BUDE 12 pts HAYLE 21pts

HAYLE overcame a stiff challenge from Bude to win this Skinner's Brewery Cornwall Knockout Cup tie at Bencoolen Meadow, writes Phil Westren.

Hayle's victory, which was well deserved, was built on the kicking prowess of Paul Lello.

Bude stalwart Paul Cottle described the conditions as atrocious, the pitch resembling a ploughed field. Therefore a switch of pitches was required.

Lello played a vital role contributing 11 points from four accurate shots at the posts.

Forward power was the key to the victory as the Lion played with real purpose to build a vital 15 points to nil score.

Mark Stevens, an astute scrum half broke from a maul to set up winger Ben Eddy for the opening try. Eddy then made a lot of ground to set up a try for back row player James Jago.

Lello kicked a straight forward penalty chance when Bude drifted offside.

Keeping up the pressure Hayle went further ahead when hooker Neil Turner, from a well rehearsed rolling maul, scored a try for Lello to add the extras.

After 30 minutes Bude scored a try following a well-worked move, Crispin Sobey, the scorer.

A poor clearance gave debutant winger Ben Couch the chance to set up flanker Rob Uglow to score under the bar. Hicks converted to cut Hayle's lead to just three points.

In the second half Hayle's pressure told as Bude began to concede penalty chances. Two were sent between the posts from Lello to ensure victory for the visitors.

Scorers - Bude - tries: C Sobey, Uglow; con: Hicks. Hayle - tries: Jago, Turner; pens: Lello 3; con: Lello.