DESPITE having several players out and having to draft in “experienced” reinforcements, Falmouth pulled off a fantastic 23-13 victory at Exeter Saracens on Saturday, writes Phil Angove.

An Eagles squad decimated by unavailability made for an ominously quiet pre-match changing room as the players collectively pondered a fear of failure.

Perhaps this was justified with 45-year-old’s James Instance at centre, his match day contribution was exemplary, and club chairman/physio Neville Curnow on the bench.

The latter was not used, much to the relief of some club stalwarts including Arthur Williams, who jokingly said he would need resuscitating if he did step onto the pitch.

Inspirational skipper Justyn Irons cleverly manipulated the worries to generate a granite hard resolve to win in his team talk.

Kick-off unleashed 15 rabid Cornish mongrels whose velocity into bone jarring collisions became a feature of the game.

The patchwork Eagles pack, with wingman Nick Carne at hooker, repeatedly shunted Sarries off their own scrum ball and created numerous lengthy power mauls off line-out.

One of these created a first half try for talisman number eight Simon Bailey.

Sarries upped their physicality and the contest became what can only be described as a “big-hit fest".

The focal point of the game was the contribution of Irons, who scored two tries, one being a scintillating first half burst of speed and agility which scythed through the opposition defence.

Sarries responded with a well taken try by full-back Tom Rushden converted by Andy Clarke, making the half time score 16-7 to the visitors.

The second period saw Falmouth playing into the teeth of a strong gusting wind, which home fly-half Clarke cleverly used to his side’s advantage.

A remarkable piece of defence play by debutant Eagles wing Phil Morgan saved a certain try following an inch perfect kick by the talented Clarke.

Falmouth extended their lead with a further try and conversion by Irons.

At this point, Sarries seemed to run out of attacking options and opted for damage limitation in taking two well struck successful penalty kicks at goal.

This made the final score 23-13 to Falmouth, who will remember this performance as a game driven by a proud bunch of players on a mission for their beloved club.

FALMOUTH: 15 Burt, 14 Collette, 13 McKintyre, 12 J Instance, 11 Morgan, 10 Irons (c), 9 Tyson; 1 Searle, 2 Carne, 3 Church, 4 Dobson, 5 Baglow, 6 S Instance, 7 David, 8 Bailey.

REPS: Geach, Bullock, Curnow.

TRIES: Irons (2), Bailey.

CONS: Irons 1/3.

PENS: Irons (2).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Ollie Church.