Ivybridge 35 - TruFal Colts 7

A grey day didn’t dampen the spirits of players and fans alike as Ivybridge faced off against a determined Truro side featuring dual-registered Falmouth players in the national cup, writes Gupta Singh. 

The match showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, with Ivybridge ultimately securing a 35-7 victory.

From the outset, Ivybridge demonstrated their strength, scoring within minutes of the kick-off. However, as the first half progressed, the game became a contest of attrition, with Ivybridge struggling with handling errors while Truro’s kicking game faltered, providing Ivybridge opportunities to counterattack.

Despite being a lighter pack, Truro held their ground well, showing surprising dominance in scrums.

Truro’s Alister Kennedy, playing at number 9, seized a golden opportunity with a clever snipe at the breakdown on Ivybridge’s 22, breaking through the defence and setting up a try for his teammate Cohen Wallace, who scored under the posts. Alfie Middlewood made no mistake with the conversion, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of Ivybridge at halftime.

The second half saw Ivybridge come out strong again, applying pressure and utilising their pacey backs. Despite spending significant time on Truro's try line, Ivybridge faced a resilient defence that managed to hold them off repeatedly.

Truro had a chance to capitalize on a high tackle by Ivybridge, which left them a man down, but they were unable to convert this advantage.

As the match wore on, Ivybridge’s superior squad depth began to tell, and they pulled away in the final stages, scoring two late tries to cement their victory at 35-7. Despite the scoreline, Truro’s performance did not go unnoticed; their coaches praised the team’s commitment and the heart they showed throughout the match.

The blended colts team, now known as TruFal, will look to build on this experience as they prepare for their next match away at Bude next week (2.30pm kick off). While Ivybridge expected an easier contest, they were met with a spirited challenge that bodes well for the future of Truro rugby.

The game highlighted areas for improvement, but both teams can take pride in their performances on this challenging Sunday afternoon.