Exeter Saracens 28, Falmouth 48

FALMOUTH recorded a bonus point victory in an entertaining match away to Exeter Saracens, helping them maintain their position in the top four of the Devon and Cornwall league. Heady days indeed for Falmouth fans who are enjoying this brand of exciting, winning rugby, writes James Instance.

The Eagles scored six tries in a first half which they completely dominated, making the most of the conditions which were in their favour. Hooker Chris Pollard opening the account after three minutes with a routine catch and drive from five metres.

Shortly after, Nick Carne, starting in the back row after recent appearances on the wing and at hooker made a clean break through the defence and offloaded to David Jones for the first of his two tries, this one converted by Justin Irons.

Good luck played a sizeable part in Falmouth's next score, an overthrown line out, 5 metres from the tryline, landed straight into hands of the unsuspecting Dan Kirk standing at the back of the line, who made the most of his good fortune and romped across to score.

The Eagles fourth score was undoubtedly the best of the match, from a scrum in the 22 a neat training field move between Tom Spiller and Irons set up a ruck 2 metres from the line, Simon Bailey squirrelling over the try line, Irons converting.

Falmouth had complete management of the game by this stage, with control in the scrums, forcing turnovers and the backs carving through every time they had the ball. Nick Carne, typifying the threat, after 30 minutes kicked forward a loose ball, collecting himself and scoring under the posts, Irons again converting for a 31-0 lead.

In the last minute of the half Exeter Saracens at last got a toehold in the match when fly half Andrew Clarke, facing a full defensive line, broke through a weak tackle to score, converting himself. Flushed with success Saracens then attempted to attack from deep in their own half and lost control of the ball, when a kick to touch to end the half would have been the sensible option, centre David Jones dancing through the defence for his second, Irons converting for a 38-7 halftime score.

With the bonus point and victory apparently secured the second half was a haphazard but entertaining affair. Exeter Saracens making use of the strong wind with a series of long kicks downfield inviting Falmouth to counter attack, this they did with mixed results, with some great attacking but also losing the ball on occasion. Greg Davies the Exeter wing picking up and sweeping down the line for the first score of the second period.Worryingly for Falmouth, there was an ankle injury for influential number 8 Simon Bailey, who will miss a few matches recovering.

The fast and loose nature of both teams' play led to tit for tat scores, Mark Leah scoring for Falmouth before Exeter's most dangerous player, centre Matt Hilton , scored twice in quick succession, both being converted by Clarke, 43-28, with 10 minutes left to play.

If an unlikely comeback was on the horizon, the Eagles sealed the win with another score, wing Ian Rowe stepping past his opponent for the final points of the day.

Both sets of supporters were happy with the result, Falmouth by securing a 5 point win on the road and Exeter Saracens demonstrating great heart to fight back and score 4 tries and secure a losing bonus point.

Next week Falmouth will host Plymstock Albion Oaks who sit just below them in the table.

Falmouth, Tries, Jones 2, Bailey, Pollard, Carne, Leah, Kirk, Rowe. Conversions Irons 4.

Exeter Saracens, Tries, Hilton 2, Clarke, Davies. Conversions Clarke 4.

Falmouth: Symons, Rowe, Jones, Edmonds, Leah, Irons, Spiller, Kirk, Pollard, Searle, Baglow, David, Simmons, Carne, Bailey.

Reps, Geach, Martin,