor and Ash Stidwell were red carded by referee Paul Forse, who it has to be said did not have the best of games.

Liskeard, who clinched their place in the quarter-finals following a 2-1 victory over St Blazey in midweek, took a third minute lead through Robbie Almond.

But it was Helston who went on to dominate the first half and they led at the break thanks to goals from Liam Eddy (41) and Mark Goldsworthy (43).

Almond brought Liskeard back into it when he curled the ball into the top corner in the 59th minute.

But with 68 minutes on the clock the Blues were reduced to ten men when skipper Lee Blatchford was sent off for a rash challenge on Mark Goldsworthy, who wasn't able to play any further part in the game as a result.

With no further goals the game went into extra time, and it was Helston who regained the lead when Eddy smashed the ball in off the bar in the 95th minute.

But it was Forse's decision to award a Liskeard penalty that led to farcical scenes. Following the intervention of his assistant, Forse pointed to the spot after Helston defender Kirk Davies clashed with Liskeard's Tom Hall. Almond made no mistake to claim his hat-trick (105+1).

It was a decision that angered Taylor and the rest of the Helston bench.
 Stidwell, who was earlier substituted, was red carded for comments made to the referee and Taylor soon followed after venting his anger towards the Saltash official. By the end of the first half of extra time eight minutes of injury time had been played. 

And it was with virtually the last kick of the half that Helston led 4-3 when Ben Stidwell fired in from close range.

And Eddy made sure of victory with Helston's fifth goal in the 123rd minute.

Helston will now play Newquay, who won 4-3 at St Dennis, in the semi-final at Truro City's Treyew Road on March 5.

Liskeard: B Shields, A Martin, C Brinacombe, D Duthie (B Washman 101), P Bromhead, M Lindsay, D Ahearn, L Blatchford, T Hall, M Hawes, R Almond. Subs (not used): S Coniam, M Thorp, D O'Brien.

Helston: J Robertson, C Strike (M Fox 95), A Stidwell (A Collick 64), K Davies, B Stidwell, C Young, T Russell, J Adlard, J Thirkle, L Eddy, M Goldsworthy (D Stidwell 69). Subs (not used): M Webster, H Howlett, J Thomson.

In the other semi-final, holders Bodmin, who won 3-0 at Dobwalls, will meet Penryn Ath, who had a shock 2-1 victory at Torpoint Ath,  at Wadebridge on Wednesday March 6.

Cornish Pirates 17 London Scottish 20
The Cornish Pirates slumped to only their second home defeat of the season as a spirited second half revival from London Scottish saw them overturn a 17- point deficit to snatch victory at the Mennaye Field, writes Dick Straughan.
It had all looked so good for the Pirates as wing Matt Evans scored their second try and his tenth touchdown of the season after 46 minutes with Kieran Hallett's conversion making it 17-0.
But the Scottish had other ideas and after tries from Mark Bright and James Love helped level the scores, Love won the game with a 75th minute penalty.
The Pirates defended well to thwart a strong start by the Exiles and took the lead with a Kieran Hallett penalty.
Scottish scrum-half Jamie Stevenson was yellow carded for an illegal tackle on McGlone before a prolonged forwards battle was broken up by Evans' first try after half an hour.
The Canada international rounded off a sharp break by Tom Kessell as the Scottish defence failed to mark up properly, and Hallett landed a fine touchline conversion to make it 10-0.
Former Redruth centre PJ Gidlow also received a stint in the sin-bin after a midfield collision with Tom Riley, and Evans' second score early in the second half left the Cornish side poised for victory.
It all changed though on the hour as Mark Bright forced his way over from close range to score and Love added the extras. Suddenly the Scots were in control and it was no surprise when Love squeezed in at the corner for their second try.
The former Plymouth Albion man converted his own try to level the scores before putting a big dent in the Pirates' play-off ambitions slotting a routine penalty near the end.
Cornish Pirates: Davies, Mercer (Pointer 71), Riley, Fatialofa, Evans (Smith 71), Hallett, Kessell; Andrew (Storer 59), Elloway, Prescott (Joyce 71), Lyons (Johnson 55), Barry, Marriott (capt), Burgess, McGlone (Maidment 48, sin-bin 67-77). Replacement (not used) – Semmens.
Scorers. Tries – Evans (2); Cons – Hallett (2); Pen – Hallett.
Yellow card: Maidment.
London Scottish: Thompson, Love, Grove, Gidlow (sin-bin 40-50, Reay 76), Mantella, Godman, Stevenson (sin-bin 19-29); Mayhew (Irish 47), Kwasnicki (Allen 47), Fry (Mackenzie 47), Spivey (Karonias 79), Hotson, Russell, Calder (Pennycook 47), Bright (capt). Replacement (not used): Bolt.
Scorers. Tries – Bright, Love; Cons – Love; Pens – Love (2)
Yellow cards: Stevenson, Gidlow.
Referee: S Harding (RFU).
Attendance: 1,857.

Benthic surveys, which involve filming the seabed and collecting sand samples to examine the flora, fauna and marine life in the sand, were begun this weekend, and will continue while the weather holds.

Marine Minerals Ltd is using a high-resolution camera that will record the life living in the top layer of sand. 

A vibrocore survey which is being carried out by the specialist 24 metre survey vessel, "MV Flatholm" which is owned and operated by Cornish company Coastline Surveys Ltd is also now underway.

This work involves collecting core samples of sand from beneath the seabed, which will primarily be used to assess the extent and characteristics of the tin deposits in the seabed sand.

The boat started in Perran Bay on Saturday and is currently working its way down the coast to St Ives Bay where, depending on weather, it anticipates completing the marine surveys in the next few days.

John Sewell, Commercial Manager for Marine Minerals Ltd, said: "We have been lucky with the weather so far this weekend which has allowed us to make good progress with the surveys.

 In addition to the scientists and geologists who have been conducting and overseeing the survey operations, we have also invited members from local groups so that they can see first hand the work we are doing.

"We are acutely aware of a number of sensitive issues that need to be considered and so are pleased that we were joined today by the Chairman of Hayle Harbour Advisory Committee, John Bennett and Hayle Town Councillor, Harry Blakeley."  

Cornish All Blacks 39 Clifton 21

CORNISH All Blacks skipper Tom Rawlings was delighted as his side bounced back from their derby day defeat to Redruth with a bonus-point win over Clifton.

It was the All Blacks' last home game until Easter Saturday, so they were determined to put on a show for their fans.

The only downside to the day was a red card for experienced No.8 Josh Lord very late in the game, and sin-binnings for Liam Yeo and Neil Bayliss.

"We set out to get five points, and we did that, so we are over the moon," said Rawlings, who is also assistant coach at the club.

"It was a stern effort from us against a good Clifton side, who are lying in mid-table.

Bogey

"They are a bit of a bogey team for us. Last year we lost to them home and away, and this season we lost to them at their place again, but on this occasion we well and truly beat them.

"They got a couple of cheap scores, but we marshalled the game and kept control of it, and we finished it off.

"It was just a shame the referee didn't handle the incident at the end of the game better, and stopped the fight from happening before it kicked off."

Winger Richard Bright scored two tries for the All Blacks, and Rawlings was very pleased with his performance.

"Richard was back on form, he is a great open-field runner when he has got the ball and he can do some damage, and he did that against Clifton," he said.

The All Blacks took the lead when an initial break by Rawlings led to a line-out, and from that, the skipper fed Bright to race in for a try to make it 5-0.

However, that advantage was shortlived as Clifton produced a powerful three-quarter move which saw full back Ben Foley go over on the left, and he added the conversion.

He was off target with a penalty chance soon after, and the All Blacks recaptured the lead with a penalty by full back Kieron Lewitt.

Lord stretched that advantage when he broke off a driving maul to score a try, but Lewitt missed with the conversion attempt, as did Foley with another penalty opportunity, to leave the hosts 13-7 ahead at the interval.

The All Blacks began the second period in fine fashion, with a burst down the wing by lock Barrie-John Chapman setting up a ruck, from which second row forward Ben Hilton crossed for a try, converted by Lewitt, to extend the gap to 13 points.

Clifton responded with a touchdown by No.8 Tom O'Keefe after an incisive break from scrum half Callum Braley, with Foley converting, but the All Blacks struck again when fly half Jake Murphy's beautifully judged crossfield kick was caught by Bright to dot down for his second try of the game to make it 25-14.

Bayliss was yellow carded for the hosts, and Clifton cut the deficit to only four points when they were awarded a penalty try for the All Blacks pulling down the scrum, and Foley again converted.

But the All Blacks gave themselves some breathing space when a drive infield led to a touchdown by replacement front rower Tom Hurdwell, and Lewitt provided the extras.

A penalty try in the closing stages, converted by Lewitt, sealed victory for the All Blacks, but there was still time for an explosive finale, triggered by Yeo's tip tackle, which saw Lord, Yeo and Clifton's Sam Harrison all told to leave the field by referee Paul Kimber.

The All Blacks now have a weekend off, before three successive away games, against Taunton, Lydney and Shelford.

SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's is believed to be the latest store to pitch a bid to be built in Newquay.

It is thought the major chain is planning to open a store for the Duchy of Cornwall's Nansledan development off Quintrell Road and behind Hendra Road.

It would be the second Sainsbury's to open in Newquay and it is believed the current town centre store will remain open if a new store is built on the 218-hectare (538 acres) greenfield site.

The duchy, which has previously announced that it was in advanced negotiations with a top chain for the development, is remaining tight-lipped about whether it is a Sainsbury's store, but Cornwall councillor for Newquay's Tretherras ward Pat Lambshead, who has been involved in the duchy scheme for nearly ten years, said he has "heard" that it is.

Plans submitted for the Duke of Cornwall's estate include 800 new homes, a primary school, a church, and shops as part of the Newquay Growth Area.

Newquay town planners unanimously backed the Nansledan scheme but Cornwall Council will have the final say on the plans.

Mr Lambshead told the Cornish Guardian that it is the "most important development in Newquay for decades" and the supermarket was "vital" for the town as it will, in effect, pay for the infrastructure.

"This is the future of Newquay as it will bring affordable housing, jobs of a high quality and competition to the only other major supermarket in town, being Morrisons," he said.

"The inclusion of a sizeable supermarket, which I have heard is Sainsbury's, will bring not only jobs but the needed competition to Morrisons.

"It should further be stated that if it were to be Sainsbury's I understand they have agreed to keep the Newquay central store open."

He said that within Newquay's framework there is room for only one more supermarket at the resort within the foreseeable future.

Three supermarkets have been earmarked for the town – this one at Nansledan, the developers behind Kingsley Village have submitted outline planning permission for a 90,000sq ft supermarket at the Trevithick Manor Estate and Tretherras Academy has come under fire over its intention to sell off part of its grounds to Tesco.

This week the Duchy of Cornwall and Sainsbury's remained tight-lipped.

A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman said it could confirm that while food retail "would help" to deliver the council's Newquay Strategic Route it was not essential. He added: "Retailers continue discussions with us but the duchy would prefer not to comment further until after a planning decision is made by Cornwall Council."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said it was always looking to improve the store's offer to customers in Newquay but at present has no confirmed plans.

A LOOE post office has been saved from potential closure after the former owners were legally obliged to return behind the counter.

The future of the post office on Fore Street, East Looe, looked uncertain after the previous sub-postmaster admitted stealing thousands of pounds from the accounts to prop up the jewellery store he ran alongside it.

But now Bob and Andrea Mildenhall, who owned the business between 2004 and 2010, have taken the business back on and are determined to make it a success.

"We didn't exactly choose to come back but we will make it work," Mrs Mildenhall said.

A clause in the lease of the premises, known as an authorised guarantee agreement (AGA), meant that when the last owner fell behind on his rent payments, the Mildenhall's became responsible for the tenancy once again.

"If the present tenant defers on the rent, the landlord comes to the previous owner," Mrs Mildenhall explained.

"We got legal advice and found out there was nothing we could do about it and we are now stuck with it for the rest of the lease, which ends in 17 years."

The couple, who gave up the business to semi-retire, say they had to take back the business to recoup their losses.

"We had to pay the rent whether we were here or not. It would be foolish to pay it without getting anything back," Mrs Mildenhall said.

The couple have invested all their savings into making it a success.

"We also had to pay for a dilapidation report and now we have to do all the work because the property was not maintained. With the rent, fees and all the repairs we're probably looking at more than £30,000.

"It's been an absolute nightmare for us. Every penny of our life savings has gone into this," Mrs Mildenhall said.

Throughout their ordeal, the Mildenhalls say they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from the local community.

"The very first day we came back people came in with cards for us. They were coming in and giving us hugs. That has made it easier. People have been really supportive," Mrs Mildenhall said.

"And the staff have been fantastic," she added.

"Kate and Heather kept the post office going. When it came to light that Mr Kenning had been taking money from the account, they went from working part-time to working five and a half days a week to keep it open.

"We just couldn't have done it without them."

The Mildenhalls are now determined to get the shop and post office running as it used to but in the long term they are looking at selling the business if they can find a buyer.

"We are going to try to sell the business again but we have got no accounts – they didn't keep any at all," Mrs Mildenhall said.

A BODMIN woman who played a "significant role''' as a heroin dealer over a number of years has been jailed for six years at Truro Crown Court.

Mother of two Sharon Magee, aged 49, formerly of The Piazza, Crockwell Street had pleaded guilty to supplying heroin, to the possession of 5.61 grams of the drug with intent to supply and to three charges involving money laundering.

Prosecutor Jo Martin told the court that the agreed benefit of her criminal activities was assessed at £260,000.

Bodmin CID said it was pleased with the sentence and it sent a clear message that drug dealing in the town would not be tolerated.

Magee had been addicted to heroin from the age of 18 and now was in poor health, said defence counsel Michael Melville-Shreeve.

"Her life has been dominated by those above her in this awful trade," he said. "She is a vulnerable, addicted female."

Miss Martin said that Magee was arrested after being seen by an officer who was monitoring traffic, selling a wrap containing 0.79 of a gram of heroin to a man in Bodmin on November 30, 2011.

She had a larger wrap in her handbag and there was more in her home.

Judge Graham Cottle told Magee that documentation including dealers' lists found in her home could only be explained on the basis that she was involved with heroin at a high level.

This investigation started when officers saw a simple drug deal on a Bodmin street. After conducting house searches and looking into the detail of Sharon Magee's bank activity, detectives were able to identify 23 separate people she had been dealing to.

Detectives and financial investigators were able to track money back to Liverpool and the drug dealers there.

Detective Constable Steve Applewhite said: "We were able to find evidence that Magee sold in the region of £252,000 worth of heroin over a 5 to 6-month period in 2011 which equates to around 4,000 street deals a month.

"On the same day she was sentenced, a confiscation order was made by the judge which showed her benefit as being £260,000 going back some period of time.

"She has been ordered to pay back the assets she has available, and we were able to add to this asset figure by selling items that had been seized from her home as evidence of money laundering – including new perfume and gift sets as well as jewellery.

"We are pleased that through our thorough investigation this £50 heroin deal resulted in two drug trafficking and three money laundering convictions.

"Her six-year sentence sends a message to others dealing drugs in Bodmin and the Devon and Cornwall Police area, that we will look closely at all offences however small in order to stop illegal activity on the streets of North Cornwall and we will work hard to get those responsible convicted."

WITH the clock ticking towards the conclusion of the Spurs showjumping series and the excitement of the Puissance Show taking hold competitors are showing their colours at Barguse Riding School.

"With the Puissance rapidly descending upon us next month (March 31) it's only right that our final fixtures provide a test for our riders in readiness for what is to come," said organiser and course-builder Mike Johns.

"I've increased the level at the last couple of shows with all fences up to height in all classes with some really demanding spreads. The competitors didn't disappoint us and rose to the challenge and it was evident from the outset that they were out to win."

East Cornwall Riding Club member Hannah Joliffe cleared a formidable oxer standing at 3ft 6ins with a 3ft 3ins spread to claim the Joker class on Pentillie at the early January Show.

"This class brought our January show to a fabulous climax," said Mike Johns who also praised the close challenge provided by Kathryn Baker (Spirit of Drummond) and Poppy Joshi (Celtic Bay).

Hannah had also headed the previous 2ft 6ins senior class which saw a clash of the titans in Sarah Penney (Solitaire) and Adrian Heidler (Silken Boy).

Confirming her consistency Hannah recently qualified Pentillie at the Area Riding Club Windsor qualifiers and will represent the area in the Top Score team at the championships.

Chloe Nile, aged 12, of St Austell secured the 2ft 3ins junior class on her 14 year-old Connemara gelding Mizen while Poppy Joshi of Lockengate landed the senior equivalent on Celtic Bay.

The late January fixture saw Charlotte Pollard clinch a winning double on Foxy while last year's point winner Roxy Newstead bounced back to form with a victory in the 2ft 3ins senior section on She's A Mystery.

The Indian Queens based rider has produced the six year-old 14.2hh pure-bred Arab mare from an unbroken prospect with great success.

"Spurs showjumping would like thank to everyone who came to compete and support the show and for making it such a fantastic day," said Mike Johns. "We hope everyone enjoyed the competition and we look forward to seeing competitors and their families at our next show on Sunday (February 24)."

Results: 1'8" – 2'0" open: 1. Sally Sanders (Star); 2. Sally Sanders (Merlen); 3. Chloe Hawken (Orchid); 4. Donna Long (Crackle). 2'3" juniors: 1. Charlotte Pollard (Foxy); 2. Bethany Hull (Solar Eclipse); 3. Chloe Hawken (Nutmeg); 4. Shakira Duffy (Raidy). 2ft 3ins seniors: 1. Roxy Newstead (She's a Mystery); 2. Alanah Hunt ( Cheyenne); 3. Adrian Heidler (Silken Boy); 4. Tina Burden (Storm). 2ft 6ins juniors: 1. Kathryn Baker (Spirit of Drummond); 2. Abi Cox (Paddy Cool); 3. Lucy Tiplady (Sovereign); 4. Charlotte Pollard (Foxy). 2ft 6ins Seniors: 1 & 2. Tina Burden (Ronan & Storm); 3. Jess Sandan (Roysin); 4. Sarah Penney (Solitaire). 2ft 9ins – 3ft open: 1. Charlotte Pollard (Foxy); 2. Kathryn Baker (Spirit of Drummond); 3. Hannah Jolliffe (Pentillie); 4. Sarah Penney (Solitaire). Early January Show sponsored by W.A. Allen & Son of Whitemoor: 1'8" – 2'0" 0pen: 1. Izzy Golightly (Star); 2. Sally Sanders (Merlin); 3. Nicky Wright (Fox); 4. Chloe Nile (Mizon). 2'3" Juniors: 1. Chloe Nile (Mizon); 2. Tegan Giles (Dinka); 3. Shakira Duffy (Raidy); 4. Donna Long (Mr. R). 2'3" Seniors: 1. Poppy Joshi (Celtic Bay); 2. Roxy Newstead (She's A Mystery); 3. Adrian Heidler (Silken Boy); 4. Jenny Morris (Bally). 2'6" Juniors: 1. Kathryn Baker (Spirit of Drummond); 2. Georgie Hutchins (Darren); 3. Georgie Hutchins (Miracle); 4. Shakira Duffy (Raidy). 2ft 6ins seniors: 1. Hannah Joliffe (Pentillie); 2. Sarah Penney (Solitaire); 3. Adrian Heidler (Silken Boy); 4. Poppy Joshi (Celtic Bay). Joker: 1. Hannah Joliffe (Pentillie); 2. Kathryn Baker (Spirit of Drummond); 3. Poppy Joshi (Celtic Bay); 4. Sally Burchill (Sheeza Star).

AN impressive number of stallions representing all disciplines will be on display at Cornwall's Stallion Showcase, being held at Rosevidney Livery Stables, near Penzance on Saturday March 16.

This exciting new initiative will provide a unique platform for breeders to view the cream of the county's sires at one venue.

"We already have over 20 stallions booked in," said organiser Verity Perry. "There's been an amazing response from breeders and stallion owners. We have some tremendous horse and pony stallions standing in Cornwall and it's wonderful to have them coming together under one roof and a warm welcome will be on offer to all."

A preview of the event will feature in this column on March 6. and for further details call Verity Perry on 07825719566 or 01736 740224.

SCHEDULES are available for the BSPS Area 13A Spring Show, at Chyverton Park, Zelah on April 13, and features a host of opportunities to win through to the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

New additions are the RIHS show hunter pony, riding horse and cob qualifiers running along with the show ponies, mountain and moorland, part-bred Arabs, working hunter ponies and popular home-produced sections.

"We're also delighted to have been awarded British Show Horse Association qualifiers," said Area 13a Chairman, Chris Yates of Praze.

For details contact Show Secretary, Fiona Dymond on 07920 774639 or f.dymond@tiscali.co.uk or visit www.bspsarea13altd.co.uk. Diary dates, Page 86.

FOLLOWING the tremendous success of the Cornwall Trec Quadrille team who won through to the finals at Olympia an open invitation has been extended to any riders interested in being part of the 2013 challenge.

"We're holding 'try out' day on March 3," said team trainer, Verity Perry, who can be contacted for further information on 07825719566 or 01736 740224.

Truro City  1 Dorchester Town 2

Former City striker Kieffer Moore returned to haunt his former club, scoring both his new team's goals,  including a late winner, to condemn Truro to yet another Blue Square Bet South defeat.

It was tough on the home side after a much improved performance following Saturday's dismal display against Staines Town, but they  were again left with nothing to show for all their efforts.

Moore has now scored three goals in his last two games since leaving City for the Dorset club, who made him a very attractive financial offer, earlier this month.

And the teenager showed just why he has been attracting the interest of Football League clubs as his goals settled a somewhat fractious encounter under the Treyew Road lights.

He has now scored 16 goals in his first season at this level and is third in the race for the league's Golden Boot.

To his credit he did not over celebrate his goals as he showed his former club just what they have lost as they went down to their seventh defeat in nine games in 2013.

His first came after 22 minutes when he was left unmarked to head home a corner, but Dorchester's lead was shortlived as Martin Watts almost immediately levelled with a dipping 35 yard free-kick past a helpless Jason Matthews in the visitors' goal.

It was no more than Truro deserved after a  bright start with a Watts free-kick tipped over by Matthews, while Cody Cooke and Andy Watkins also went close.

Making his debut in goal for City was reserve team keeper Luke Payne who came in as a late replacement for Paul Hider who has an injured back and the 23-year-old enjoyed a  solid game.

Player-manager Lee Hodges also brought himself back into the team after a four match absence while Paul Kendall started in place of injured skipper Jake Ash.

In an entertaining  second half both sides had chances,  with Andy Watkins a real threat for City, but the game looked to be heading for a draw when four minutes from time Moore pounced on a loose ball when City failed to clear a cross and drove the ball into the bottom corner for the winner.

City return to action at Bath City on Saturday.

City: Payne; Cooke, Gerring, Hodges, Kendall, Watts, Afful, Martin, Broad, Watkins, Hayles (Wright 87). Subs (not used): Hall, Williams.

Dorchester Town: Matthews; Jermyn (capt), Smeeton, Pugh, Walker, Coleson, Malsom, Nicholls, Moore, Clough, Martin. Subs (not used): Morgan, Bell, Way, Brooks, Walker.

Referee: Richard Hulme (Radstock).