.jpg?v=638065271197402686 "IMG_6857 (1)")
Never wrestle a pig, you both get dirty and what's more, the pig likes it. Falmouth travelled to Plymstock Albion Oaks aiming to dominate the set piece and unleash their backs to score the points but found themselves completely outplayed by a bigger, more committed team who are flying high in the Devon and Cornwall league.
Regularly turned over at the breakdown and unable to exert superiority anywhere on the field, the Eagles conceded 4 tries and fourth place in the league to the hosts.
The Oaks played the first half with conditions in their favour, winger Chad Brading opening the scoring, converted by Richard Goldsby-West. More chances were created but a combination of desperate Eagle defence and mistakes by Plymstock restricted the scoring to a solitary penalty from West.
The Eagles needed to grab the match by the scruff if there was any hope of staging a comeback but this never materialised as Plymstock reasserted their dominance, a second try from Brading going unconverted as the Oaks built their lead.
Falmouth's line out should have been the platform to build from as a source of clean first phase ball but failing to make touch from penalties meant this opportunity was also lost, the Eagles only bright spark being centre Ben Ackner who threatened from a couple of fine breaks but found support lacking, these however were rare forays into the opposition half.
Plymstock continued to batter the Falmouth defence, following a series of strong surges player coach Tim Mathias increased the advantage to 20 points before Kirk Tunnicliffe secured a bonus point with the fourth try, West adding the extras.
A rare bad day for the Eagles, Falmouth now have a week off to reflect and prepare for their next home match against Paignton on the 19th but Falmouth reserves are at home this weekend and the six nations will be shown on the biggest screen in town.
Team: Searle, Geech, Church, Lamsin, Instance, Baglow, Ward, Bailey, Spiller, Irons, Ackner, Job, Lea, Rowe, Bullock
Written by James Instance, photo by Sunshine Tucker.
