Camborne 27, Launceston 20

Camborne deservedly took the spoils in front of a good sized Cornish derby crowd as they outscored Launceston by three tries to one at the Recreation Ground.

As a result the Cherry & Whites remain in third spot in the South West Premier table ahead of this weekend’s long trip to Maidenhead who sit one place below them.

‘Town’ dominated the early exchanges playing down the slope and eventually went ahead on 13 minutes when No 8 Jordan Rose’s well timed pass allowed impressive full back Jake Champion to show his strength to go over near the posts. Rhys Brownfield’s conversion made the score 7-0.

In their first real attack at the end of the opening quarter the visitors hit back when skipper Lloyd Duke ran on to a grubber kick ahead to dot down but the conversion attempt came back off a post.

Camborne soon extended their lead when strong carries from flanker Martyn Lawrence and prop Jon Drew took play deep into Launceston territory from where Tommy Southworth was mauled over. Fly half Brownfield knocked over the extras and was then on target with a penalty on the half time whistle to send his team into the break 17-5 up.

Although a well struck Dan Pearce penalty soon after the resumption cut the deficit Camborne quickly moved well clear on the scoreboard when skipper Rose made a charge upfield which led to hooker Southworth bagging a carbon copy of his earlier effort improved by Brownfield for 24-8.

Pearce then kicked another long range goal and a yellow card for lock Damien Cook reduced the home complement with wing Pearce again landing the resulting penalty reducing the arrears to only ten points.

Launceston got closer with a 4th penalty success for Pearce but a 68th minute regulation penalty from Brownfield took the score to 27-17.

Late on the visitors snatched a losing bonus point when Pearce put over another excellent angled penalty but Camborne sent their supporters home happy as they saw out the closing stages for the win.

Camborne: J Champion, L Thomas, J Semmens, R Gurnett, T Nicholas, R Brownfield, T Peacock, A Zacharovas, T Southworth, J Drew, J Goldsworthy, D Cook, M Lawrence, J Nicholls, J Rose (capt). Reps: M Hearn, A Riches, A Long.

Scorers: Tries - Southworth 2, Champion; Cons, Brownfield 3; Pens, Brownfield 2.