Hinckley 24 – 34 Camborne
Match report by Martin Symons.
Hinckley 24 – 34 Camborne
Camborne maintained their 100% record in National Two West with a hard fought win away at Hinckley.
The victory owed much to a stunning third quarter purple patch that saw the Cherry & Whites run in five tries including a hat trick from the prolific Alex Ducker.
Having travelled long distance for a third away game out of four for ‘Town’, they encountered stout resistance early and were forced to dig deep in their own territory to keep the home side out.
On 18 minutes the visitors took the lead when their hard working forwards drove repeatedly for the line for Ben Priddey to dot down. Josh Matavesi added the conversion for 0-7.
Hinckley promptly cut the deficit with a routine penalty goal but thereafter both teams defences were generally on top form in a tight contest.
On the half time whistle a kind bounce from a kick ahead gave the home side a soft converted try for a narrow 10-7 lead at the break.
Camborne came out fired up for the 2nd period and immediately waves of attack ended with a show and go from left winger, Ducker delivering an unconverted corner try.
Though Hinckley then briefly regained the lead, ‘Town’ soon swept back downfield and Ducker showed his individual skills to ghost through the cover to touchdown. Centre Matavesi’s conversion made the score 17-19.
A 51st minute catch and drive routine gave hooker Priddey the opportunity to bag the bonus point with his 2nd try of the afternoon increasing the lead to 7 points in the process.
Almost immediately the Cherry & Whites launched another attack and when Robin Wedlake beat his man a chip ahead allowed Ducker the opportunity to run on to the ball and gather to complete his hat trick.
Influential right wing Wedlake was next to cross strolling over for a first try in the Camborne jersey profiting from a delightful switch pass from full back Harry Larkins.
Down 17-34 a shell shocked home side then defended resolutely to prevent any further scores although replacement prop Tommy Southworth did go desperately close to a 7th try for the visitors.
Hinckley gained some consolation with a final quarter converted try to cut the deficit but a penalty miss at the death meant a pointless afternoon for the home side.
Camborne: H Larkins, R Wedlake, C Gilbert, J Matavesi, A Ducker, S Walker, CJ Boyce, J Andrew, B Priddey, J Drew, AJ Hussell, A Hughes, J Nicholls, S Matavesi, S Buzza (reps) S Rodman, T Southworth, O Williams, G Edson, T Kullich
Camborne: tries; Ducker 3, Priddey 2, Wedlake cons; J Matavesi 2