ST IVES 10pts Camborne 17pts

Camborne deservedly progressed to the semi-finals of the Cornwall Skinner's Brewery Cup, defeating St Ives 17-10 in a pulsating encounter, at Alexandra Road, writes Paul Bawden.

Playing against the wind "town's" ten-point lead in the first quarter proved to be the decisive factor.

Well led by inspirational skipper Nigel Coldrick, the visiting pack matched the St Ives forwards with Ryan Smith playing at number 8, outstanding along with the industrious Sean Oates and the influential on-loan Pirate Ali Durant.

Early St Ives pressure was repelled by the Cherry and Whites, with right winger Kelvin Smitham twice holding high kicks.

In the seventh minute a Durant break brought a penalty in front of the posts which fly-half Ian Morgan coolly kicked.

In the 18th minute, with the home side attacking, full-back Scott Withecombe made a telling interception to romp 70 metres for a try under the posts. Morgan's conversion made the score 10-0 to Camborne.

St Ives replied almost immediately when their outstanding number 8 Louis Stevens (junior) was driven over from a well-rehearsed catch and drive move from a line out close to the line. Full-back Billy Peters converted to reduce his sides deficit to 3 points.

Five minutes from the break Peters levelled the scores with a straight forward penalty goal.

The home side had chances to take the lead early in the second period, but the Camborne defence and a dropped pass were decisive factors.

In the 52nd minute Smith robbed the ball from a St Ives maul and this set up "Town", who moved the ball to the left, Durant giving the scoring pass to former Cornwall wing Les Smitham who used his pace to cross under the posts for Morgan to kick the straight forward conversion for a 10-17 score.

Minutes later Withecombe was halted close to the line in his quest for a second try.

The "Fishermen" attacked feverishly in the closing stages, but resolute tackling from every player in a Cherry and White jersey prevented a further score.

Camborne: S Withecome, K Smitham, J Richards, B Wedlock, L Smitham, I Morgan, D Macdonald (rep M Fidock 55m), J Mitchell, C Hewitt (rep A Smith 55m), J T Mitchell, R Spear, N Coldrick (capt), S Oates, A Durant and R Smith. Reps not used: D Mitchell and T Anthony.

St Ives: W Peters, P Scorer, D Bassett, A Hart, B Warner,S Trethowan, I Sanders, B Rouncefield (rep H Spires 65m), J Perkin (capt), T Stevens, J Atkinson, M Trewhella, J Paul (rep S Perkin 65tm), N Laity and L Stevens.

Scorers - Camborne - tries: L Smitham, S Withecombe; con: Morgan; pen: Morgan. St Ives - try: L Stevens; con: Peters; pen: Peters.

Referee: L Prideaux (CRRS).