Falmouth Eagles 8 Crediton 5

ON a blustery day with the threat of rain looming the Eagles ground out a low-scoring win against a tough Crediton side, writes Hugh Murton.

Falmouth began their season with a win at Crediton in a similarly tight game, so on form this was set up to be a tight affair before the whistle blew. And so it was.

For the first 15 minutes each side probed and attacked in fits and starts, but the only result was a penalty attempt by the visitors, which was dragged wide of the posts.

The even play continued with neither side being able to break through determined defences.
As the half progressed, Justyn Irons (pictured) acclimatised to the conditions and, using the cross wind, gave the Eagles some territorial control.

Meanwhile the scrums were beginning to be controlled by Falmouth, and several scoring opportunities came their way.

But they were unable to capitalise and the half ended with no score - a case of what one local wit calls “being profligate” – whatever that means.

Right at the start of the second half Falmouth were caught napping when a Crediton lineout was claimed by the visitors, and a smart move allowed Mike Pearce a free run to the line.

The conversion was missed.

This brought the home team to life, and constant pressure was applied at the scrums, line outs and rucks, forcing the visitors back.

After a spell of intense pressure Crediton conceded a penalty, giving Falmouth a lineout near the visitor’s line.

A well-controlled driving maul developed and Sam Burke ploughed over in the corner.

The conversion was missed but Falmouth were level.

The home scrum began to fire on all cylinders, shunting Crediton around and winning possession from both sets of line outs.

Then a mazy run by winger Josh Symons set up a good field position for Falmouth, forcing the visitors to give away the penalty which Irons converted to put the home side in front for the first time.

This signalled the arrival of torrential rain.

Crediton made changes to their front row to counteract the home team’s dominance,  and Wayne Reed made his presence immediately felt, giving the scrums more parity.

With victory in sight the home side’s tactics seemed naive to this observer.

With Iron’s kicking ability,  why did Falmouth not use the wind to keep Crediton penned in their own half? Why were they running penalties when the best option seemed to be to make and keep a territorial advantage.

Sure enough Falmouth found themselves desperately defending their slender lead as the clock ticked down, but hold out they did for a narrow and just-about-deserved victory.

After the game the club celebrated its annual Christmas party with the Falmouth Soul Sensation Band headlining. Needless to say the beer and wine flowed freely, and a good time was had by all.

Falmouth face Penryn in the traditional Boxing Day derby. A very Happy Christmas to everybody.