Falmouth 26, Bude 34

FOLLOWING the 70-point mauling received in the corresponding fixture in September, to lose to the league leaders by just eight points appears a decent result, writes James Instance.

But Falmouth were disappointed not to get at least a bonus losing point as they nearly staged a great comeback, in an entertaining match at the Recreation Ground.

Falmouth fielded a full strength side including new signing, lock forward John Lamsin and could reflect that they were unlucky to have conceded four tries in the first half, but this would be to ignore the dynamic that the visitors brought to the game.

Bude don't look to control possession but press strongly in defence, put pressure on the attacking team and when they get the ball move it quickly to space and in Dan Pearce and Kyle Speare, the two outstanding players on the field, they possess that most precious of talents - genuine pace.

The first try followed a turnover and breakaway from Speare, Bude were awarded a penalty but using the advantage, quickly shifted play wide and Speare finished the move cutting back and crossing under the posts, Pearce converting.

Falmouth replied with an Irons penalty before the visitors extended their advantage, the Eagles trying to run out of their own 22 were caught in possession, turned over and Pearce sent away to score in the corner.

Bude used the choke tackle to great effect, targeting ball carriers, Bailey and McColl with 2 or 3 tacklers, stopping them from getting to ground and getting the put in at the scrum.

Their advantage was extended through tries from skipper and number 8 Joe Wilson, who firstly collected an offload from wing Will Green, who had weaved through the Eagles defence and then steered a driving maul over the line following a quick tap penalty to secure a try scoring bonus point.

Two further penalties, from Irons kept the hosts in touch with Pearce also putting one over to leave the halftime score 25-9 to the visitors.

Irons converted an early penalty to start the second period as Falmouth changed tactics, by rushing forward in defence to increase pressure and more secure with the ball, the Eagles began to push Bude backwards. However the speed of mind and body of the visitors was again demonstrated when Speare, taking advantage of a dropped ball, darted through under the posts, Pearce converting.

Coach Whitmore is developing a Falmouth team with great character as with the home crowd shouting them on, Falmouth battled to threaten the most unlikely of comebacks, replacement Jon Baglow neatly offloading for Matt Leah to score. Then, following a scrum in the 22 Tom Spiller tipped a pass onto Leah to score his second. With 5 minutes left the Eagles were within 8 points but were unable to add to the score, denying them a bonus losing point which on balance was fully deserved.

Next week the Eagles face another challenge with an away fixture at St Ives.

Falmouth: Searle, Geach, Kirk, Lamsin, David, McColl, Simmons, Bailey, Tyson, Irons, Job, Kindjarsky, Spiller, Leah, Symons, Reps, Church, Baglow, Biggins.