The first game of the season did not go to plan for the Falmouth Eagles. Last season's mistakes and weakness showed no sign of summer improvement as the Eagles suffered a heavy 34-5 defeat conceding five tries on a disappointing trip to Devon.

For a first game of the season an away trip to Paignton was always going to be a tough ask. The Eagles, still in transition from losses over the summer as players have moved on, and with a number of players unavailable, were unable to field a full 18 against a home side that has dropped two division in two seasons. Paignton were aiming to break a 18 month streak without a win and looking for a strong start as they tried to gain promotion back to Western Counties West. 

The game started fairly evenly as both sides got the ball moving between them as they started to find their feet. The Eagles held the possession well in the first 15 minutes, however they had difficulty breaking through a strong defensive line. A lack of patience and bad kicking decisions lost them possession too regularly without the Eagles really putting the Paignton line under much pressure. 

Not a dream start for the Eagles, but a platform on which to build on during the game. However, in the next 20 minutes that platform was knocked away as Paignton turned up the heat. 

The home side ran in two converted tries and a penalty to go 17-0 up at the break. It could have been three if not from a brave piece of refereeing from young referee Max Whitlock who overturned a try he awarded to the home side after Paignton’s Scott Vyle had stepped over the dead ball line after breaking through the Eagles defence. Both tries came as the home side easily broke through the Eagles defensive line, and through the despairing tackles of the backs. 

The Eagles went in at half time facing a huge deficit, however the game was not finished yet . Within minutes of the restart though, the coffin was being nailed shut as the home side scored a try which summed up the disappointing afternoon the Eagles were having. Joe Harris, the Paignton Scrum half, managed to get a kick on the loose ball at the back of the Falmouth scrum, and kick up field to score and put Paignton ahead by 24 points. The Eagles then conceded a fourth try, and gave the home side a bonus point as Paignton's Nick Richardson put in a strong solo effort as he ran from half way to score, outpacing The Eagles to put the game beyond doubt. 

The Eagles finally managed to get a bit of time and possession on the ball and managed to spend some time in the oppositions 22, however could not get themselves over the line. They kept at it and showed their forward strength well as they caught and drove from a lineout to allow AJ Geach to ground the ball and put some points on the board for the Eagles. 

Falmouth would have been looking to maybe reduce the deficit a bit more before the final whistle blew however a quick tap penalty by Paignton brought them another try as their 2nd row Martin Bird went over to cap off a comprehensive victory for Paignton and make it a game the Eagles want to forget as soon as possible. 

Some rustiness was shown, and there will be a lot for Phil Angove and Graham Whitmore to work on in the coming weeks if the Eagles want to improve on last seasons 5th place finish. The tackling in their backs need strengthening as the Eagles aim to stop the opposition backs running half the pitch to score which cost them games last season. 

There are always positives to take from these games and the Eagles forward pack once again showed their strength and again proved they are a pack that can be competitive against any team. The first game of the season is not the game to make a judgement for the rest of the season, and the Eagles will be looking to have a positive come back on Saturday. 

The Eagles are at home on Saturday against Pirates Amateurs, who beat Exeter Saracens 50-0 at the weekend, which promises to be an exciting game.