Seasiders fail to take chances in Helston reversal

THE feelgood factor from the previous week's opening day 10-try demolition of St Austell's second string was quickly dispelled as Bude suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of their close rivals Helston at Clodgey Lane last Saturday.

While this is the fourth successive game that the West Cornwall side have got the better of the Seasiders, including last May's CRFU Cornwall Clubs Final, the scoreline didn't really reflect the run of play as the visitors competed well for long periods, but ultimately the game is about taking scoring chances.

After a bright opening by both sides in squally early autumn showers, Helston took the lead on six minutes when left-wing Rhys Williams sliced through the visitors' defence to dot down under the posts, following slick first phase ball from an attacking scrum deep in Bude's 22. Full-back Ayden Earnshaw added the extras and Bude trailed 7-0.

Then, just beyond the 20 minute mark, Earnshaw doubled his side's lead with a converted try after a penalty move had again opened up the Seasiders' defence.

However, on 23 minutes, Bude reduced the deficit when following a penalty award that was kicked to touch, a ‘catch and drive’ move from the resulting line-out on the hosts' five-metre line saw No.8 Joe Wilson drive over. Inside-centre Olly Denford's conversion attempt rebounded back on an upright (14-5).

With the half-time break fast approaching and with the visitors on the attack, a loose pass in midfield was quickly gobbled up by the home side and fed wide to right-wing John Tyler who beat his opposite number on the outside and sped down the line to score in the corner. Earnshaw's convertion attempt fell short, but his side led 19-5 at the turnaround.

Helston then extended their lead within two minutes of the restart when, from a line-out drive deep in the visitors' 22, the ball was quickly recycled and replacement Amori Matanatabu crossed from close-range. Earnshaw again added the extras for 26-5.

Bude came back strongly with their powerful forwards showing up well, but on 65 minutes came the killer blow. From a good attacking position in Helston's 22, a penalty was conceded and as the hosts broke from deep, a chip ahead was regathered by Williams and he charged to the line for his second try of the afternoon. With Earnshaw now off the field, Williams slotted the conversion and there was no way back for the Seasiders.

An unconverted try by replacement prop Jago Crapp, nine minutes from the end, gave the final score a somewhat lopsided slant, but, in truth, Bude could have few complaints.

This Saturday, Bude make a second successive trip to West Cornwall as they face improving St Just who have started with a win and a draw (3pm), while the seconds, who were beaten 59-3 by their Penzance & Newlyn counterparts on Saturday, are also in league action as they visit Hayle in Counties Three Cornwall League (3pm).

The Colts host their Saltash counterparts at Bencoolen Meadow (3pm), although the ladies have no fixture.

BUDE: Toby Mallard; Jack Cooper, Ollie Rowland, Olly Denford, Adam Lovejoy; Brad Thomas, Olly Mounce; Alex Robinson, Harvey Cholwill, Charlie Firman; Will Hockridge, Fred Saxton; Finley Fry (capt), Matt Maniglia, Joe Wilson. Replacements: Nick Waterson, Josh Rowland, Jaylen Hopgood, Lewis Jones.

Tries: Wilson; Convs: N/A; Pens: N/A.