The splendid trophy, presented in memory of Graham ‘Granite’ Waters, a respected former Pirates and St. Just player who passed away last year at the age of 76, was proudly won by Ryan Forrester.

Commenting with reference to the new trophy, Graham’s daughter Katrina said:

“I’ve tried to honour my dad in many ways, but this is probably the one most personal to me!

“Firstly, I would just like to thank the breakfast boys (former Pirates who meet up once a month) for the kind gift of this cup, which is one of two identical cups - the other is at St. Just RFC.

“So, why The Endeavour Cup? The history behind the Endeavour Cup has huge sentiment to our family.

“Some of you may know that my daughter Rosie was a competitive swimmer. What you might not know is that she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 12. However, this did not stop her, even though on several occasions she had to be retrieved from the bottom of the pool with a seizure.

“Rosie was awarded the Endeavour Cup that year!

“When she showed her grandad the Cup he was moved to tears, as never had he heard of an Endeavour Cup, and he thought it would be the best award to win! So, it seems only apt that this should be his legacy.

“Rosie may have won the Cup, but it was the amazing support of her brother Josh and friends that got her there. Friends like Shannon O’Connell, Tegen Snell, Catty Dugdale and Beth Tresidder and of course

their wonderful families, I’ll be forever grateful to all these amazing people.”

More About ‘Granite’

Although only 6' 1", which is short for a lock forward, at 15 and a half stones Graham was still a formidable figure in his playing days who was highly respected as one of the truly legendary Pirates.

Educated at Cape Cornwall School, where he came under the tutelage of teacher Derek Small, Graham’s early rugby was played at St. Just. Then, at the start of the 1974/75 season, following encouragement from Colin Dymond, he ventured to the Mennaye Field to play for the Pirates. Soon a 1st team regular, he made 41 appearances in his first season and overall wore the Penzance & Newlyn shirt on 296 occasions. He then returned to St. Just and became a committee member.

A highlight during his years at the Pirates was when, in 1976, the team won the then prestigious Cornwall KO Cup competition for the first time. The final, played at Camborne, was a crunching, nerve tingling affair, with second-row forward Graham playing his part in a memorable 4-3 win against favourites Redruth.

Also, many about will remember that back in 1988, after he had retired from playing, Graham completed his epic 900 miles walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End to help raise monies for both the Pirates and for the Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood Trust (CLIC). He was accompanied on the walk by Richard Brighton and Adam Dorey, who took turns to drive a back-up van, besides also walking.

A builder, after retirement Graham lived the latter part of his life in Heamoor, whilst at the time of his passing Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s President, Phil Westren, said:

“Graham was hugely respected and liked by all in the rugby fraternity who were fortunate to have met him. Straight talking, honest, and strong – the acquired nickname ‘Granite’ fitted him perfectly. He was also a gentleman.”

The Endeavour Cup.

Graham ‘Granite’ Waters.

Former playing colleague Simon Nicholas presents the trophy to first time winner Ryan Forrester.