FALMOUTH broke their losing streak against the Old Dunstonians at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, beating the touring side 27-21, writes Sam Moore.
An early try from scrum-half Nick Carne in the opening ten minutes, as well as a penalty kick by fly-half and team captain Justin Irons, gave the Eagles a promising start.
However, two tries late in the first half from the Pink Elephant's Anthony Golding and Frank Frane, both converted by Chad Reay, put the visitors ahead 10-14 at the break.
The Eagles came out on top in the second half though thanks to a try from Carne in the 46th minute, converted by an on-form Irons who went on to add another seven points to his personal tally after dotting down himself.
Falmouth's coach Graham Whitmore was delighted with the final score.
He said: “Falmouth have come off second best to the Dunstonians in recent years, so it was really important to get this win.
“We targeted this game to take our good league form forward and the boys put in a typical resolute performance, showing lots of character and wonderful ambition.”
Said ambition started with a try masterminded by the half backs in the eighth minute.
Carne, Falmouth's lightning number nine, gathered a kind bounce from a chip-and-chase from Irons before jinking around the defence and reaching over the whitewash.
The Elephants opened their account in earnest with two tries in quick succession, the first from their loosehead prop Frane who crashed over the line following a turned-over ruck in the 23rd minute.
Their second came from inside centre Golding in the 27th minute after a stolen Falmouth line-out caught the home side off-guard.
Falmouth used their quick-handling backs to keep the visiting side pinned back and a penalty kick from Irons kept the score within four points as the half time whistle blew.
Tom Spiller passes the ball. Picture: CORNISHPHOTOS
After the interval, Carne once again capitalised on Falmouth's hard work, running in a try following a turned-over Dunstonians scrum in the visitors' own 22.
The tourists were unperturbed and a prolonged period of play in Falmouth's half resulted in a penalty in their favour.
They opted to kick into touch and this was followed by a catch-and-drive move which allowed James Kohika to dive over in the 60th minute, putting them ahead 17-21 after a successful conversion.
With 20 minutes left, Falmouth had plenty of time to work some scores.
In the 63rd minute, the Elephants were penalised for not driving straight in the scrum, allowing Irons to slot yet another penalty to bring Falmouth within a point.
A scintillating move clinched the victory for the Eagles after a break saw their right winger Paul Saberton run the length of the pitch before being dragged to ground just short of the line.
However, Irons had managed to keep up with the play and was on hand for an offload to complete the job.
Next up for the Eagles is an away league match at Old Plymothian & Mannamedian on Saturday.
FALMOUTH SQUAD: Searle, Church, Bishop, Dobson, Instance, Williams, Jacques, David, Carne, Irons (c), Spiller, McIntrye, Stutheridge, Edmonds, Collett, Rodda, Hinchcliffe, Saberton, Burt, Instance.
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