FALMOUTH 10 pts Tries: James Cremin, James Greville- Smith WADEBRIDGE 10 pts Tries: Ollie Hawkey, Miles Davey Falmouth: J. Cremin, S. Langdon, T. Colvin, K. Hughes, S. Instance, C. Snell, J. Allen, B. Short, L. Chapple, R. Hambly, G. Leaver, J. Instance (capt), M. Slater, D. Pellow, J. Greville-Smith. Replacements: G. Pond, T. Spiller, A. Palmer.WADEBRIDGE, unbeaten since last September and lying second in the Cornwall and Devon League, came to the Recreation Ground determined to consolidate their strong position against a Falmouth team which needed a good game after suffering two close defeats in early January.

The spectators were not disappointed as both sides fought hard throughout in very windy conditions on a pitch which was heavy underfoot after the recent downpours. At the final whistle honours were even and a draw was probably a fair result, but Falmouth will reflect on scoring two well-worked tries while permitting their opponents to break away against the run of play to share the game.

Wadebridge kicked off with a strong wind behind them and should have been camped in the Falmouth half for most of the first session, but they came up against a determined and revitalised Falmouth team which gained possession quickly and protected the ball well to keep their visitors well out of reach.

Falmouth's start was aggressive and also creative as they moved the ball wide with confidence to stretch the defence and exciting breaks by Darren Pellow and Michael Slater were only just snuffed out in the nick of time.

The heavier Wadebridge pack tried to keep the ball tight and drive upfield but they came up against an organised defence, led by the Falmouth back row of James Allen, Chris Snell and Ben Short, which not only confined them to midfield but also snaffled the ball at breakdown.

Falmouth's forwards and backs combined well to set up the position for the first score. Wadebridge were unsettled by a series of rucks on their line from which Falmouth were awarded two penalties for infringements caused by desperation. On the second one Liam Chapple took a quick tap and fed James Cremin on the left for the agile prop to force his way over to make it 5-0.

The conversion was missed as were all the other kicks at goal in this match and Falmouth were clearly in command.

However, Wadebridge came back with a change of tactic which concentrated on the power of their captain, Glyn Gynn, at number 8, who made valuable ground from the back of a succession of scrums to take play over the half way line. Falmouth seemed to have the threat well covered but Wadebridge were clever enough to give flanker Miles Davey the ball with just enough space and the number 7 tore down the field to score near the posts.

This was a setback for the home side, but the kickoff was deep and Wadebridge were forced into mistakes. With a loose ball well won, Steve Instance charged forward and set up a ruck from which the Falmouth threequarters moved the ball smartly to the right and at pace. The passes were spot on and full back James Greville-Smith entered the line to burst through a wide gap and so take the score to 10-5 at half time.

Falmouth now had the benefit of the wind and initially used it well to set up good attacking positions near the Wadebridge try-line. It seemed that the pressure was so constant that a score must come and eventually it did, but at the wrong end from a Falmouth point of view. As Falmouth pushed for the vital next score with their pack keeping possession and hammering at the Wadebridge line, the ball was spilled and Wadebridge broke out with great effect.

Slick interpassing moved the ball quickly to the left and gave left wing Ollie Hawkey enough space to break clear. The cover seemed to be in place to cut him off but the winger accelerated away and won the race to the Falmouth line to level the scores.

Wadebridge finished the half the stronger side as their bulkier forwards kept possession and drove Falmouth back, but the tackling remained resolute, with Falmouth's man-of-the-match, Kevin Hughes, doing valiant work in the loose and lineout to keep the visitors in check.

Falmouth fully deserved their point in this hard but entertaining match and must now feel more confident about the match at home to Wessex next Saturday, 2.30pm.