Penryn 16, Wadebridge 19

PENRYN were edged out by local rivals and fellow Western Counties West strugglers Wadebridge Camels at the Memorial Ground on Saturday, to leave them at the foot of the table.

It could have been so different for the Borough, who nearly won it at the death following a sustained period of pressure, but ultimately there were too many errors.

The visiting Camels were within Penryn sights towards the bottom of the table after a run of form that has seen them slip down the table.

That coupled with the Borough’s recent resurgence, especially at home, meant this Cornish derby had more riding on it than usual. Following last week's postponed home game against Torquay due to an unplayable pitch, the Penryn surface made for heavy going and the conditions ensured mistakes were at a premium.

It was an understandably tense affair which seemed to restrict either side from finding their rhythm early on, as the sides exchanged blows.

The first quarter was scrappy and scoreless, but the game came to life midway through the first half when the Camels struck. Flanker Matt Ballard crossed after good build up from the visitors, with James Grubb converting. Matt Horton reduced the arrears to get the Borough on the board, but it was Wadebridge who would have the final say in a forgettable first period. Second row Richard Dawe found his way over the line and with another Grubb conversion, Penryn had it all to do trailing 3-14 at the break.

The Borough knew a strong start to the second 40 was imperative, and did in fact come out all guns blazing at the start of the half, coming close on several occasions. With the Camels defence strong though, they had to settle for two quick fire Horton penalties which closed the gap to less than a converted try at 14-9. The Borough were back in contention and looked set to rescue the points, but it was Wadebridge who would strike a crucial blow. Following a turnover high up the pitch, the ball was shifted wide to winger Dom Hawkey, who dotted down. Grubb couldn’t convert, but the deficit was now 10 with time running out.

With victory beginning to look unlikely, the next goal for Penryn was to at least take a losing bonus point from the game and more importantly, deny the visitors a fourth try. Their cause was helped when Ballard and Adam Collings were both sent to the bin, as skipper Jordan Rose scored an excellent individual try immediately after. With Horton’s conversion there was still hope and more importantly, still time at 16-19.

Remarkably, the Borough still had a chance to grab the unlikeliest of victories. The pack set up a drive from the line out and laid siege to the visitor’s line with a series of pick and drives. After close to 20 phases the ball was coughed up and Wadebridge secured their victory, to leave the Borough disappointed, experiencing a first home defeat since October. Penryn travel to league leaders Exeter University this coming Saturday.

Penryn: J Seviour, Jordan, Salisbury, A Seviour, Vague, Horton, Hellier, Burley, Birkett, Williams, Ashwin, Trevaskis, Randlesome, Hinchley, Rose reps: Oldfield, Strick, Hughes. Try: Rose. Con: Horton. Pens: Horton (3)