THE scoreline might suggest that the Ashes were well on top, not so, but the sustained power up-front was the difference in a very entertaining game. On reflection this was another defeat for Falmouth which was very close.

Falmouth were in contention at 10-8 until the 65th minute, when two missed tackles allowed wing James Smith-Jones to swan in under the posts for a seven pointer, followed by a speculative drop goal, which had an element of panic when it was kicked over by the Saltash’s Steve Down under pressure. Falmouth struggled in the front row and missed Paddy Varker (recovering from an ankle injury), but credit to Harry Martin, Davie Morgan and the old faithful Andy Palmer for doing their best under extreme pressure.

Saltash were ten points up at the break from an early Down penalty and a try from number eight Pete Congo, who drove over from a five-yard scrum.

Falmouth’s efforts were hampered by the lack of quick clean ball to satisfy the appetite of their speedy backs. Alex Stutheridge at full back made some good pressure, relieving line kick.

Straight from the re-start, Stutheridge kicked a penalty then came a magic moment, the backs released young colt Steve Rowe from his own 22 who skinned his opposite number a classic chip over the full back to gather and dive over to make the score 10-8. With light at the end of the tunnel Down added two more penalties to add to the aforementioned seven pointer.

Man of the match must go to the young Colt Matt Stephens, who excelled at back and seems to be maturing with each outing.

On January 31, Falmouth Chiefs will entertain Truro in a very interesting league fixture. They will be hoping with a bit of luck on their side to upset form book. Kick-off is at 2.30pm