THE Cornish All Blacks' last game of the season on Saturday against already relegated Southend was a matter of pride for both teams — and the All Blacks were determined to give their supporters a favourable finish to the season. Although the game was littered with penalties, punches and yellow cards, the home side were victorious by 33-23, writes Suzanne Cleave.

Launceston were awarded two penalties in the first ten minutes. No score came from the first but a kick to touch and winning line out set up Launceston's first try, scored by Captain Tom Rawlings. This was converted by Adam Staniforth. Their second try came in the 22nd minute by Hamish Smales, again converted by Staniforth, extending Launceston lead to 14-0.

Southend's chances began to look up, with a break away by Tyson Lewis. Although they failed to touch down a try, a penalty kick by Simon Hoult brought the score to 14-3.

Launceston were the dominant side in the minutes leading up to half time. The side displayed good passing and there was a fantastic run by Jason Luff and Gary Kingdom. Shortly after, Tim Kasten (Southend) and Keith Brooking (Launceston) were both yellow carded after a scuffle. Staniforth took a penalty for Launceston but this went left of the posts. A second penalty by Southend's Hoult in the 45th minute took the score to 14-6 at half time.

Southend picked up their game in the second half. Hoult scored their first try in the 43rd minute, and conversed leaving the visitors trailing by one point.

Launceston quickly came back, and Luff powered to the line in the 45th minute, with Staniforth converting. Launceston were not in the clear. A yellow card was given to Tom Rawlings in the 51st minute for obstruction, close to Launceston's line. Southend took advantage and Mike Stanley scored an unconverted try in the 53rd minute.

A missed penalty for Launceston and another yellow card for Southend followed, then in the 64th minute Kingdom scored Launceston's fourth try. His conversion attempt went wide of the posts.

Smales scored Launceston's fifth try in the 73rd minute, after being tackled into the posts, but he managed to keep hold of the ball. Jon Fabian converted, to help Launceston lead 33-18.

Hoult scored again for Southend in the 81st minute, but he missed the conversion. Southend's comeback efforts were too late and there was a jubilant crowd at Polson when the final whistle was blown.

Man of the Match: Hamish Smales.