Table-toppers Camborne travel to North Devon this Saturday looking to steady the ship after a rare stumble at the Recreation Ground. Last weekend, the “Cherry & Whites” suffered their first home league defeat in nearly two years, falling 31–38 to a resilient Taunton Titans. While they maintain a ten-point lead at the summit of National League 2 West, the loss has reignited the title race.
Barnstaple will be eager to capitalise on any lingering nerves in the Town camp.
Last week, despite a clinical double from hooker Ben Priddey, who has now reached a staggering 36 tries for the season, Camborne were outmaneuvered in a high-scoring affair.
The teams traded blows in a breathless 51-point opening half. Tries from Priddey, Alex Ducker, Shaun Buzza, and Robin Wedlake saw Camborne lead Titans 26–25 at the break.
A tense second half saw Camborne unable to capitalise the advantage of the slope. Despite a second Priddey score, a late 40-metre solo effort from Taunton’s Ratu Vakalutukali snatched the lead, which was then sealed by the boot of Tom Putt.
Sam Rodman comes back into the starting lineup. Sam Matavesi moves over for Jago Sheppard to make a return. Rory O’Kane is away on England u19 duties with Josh Matavesi moving to 10. Connor Gilbert also makes a return to the centre.
Prolific winger Alex Ducker celebrates a landmark 150th cap and CJ Boyce earns his 50th cap starting at scrum-half.
With Josh Matavesi stepping into the number 10 shirt, expect a more tactical, kicking-oriented game to manage the Pottington Road conditions.
Alex Ducker and Robin Wedlake remain the most dangerous wing pairing in the league. If Camborne can provide clean ball, their clinical finishing will be the difference.
Barnstaple’s “classic catch and drive” is a hallmark of their game. Camborne’s front row, led by the experienced Jack Andrew Sam Rodman and try-machine Ben Priddey, must remain disciplined to avoid the penalty trouble that plagued them against Taunton.