THE new season began proper on Saturday September 5 when Camelford travelled to Bodmin for the club's historic first ever Merit Table game, writes Nic Osborne.

Camelford got off to a fantastic start as their forwards dominated the early loose exchanges with some committed and controlled rucking. All the training done in the close season looked to be paying dividends and this resulted in Bodmin being pinned in their own half for long periods.

The 'Ford's pressure began to tell and Bodmin were penalised some 30 metres out. Camelford's kicker, Josh Parker saw his attempt sail left of the up right so he was unable to punish the Bodmin misdemeanour.

A few minutes later the Camelford forwards, led by Jon Ponting and under the directorship of their scrum half, surged forward on the left to within 5 metres of the home team's line. The ball was then spun wide and Jamie 'Jizz' Evans opened the scoring with a well taken try under the posts. With about 25 minutes gone Parker easily slotted the extra points.

Bodmin came back hard for the rest of the half but the only other scoring opportunity fell to Parker whose penalty attempt again sailed wide. No further score was added so Camelford won the half 7-0, but knew they had a lot to do in the second half if they were to score an historic victory.

Unfortunately with 48 minutes gone Ian Elford was sin binned for killing the ball. Bodmin soon got on the scoreboard with a well worked try through their pack, but failed to add the extra 2.

In the keenly contested game Bodmin's experience began to come to the fore and they were able to draw on their five substitutes to add fresh legs to the battle. Bodmin swiftly scored another two unconverted tries to make the score 15-7 in their favour.

Camelford contested everything with commitment and ran the ball, through forwards and backs, at every opportunity. This resulted in a leg injury to Josh Parker and Jerry Glover who both had to leave the field, unfortunately after the 'Ford had put on their only substitute.

This left Camelford with 13 men for a short time but they scored through a great bullocking run by Ashley Morgan, playing at fly half. He played like a man on a promise! With Parker off the pitch Osborne took responsibility for taking the conversion but his little legs didn't quite have the power to make the conversion from well out on the left.

With the score at 15-12 in Bodmin's favour Camelford pushed for the win. Unfortunately they lost their second player, Steve Knight, to the bin with under ten minutes left. This meant a rearguard action for Camelford and from the final ruck of the game Dave Saunter took advantage of the home side's numerical advantage and scampered in for Bodmin's fourth unconverted try.

The final score of 20-12 was a little flattering to Bodmin although had they kicked the extras it would have been more conclusive. Had Camelford had a full compliment of substitutes the result could possibly have gone in their favour.

Camelford's recruitment drive needs to continue and they are in need of any new players. With training taking place at Tintagel Playing Fields on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

Our thanks should be extended to the referee, Mr Panting, for helping to make this an enjoyable afternoon.