Castles continue perfect start with Penryn victory

LAUNCESTON Castles showed they could be promotion contenders come the end of the season as a superb second half saw them beat fellow high-flyers Penryn at Polson Bridge on Saturday.

The Castles once again showed the strength in-depth they have as although they lost player/coach Dan Pearce and No.8 Brandon Rowley to the first team, they were able to welcome back a host of players, particularly in the pack.

Former Bude flanker Tremaine Fry made his debut on the blindside, while forwards Olly Martin, Tom Stevens, Jake Crabb and Fin Cackett all returned, as did Rich Jasper, Mitch Acres and Albie Newton in the backs.

Penryn arrived also with three wins from three, but found themselves two converted tries down inside the opening 15 minutes. First, prop Martin burrowed over from close-range before left-winger Acres got down the side to add the second. Newton converted both.

That seemed to wake the Borough up who responded to lead by the break. They got the first try on 25 minutes before dotting down after 34 and 39 minutes ensured they went in three points to the good.

They extended that further with a try five minutes after the restart, before both sides swapped penalties to leave Penryn 25-17 ahead with half an hour to play.

Within four minutes skipper Tom Stevens scored his first of the afternoon which was added to by Newton, and further tries from Acres and Stevens, both of which were converted, ensured a superb victory.

Launceston, who are second with maximum points from their four games, visit mid-table Perranporth on Saturday.

LAUNCESTON CASTLES: Rich Jasper; Freddie Ward, James Heale, Joe Vanstone, Mitch Acres; Albie Newton, Ollie Tomkies; Olly Martin, Luke Howe, Tom Stevens (capt); Finn Stiles, Jake Crabb; Tremaine Fry, Andy Rowe, Fin Cackett. Replacements: Simon Burden, Lewis Dennis, Zander Zambuni, Pete Bebbington.

Tries: Martin, Acres (2), Stevens (2); Convs: Newton (2); Pens: Newton.