HEARTBREAK was felt by the Cornish Rebels as they were defeated 49-24 by Exeter Centurions on Saturday in the South West Men's League Cup Final.

Having been beaten 38-26 in last year's showpiece event, the Devon side were looking in get revenge on their Duchy counterparts and managed to do so in a thrilling match played in Saltash.

A bright start was produced by the Centurions as they neared the try-line earlier on, only to see loose forward Alex Ford knock-on when he was just inches away from scoring.

The Rebels struggled to get out the ball upfield and Scott Diack managed to get through a gap to bag the game's first try, which Alex Edwards converted.

Second-row Ash Lawton hit back quickly though as he dived over the whitewash, but a lack of organisation in defence proved to be the Rebels' downfall during the afternoon with the Centurions exploiting these gaps to increase their advantage.

Craig Sutton received an injury to his head in the build-up to another Exeter try, forcing him off for the remainder of the match and more despair was had when a kick from Sam Carter was intercepted by Sam Conway, who ran the length of the pitch to score.

It was then Rob Price's turn to exploit a gap to dot down before Conway added a drop goal toward the half's end.

Winger Alex Ducker had been introduced by this stage and had already been unlucky not to bag tries from a couple of chances when in the last play before the break, he dashed over the line at last.

Even with this slight bit of momentum going in their favour, the Rebels could not capitalise as Exeter came out in the second half looking well organised.

Tries from Xander Seddon and Alex Edwards put more daylight between the teams, but the Cornishmen did not give up with two scores of their own, including a fantastic move finished off by Ducker.

Martyn Lawrance also dotted down for the defending champions after receiving a clever offload from team-mate Jamie Prisk.

However, it would prove to be the Centurions who would have the final say in the match despite Ducker completing his hat-trick.

Josh Barrett, Ben Higgins and Ed Powell all went over for Exeter to secure the victory and grasp the trophy away from the Rebels.

North Devon Raiders are due to visit Redruth on Saturday for a South West Premier League match before attentions turn to the second County of Origin Series game.

Cornwall and Devon will clash at Launceston's Polson Bridge on July 4, after the Duchy were beaten by their fierce rivals in May's opening match.