EVEN though the conditions would have tested top level rugby players, Penryn and Exeter University produced a wonderful exhibition on Saturday.
On a day where tries were scarce at games across the region, these two sides ran in ten for the spectators packed into a damp Memorial Ground for the Western Counties West clash.
By the time the 80 minutes were completed it was the Students who had just edged in front as they secured a 38-29 win.
However, Penryn had plenty of chances to record a victory and at one point in the second half led by 12 points.
Exeter showed why they are currently second in the division by putting in a fantastic effort during the final quarter of the match to depart with five points.
The visitors' position on the table is under threat though as they face a 50 points deduction for fielding ineligible players against Tiverton and Teignmouth.
They have appealed against the ruling.
By half time, the scores were level at 17-17 and shortly after the restart, Penryn bagged two tries to move ahead.
Ben Ashwin and Phil Hinchley work hard at a ruck to try turning the ball over. Picture: CORNISHPHOTOS
Fitness looked to play a part though in the final 20 minutes and the Students dominated the quarter with three tries to see them home.
Ted Landray was in good kicking form for the visitors as he landed all five conversion attempts plus a penalty which meant Borough would have to settle for a single try bonus point.
In their last home match, against Tiverton, full-back Mike Creeden scored two tries for Penryn and he repeated the trick again.
His first was a fine individual effort as Creeden beat three defenders before sprinting over.
Winger Jack Willey played a big part in his team-mate’s second try as his excellent break created the opportunity, with the forwards and backs linking up well in the build-up.
Captain George Jones, who has been called into the Cornwall senior training squad, also got on the scoresheet when from a scrum inside Penryn's half, the ball was passed around before the flanker got over.
Josh Chambers’ finished off another fine passing move by Borough before lock Ben Ashwin dotted down from a driving maul.
Penryn’s next match is away at Kingsbridge on Saturday.
Mike Creeden runs in for a try. Picture: CORNISHPHOTOS
PENRYN: 15 Creeden, 14 Chambers, 13 Jordan, 12 Seviour, 11 Willey, 10 M Strick, 9 N Strick; 1 Oldfield, 2 Booth, 3 A Strick, 4 Hughes, 5 Ashwin, 6 Jones (c), 7 P Hinchley, 8 Randlesome.
REPS: Hoban, Burley, Horton.
TRIES: Creeden (2), Jones, Chambers, Ashwin.
CONS: M Strick 2/5.
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