Cornwall Airport Newquay Duchy League round-up by Mike Newcombe

BOTH Duchy League cup competitions start off with a group section this season before going into the knockout stages. Teams of three form the groups with the group winners guaranteed a home tie in the last 16.

The Knockout Cup saw a clash of Premier clubs at Par Track with Stoke Climsland coming out 2-0 winners against Tregrehan Mills. Stoke bossed the first-half with Josh Pope opening the scoring in the 15th minute with a classy half-volley finish. The hosts were stunned ten minutes later when the same player added a second in identical circumstances. Tregrehan sorted out their problems at half-time and came out to dominate the second-half. Although they put continuous pressure on the Stoke defence, they were unable to find a way through as the visitors held out for the win.

Boscastle were 3-2 winners at Altarnon in the battle of the Post area clubs. Adam Porter scored both home goals for last year’s Duchy Two champions, but the visitors took the points thanks to Dan Capstick, Sam Haddy and an own goal from Brandon Ambrose.

Gunnislake has made a stunning free-scoring start to the season following 14-1 and 11-0 wins, but they found things a lot more difficult at St Breward before securing a 2-1 win. Brad Farnham and Chris Parsons scored for the visitors with Rob Marks getting the St Breward reply.

In the Shoe Boy League Cup, Boscastle Reserves edged St Eval Spitfires 3-2. Mike Parsons, Aaron Williams and Karl Stone for Boscastle with Jon Summerfield and Dan Trevelyan replying.

Liam Cairns scored a brace as Southgate Seniors won 4-1 at Roche Reserves. The visitors were two-up after three minutes as Roche’s first game since their return to the league threatened a hammering. Southgate stretched the lead before half-time and went further ahead after the break. In fairness to the youngsters of Roche, they grew into the game without giving up and twice hit the woodwork in the second-half. They were rewarded with a consolation penalty from Tallan Annear. Anthony Coles and Mark Wilson completed the Southgate scoring.

Gunnislake Reserves were too strong for North Hill winning 8-2. Nick Beman and Ben Farrar hit a brace apiece with their tally completed with goals from Jake Rapson, Jamie Skinner, Andy Brown and an own goal. Ben Berry was at the double for North Hill.

Calstock had a superb victory over Nanpean last week but fell to earth with a bump when thrashed 7-0 at home by Bude Town reserves. Steve Hackett hit a hat-trick with Brad Palmer adding a brace. Lewis Hopgood and Matt Cook completed the scoring.

Lifton Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw at home by their North Petherwin counterparts. Liam Rich scored for Lifton while Jordan Karkeek replied for Petherwin.

There were limited league matches. In Division One, Mevagissey had a 5-1 home win over Lifton although the final score rather flattered the hosts. The first-half was evenly fought despite Mevagissey going into the break three ahead. Mevagissey were the stronger side after the restart before Lifton got their consolation from Andy Penn near the end. Brandon Chapman hit a hat-trick for Mevagissey, two of which came from the spot. Bradley Trudgeon and Joel Barnicoat were the other home scorers.

Foxhole Reserves opened their season by beating St Minver Reserves 6-2. Jamie Robinson and Caleb Hawken scored a brace apiece with Bradley Allen and Jake Couch completing the hosts tally. Luke Henderson replied with a brace for St Minver.

There were also a handful of games in the Duchy League in midweek, including two in the Premier.

Gunnislake won 11-0 at local rivals Stoke Climsland, which included hat-tricks from Carlton Farnham and Liam Bryant, while Boscastle earned their first victory of the season with a 5-1 thrashing of St Merryn at Forrabury Park.

Cameron Barrett, Drew Burnard, Dan Capstick, Martin Heal and Dan Piper were all on target.

Boscastle Reserves, were also in action but fell to a 5-1 defeat at Week St Mary, for whom Steven Short (4) and Frank Barriball scored. Aaron Williams was on target for the visitors.