Agony for Borough

PENRYN slipped out of the National Intermediate Cup by the narrowest of margins against Old Richians where but for a poor start they would surely be taking their place in the fifth round.

In anticipation of a tough encounter in Gloucestershire, Penryn had two very vigorous midweek training stints and whilst the players minds were conditioned for the battle to come, there were a few hard knocks received as a result.

The walking wounded included Alan Richards and Peter Webster, both of whom failed to recover in time to make the trip, and as Gavin Doyle, who had missed the previous week's game at Tiverton also cried off, the Borough had to re-arrange their intended back division.

Versatile James Greville Smith took over the full back position and Richard Hambly moved from centre three quarter to the fly half spot. The three intended replacements, Chris Mann, Jamie Mann and Danny Trick were drafted into the starting line-up, with Chris resuming in his customary right wing position, and brother Jamie and Danny Trick representing a new pairing in the centre.

Little was known regarding the opposition, but a difficult afternoon was anticipated and so it turned out to be.

The Borough were slow to start and the outcome of the game was virtually settled in the first 20 minutes during which Old Richians notched up a ten point advantage. Penryn were playing as though they had left their legs on the team coach, following the four and a half hour journey, and some slip-shod tackling and early indiscipline cost them a penalty goal and a converted try before they settled.

However, in the 22 minute, Penryn reduced the arrears when Ben Short crossed for a try following solid forward play, but the Gloucester team soon took control again with a try by their No 8 Darren Nicholls which was again converted by full back, Duffy.

Penryn again clawed back three points on the half hour, when Richard Hambly slotted a penalty goal, but Richians consolidated their advantage in the third minute of stoppage time when Duffy was again successful with a penalty goal to give his side a 20 points to eight lead.

The second half started with the Penryn pack applying strong pressure and after 12 minutes, Danny Trick crossed for a good try wide out on the left and Hambly converted to bring the Borough within range at 20 points to 15.

The ever reliable boot of full back Duffy again punished a Penryn enfringement following some loose play, and the Borough fell further behind when scrum half Garrett evaded several poor attempts to tackle him and the try was again converted by Duffy.

With Penryn trailing 30-15 they struck back and, following a good passage of driving play by the pack, Chris Mann accepted a pass and shot over from 20 metres for a fine try in the right hand corner.

With ten minutes to go Richians added another penalty goal by Duffy, but the Borough were not conceding the game yet, and a fine combined attack with forwards and backs handling, Greville-Smith scored a dramatic try wide on the left and Hambly added the goal points with a fine kick for 33-27.

Richians were visibly tiring and Penryn forwards applied strong pressure as the last few minutes saw them camped near Richians line, but the winning score just failed to materialise.

This turned out to be an excellent cup match which the victors conceded was their hardest for the season. Their Kiwi full back, Duffy, was their star man. Not only did he land all of his attempted goal kicks, but his fine tactical kicking frequently put his team on the attack.

For the Borough, the poor start was probably the reason why they will not go into next Thursday's fifth round draw but, with basically a very young team, they will have gained considerably in rugby know-how from a very street-wise Old Richians team.