PENRYN 7pts EXETER A XV 80pts Penryn RFC met Exeter 2nd XV in a practice match on Sunday and The Chiefs showed clearly the difference in standards and fitness between the professionals in National League 1 and the amateurs in South West 2 (four leagues below them).

This was the second match for Exeter as they played at Redruth on Saturday. There were big scores in each game, but on Sunday, the Borough came out with a great deal of credit.

One thing that showed was the commitment of those players who formed the squad. As the objective was match practice both clubs used a programme of rolling subs throughout, and Penryn were able to give all of their new players a period on the pitch.

The Borough seemed a little hesitant at the start and Exeter ran in four tries in the first 20 minutes, with Dave Alred, recently of Launceston converting all four. However, this did not last as Penryn's confidence began to grow and the game became more even, with the young home side completely and utterly committed.

They were rewarded with a fine try by Nick Brown, unfortunately playing his last game for Penryn as he has moved to London. This was converted by Ian Morgan to cut Exeter's lead to 28-7 at half time.

Unfortunately, it was largely one-way traffic in the second half, as the superior fitness of the professional side began to tell and the game ended with the visitors scoring a total of 12 tries, ten of which were converted by Dave Aldred.

Coach Simon Moyle was, however, very pleased with the squad. Newcomers full back Dan Prout, ex Launceston, and centre Charlie Ross, ex National 3 side Havant, combined well with Ian Morgan, whilst in the forwards the front row, with props Steve Patterson, John Court and Dan Kirk rotating, together with new hooker Matt Tarby made a solid platform.

Chris Cole and Adam Doney combined well in the second row and the back row of Ed Lawrence, signed from Truro, Toby Freeman and Richard Burns worked well together. It was also encouraging that some Camborne School of Mines players helped to make up the subs bench. Several of last year's 1st XV were absent. When they return the season begins to look bright.

The second trial game kicks off at 3 pm on Sunday when the Borough entertain the Launceston Development XV.

Penryn will select a squad after training on Thursday, but as this is a trial game, with rolling substitutions, any player wishing to be considered for a 1st XV place is welcome to come along.

The season opens with a friendly against Mounts Bay on September 2. This is intended as a gala day with a barbecue, so supporters are urged to come along to this fun day, and a chance to see the "new look" Borough in action against one of teams who replaced them in South West II. It will also be the final trial before the first league game at Newton Abbott on September 9.