24 March 2012 - Tribute Western Counties West League:

Truro 32 – Devonport Services 8

By Mike Dove

Truro were forced in to one team change prior to the kick-off as James Allen pulled a muscle in the warm-up; Charlie Davis moved up from the bench and Jack Tidball became the third sub.

On a windless afternoon Services kicked off, and from the first whistle it was obvious they had come to play open rugby, a style that suited Truro. After only 10 minutes the visitors went ahead after a Truro infringement led to a penalty goal from Services fly half Nat Wonnacott, but it did not take the home side to open their own score sheet after centre Rob Ley intercepted, passed to Garth Dodson, who raced 20 yards for Justyn Irons to score Truro’s first try, which was converted by fly half Scott Martin.

15 minutes later they increased the lead when Garth Dodgson dived over in the corner after excellent forward pressure. Truro increased the lead with a Scott Martin drop goal just before half time, but Devonport reduced the arrears with a try by full back Carl Ransome in the corner.

The second half opened with each side continuing to strive to play open rugby, but there were no further scores until the 55th minute when substitute Luke Hopper increased the lead still further with Truro’s third try. They went still further ahead two minutes later when centre Justyn Irons made it four tries, and a bonus point, but again the conversion from far out failed.

Truro were now well on top and their fifth try did not take long in coming, when wing Mark Lea picked up a pass on the Services 10 metre line and touched down in the corner, giving Truro their fifth and final try of the afternoon..

Devonport were not beaten yet however. They came straight back on the attack, and were camped on the Truro line for several minutes. They were unlucky not to cross that line, but the Truro defence, which has been a feature of several recent games, held out to make the final score 32 – 8 to the home side.

This was a typical Western Counties West league game, with each side striving to play open rugby. After 50 minutes Truro, who were very resilient, and who kept building as the game progressed, showed what they are capable of doing; the involvement of all three subs added fresh legs and impetus, and contributed to the three tries in the last quarter; it showed just how well the players all play for each other. The contribution of the forwards was again an impressive performance, giving the threequarters the space to open up the game. Devonport Services strove right to the end to make a game, and perhaps the final score did not do them the justice they deserved on the day.

This was Truro’s eleventh home win of the season, and fifth double; it is the latest in a successful second half, in a season where the overall record has been a significant improvement on the previous. But in spite of these successes the Club cannot improve its sixth place the Western Counties West league table, because most of the clubs above are themselves winning. However this bonus point win does move them to within two points of Okehampton and five of St Austell, who each appear to have two easier final games.

Truro’s last away fixture will be at Bideford on 14 April, which will be exciting as the Devon club strive to make an effort to return to the play-off spot and Truro try to improve their league position. The final home game is then against Bude.

This was a good all round winning day for Truro, in addition to the league win, the 2nd XV won a game at Wadebridge, whilst the Colts narrowly beat Redruth Colts 8 - 6 to qualify for the final one of the two CRFU Colts Cup Competitions. They have already qualified for the other, with both games to be against Wadebridge Colts. The dates are Sunday 15th April at Hayle and Sunday 22nd at St Austell.


Truro Team: Chevvy Reed (Luke Hopper – 50), Rikki Brandham, Justyn Irons, Rob Ley, Mark Lea, Scott Martin, Mark Richards, Isaac Scoble, Mark Carlyon (Stuart Milliner – 50), Chris Gilbert, Ben Kemp, Richard Tucker, Garth Dodgson, Charlie Davis (Jack Tidball – 40), Shaun Roseveare.

Scores
Truro: Tries: Justyn Irons (2), Garth Dodgson, Luke Hopper, Rob Ley, Mark Lea.
Conversions: Scott Martin(2)
Drop Goal: Scott Martin


Devonport: Try; Carl Ransome
Penalty Goal: Nat Wonnacott