Penryn slump to disappointing defeat away at resurgent Bude

It was the home side’s third win in four games that has now given them real hope of safety, but undoubtedly an outcome of real annoyance for the travelling Borough.

Penryn got back to not only playing, but winning with a 7-3 victory over Devonport Services last week and were keen to add a first away victory of the year with a fixture pile up that includes some tough tests in the weeks to come.

Bude however desperately needed the points to close the gap on fellow Western Counties strugglers Tavistock and St. Ives and took what could be a crucial four points come the end of the season.

Bude are a tough nut to crack at home and set out their intentions for Penryn early on, taking a deserved lead with an Olly Denford penalty as they spurned the opportunity to double that lead soon after.

The Borough, playing with the wind in the first half were guilty of too many unforced errors and gifted Bude possession far too frequently.

To be fair to the Borough though, their defence held firm throughout the first period, although it was to be breached once by Ryan Butler who squeezed into the corner of the narrow pitch.

Denford’s conversion was missed and despite the mere eight point deficit, more than one score always looked a lot to chase in what would be a close game.

The Bude try seemed to spark Penryn into life however, as they launched a relentless assault on the home teams try line in search of a score to close the gap before the break.

Just as Penryn seemed to have got the breakthrough they deserved, Bude full back Duncan Tout committed a clear professional foul to stop the try and was duly sent to the bin.

Jake Seviour knocked over the three points to ensure Penryn had something to show for their efforts at the interval.

Penryn would have to attempt to chase down their lead against the wind in the second half, and the gap would soon double.

An excellent driving maul from the home line barrelled Ben Hancock over the try line for their second score and a killer blow to Penryn who had begun to take control of the game, the home side again missed the conversion.

Once again though, it served as a wakeup call for the visitors who fought back again. A series of driving line outs were repelled close to the Bude line, but when the Borough went quickly off the top the home team were caught out as centre Andrew

Seviour powered over to convert his own try and close the gap to three.
At this stage of the game their only seemed to be one winner, with Penryn continuing to attack and come close on several occasions.

Not to settle for a draw with the simple three points the Borough again opted for their functioning line out deep into Bude territory.

The home team defended for their lives though, and spoilt Penryn ball sufficiently enough to boot well down field and complete a hard fought and crucial victory.

Penryn would have to make do with a losing bonus point and face a tough trip away at Ivybridge.

Penryn: 15 J Seviour 14 Paine 13 L Vague 12 A Seviour 11 Evans 10 M Vague 9 Chambers 1 Oldfield 2 Booth 3 Williams 4 Hancock 5 Trevaskis 6 Randlesome 7 Hinchley 8 Jones (C) Reps (All used) Hughes, Pattison, Hellier
Try: A Seviour Conversion: A Seviour Penalty: J Seviour

Bude: Duncan Tout, Steve Bromwich, Phil Horton, Ryan Butler, Olly Denford, Andy Yates, Olly Mounce, Jason Bolt, Dave Risdon, Jake Keat, Will Kingdon, Matt Williams, Mark Parsons, Ben Hancock, James Comber (Capt.). Replacements: Barry Sobey, Luke Wilson, Alex Rakhshani.

Scorers: Bude: Ryan Butler, Ben Hanncock (Tries), Olly Denford (Penalty goal).

Referee: Mr Will Thomas (Exeter - Devon RRS)