BUDE moved up to third in the table on points difference from Liskeard-Looe and Falmouth following their narrow victory over Wadebridge Camels at the Molesworth Field.

That win for the Seasiders was made all the sweeter as they were missing a number of first team regulars. Some away on post-Christmas skiing trips, which opened the selection door for players from the Seconds' and Colts' sides to step up. One of whom was Colts vice-captain Adam Lovejoy who came on early following an injury to Ben Tharme.

Bude had the better of the early exchanges with some excellent driving play from their pack, and on 15 minutes they took the lead when a quickly-taken tapped penalty deep in the hosts' 22 allowed inside-centre Joe Wilson to twist and wriggle his way over from close-range. The conversion attempt by fly-half Brad Thomas from wide out on the right, just slipped past the uprights.

That score seemed to galvanise the efforts of the home side who dominated the rest of the half.

Just beyond the half-hour mark Camels drew level when, following a penalty award that was kicked to touch, the ensuing line-out resulted in good quick ball and powerful No.8 Herbie Stupple was unstoppable from 10 metres. Fly-half Owen Howell added the extras and Wadebridge led 7-5 going into the break.

The visitors made the worst possible start to the second period as they conceded a converted try within 90 seconds of the restart as outside-centre managed to shoot through from 20 metres. Howell again held his nerve for 14-5.

Bude needed a response and following a line-out from a penalty award that was kicked to touch, skipper Will Hockridge powered over from the resulting maul. An excellent conversion attempt from Thomas successfully added the extras to close the gap to two.

The game was now right back in the balance and in the 63rd minute Bude took full advantage of their superior numbers after Stupple was shown a controversial yellow card for a ruck offence.

From the resulting tapped penalty award, the ball was worked across the Camels' defensive line and after a couple of unsuccessful ‘pick and goes’ by the visitors' pack, Hockridge was worked over for his second try of the day.

Thomas again nailed his conversion attempt and Bude led 19-14.

Bude could have gone eight clear with a kickable penalty just outside the hosts' 22. However, the shot at goal was spurned in favour of the chance of a fourth try and resulting bonus-point, but Wadebridge's defence held firm.

However, it didn’t matter as although there was a scuffle which included a yellow card for Bude flanker Matt Maniglia, the Seasiders held on for another four points.

This Saturday Bude entertain fourth placed Liskeard-Looe looking to gain revenge on their defeat earlier in the season.

Elsewhere around the club, the seconds are away to Veor in the Counties 3 Tribute Ale Cornwall League Cup and the Colts visit Penzance-Newlyn in the Cornwall Colts League.

Bude Ladies are also in action on Sunday when they host Truro in Women's NC2 South West (West) League (2pm).

BUDE: Wickett; Hilliam-Cooke, Tharme, Wilson, Yelland; Thomas, Mounce; Firman, Brown, Kennett; Hockridge (capt), Fry; Davey, Maniglia, Saxton. Replacements: Chater, Seggons, Eaton, Lovejoy.

Tries: Hockridge (2), Wilson; Convs: Thomas; Pens: N/A.