Perranporth Brewers 21- Falmouth Eagles 29

Falmouth continued their unbeaten run away from home with a bonus-point 21-29 victory over Perranporth Brewers, writes Jon Baglow. 

Scrummaging was a huge factor in the win, which lifts Falmouth to third place in the league.

After consistent pressure inside Perranporth’s 22-metre line, particularly at scrum time, Falmouth were awarded a penalty try after 15 minutes, taking an early 0-7 lead. Frustration set in early for the Perranporth coach, who had some choice words for his forwards after this.

Falmouth's momentum continued as Seb Firth crashed over from short range to score the second try of the match, which was comfortably converted by Ethan Williams, extending Falmouth's lead to 0-14. No sooner was the ink dry in the referee’s notebook when the name Firth was added again, this time for a sin-bin offence for a no-arms, and possibly high, tackle on the Perranporth inside centre. Firth jogged back to the Falmouth bench, protesting his innocence.

Perranporth took advantage of the extra man and responded with a well-worked try after a series of sustained phases. Justyn Irons added the conversion, narrowing the score to 7-14.

Despite Perranporth’s efforts, Falmouth extended their lead again when Rohan Ewels ducked, weaved, and pirouetted over the try line from the back of a ruck. Williams added the extras to make it 7-21. However, the home side quickly hit back with another converted try, bringing the score to 14-21.

In the closing moments of the first half, Perranporth’s left winger latched onto a ball that bounced fortunately for him off a well-placed kick from Irons to score in the corner. Irons added the conversion, sending the teams into half-time level at 21-21.

Falmouth came out stronger after the break, and it wasn’t long before Alex Bullock scored an unconverted try to reclaim the lead for the visitors, making it 21-26. The tension grew as the match became increasingly physical, with tempers starting to flare, perhaps due to the home side having an utterly torrid time in the scrum. A penalty was awarded to Falmouth after some unlawful conduct, and Williams coolly slotted it to stretch the lead to 21-29.

Despite some late pressure from the home side, Falmouth held firm, helped by their dominant scrum, and secured the win. It was an entertaining match for the travelling supporters, with the final score standing at 21-29.

Falmouth will again be buoyed by maximum points away from home and are growing a reputation as a top side in this league, sitting just behind early runaway leaders Saltash. The Eagles face another crucial away game next week against fourth-placed Helston.