THE ethos of rugby is surely that the dominant team should win.

The last two matches, both opposition supporters and coaches were glad to hear the final whistle, as both exclaimed the Eagles were the better side for three-quarters of the game. Dominating is only part of it, scoring points is more important.

As in the previous week, the selection team had to make eight changes, mostly forced upon them, yet were not disgraced against one of the team’s favourite for league honours.

For the first ten minutes, the Eagles competed in the Saltash’s 22 where their pack excelled and yet the three-quarters were guilty of missed opportunities.

On Saltash’s rear excursion with the Eagles territory, young Eagle’s scrum half Andrew Munro-Lott broke out to link with Nick Carne covering three-quarters the length of the field, only to be tackled two metres short.

The home team, living off scraps of possession, moved the ball to their right wing. Will Morton, who was awarded a try in the corner unjustly, as the official took no notice of the touch judges flag indicating feet in touch.

Tom Spiller kicked a penalty to make it 5-3 at half-time, the only reward for good first half.

Saltash nudged further in front with a penalty from their captain and man of the match, full back Venables.

The Eagles pack then completed the ground work allowing Munro-Lott to dive over for Spiller to convert making it 8-10.

Venables then put his side back into the lead with another penalty, 11-10.

For the next quarter of an hour it was mostly the Eagles putting the home team under pressure, but could not break the try line.

Then came the turning point of the game as a clearing kick bounced awkwardly between two defenders. This error saw Venables gather and run under the stick for a converted try 18-10.

The home team seemed to find more self belief turning over a ruck for the try of the game, starting in their own half through many pairs of hands, put number eight Hillman clear. Venables converted to make 25-10.

The Eagles were not finished and after great approach work by their pack, scrum half Munro-Lott chipped over the defence to dart over the try line, converted by Spiller to make it 25-17.

Game still on, but it was the home team who seized momentum and scored a final try from their scrum half Will Morton. Venables adding the extras.

On reflection this was a game that should and could have been won.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

It would help if more consistency and continuity can be achieved in selection.

This Saturday the Eagles entertain South Molton, who have also lost their first three league games.

Eagles: 15 Reeves, 14 Carne, 13 Hooper, 12 Kindjarsky, 11 Collett, 10 Spiller, 9 Munro-Lott; 1 Searle, 2 Geach, 3 Martin, 4 Instance, 5 Baglow, 6 Church, 7 Fitzpatrick (c), 8 Stpehens.

REPLACEMENTS: Stephens, Varker.