New Captain at St Ives

The start of pre-season training last Tuesday evening, brought more new faces and a new captain to the club. Stephen Kenward is to take over from the excellent captaincy provided by Ben Taylor.

The decision is one that meets all round approval. Stephen came to St Ives last year, playing in all but one matchin the centre. He decided that he would rather play more locally than nationally. Therefore, having helped Camborne to national league status, he joined The Hakes and played a leading role in the club’s best season for a number of years.

Stephen was highly influential, a ferocious tackler and steadying personality during 2016-17. Now the entire squad should benefit from his ability and experience both on and off the field.

Our photo shows Steve alongside player/coaches Paul Thirlby and Rob Elloway, who have unfinished business in their development as coahes, choosing St Ives as the club with whom they share their skills and experience.

Ben Taylor will remain, loyal as ever, and one can be sure that he will play a big part in the new campaign. Supporters, committee and players fully appreciate what a tremendous asset and leader he has been and will continue to be.

Further Signings

The club also unveiled two more signings for the coming season, both forwards. Leigh Hocking joins us from Camborne. The 27 year old builder is a tight head prop, and a Camborne man. The old cliche 'he will lend his weight' admirably fits his 6'1" (1.85m) 19 and a half stone (123.5kgs) frame. His presence in the front row will be a much needed boost to that position in the squad.

Cameron Bone, no stranger to St Ives, returns for the new season. The 29 year old wing forward, whose other club was also Camborne, is a five times winner of the Cornwall Cup. In 2015 he was a part of the Cornwall senior squad.

During his season with St Ives in 2015-16 he made 21 appearances and scored 10 tries.