Camborne denied at the death by much-improved Bideford outfit

Camborne were denied a last gasp winning try at the death and had to make do with only a losing bonus point at much improved Bideford.

With St Austell’s defeat at Chard however there remains all to play for in the promotion battle at the top of South West One.

Town made a single change to their starting line up with stalwart Martin Woolcock coming in to the back row as George Hall dropped to the bench.

The home team got off to a flying start with the visitors on the back foot for most of the first quarter in which they established a 14 point lead.

Camborne gradually got back into the match with their forwards beginning to dominate the Bideford pack. Eventually the visitors’ pressure told as they opened their account through right wing Rob Floyd’s try finishing off a superb handling move.

Half time arrived with Town nine points in arrears and the advantage was quickly extended when the home kicker landed a penalty. 

Camborne then went up a gear and bagged their second try of the afternoon when scrum half Dean Pascoe darted over out wide out. Fly half David Mankee’s well judged conversion made the score 17-12.

Inside the last quarter with all to play for more pressure saw hooker Sam Bartle go desperately close to a try before finally another good passing move was finished by left wing Alex Ducker to tie the scores. Mankee failed with the difficult conversion and almost immediately his team conceded a penalty to fall behind again at 20-17.

The Cherry and Whites then threw everything into attack in an effort to claim the spoils and on the final whistle time lock Ben Kemp appeared to crash over in the corner only to have the potentially winning touchdown ruled out.

Camborne will be looking to keep up the pressure on the League leaders with a bonus point win this weekend when bottom club Sidmouth visit the Recreation Ground.

The Cherry and Whites Veterans and Former Players Association are co-sponsors of the game alongside The White Hart Hotel. All former players are welcome to attend from 1pm and are asked to assist with catering arrangements by confirming attendance with Neil Symons on 07775677538.

Camborne: Grant Thirlby, Rob Floyd, Laurie Manna, Steve Kenward (capt), Alex Ducker, David Mankee, Dean Pascoe, Nigel Endean, Sam Bartle, Leigh Hocking, Ben Kemp, John Griffiths, George Hall, Cameron Bone, Dave Roberts (Reps) Andreas Zachorovas, George Hall, Richard Kevern

Camborne tries: Floyd, Pascoe,Ducker con Mankee