Truro 24 Penryn 0

Truro secured a first league win over local rivals Penryn in several seasons after an early second half blitz added momentum to their own promotion chase, all but ending Penryn’s chances.

Much of the talk in the build up to the game surrounded the news of ex-Redruth stars Darren Jacques and Lewis Vinnicombe swapping red for blue, not to detract from what is always a fiercely contested derby match.

Penryn, however were determined to continue their fine run of results against the men from Cornwall’s only city.

A healthy crowd gathered in atrocious conditions both on and off the pitch, to see if the new look Truro side could finally get one over the old enemy. 

It was Penryn though who started the brighter of the two sides with a series of driving line outs and carries in the loose, forcing Truro into conceding both penalties and territory.

As Penryn entered the red zone though, they coughed up possession and unfortunately that was to be the tale of the afternoon from their perspective.

Truro added another impressive face to the fray early in the first period, as former Cornish All Black and coach Josh Lord replaced Adam Gayton, meaning there were now three England Counties Internationals on the pitch for the home side.

Penryn dealt with Truro's strength admirably in the first period and did well to repel a series of drives on their own line.

The pressure Truro exerted however, proved too much as scrum half Ricki Brandham crossed for the game’s first try after a quick tap penalty. His half back partner Jake Champion added the extras.

The back row combination of Roseveare, Trescothick and Lord were making life very difficult for the hard working and spirited Penryn pack, and won kickable penalties in Borough territory. 

Champion however failed to land either shot at goal, and at half time the game was well poised at 7-0.

Penryn without question would have been the happier of the two, but a 13 minute spell from the home side put the game to bed before the hour mark.

Penryn defended superbly well to hold the Blue and Ambers at bay, thwarting several line outs and close range carries. A Truro scrum from a penalty five metres out however, caused real problems.

As the home pack drove hard, the heavy pitch saw the Borough slide perilously close towards their own line, only for Brandham to pounce for his second.

Champion missed, but Truro were far from finished. Penryn initially did well to sack a line out after more Truro pressure, but having sucked in defenders, the ball found its way to a waiting Darren Jacques who scored on his home debut to the delight of the home crowd. Champion was successful this time with the kick.

The momentum was all with Truro now and the Borough were on the ropes. Truro landed the knockout blow just two minutes after their third try when Theo Gayton burst through a gap for the bonus point try. Champion missed the conversion, but it hardly mattered.

To their credit, Penryn did not capitulate and performed with great spirit. Much like the first quarter, the last belonged to the visitors who pressed and pressed, but ultimately could find no way through a very stubborn Truro defence.

It was not to be Penryn's day as the final whistle blew to signal the end of the game and a stark contrast in emotions from both sides.