LEAGUE leaders Withycombe showed a weakened Falmouth side why they are setting the early Tribute Cornwall/Devon pace on Saturday.

In the end the scoring stopped at 46-13 to give the home side their ninth win of the season, maintaining their 100 per cent record.

This result must be best summed up by saying “the better team won on the day”.

However, the Eagles were without 11 of this season’s first choice players, therefore a damage limitation exercise was in progress against Withycombe.

The home team had three aces who stood head and shoulders above all.

They have players of vast experience in Dave Simms, ex-Gloucester and England, tighthead prop Phil Sluman, ex-Exeter, and fly-half Glen Channing, who has had more clubs than Nick Faldo and like the golfer, showed he had great control of his skills.

The Exmouth-based team had the game sown up by half-time, building a useful lead of 34-3.

Although the first 20 minutes were very even with the only score being a Justin Irons penalty, Withies then got their ball rolling as Channing scored an easy try and slotted a penalty.

Floodgates were opened at this point with Simms helping himself to a catch and drive score.

Number eight Mike Richards claimed a pushover and wing Joe Parkin finished off a great three-quarter move.

Withies added two more tries before the interval with the Eagles only score being another Iron penalty with the scoreboard saying 34-6.

Worst was feared by Eagles fans after the break.

However, some harsh words must have been exchanged because the visitors tightened their belts, tackled and defended better, keeping the second half score to 12-7.

Tom Spiller must be singled out for improved form, causing the hosts some concern and mention must also be made to John Tyson who with often scraps of slow ball kept his team moving and managed to score Falmouth’s only try.

The team will hope this be just a one off result against a good team.

Their next opponents will be Hayle away on November 15 as this Saturday is a week off.

International rugby will be on the big screen in the clubroom instead.

FALMOUTH: 15 J Symons, 14 M Symons, 13 Spiller, 12 Hinchcliff, 11 Hooper, 10 Irons, 9 Tyson; 1 Varker, 2 Church, 3 Searle, 4 Dobson, 5 Baglow, 6 Instance, 7 Carne, 8 David.

REPS: Martin, Fearne, Collette.

TRY: Tyson.

CON: Irons.

PENS: Irons 2.