A GUTSY performance saw the Cornish Rebels make it to their third South West Grand Final in a row on Saturday.

The reigning champions were given plenty to think about by Devon Sharks at Penryn, but the Cornishmen made the showpiece event courtesy of a 32-24 success.

Exeter Centurions, who topped the league table, await them in the final which takes place on Sunday.

Scrum-half Jamie Prisk led the Rebels out at the Memorial Ground, which had become the venue for the semi final after a date switch meant the hosts were unable to use their regular home at the Red in Redruth.

Having come down from Torquay for the day, the Sharks looked to be positive and opened the scoring through winger Jack Carlisle as the visitors dominated the opening ten minutes.

However, the Rebels soon responded as prop Andrius Zachorovas powered over the whitewash before Prisk added another, which he also converted.

By half time though, the Sharks had got back in front as Carlisle grabbed his second try and stand-off Jack Kieller got on the scoreboard too.

Prisk slotted home a penalty late on in the first half to keep the Rebels within a try of their opponents and they returned from the interval in feisty mood as James Martin dived in after Nick Carne was brought down ten metres short.

Pete Collett then extended the hosts' lead with a try but visiting prop Paul Cartwright kept his side in with a shout as he dotted down to complete a fine performance.

There would be no further fightback from the Sharks as Pete Mabbott and Aaron Henry pushed the Rebels too far ahead, making Tom French's late try mere consolation.

Following on from the Grand Final, the final County of Origin test will see Cornwall take on Devon at Teignmouth on August 23.

REBELS: L Thomas, Carne, Trerise, D Thomas, Mabbott, Collett, Prisk, Wright, Henry, Zachorouvas, Reynolds, Bartle, Beasley.

REPS: Durant, Martyn, Rhodes.

TRIES: Zachorovas, Prisk, Collett, Martin, Mabbott, Henry.

CONS: Prisk 4/6.

PEN: Prisk.