Following the surprise cancellation from Penryn in the cup this weekend Falmouth Coaches were able to name a “Development” team at The Recreation Ground against a very willing St Austell 2nds.
Eagles Coach Chris Morgan took the opportunity to marshal proceedings for the day ably assisted by 1st Team Manager Nick Winston and First Team captain Justin Irons.
Falmouth kicked off against a very light wind coming from Tregenver Road end and within 5 minutes Falmouth stole the ball and had scored a very good try by Seb Firth following some very fine handling going over in the corner. Firth unfortunately missed the conversion.
Straight after the re start St Austell attacked the Falmouth line and a break from their centre put their full back over making the score 5 all – the crowd were heard to say “we have a game on our hands”.
St Austell were the heavier of the two packs and it was a fierce battle up front – Paddy Varker, Harry Martin and Alex Bullock in the middle held their own with great support from the two second rows Kaylam Pratt and Trevor Ward. This lock pairing would go on to have a wonderful afternoon dominating the line outs and stealing ball from the opposition throughout the game.
Most of the play was in the St Austell half, Falmouth started to throw the ball around, as is the style of play from all of our sides this season. Phil MORGAN made a lovely break from the centre, side stepping and passing two opposition players with ease showing his worth from the centre.
The score remained at 5-5 with Falmouth looking the fitter side taking advantage of the speed of the game. Chris Morgan started to make some changes to allow everyone to have a run out – Tom Newitt came on in place of Rob Brakes and the ever green Sandy Sanders coming into the second row in place of Kaylam Pratt.
St Austell were awarded a penalty and chose to kick into the corner however from a very strong attacking position were unable to capitalise on the pressure given the stout defence of the Falmouth forwards.
Deep into the Falmouth 22 metre area Paddy Varker received the ball in front of the clubhouse and took off along the touchline at pace – making an easy 20 metres unopposed before offloading – the crowd were on their feet cheering for the popular prop showing his true credentials and turn of pace not seen at the rec before!
Shortly after Paddy was replaced by Brad Cock who brought fresh legs to the front row. Scrum half Cam Bullock was everywhere making tackles on the big St Austell front row as well as distributing the ball at pace to set up Falmouth’s attacks.
Fly half Tom Edmonds had a good afternoon attacking well and just before the half time whistle intercepted a St Austell pass and touching down right on half time leaving Falmouth in a strong position at the break.
The second half started well Tommy Tonkins made a searing run up the middle of the park supported by Phil Morgan who went onto score. Falmouth continued to play a very expansive game spreading the ball wide at every opportunity, which seemed to tire the bigger St Austell forwards.
Dominic Fearn set up another fine try crossed by Tom Edmonds it appeared that Falmouth were starting to dominate – St Austell had other ideas and their big no 8 went over in the Tregenver Road end following a sustained period of rucking.
The next try for Falmouth came from yet another Ward steal from a lineout off loading and returning to collect for the touchdown. The last try was a fine interception from Rob Brakes who made a nuisance of himself with the opposition every time he got near the ball.
This made the final score 29-10 to the home side, the crowd sampling the atmosphere in the bar afterwards.
The coaches will be very pleased with the result and the opportunity to see the “fringe” players during the fixture. Thank you to St Austell and the referee Danny Robins from St Just who had a good day with the whistle.
Match report by Matt Boyling.
To see game footage of the match and an after match inteview with the captain Tommy Tonkins, please click the following link - https://vimeo.com/191313267
