BUDE travelled to Newquay with a depleted squad of only 16 fit players, due to injuries and overdoses of dandelion & burdock, ginger beer and cherryade the night before.

The weather was typical of the Cornish Riviera, as the palm trees swayed gently in the warm breeze as the Bude supporters, dressed in Bermudas and Hawaiian shirts, lashed on the factor 30, and the players prayed for a successful toss, so they could play in skins.

Alas, this was not to be. Neither the weather, nor the result was kind to Bude.

The chances were there for the taking, but Bude made too many simple errors in handling and decision making, and lacked aggression and commitment at the breakdown. It was a close game, decided by one try and a penalty by Newquay, who deserved their win.

A horizontal gale of hail stones in their faces just after half time, inspired Bude to their best spell, but they could not force their way over the Newquay line.

Positives were Graham Glew's tireless commitment and drives, and Lewis Seaton's kicking from hand and a burst along the wing which almost led to a try. The clubhouse afterwards allowed the Bude supporters time to re-hydrate and cool off. Kylie Minogue was spotted amongst their number as even she found the heat too much.

Bude: James Savage, Rich Herzog, Graham Glew, Shane Lovejoy, Jimmy Baker, Freddie Saxton, Jago Cann, Jonna Spratley (c), Matt Haywood, Lewis Seaton, Luke Goacher, Tim Ames, Ollie Dell, Mike Garrett, Duncan Tout and James Adams.