Penryn 24, Tiverton 0

Penryn’s first home outing of 2020 turned out to be a good one, with a bonus point win and clean sheet against Tiverton. A superb first half laid the foundation for the Borough, who led 17-0 at the break before finishing the job in the second half in what was a fiery encounter in tough conditions, writes Ross Hancock.

Tiverton was the scene of a painful defeat earlier on in the season for Penryn and the home side were determined to put it right, doing just that with great aplomb. On a heavy pitch and against the wind in the first half, the Borough had their work cut out but produced some superb attacking rugby.

The home side welcomed back Mitchell Vague for his first appearance of the season and the fly half was integral to the home sides flowing attack. Tries from Kyle Bradley and Josh Chambers (with the latter converted by Sam Carter) defied the conditions in what was a scintillating spell.

Penryn attacked at every opportunity, often exiting with from deep by throwing the ball around and Tiverton simply had no answer. It got even better for the Borough before the break as Steele Barker slid in for Penryn’s third to make it 17-0 with the wind at their backs to come in the second 40.

It wouldn’t take long for the all important fourth try and bonus point to come, when replacement Tom Dixon dived in out wide early in the second half. Carter’s impressive conversion made it 24-0 and a cricket score looked on the cards. It wasn’t to be though, as the game entered somewhat of a lull in terms of points being scored.

In fact there would be no more points in the game, but that did spell another successful defensive display from Penryn who were again superb in that area. They repelled several strong mauls to keep their clean sheet intact which would have no doubt delighted the coaching the staff as they coasted home for the bonus point win.

It was a fantastic day for the club all round as a strong Saracens squad also got a win, beating St Ives 0-41 away from home. Tries from Will Freeman, Tom Townsend (3), Zane Goodwin, Paul Saberton and Mishka Fibbens did the damage.

Penryn: Bradley, Chambers, Hitchens, Seviour, Salisbury, Vague, Carter, Strick, Hellier, Rush, Bishop, Barker, Hughes, Jones, Randlesome. Reps: Napier, Dixon, Thirlby.

Tries: Bradley, Chambers, Barker, Dixon; Cons: Carter (2).