CORNISH derbies are usually entertaining affairs and so it proved to be again on Saturday as Falmouth hosted Hayle.

A total of 43 points were scored during the afternoon’s proceedings with the home side getting revenge for their 25-13 defeat against their Duchy rivals back in November with a 27-16 victory this time.

The opening score of the Cornwall/Devon League match came from Nick Carne, who was playing as the host’s hooker rather than his normal position on the wing.

He showed what an asset he is to the Eagles by swooping on a loose pass and run 50m to dot down, with Justyn Irons adding the conversion.

Hayle looked to barge their way back into the match but found themselves up against a tough home defence who built a wall around their own territory.

Both sides exchanged penalties before the visitors ended the half with an unconverted try, making the score 10-8 at the break.

Falmouth Packet:

Nick Carne breaks free to score a try after intercepting a pass. Picture: CORNISHPHOTOS

Falmouth had been the better team up to this point but still the game hung in the balance for them.

Any nerves were soon dissolved though with a converted try and another penalty stretching their lead out to a more pleasurable length.

Irons kicked home from the tee before a brilliant break by number eight Simon Bailey broke Hayle’s defence before he offloaded to Oli Williams to finish the move off.

The away side hit another penalty before the dust was settled by Irons who picked up a fine try of his own, capping off a fantastic individual performance by the home skipper and fly-half.

A consolation try was grabbed in the final throws of the match by the visitors and Falmouth could not find the skill to bring in a fourth dot down for a bonus point, but the win saw them jump above Bodmin in the table to seventh spot.

With Cornish club rugby focus turning to the County Cup semi finals, the Eagles have a week off from league action.

Their next match will be at Honiton on March 21.

FALMOUTH: 15 Rodda, 14 Edmonds, 13 Spiller, 12 Biggens, 11 Collett, 10 Irons (c), 9 Tyson; 1 Kevern, 2 Carne, 3 Searle, 4 Dobson, 5 Instance, 6 David, 7 Williams, 8 Bailey.

REPS: Geach, Morgan, Gilbert.

TRIES: Carne, Williams, Irons.

CONS: Irons 3/3.

PENS: Irons (2).