A win was the only objective for Camborne on Saturday and they got just that with 25-18 success against Ivybridge.
It’s been a tough few weeks at Crane Park and the Cherry and Whites mounting injury crises will not ease matters in the short term.
Having been in charge for a couple of league games Liam Chapple has had a chance to assess the situation. “I don’t think there is any need to panic. For a promoted club we are sitting in an enviable position. I’ve brought Rhodri McAtee and Timoci Kava in to bolster the squad and will be looking to bring in a few more. The players I hope to bring in will add to the quality we already have. Last week we lost three of our squad with injuries so it would be naive not to try and get some players in.
“I thought both Kava (lock) and McAtee (flanker) did well today, Rhodri was the first to put his hand up to help us out in that position, that’s testament to his commitment to this club. Both players are still getting used to our patterns and systems and that will come in the next couple of weeks.”
Camborne’s points came thanks to tries from James Goldsworthy, Rhys Brownfield and a forwards try that has been attributed to either Goldsworthy or Jon Drew, depending on the source, whilst Dave Mankee kicked a further ten points.
This Saturday Camborne travel to Launceston for what should prove to be a right ol’ battle with both sides needing the win for different reasons.
Elsewhere in National 3 SW, Launceston couldn’t back up there win last week at Ivybridge with a second success on the road at Salisbury where they lost 14-7. Ryan Westren scored their try converted by Fraser Honey.
The Cornish Pirates kept their hopes alive of a best runners-up spot in their British & Irish Cup pool with a 34-10 win against Ospreys at Maesteg.
Pirates’ tries came from the forwards with Brett Beukeboom (2), Tyler Gendall and Marlen Walker all crossing whilst the referee also awarded the visitors a penalty-try. Laurence May added a couple of conversions and a penalty with Craig Cargill also adding a conversion.
In National 2 South, Redruth followed up their fine win against Chinnor the previous week with a 28-14 win at Redingensians. Unsurprisingly Alex Ducker scored another couple of tries with Lewis Vinnicombe and Shaun Buzza also dotting down. Brett Rule kicked the other points. The only sour note being a red card for centre Pale Nonu early in the second half for an illegal tackle.
In Western Counties West, Truro turned on the style to defeat Tiverton 41-14. Tries came from Ben Teasdale (2), Ethan Tyler, Josh Symons, Luke Tidball, Ethan Pattison and Lewis Bowns. Ashley Hosking added three conversions.
Wadebridge Camels defeated St. Austell 22-13 in a hard-fought Cornish derby. Tom Rawlings, Dickie Dawe and Matt Ballard scored the Camels’ tries with Dan Thomas kicking the other points.
For the Saints, who had Adam Kellow sent off for a high tackle early in the second half, Liam Freeman scored all their points with a try, conversion and two penalties.
St. Ives lost a tight game 24-26 at home to Torquay Athletic.
Bude picked up a win 12-8 over Sidmouth at Bencoolen. James Comber scored both tries with Dan Pearce kicking a conversion.
In London 2 SW, having dropped their first points of the season last week in a draw, London Cornish got back to winning ways with a 33-13 win against Old Reigatian to open up a fifteen point gap at the top of the table.
In the Cornwall & Devon League, leaders Falmouth defeated second placed Paignton 34-0 at the Rec to go nine points clear at the top, with a game in-hand. The Eagles’ tries came from Dan Hubble, Tom Simmonds, Trevelyan Ward, Tom Spiller, Tom Edmonds and John Baglow, whilst Edmonds added a couple of conversions.
Penryn warmed up for the visit of Falmouth this Saturday with 27-5 win at Tavistock. Andrew Seviour, Grant Randlesome, Mitch Vague and James Salisbury scored the Borough’s tries with Vague adding two conversions and a penalty.
Saltash are back up to second following a 69-0 win at Moorlands against Argaum. Ryan Cruickshanks led the scoring with three of Ashes’ eleven tries.
Lanner won 27-6 at Bodmin and Pirates Amateurs defeated Tamar Saracens 10-7.
There was a surprise in Cornwall 1 when Liskeard-Looe defeated Hayle 8-3 at Lux Park. Chris Chew scored the East Cornwall Lions try.
Newquay Hornets are top following their 19-7 win against Helston. Roseland beat School of Mines 18-7 and Veor won at St. Agnes 16-8.
In Cornwall 2 Lankelly-Fowey are top after their 15-8 win against Redruth Albany. Stithians are second on points difference after beating Perranporth at home 22-14. St. Just inflicted a heavy defeat on a valiant Camelford 84-0.
This Sunday sees Cornwall Under 20s in action at Polson Bridge against Devon, kick –off 2 pm. This is a friendly game before Cornwall kick off the Championship proper against Berkshire at Camborne on Feb 5th.