Liskeard 10 - Falmouth 22

Falmouth Eagles travelled to Liskeard and claimed an important victory in challenging underfoot conditions on Saturday, writes Jon Baglow.

Despite missing out on a bonus point that they probably deserved, Falmouth were creative in their three tries and maturely secured the win.

The first quarter was an even battle, with both sides struggling to keep hold of the greasy ball. Liskeard used their extra weight to assert dominance over an in-form Falmouth scrum, splitting the front row through both loosehead and tighthead.

The hosts came closest to scoring after 20 minutes when their outside centre broke dangerously close to the Falmouth try line but was brought down just short.

Falmouth responded with promising link-up play between Harvey Penhallurick and Cam Bullock, supported by an ambitious parry pass attempt from Andrew Searle. Unfortunately, the pass couldn’t quite find its way to the winger’s hands or stay within the field of play.

Falmouth’s problems in the scrum were alleviated when Oscar Gay came on at loosehead after some brief touchline tuition to shore things up.

Liskeard’s prop eventually powered over from close range to break the deadlock on 30 minutes, though the conversion was missed.

Falmouth responded with sustained pressure near the opposition’s try line, and cracks emerged when the Liskeard fly-half was shown a yellow card for a cynical foul. Falmouth capitalised, with Fraser Farley bulldozing his way over for the equalising try. Ethan Williams added the conversion, giving Falmouth a 5-7 lead at the break.

The second half began brightly for Falmouth. Astute play by Cam Bullock opened up the blindside, where Alex Bullock darted through for Falmouth’s second try. Ethan Williams stepped up to land a challenging kick from near the touchline, extending the lead to 5-14.

Sustained pressure saw Falmouth awarded multiple penalties in Liskeard territory. While their attempts to secure a bonus-point try by kicking to the corner didn’t bear fruit, Williams nailed a superb long-range penalty from 40 yards to take the score to 5-17.

Liskeard’s discipline continued to falter as another yellow card was issued for cynical play near their line.

Falmouth’s final try came from a piece of unorthodox brilliance down the left wing. Max Watkins and Seb Firth combined cleverly to release Ali Harding, who seized the opportunity and crossed for the Eagles’ third try. Williams missed the tough conversion, but the scoreline stood at 5-22.

Liskeard managed a consolation try in the dying moments of the game, leaving the final score at 10-22.

The result brings Falmouth within two points of second-placed Helston in the league. They will be looking to build on their momentum at home to Newquay Hornets at The Recreation Ground next week – kick-off is at 2.30pm.