CABs end first block in fourth after away success at Weston-super-Mare

LAUNCESTON bounced back from their home defeat to Exmouth by running in five tries in their victory at promoted Weston-super-Mare.

With a couple of regular starters missing in scrum-half George Hillson and George Harris, there was a first start of the season in the nine shirt for Tom Sandercock, while fellow former captain Lloyd Duke was Harris’ replacement as Jed Griffin switched to the back of the pack.

However, within three minutes they were ahead as winger Ollie Bebbington scored a try under the posts after he found a gap opening in front of him. James Tucker slotted the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Launceston soon found themselves lingering with intent on Weston-Super-Mare’s try line, but strong and determined defence held the ball up and stopped the visitors from scoring.

But the second try was coming and after the Somerset outfit gave away a penalty for a high tackle, Tucker kicked the ball into touch, gaining valuable territory. The Blacks won the line-out, and the ball was passed to inside-centre Jack Easton who found a gap in the home defence and scored. Tucker once again sent the ball sailing between the posts, extending their lead to 14-0 after 10 minutes.

That was reduced soon after as from a tap penalty, they passed the ball out to the left where Will Crane crossed in the corner. Inside-centre Alex Howman reduced the arrears to seven.

A high tackle gave Tuckera kickable penalty which he slotted for 17-7, but back came Weston again six minutes before half-time. After a scrum, the home side again passed it out left where Keanu Ballard dotted down in the corner. Howman’s kick failed, but they were back within a score.

The next score was crucial, however it went the way of the Cornishmen on 45 minutes who, after securing their own line-out just outside of the home 22, powered their way forward before Sandercock spotted a gap in the defence to go in under the posts. Tucker’s boot made it 24-12.

The lead was extended further on 52 minutes when Tucker crossed in the far left corner, but his perfect record off the tee for the season ended at 17 as he missed the kick.

Launceston had plenty of quality and experience on the bench, and it was former vice-captain Brandon Rowley who bagged their fifth try shortly after the hour, using his strength and sheer determination not to go down despite being tackled close to the line. Tucker added another simple conversion for 36-12.

Weston ensured they picked up a useful bonus-point with two tries late on either side of visiting lock Devon Bennett-Murray being sent to the sin-bin, but it was the All Blacks’ day as they ended the first block of six fixtures in fourth with four wins and two defeats to their name.

Launceston are back in action on Saturday, November 14 when they visit Lydney.

LAUNCESTON: Tom Anderton; Sheldon Higgins, Billy Martin, Jack Easton, Ollie Bebbington; James Tucker, Tom Sandercock; Mitch Hawken (capt), Archie Doidge, Charlie Short; Devon Bennett-Murray, Dan Goldsmith; Charlie Tummon, Lloyd Duke, Jed Griffin. Replacements: Olly Martin, Rory Mead, Brandon Rowley, Fin Cackett, George Alvis.

Tries: Bebbington, Easton, Sandercock, Tucker, Rowley; Convs: Tucker (4); Pens: Tucker.

Cornish All Blacks man-of-the-match: Jed Griffin.