Last Sunday saw a truly epic final between, arguably the top two sides at this age group in Cornwall and the game lived up to everything that was expected of it. Penryn suffered an early upset when stalwart prop Sam Kruse was injured in the warm up and was unable to play but up stepped Gus Teakle to have the game of his life. Penryn started exactly as their coaches had wanted them to and despite the heat of the day played at a very high tempo. The Penryn scrum was under pressure from the start against the heavier Penzance boys however through the ability of hooker Aiden Spargo assisted by props Teakle and Rob Sara they were were still able to take some strikes against the head. This gave a good platform from which scrum half Rory Christopher and fly half Kyle Laycock were able to dictate the game. The Penryn backs launched some determined runs at the Penzance midfield but some ferocious tackling prevented them from breaking through and it became obvious that it would take something special to break down a very organised defence. The something special came from a line out on the Penzance 22 yard line which was cleanly won by number 8, and captain Ryan Churcher. A clean and accurate pass from Christopher gave Laycock the room in which to work a training ground move which saw a dummy scissors to inside centre Jamie Collins and an arced run straight through the hole left by the defender marshalling Collins. Laycock touched down for the first score of the game. The conversion, not an easy kick was successful by Churcher. In the first half Penzance were not able to form any patterns of play and this was mainly due to the pressure that Penryn were putting them under at every break down. The Penryn forwards showed huge determination at every ruck winning the majority of the 50/50 balls and as usual unsung hero Tom Collinson was instrumental in securing the lose ball. Penryn's second try came through Collins who collected a lose ball on the right wing and ran a huge arcing run, beating several would be tacklers to touch down on the left wing for the try. This conversion was as difficult as they come and the referee, quite rightly insisted that it was taken on the touch line. The kick was superb but missed by a meter.

 

The second half saw a change at full back for Penryn with Jack Gledowe replacing Robbie Frost who had injured his shoulder in a tackle. Penzance now had the wind at their backs and had their best phase of the game pinning Penryn back within their 22 yard line for a good 10 minutes. They launched numerous attacks through their forwards as well as through their very strong running centre Tom Holdsworth but to no avail as the Penryn tackling was, at times faultless. A number of times it looked as if Holdsworth would break through but last ditch tackling by Collins and centre partner Alex Stephens saved the day for Penryn. Clearance kicks from Christopher and Laycock eased the pressure several times before Christopher fly hacked through a lose ball which left wing AJ Nancholas scooped up to race in from half way to score under the posts. The conversion by Churcher was successful. This was a true body blow for Penzance who had worked extremely hard with no reward to show for it. Changes were now made to the Penryn team with Bradley Aimable replacing an outstanding Dominic Ffitch on the right wing and Kieran Pooley replacing Spargo at hooker. Penryn now had their heads up and with some fresh legs on took the game to Penzance. No more defending their own line they attacked at every opportunity. The back row of Churcher, Adam Hughes and Jordan Hand were everywhere supporting and carrying ball forward.

 

The final score of the game came through lock Drew Cochran who collected a lose ball from a ruck and then ran half the length of the pitch evading a number of tackles and showing his trade mark had off to all who tried. With the majority of the crowd shouting for him to offload the ball to anyone of three supporting players Cochran took it upon himself to score, a brilliant individual effort. Unfortunately the conversion was unsuccessful.

 

The final whistle saw scenes of jubilation for the Penryn boys who have waited a long time to call themselves Cornish Champions. Penzance will go away and regroup for next season and being the great side that they are will come seeking revenge in our next encounter. Nothing should be taken away from the outstanding effort put in by the Penryn boys against a very talented Penzance outfit. To prevent Penzance scoring a point was truly remarkable and a testament to the determination and commitment shown by everyone in the Penryn team.