By Alan Richards

 

In the modern game where so much is made of professionalism and a team where the word aperture must be used, it was a pleasure to see two sides playing good old fashioned Rugby.  Both clubs should be proud of their teams after a game like this, where there was no evidence of any so called ‘Star’ player which made for a game that swung both ways and from start to finish the result could have gone either way.  

Both teams fielded a side with a good mix of youth, experience, speed and muscle.  Both sets of forwards were an equal for their opponents and the same can be said for the backs.

Due to the extent of the injury problem at Penryn it was an achievement just to field a side today, which was only possible thanks to many regulars and a couple dependable players and willingness by some to play where required.  

The opening exchanges were typical of the whole game, and both teams got an early taste of what could be taken from the game as well as realizing that the result was theirs to lose.  Much of the first half was played around the half way line as the territory and possession was also very equal.  The opening score was a well taken try for Penzance when Penryn gave a little too much space which was well exploited with a run in from the visitors’ 10 metre line.  A well taken conversion gave a valuable 7 point lead.  Penryn were not going to let this disrupt their play which was serving them well and came straight back into the game with  a Jake Preston Penalty which was soon followed by Preston running well for a fine try, again from distance to give Penryn an 8-7 lead at half time.

The second half started well for Penryn and a second penalty for Preston gave Penryn a little space to breath with a 4 point gap.  The play at this point was very much in the home half almost constantly as Penryn were able to keep their own try line very much behind them. However from a missed drop goal attempt by Penryn, the home team restarted and a knock on gave Penzance a scrum in midfield and from this they were able to score a try which was aided it must be said by a little uncharacteristic lack luster tackling.  A scoreline of 12-11 showed just how even the game was and a penalty for Penzance now reversed the earlier situation leaving Penryn requiring the try to win.  Old Father Time was not to be on Penryns side today, the final move of the match saw Penryn move the ball wide but were denied only a few metres short of success.

The game ended with both teams applauding each other in the manner fitting to the match and the sport in general.  It must also be noted that the team spirit and commitment showed by Penryn Saracens today was probably the best show so far this season.

 

Penryn Saracens

Alex Stutheridge, Andrew Gibbs-Riply, Will Paine, Jason Smith, Alan Richards, Jake Preston, Tian Peacock, Aaron Cockrell, Ben Birkett, Ethen Pattinson, Sean Hughes, Roger Truen, Travis Ashe, Jim Henderson, Steve Uphill.

 

Jake: Preston, Try, Con 2