In the first clash of the local rivals in the league for six years, it was appropriate for the good sized crowd to hear the Marine Band marching into the ground and ensuring that everyone in the Clubhouse joined in with “Trelawney” and other songs before the start of the game.
Falmouth started proceedings playing into the breeze and producing their game plan, moving the ball amongst the backs almost immediately providing a result with winger Tom Edmonds going over in the corner, the conversion attempt failed.
The play continued with the home side attacking from anywhere forcing the visitors to concede ground and penalties - one of which Captain Justyn Irons converts.
Play swung from end to end with the home backs looking far more dangerous than their opponents, after losing possession Falmouth are penalised and Matt Horton converts the penalty and visitors have points on the board.
The home team return to the attack and using their most potent play Tom Simmons break from the scrum and with his other back row as support pulls defenders out of position to release full back David Jones to scorch over in the corner. The conversion fails but Falmouth are now in control of the game and remain so until half time.
Half time saw the score at 13 points to 3 for the hosts.
From the start of the second half the visitors look to use the weight advantage of their forwards and the shape of the match changes, Falmouth are now being forced to defend and are not able to produce good possession for their backs to exploit.
The scrums become difficult for the home team with the back row being obliged to play on the retreat and losing possession, the visitors kick to the corners and from any successful line-outs threaten with forward drives.
Penalties are awarded but Penryn fly half Horton cannot find his range. The home defence stands firm under pressure but the referee penalises Falmouth for “popping up” in a scrum and awards Penryn a penalty try, Horton converts and Penryn are within 3 points.
When play resumes Falmouth attack ferociously, centre Ben Ackner breaks through and goes over the line, the referee believes the ball is “held up” to the fury of Falmouth who all believe a try has been scored, the referee instead of ordering an attacking scrum on the 5 metre line gives Penryn a penalty and they clear the danger.
The remainder of the half revolves around Falmouth defending from Penryn forward drives, 2 penalties from long range by Horton sail wide of the posts, the final whistle goes Falmouth record their 5th straight victory and stay top of the league table.
Report written by Hugh Murton. Photo by Bronwen Sewell.
