By Martin Symons
NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO (WEST)
Camborne 29 Luctonians 22
THE hosts deservedly triumphed in a high quality table-topping National Two West clash with Luctonians in front of a large crowd at the Recreation Ground.
The hosts had to withstand plenty of early pressure against the slope, but eventually Luctonians settled for a 30-metre penalty on six minutes.
‘Town’ responded by promptly working their way upfield, and soon enough a catch and drive was scored by hooker Ben Priddey. Kyle Moyle’s conversion made it 7-3.
Still inside the first quarter the home side set up another catch and drive score for Priddey; remarkably his 19th touchdown already this season.
Leading 12-3 in a purple patch, Camborne thought they had increased the lead, but a Harry Larkins try was chalked off as scrum-half CJ Boyce’s scoring pass was adjudged forward.
As the half wore on the visitors had the upper hand and pressured the line repeatedly ,before an unconverted score reduced the deficit to only four points at the break.
The Cherry and Whites made a dream start to the second period with centre Josh Matavesi immediately bursting through the Luctonians cover and offloading to Jordan Nicholls who marked his 150th outing in a Camborne jersey with a vital try. Full-back Moyle converted for 19-8.
Capitalising on the slope and possession, the home side pinned the visitors deep and eventually a 57th minute penalty conceded in front of the posts enabled Moyle to slot a regulation kick to increase the advantage.
Crucially Camborne then soon bagged the bonus point try. A catch and drive was halted in front of the West Bank and Boyce, Matavesi, replacement Josh Bellamy and Moyle shipped passes across the back line to allow right wing Larkins to score in the corner. Moyle’s wide angled conversion sailed over as ‘Town’ went almost out of sight at 29-8 with a little over 10 minutes remaining.
Luctonians showed their quality by quickly hitting back with a converted try to cut the deficit, and a second got them to within seven for a deserved losing bonus point, but the hosts held firm to retain their 100% home record.
CAMBORNE: Moyle, Larkins, Gilbert, Matavesi, Ducker, Hennessy, Boyce; Southworth, Priddey, Drew (capt), Heazleton, Andrew, Sheppard, Nicholls, Rose. Replacements: Rodman, Hughes, Brassington, Bellamy, Wilding.
Tries: Priddey 2, Nicholls, Larkins; Convs: Moyle 3; Pens: Moyle.
Camborne man of the match: Josh Matavesi.
NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO WEST (SATURDAY)
Redruth moved further clear of trouble as they ran in five tries to beat strugglers Macclesfield 34-19 at the Rec.
The Reds knew a win was imperative but found themselves 14-3 down inside 18 minutes against a side that ran the ball as much as possible.
But a three-try burst, helped by a yellow card to visiting lock Benedict Blackburn, in nine minutes changed the momentum as tries from Matt Pritchard, Chris Mills and Tommy Phillips gave the rampant Reds a 22-14 half-time lead.
Visiting number eight JamesOliver was shown a yellow card and soon after – in the 48th minute – man of the match Pritchard barrelled over.
Both teams had their moments, but the hosts extended their lead further on the hour via centre Sam James (34-14).
Harry Oliver scored his second with 16 to play, but despite plenty of attacks as they sought a crucial bonus point, the ninth-placed Reds stood firm before Saturday’s trip to Hinckley.
REDRUTH: Johnson, Wigginton, Simmons, James, Levick, Wills, Rigelsford; Phillips, Pritchard, Gendall, Prisk, Pascoe (capt), Triggs, King, Mills. Replacements: Tompsett, Hambly, Rovery, Dart, Buzza.
Tries: Pritchard (2), Mills, Phillips, James; Convs: Wills (3); Pens: Wills.
Redruth man of the match: Matt Pritchard.