Thanks to some forward thinking from the Falmouth and Bodmin committee’s a hastily rearranged fixture took place at The Recreation ground on Saturday. Bodmin 2nds were due to play Penryn 2nds in the Duchy Cup but Penryn had to cancel, likewise St Ives 2nds were due at the Recreation ground but were also unable to raise a side. Bodmin were delighted to complete the fixture at Falmouth, which kicked off in brilliant sunshine.
This was Falmouth reserves first game of the current season and they looked impressive. From the start a “heavy” Bodmin pack started to dominate but this was short lived as Falmouth 2nds started to impose themselves on their opponents. Falmouth had a smattering of first team players that are contesting for places and this showed.
Falmouth opened the scoring with a fine try by centre Seb Firth who gave a good account of himself all afternoon, converted by Jake Seviour a second try from open play seeing the backs spinning the ball wide started to expose the visitors’ fitness as Jake Seviour went over for his first of the game which he duly converted. Within 21 minutes Ben Arnold added to the tally, Seviour converting. The hosts showed some enterprising and well-worked play with all players involved in some great handling against a very spirited and determined Bodmin team that did not give up all afternoon.
Falmouth had a mix of youth and experience with Chris Sanders and Mark Humphries, chalking up a century between them, playing outstandingly well and always to be relied upon.
Ashley Bullock came close to scoring, taking the ball down the wing following a blinding run from sustained play from the backs but was unable to touch down given the defence. Bodmin continued to attack the line and a try saving tackle from Tommy Tonkins saved the day and counter attacked with vigour.
A crowd of 40 people watched as the rain started to fall, becoming heavy as was the forecast. There then followed a period of intense scrummaging where Falmouth's front row started to exert pressure. Eddy Eades from Cornwall Rugby Referee’s Society, controlled the game well and made best use of the advantage rule to let the game flow.
The teams turned around at half time and Seviour touched down shortly after the interval in a well worked move with the pack. The conditions now made handling very difficult as the heavy rain had made the ball and surface very slippery. Unfortunately a serious injury to one of the Bodmin front row players meant the game was halted for 12 minutes whilst he received attention. Following the delay Bodmin really came back and continued to attack the bowling club end of the ground for some time. The home defence held firm and a break away try by Phil Morgan showed his speed and determination to run almost the length of the field to score under the post.
Further tries by Seb Firth and Jake Seviour followed making the score painful reading for the visiting spectators. Tom Vincent in the last few minutes went on a storming run up the centre of the field reminiscent of an older Vincent in years gone by!
The rain had added to the excitement and Falmouth maintained the policy of squad rotation using all of the replacements to good effect. Phil Morgan added a further try to land his hat trick making it an expensive afternoon for him later in the bar. In the end Falmouth totally dominated in the pack to make the final score 50 – 0.
Big thanks to Bodmin for making themselves available and honouring the fixture and efforts by the club officials at Falmouth in getting things organised at the last minute
