AN?EXCELLENT first-half performance set Bude on their way to a comfortable 29-12 victory over Lanner at Bencoolen Meadow last Saturday.

Both sides traded tries in the opening 20 minutes with Rory Hodges going over for the hosts and full-back Ryan Thomas exploiting space down the blindside to dart over in the corner.

However, Bude applied plenty of pressure as the half went on, and went in front on 26 minutes when Tremaine Fry was driven over after a lineout to give them a 10-5 lead.

After two failed conversions, Ollie Denford finally got on the scoresheet two minutes before half-time when he touched down in the corner after a fine break from the hosts. Denford added the extras to give them a 12 point cushion.

Lanner were beginning to tire and it was player/coach Angus Hodges, who made a fine run to allow his predecessor, Adam Black, to take the pass and touch down under the posts.

Denford converted the try and it was his magic which gave them their fifth try as he took a kick in his own half, before eventually releasing Angus Hodges for his second try in as many home games.

Lanner’s Mike Thomas did ensure the village club grabbed the last word when he barged his way over on the left touchline.

Player/coach, Angus Hodges was fairly pleased with his side’s performance, as the 22-year-old looks to implement a different style of rugby.

Hodges said: “I was pretty pleased with our performance.

“We could have put them to the sword a lot earlier, but with the changes we’re making in trying to play more of an expansive game, we’re bound to make mistakes along the way.

“However, we had a lot of territory and although we perhaps didn’t quite score the points we deserved because of a few mistakes such as knock-ons, they’re easy things to work on.”

While Bencoolen Meadow continues to be a stronghold, Bude’s travel sickness continues to be a worry.

Last year they won just once on the road and have so far lost 36-5 at Withycombe and 35-11 at Honiton, and Hodges is determined to try and change it as they prepare to go to Penryn on Saturday.

Hodges said:?“In this sort of league, playing at home is a big advantage but we know that our away form is hurting us.

“We’re doing a lot of psychological work and making sure we’re getting in the right frame of mind before we go.

“Unfortunately, we have to drive in cars, which means we’re not spending much time together beforehand but we need to switch on and get in the right mindset.

“On Saturday we wont change our style, but we’re confident of going down there and picking up a positive result.”