Friday, April 19

Tribute Duchy Cup final

Launceston seconds 27

Wadebridge Camels seconds 20

DAN Pearce put in a man-of-the-match performance as Launceston seconds secured the league and cup double by edging past their Wadebridge Camels counterparts in a thrilling Duchy Cup final at Redruth.

Both teams were able to select from full-strength squads and it showed. The Camels took a third minute lead through an unconverted try although Pearce soon levelled things up at 5-5 five minutes later.

The game had become error-strewn and it suited Wadebridge more as they notched a converted try and a penalty to go into half-time in front at 15-5.

The second-half started with a different tempo from Launceston and by the hour were two points up as fly-half Tom Sandercock converted tries from Ollie Bebbington and Ed Dudden.

The Polson Bridge outfit were well on top and went further in front through Pearce’s second of the day.

The intensity of the game increased with spirits running high and the referee awarding penalties. Wadebridge scored an unconverted try to set up a cracking finish, especially as Launceston were down to 13 men for a while due to yellow cards for forwards Alex Bartlett and Dom Theobald.

They had to defend, which they did, and Wadebridge were tying everything to make use of their advantage. But after an infringement near the halfway line, a penalty was awarded and with only a minute on the clock, replacement Ben Hawke stepped up to slot the kick straight between the posts and make it 27-20.

After the cup presentation, Launceston were also awarded the Duchy League trophy to cap off an excellent season.

Team manager, Mike Haines, said: “The boys showed true character to turn it around. We were our own worst enemy in the first-half through silly mistakes, knock-ons and handling errors.

“But some cool heads and true character in the second-half allowed us to get the job done.”

Launceston —

Richard Jasper, Dan Pearce, Joe Vanstone, Ben Tharme, Mark Knight, Tom Sandercock, Ollie Bebbington; Alex Bartlett, Cian Baker, Simon Burden, Dave Uglow, Ed Dudden, Dom Theobald, Charlie Tummon, Pete Bebbington

Replacements: Nick Hocking, Nathan Ferrett, Bill Perry, Dan Statton, Lawrence Armstrong, Ben Hawke