Saturday, January 2

Falmouth 8

WITH the weather having taken its toll over recent weeks, it was a relief to get this rescheduled league fixture out of the way. It was an even bigger relief to have won it and so complete a run of 10 consecutive league victories.

Falmouth have improved significantly during the season and were themselves looking for their fourth successive league win.

Overall, our hosts dominated possession and territory and whilst we did not play particularly well, our defence was solid and restricted them to very few opportunities, in fact we did look sharper on the few occasions that we managed to put some handling moves together.

It was a general lack of match practice combined with the indulgences of Christmas and New Year celebrations which gave our performance a somewhat rusty look.

The opening spell was allFalmouth but whilst they kept the ball, they failed to make any significant inroads and seldom threatened our line.

With that initial onslaught repelled, our first foray into their '22' brought a try.

Young colts Tom Foan, in the starting lineup for the first time, made good ground up the right touch before being hauled down short of the line, however the ball was recycled quickly and leading try scorer this season Matt Shapland was on the end of the move to score in the other corner.

Falmouth hit back quickly and earned themselves a penalty when we encroached offside at a ruck and the arrears were reduced to two points.

As the interval approached, and the Falmouth penalty was kicked to the corner and the resulting lineout brought them a classic catch and drive try to put them ahead 8-5.

A superb Neil Branton trademark tackle prevented a further score in the corner and on the stroke of half-time the home backs were caught offside and seasoned performer Dan Howard levelled the score.

Falmouth began the second period as they did the first, keeping possession but doing very little with it, creating one good chance which was fluffed.

Again our defence was rock like and prevented the home side from getting remotely close to the line.

The game was won in the final quarter and again Foan was involved as he put pressure on his opposite number and the forwards appeared and turned over possession.

Swift hands saw the ball with centre Mike Pearce who outpaced the defence from 40 metres to score out wide.

Falmouth came back strongly but were kept at bay although there were a few anxious moments near the end we held our nerve to record a welcome away win.

The win has kept the momentum going, securing second spot in the league although Exeter Saracens do have four games in hand, the pressure will be on them to win them all.

By the same token we too will have to be wary with a tough run of fixtures notably away at Sarries and home to Wellington in the next two weeks.

PH