CAMBORNE came desperately close to a second successive win on the road but a late penalty condemned the spirited Cherry and Whites to a narrow one point defeat.

Town will now look to bounce back at the Rec when they entertain relegation worriers St Austell for an important Cornish derby which is set to be the match of the day for followers of the oval ball in the Duchy.

For the game in Somerset, Gareth Mankee switched to full-back and responded with a man-of-the-match performance whilst in the forwards James Goldsworthy caught the eye with an industrious display.

On a heavy pitch, the Cherry and Whites had first use of the slope and worked up a 12 point lead playing with commitment and purpose.

Young Mankee did well to set up Alex Ducker for the opening try of the game and as the interval neared, the winger raced over again to complete his brace.

Fly-half David Mankee converted the second score but as the interval neared Wells opened their account with a drop goal for 12-3 at the break.

Early in the second period the home side bagged a disputed try which was converted to reduce the arrears.

Camborne were frequently forced to defend in the remainder of the game but resolute defence and determined tackling looked likely to be enough to hold on for the victory.

Deep inside the final quarter, Wells then snatched the lead but there was still time for the visitors to go patiently through several phases of attack before coming up agonisingly short on the final whistle.

CAMBORNE: 15 G Mankee, 14 Floyd, 13 Kevern, 12 Kenward, 11 Ducker, 10 D Mankee, 9 Peacock; 1 Zachorovas, 2 Bartle, 3 Hearn, 4 Lawton, 5 Kemp, 6 Goldsworthy, 7 Bone, 8 Roberts.

REPS: Moyle, Sheers, Woolcock.

TRIES: Ducker (2).

CONS: D Mankee 1/2.