Barnstaple 24 – 54 Camborne
Camborne bounced back from a brace of recent defeats to run in eight tries in a comprehensive win at Barnstaple and maintain their 10 points lead at the summit of National Two West.
In the spring sunshine the Cherry & Whites hit top form with Alex Ducker celebrating his 150th appearance in style with no less than four touchdowns.
‘Town’ made a dream start with an excellent handling move involving Kyle Moyle and Robin Wedlake enabling Ducker to run around under the posts to dot down. Full back Moyle’s conversion made it 7-0.
Barnstaple hit back with an unconverted score before the visitors powered clear midway through the half. First forward pressure ended with prop Jack Andrew plunging over before almost immediately Sam Matavesi’s charge down field allowed Moyle to slide through an astute kick for right wing Wedlake to run onto and touchdown. Moyle added both conversions for 21-5.
Determined Camborne defence kept their line intact before the interval and on the half time whistle the bonus point was duly bagged when Ben Priddey showed his strength to score his 37th try of the season.
Trailing 26-5 at the break matters soon got worse for Barnstaple as early in the 2nd period fly half Josh Matavesi’s astute long pass gave left wing Ducker the opportunity to romp over. Moyle added a well judged conversion.
On 51 minutes hooker Priddey went close before feeding No 8 Herbie Stupple who barged over for his first Cherry & White try. With Moyle’s conversion the visitors were out of sight at 40-5.
To their credit the home side would not lie down and they duly reduced the deficit with a brace of converted scores the latter from a length of the field interception when a further ‘Town’ try seemed likely.
Attacking from deep replacement Dan Roderick and Moyle combined to create space for the mercurial Ducker to weave his way 50 metres down the touchline to complete his hat trick. Moyle again slotted the goal for 47-19.
Late on Ducker saving the best until last was freed by scrum half Roderick’s pass to fly clear on a 70 metres run and although tap tackled regaining his feet he dived in at the corner flag. Moyle converted with a majestic kick.
Although Barnstaple bagged a try bonus near the end the visitors could not be denied an important victory.
Camborne: K Moyle, R Wedlake, W Hennessy, C Gilbert, A Ducker, J Matavesi, CJ Boyce, J Andrew, B Priddey, S Rodman, J Prisk, A Hughes, J Sheppard, S Matavesi, H Stupple (reps) A Rolls, S Buzza, J Nicholls, D Roderick, H Larkins
Camborne: tries; Ducker 4, Andrew, Wedlake, Priddey, Stupple cons; Moyle 7
