FALMOUTH 13pts

PERRANPORTH 16pts

In an enthralling match which went right to the wire, Perranporth came from behind to score 16 points in the last 15 minutes to secure a narrow victory in this Cornwall League 1 match, sponsored by The Exhibition Bulletin.

This was a match of committed rugby by both teams and one which was enjoyed by both sets of supporters, even if there was a sense of disappointment on the Falmouth side.

With a strong wind blowing towards the Killigrew Road corner it was clear that the elements would have a big part to play in proceedings. Falmouth lost the toss and had the wind in their favour in the first half and needed to secure as many points as possible. However, Perranporth were equal to all that Falmouth could throw at them during the first quarter and defended stubbornly as they were pushed back continuously towards their own try-line.

In the set pieces they scrummaged effectively and often managed to disrupt the Falmouth possession by wheeling the scrum, while the line-outs became something of a lottery for both teams as the wind made the accuracy of the throws very difficult.

It was not until the 20 minute that Falmouth gained the first score with an unconverted try in the left hand corner by centre Mike Aston. After sustained pressure inside the Perranporth 22 metres area, the Falmouth pack drove towards the posts with Andy Palmer in the van, and then the ball was quickly moved back to the wing through four pairs of hands for Aston to stroll over unopposed.

Falmouth now had their tails up and continued to punch holes in the Perranporth defence at every opportunity, but the only reward for this pressure was a penalty by Arty Williams.

Tom Laity, playing at fullback for the first time, caused Perranporth constant problems with this dashing, surging runs out of defence and it says much for the visitors that they kept the halftime score down to 8-0.

At the start of the second half Falmouth's supporters soon began to wonder if the lead was large enough as Perranporth, using the strong wind to good effect to set up camp in the Falmouth half, soon pulled back three points through a penalty goal kicked by Adrian Matthews.

Could Falmouth produce something special? They certainly did. On a rare breakout into the Perranporth half they quickly took a lineout throw while their opponents were regrouping and after splendid interpassing amongst the forwards the outsides took over to set up winger Shawn May for an excellent try to the left of the posts. The conversion kick was missed but the home lead was now 13-3.

Falmouth now looked as if they would hold on for a well-deserved victory, but Perranporth were far from done.

With time running out Adrian Matthews kicked two more penalty goals as continual pressure forced Falmouth to offend and then in the last minutes of full time substitute flanker Roy Withers caught a 22 metre drop-out near the left hand touchline and ran infield. It seemed as if all the Falmouth players expected someone else to make the tackle but no-one did and the flanker's curving run ended with a try under the posts converted by Matthews to put Perranporth in the lead at 13-16.

Despite renewed efforts by Falmouth to retrieve the game, the only other score was another penalty by Adrian Matthews who ended with a personal tally of 14 points.

This was an excellent game for both teams and it sets up the two-match semi-final of the Cornwall Clubs' Cup where the two sides play each other at home and away over the next three weekends.