Thornbury 38 Camborne 38
Camborne were forced to settle for only three points as their spirited hosts hit back with a last gasp converted score in an eleven try thriller.
On the day Town outscored Thornbury by six tries to five in a highly entertaining South West One encounter in which play flowed from end to end, particularly during the second half.
The Cherry and Whites welcomed back John Griffiths at lock and young Joel Matavesi in the centre whilst David Mankee started in the scrum half jersey and Cameron Bone came in on the flank.
After going behind 7-0 early on the visitors got on level terms when No 8 Dave Roberts forced his way over from a close range scrum for Mankee to convert.
Though the home side edged back in front with a penalty Alex Ducker then intercepted a pass deep in his own half to go racing over to touchdown. Mankee’s conversion gave his team a 14-10 lead which is how matters stayed up to the break.
Soon after the interval the Cherry and Whites stretched their lead with two quick tries. First elusive wingman Ducker jinked clear before going 50 metres to dot down, and next centre Steve Kenward crossed with Mankee adding the extras for 10-26.
The home side then bagged three tries in a remarkable ten minute purple patch all of which were converted to see them go five points clear of a shell shocked Town.
Back came the resilient Cherry and Whites with full back Joe Parma running back a clearance kick to launch an attack that eventually brought a try by the promising Matavesi that levelled matters at 31 points apiece.
Inside the last ten minutes the visiting forwards laid siege to the home goal line and hooker Sam Bartle was driven over. Though Mankee converted to take the lead to seven points Thornbury piled on the pressure in the closing stages and their dramatic late intervention ensured the spoils were shared on the final whistle.
Camborne will be looking to avenge an early season away defeat this weekend when Bridgewater visit the Recreation Ground.
Camborne: Joe Parma, Rob Floyd, Joel Matavesi, Steve Kenward (capt), Alex Ducker, Grant Thirlby, David Mankee, Nigel Endean, Sam Bartle, Leigh Hocking, Ben Kemp, John Griffiths, James Goldsworthy, Cameron Bone, David Roberts, (Reps) Jason Jackson, Olly Reynolds, Andrius Zachorovas
Tries Ducker 2, Roberts, Kenward, Matavesi,Bartle cons Mankee 4
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here