Penryn 23 St Austell 22

PENRYN came back from the dead to breathe life into their bid for survival from Western Counties West, with a hard fought derby victory against St Austell at the memorial ground. Penryn went into the game flirting with relegation following last week’s disappointing defeat away at Saltash, so a result against their Cornish rivals was imperative.

The home side were on the rack trailing 22-13 against the free flowing Saints, who picked up two losing bonus points in the process, but 18 points from Martin Strick and a late Will Paine try secured a vital win for the Borough.

It was the third time this campaign that the sides had met, with the Borough winning a cup game at home and the visitors winning their home league game, both of which were close contests. St Austell’s bonus point win against Torquay had allayed relegation fears of their own, but they were certainly more desperate for the Borough. That desperation proved the catalyst for a solid Penryn opening though.

A couple of heavy showers early in the day had meant the pitch was sticky, but Penryn had enough energy to surge up field in the opening exchanges. The forwards got the Borough into range and fly half Martin Strick slotted two simple penalties to give the home side a deserved lead. Saints had threatened out wide early on though and that threat bore fruit. Quick ball from a turnover sent Sam Kendall charging down the wing, finishing well for the games first try. Wing Cavan Boyer was unsuccessful with the kick, leaving the saints a point behind.

The Borough were arguably better value than a single point lead, but certainly weren’t in any mood to settle for it. More pressure on the away try line saw fly half Strick dummy his way over for a simple and well worked score. He converted his own try and the Borough led 13-5. In what was a fiercely competitive first period the away side struck with the half winding down. Boyer’s break down the same touchline that brought success earlier in the half, set up Andy Inch and the winger converted where he had previously failed. He was at it again soon after, when an almost identical scenario saw the flyer touch down in the corner. Despite a second missed conversion, the twelve point swing gave St Austell a 17-13 half time lead.

The Borough haven’t done things easily this season and faced a tough challenge to turn things round in the second period and the task grew considerably moments after the break. Again the visitors made good in roads into Penryn territory and Ben Chenoweth was on hand to secure a try bonus point in the second minute of the first half. Boyer was wide again and his missed kicks would prove to be costly. The Saints were very much in the ascendancy now and looked well set to add to their four tries. To their credit though, Penryn hung on and fought for their lives.

The Borough’s stubborn, never say die attitude was to be rewarded however. Strick slotted a third penalty during a rare foray into the away half to reduce the gap to just six, before a moment of inspiration changed the game. Andrew Seviour made the telling break, feeding Will Paine who went under the sticks for a huge try in the context of the game. It was an excellent team try with the ball going through several pairs of hands in the build-up and with Strick’s conversion, Penryn led with ten minutes remaining.

There was still time for St Austell though and more than enough heart in mouth moments for the Borough. Boyer had the chance to get the Saints back in front, but pushed his penalty badly to give the Borough a real let off, finishing the game with 1/5 in front of goal. Ex Penryn centre James Martin made a telling break for the hosts, but was shackled well by the Borough backs before a desperate drop goal attempt also sailed wide. Penryn showed huge guts in the closing stages and managed to hold on for a massive win in their season.

It was a priceless win for the Borough, who have now put survival back in their own hands. A win away at Sidmouth this Saturday could prove crucial, with the Devon based outfit just one place and four points above the Borough away from relegation trouble.

Penryn: Hinchley, Salisbury, Vague, Seviour, Paine, M Strick, Hellier, A Strick, Birkett, Williams, Hancock, Trevaskis, Jones, Rose, Randlesome Reps: Burley, Hughes, Mitchell

Tries: M Strick, Paine,

Cons: Strick (2)

Pens: Strick (3)