By Martin Symons at The Nest
NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO (WEST)
Hornets 31 Camborne 34
CAMBORNE remain top of the National Two West pile after a deserved hard-fought victory away at Hornets.
The Cherry & Whites went behind to an early try in Weston-super-Mare, but were soon in front when centre Josh Matavesi went over near the posts on seven minutes for Kyle Moyle to convert.
Midway through the half full-back Moyle went close to a touchdown on the left flank before the home side bagged a converted catch and drive score to take the lead.
‘Town’ then crucially enjoyed a purple patch prior to the interval including a brace of tries that saw them surge 22-12 up.
First, fit again centre Will Hennessy gave an excellent offload out of the tackle to create an opportunity for Sam Walker to stroll in under the crossbar. Moyle added the extras and soon after was on target again, converting his own touchdown after he squeezed over wide out.
On the half-time whistle Camborne opted for the posts with a long range penalty which Moyle duly landed in style.
A lapse from the resumption allowed Hornets to get back in the game with a converted try reducing the arrears to 22-19.
The Cherry & Whites response was impressive with Moyle rounding off a spell of pressure with a chip and chase try for the bonus point.
Moments later strong defence from skipper Matavesi forced the home side into a loose pass and right wing Harry Larkins latched onto the bouncing ball before racing 70 metres to the try line.
Fly-half Walker’s angled conversion gave the visitors a 34-19 advantage.
Hornets though would not lie down and an unconverted try on 66 minutes set up a tense finish.
Late on the home side bagged a further converted try to ensure a second losing bonus point, but the Cherry and Whites were not to be denied another important victory.
All roads will now lead to the Recreation Ground this Saturday as second-placed Clifton visit for a top of the table showdown which kicks off at 2pm.
By David Sillifant
NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO WEST
Redruth 31 Old Redcliffians 29
DAN Rutter’s late penalty ensured Redruth gained revenge on their last-ditch defeat in the return fixture as they edged past Old Redcliffians 31-29 at the Rec.
The Cornishmen have been good in form in recent weeks but found themselves 10-0 down inside 16 minutes.
After a quick start from the visitors, winger Ollie Stratton went over in the corner on five minutes, before the lead was doubled by Sam Rees.
On 27 minutes Redruth halved the arrears via prop Jess Tompsett which was added to by Rutter’s conversion.
But within two minutes the Bristolians grabbed a third try via Harrison Murphy, but for the third time Ash Groves failed with the conversion (7-15).
Redruth then produced a match-changing spell before the break as they scored twice to go in ahead at 21-15.
First, hooker Tommy Phillips crashed over before scrum-half Will Rigelsford sniped his way to the line. Rutter added both kicks for 21-15.
The next try was crucial and it was Redruth who got it as inside-centre Sam James dotted down, and with Rutter adding a fourth conversion there was daylight.
Stratton and Murphy added their second tries on 56 and 64 minutes respectively, with replacement kicker Zac Tomlin slotting both for a 29-28 lead with 15 to play.
But Rutter landed a penalty for 31-29 with 13 minutes to play, and despite some late pressure Redruth held on for a fine success before a deserved week off.