CORNWALL head to Hertfordshire for their second match in the Bill Beaumont County Championship buoyed by a thrilling last-gasp victory over Gloucestershire at Redruth on Saturday.

Greg Goodfellow's late score in Hellfire Corner saw the Duchy home in what was a tense contest and now travel to Bishops Stortford to play Hertfordshire, who beat Surrey in the other group game at the weekend.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said: “A difficult first game against Gloucestershire was always going to be a test for our squad. The score ebbed and flowed and ended with a hard fought victory, winning 33 - 27. The weather conditions at Redruth were extremely changeable with wind some sunshine and good old Cornish drizzle and I am extremely proud of the start they have made to this year’s campaign.”

Cornwall scored four tries in their victory with the kicking duties going to Plymouth Albion’s Matt Shepherd. Two tries for back row Sam Matavesi, a try from hooker Rupert Freestone both from Plymouth Albion, along with a try from replacement scrum half Greg Goodfellow from Chinnor, 3 penalties and 2 conversions from Matt Shepherd saw the black and golds secure the result.

Cornwall coach Graham Dawe added: “Although we won the match against Gloucestershire there are many areas of our game that we need to work on during this week. We will sit down and look at the game and player performances before selecting the side to travel to Hertfordshire on Friday. Nobody should be complacent over their place; we have a number of good quality players to select from for the next game.”

Cornwall Captain Kyle Marriott said: “Pulling on the Cornwall strip is a real honour for these guys but today we did not play our best rugby but managed to cross the line against very tough opponents in Gloucestershire. The expectations on this squad are everywhere, but today has been a reality check for us as players, we need to prove that we want to wear this shirt next week to the coaches and selectors.

"The good thing with this squad is that players forget club allegiances and come together as team Cornwall; we all know what it means to the people who support us. I want to thank the guys who are on the fringe, but turn up and train or travel with us as reserves”.

He added: “The guys really appreciate the very loyal and large number of people who turned up support the team. The players really respond to the fans, and thanked them for attending and urged them to come along and support the team at the remaining games.”

CRFU Chair Denis Preece said: “It was hard fought, but great to see the result and the effort put in by everyone involved with the team today. Every game is like knockout rugby, and you don’t get a second chance and it showed today in the resolve of the team to keep fighting and eventually come out on top.”

The next home game at Camborne RFC on Saturday, May 21 kicks off at 3pm.