Falmouth Eagles 7 - Saltash 62

Falmouth Eagles faced their toughest challenge yet in the Counties 2 Cornwall League, as they were comprehensively beaten 7-62 by a rampant Saltash side at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, writes Jon Baglow.

Both teams were undefeated going into the match, but Saltash, who had yet to concede a single point in the league, proved too strong for Falmouth from the start.

Saltash’s dominance was evident early on as flanker Phil Eatwell powered over for the first try, though the conversion was missed.

Their pressure continued, with scrum-half Jack Pritchard adding a penalty shortly after to make it 8-0. Soon after, Seb Firth was unable to stop another attack on the Eagles’ try line, with a converted try extending the score to 0-15.

Saltash continued to break through Falmouth’s defensive line, with right winger Lewis Stuart crossing for another try, converted again by Pritchard to stretch the lead to 0-22. By half-time, Saltash had added several more converted scores from all over the pitch and led 0-48 at the break.

It was Eagles’ player of the match, Rohan Ewels, who took the initiative at half-time, rallying the boys and asking for an extra gear.

Head of Rugby Tom Spiller also swapped his earpiece for a playing shirt, providing more solidity at number 8 and switching into the centres to add some precision kicking for territory.

The Eagles heaped on the pressure and eventually got a breakthrough with a darting line from scrum-half Cam Bullock, with extras added by Ethan Williams to bring the score to 7-55.

Despite an undeniably better half from the home side, Saltash's superiority on the day was clear, and they crossed the line again at the close of play to complete a 7-62 victory.

Club stalwart Andrew Searle was presented with his 400th cap after the game.

Falmouth have a week off next week, before facing Veor away on Saturday, October 12.