EDF Energy Cup - : Launceston looking for cup success

Launceston looking for cup success

9 January 2008, 1:56 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Launceston renew acquaintance with old league rivals Nuneaton at Liberty Way on Saturday and they�ll be hoping to kick-start their domestic cup campaign with victory in the fourth round of the EDF Energy National Trophy..

Since realising their dream of winning promotion into National Division 1 last season the Cornish All Blacks have been finding victories hard to come by but they are hoping this will all change come Saturday.

Chris Brown, joint head coach at Launceston alongside Jon Hill, said: “Our position in the league is obviously not where we want to be but it has taken us some time to adjust to life in Division 1. Certainly the pace of the game here is much higher and although we have won only a handful of games we have been competitive. The problem has been not making the right decisions at the critical times and we have paid the price for that.

“But this is a new challenge and one we are certainly planning to enjoy. Everyone is eager to get our campaign going. We enjoy the National Trophy and it is important for us to do well in it. This is a time for the squad to throw off the shackles of playing in the league and to taste something fresh. The guys will be relishing the opportunity to kick start our cup campaign and renew acquaintances with Nuneaton. We are at full strength and looking forward to Saturday.”

On paper Launceston could be billed as favourites as Nuneaton are a National Division 2 outfit but according to Brown divisional status will not be playing a part.

He added: “This is going to be a tough game for us. Nuneaton have always proved in the past to be difficult opposition and that’s why I believe divisional status won’t come into it. We know them very well from the league in the past and I am sure they will be looking at our position in Division 1 and fancying their chances. Certainly we need to be on top of our game and if we are not prepared for it we could suffer.”

Northampton Saints, the unbeaten leaders of National One, will also be taking on a Cornish outfit this Saturday as they make their EDF Energy National Trophy debut with a trip to Cornish Pirates, the holders.

Northampton have already beaten the Pirates twice this season, most recently at Franklin's Gardens before Christmas but Saints’ director of rugby Jim Mallinder said: “We couldn’t have been given a tougher tie. The Pirates are the holders and won’t want to give that up in front of their own supporters. We’ve played them twice in the league already and I’m expecting another full blooded match and a great atmosphere in Camborne.”

Coventry also face the long trip to Cornwall this weekend to play Mounts Bay of National Three South at the Mennaye Field on Sunday.

Mounts Bay won the EDF Energy Intermediate Cup by beating Dunstablians in last season's final at Twickenham and have already made impressive progress in their first season in the Trophy.

Nottingham too face South West opponents with a clash against Newbury at Meadow Lane on Sunday. Also in action are South West sides Henley Hawks and Plymouth Albion and Exeter Chiefs who are taking on Wharfedale while Redruth challenge London Welsh