Topsham 20, Falmouth 44

Falmouth defeated a resilient Topsham 44-20 on the final day of the Cornwall and Devon League and reached the milestone of 1,000 points scored for the season, writes Joseph Macey.

After the match head coach Graham Whitmore was delighted with the team's end to the season: “We really turned things round. That’s all we could ask for, great end to the season and finished off on a high. We got 20-30 points in the second half and really put them to the pump. End of a great season.”

Falmouth came into this game in celebratory mood after securing the league title two weeks beforehand and with Topsham all but relegated they put on a fine performance to give the champions a tough match.

The Eagles took an early lead within five minutes when winger Matt Brewer chipped on and sprinted through to score. The game was scrappy and Topsham looked very organised, not giving Falmouth an inch of space.

The lead was further extended when Falmouth were awarded a penalty after Topsham failed to roll away and fly half Justyn Irons converted. Topsham responded with a penalty of their own from full back Luke Edwardson to make the score 8-3.

Brewer was running the show now and got his second try after great work from his fellow winger Dan Hubble who laid the ball off for him to sprint clear. A missed conversion meant the score was 13-3.

Falmouth looked in the groove now but Topsham were still plugging away and got their first try through prop Dominic Cant. Edwardson converting.

The game had turned on its head and Topsham scored another try to take the lead through centre Dion Warner.

A superb penalty from Irons soothed any nerves and put Falmouth back into the lead. However the lead didn’t last long and a try from Edwardson meant that Topsham took a surprise 20-16 lead at the interval.

The Eagles hit back in the second half and showed real quality to come back. Within minutes of the half flanker Owen Hambly switched the ball for centre Tom Edmonds to score. Irons added the extras.

Falmouth seemed rejuvenated after the break and extended their lead with a comical try. The ball being cleared on to the post by a Topsham player and Hambly picking up to score. Irons converting.

Although this match was the final day and both teams knew their fates for next season this game was very competitive and there was a lot of quality rugby on show.

There was still time for two more tries from the Eagles. The first coming from winger Dan Hubble, Irons with the kick. The try which brought up 1,000 points for the season came from Matt Poole.

Falmouth: B Cock, O Church, A Searle, J Baglow, S Instance, T Tonkins, O Hambly, T Simmons, T Spiller, J Irons, M Brewer, T Edmonds, T Job, D Hubble, I Rowe. Subs: M Lea, S Firth, M Poole.