Topsham 11, Penryn 28

Penryn recorded an impressive bonus point win away at Topsham in a hard fought encounter.

The away side travelled with a lengthy injury list, but it was testament to the strength in depth of the squad that they turned in such a commanding performance on the road.

The home side, promoted into the division for this season, were a new test for the Borough and the hefty home pack came out firing.

With a healthy crowd, the Topsham forwards carried hard into their Penryn counterparts but the visitors were equal to it, setting the tone for an excellent defensive display.

The home side did take the lead with a penalty but Penryn scored the first try. The centre partnership of Andrew Seviour and Sam Hitchens combined well for the latter to canter in virtually unopposed. Matt Horton missed the conversion on what was a difficult day for the kicker.

No sooner had Penryn taken the lead that they were pegged back by a fortunate home try that came from a charged down kick. Again it wasn't converted but Penryn trailed 8-5.

They wrestled back the lead before the break, mainly thanks to their powerful set piece.

A strong scrum gave Jordan Rose the platform to break and send in Horton for Penryn's second try. The winger couldn't convert his own score.

Leading by two at the beginning of the second period, the hosts snuck back in front temporarily with a penalty goal to take the score to 11-10 - but it would be short lived.

Penryn had been starved of possession in the first half but were beginning to ramp up the tempo. Camped on the home line, Penryn struck from close range through captain George Jones. Horton couldn't convert the try but did add a crucial penalty soon after to take the lead to seven.

It had been a tough battle, but Penryn were well worth their lead, however they didn't just settle for the three tries they already had in the bag. Another excellent break from Seviour set up replacement Colin Campbell who finished well to secure the bonus point and put the game to bed.

There was still time for James Salisbury to add a fifth as Penryn put some deserved gloss on the scoreboard. Penryn welcome bottle of the table Honiton this Saturday as they look to keep up the pressure on top of the table Falmouth.

Penryn: Hinchley, Salisbury, Hitchens, Seviour, Horton, Banks, Peacock, Burley, Birkett, Goldsworthy, Hancock, Tedstone, Randlesome, Jones, Rose reps: Cockerell, Creeden, Campbell.

Tries: Hitchens, Horton, Jones, Campbell, Salisbury

Pen: Horton