Helston RFC

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Helston RFC is a rugby union club in Cornwall who have been in existence since 1965. They currently play in the Cornwall 1 league, as they were promoted from Cornwall 2 in the 2005-6 season. They are famous for the 1995-6 side that managed to make it to the final of the RFU Pilkington Shield, and to this day are the only Cornish club side to have played at Twickenham in a competitive final.

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[edit] Helston RFC History

Helston RFC was formed in 1965, when a group of men within the town of Helston decided that Rugby had a place within the local community. Their first ever game took place against Penryn 2nd XV, which resulted in a 14-9 loss. However, their first victory would occur a few games later against the Newquay Hornets.

The club would go on to win several junior cups throughout the 1980's, with victories over such sides as Bodmin, Liskeard-Looe, St. Agnes and Bude.

However, in the 1995-6 season, the club would achieve an incredible feat. They reached the final of the Pilkington Shield (now the Powergen Vase), which is some achievement for a small club as it is the largest club rugby competition in the world, with 501 teams competing. They eventually lost at Twickenham on the 4th May 1996, against the Medicals club from Newcastle.

[edit] Cornwall One

Helston, as aforementioned, play in the Cornwall One league. They gained this position by winning the Cornwall Two league in the 2005-6 season. Currently in Cornwall One there are six teams, these are Saltash, Newquay Hornets, Stithians, Liskeard-Looe, Illogan Park and Helston themselves.

[edit] King George V Playing Field

The King George V Playing Field has been in use by the club since the club played its first match in 1965. It is owned by Kerrier District Council. Until recently, the facilities at the site were extremely poor by any standards. However, on the 20th April 2006, a new clubhouse was opened, which brought the facilities up to good standards.

[edit] Helston RFC 2006-7 Season

The current coaching staff this season is headed up by 'Daisy' Adams, Jan Rendall and Dick Whitney.

The captain of the 1st team is Ross Williams.