DAN Pearce scored a quadruple as the Cornish All Blacks started 2018 with a resounding eight-try victory over Matson at a freezing Polson Bridge.

Both sides played well in poor conditions, but it was the home side who shone through. Four tries and a bonus point in the bag before half-time stood them in good stead for the remainder of the game.

This fixture was supposed to have been played at Matson, but because they conceded their scheduled trip to Polson in September, the RFU made them forfeit the game and the venue was reversed to ensure that Launceston didn’t miss out on any matchday revenue.

The All Blacks made just one change from their 47-0 victory over Thornbury on December 16 as player/coach Ryan Westren returned at outside-centre with Shaun Crawford moving to scrum-half in place of Dom Mulberry who’s gone travelling.

Crawford has played in a number of positions since his summer move from Saltash and had yet to get off the mark in an All Blacks shirt.

However it didn’t take long for him to get 2018 off to a flying start as he scored twice in the first 25 minutes to give the All Blacks a 12-0 lead, although the visiting defence will be left disappointed with the ease at which he was able to score.

Matson replied with an excellent try by the rapid Aron Morefield, who sped down the wing to go over. Reece Boughton made the conversion from a difficult angle. The deficit had been reduced but the All Blacks were on a roll and looked dangerous with ball in-hand.

The flying Pearce, who’s excelled on the right-wing since being switched from full-back, used his speed to dodge the Matson defence and notch up the third try. He boosted the side’s points further with a good penalty kick.

As half-time neared, Brandon Rowley’s converted try secured a bonus point and gave them a 25-7 lead.

The Cornish All Blacks started the second-half in the same vein and as so often is the case, Pearce kicked off proceedings by running the ball and going over for another try, touching down under the posts and giving himself an easy conversion.

Matson had a number of opportunities to score. They were awarded a couple of penalties in quick succession, and the All Blacks went off the boil slightly, resulting in a second try for Morefield, which was again converted by Boughton.

But the home side came back, spread the pack wide, and passed the ball out to Pearce who touched down for his hat-trick. Then shortly after, another try, this time scored by Fred Bulut.

With five minutes to go, Matson battled on, and showed real determination. They prematurely celebrated what they thought was a try, but referee Will Gilder declared the ball was held up.

There was to be one more try with the last play of the game for the All Blacks. Rikki Bentham passed to Pearce who went to ground with the ball and scrambled to just beat the visiting defence to the line. Again he missed the kick to make it just two successful attempts from eight, however it didn’t matter as the All Blacks made it six wins from seven home league games this term.

That record will be put to the test on Saturday when they welcome third-placed Newent, who are just two points ahead in the table.

Skipper Lloyd Duke said it was the perfect way to start the new year.

He said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year really. The conditions weren’t as bad as they were against Thornbury and I thought we adapted really well. We played really well from one to 15 and the subs also made a good contribution when they came on. Everybody put in a really good shift which hasn’t always been the case but I was delighted with everyone on Saturday as no-one had a poor or quiet game, which is what you need.”

Duke was delighted with the performance as well as the result, and highlighted the importance of the forwards making sure they get their backline into the game as much as possible.

He said: “Everything was really good. Our scrum was dominant, our lineout was good and when we got the ball to the backs they did what they had to do. Before the game the coaches said that their scrum would be their strength and that they like to play a very narrow game. So we knew that if we could get the ball wide we’d create a lot of chances and that’s what we did.

“Being able to execute what we’d talked about all week is always good. Even Fred’s try was from a good move so seven of the eight tries were from good, running rugby.

“Even though it was cold and the conditions underfoot were a bit soft, the ball itself was dry and it allowed us to play. It shows that if the forwards can provide a good platform, we have the backs to cause damage. Every single one of our backs would walk into any side in this league and if they get good ball they’ll score tries.”

Duke expected a confrontational encounter, and although things looked like they could boil over on the odd occasion, referee Will Gilder never had to get a card out.

He said: “We though they would be physical and aggressive and a lot of off the ball stuff but to be honest we were to good for them to allow the game to get like that. If the rucks are clean, which they were, then they can’t disrupt it. We knew they’d try and slow it down but because we were quick, that became null and void.”

While Matson are second bottom in the table, Gloucestershire-based Newent will provide an entirely different challenge.

They hammered the All Blacks 51-27 back in September and Duke admits that they owe them one, saying: “It’ll be a totally different game to the last two as up there was the only game where we’ve been hammered.

“There’s a little revenge to be had and we need to use that as extra fuel. We got dealt with up there so we need to put that record right.

“However, they’re a very good all-round team and they’re quite open as well so it should be an exciting game.

“They’re third in the league and we’re just two points behind, so if we win we’ll leapfrog them, which is a good motivator. These are the sort of games which you really look forward to.”

Kick-off on Saturday is at 2.30pm.