THE Cornwall RFU has announced that the Skinners Brewery CRFU Senior Cup competition will be staged this season between Launceston RFC and Redruth RFC.

The matches will be played on a 'home and away' basis with provisional dates for fixtures to be at Launceston on Sunday, March 14 with the return leg at Redruth on Sunday, April 11.

It is hoped that these dates will be confirmed within the next couple of weeks.

A Cornwall RFU spokesman said: "The prospect of the games being well supported will be welcomed by the respective club treasurers and with part of the gate money passing to the Cornwall RFU for distribution to all clubs taking part in the CRFU Cup Competitions, rugby across the whole county will benefit."

Cornish All Blacks Director of Rugby, Jon Hill, said: "Both Dave Penberthy and I will be working hard with our respective committees, the Cornwall RFU and Skinners Brewery in order to maximise the publicity for these games. The recent game down at the Rec and the game back in September at Polson Bridge were huge fixtures and were well supported.

"The 'true Cornish derby' never fails to disappoint and games tend to be close and high in drama. Our players are still talking about our most recent game and it is obvious that these games mean so much to the players, coaches and supporters in both camps."

Dave Penberthy, Director of Rugby at Redruth, said: "As both of our clubs are feeling the pinch, with the reduction of funding from the Rugby Football Union, reduction in income from sponsorship and other fund raising activities within the clubs due, in the main, to the recession it was good to discuss the possibilities of our clubs competing for the 'Skinners Brewery Super Cup.'

"Our respective gates this season have proven that the clash between the Reds and the Blacks is the most eagerly awaited and supported derby in Cornwall. The atmosphere at both games was electrifying and it was a wonderful occasion for both sets of supporters and players alike. Games between our clubs are always fiercely competitive and this year's encounters did not disappoint, to take that competitiveness into a two legged Cup Final can only be good for the game in Cornwall.

"It has been reassuring that the Cornwall RFU and Skinners Brewery are keen to work with our clubs and I am sure that all rugby supporters in Cornwall will look forward and support these games which look likely to be played in March and April."