National Two South

Cornish All Blacks 17

Southend Saxons 17

Polson Bridge

THE Cornish All Blacks played a game full of passion to gain their first draw of the season against Southend.

The Launceston side had a superb first half, driving Southend back time and time again in harsh conditions.

The All Blacks were first on the scoreboard with a try in the 11th minute, scored by Jamie Salter. Southend responded with a penalty, kicked through the posts by Bradley Burr.

Referee Shane Lewis awarded a number of penalties to the All Blacks, and there was a strong fight at the try line to score, but the visitors’ defence was too strong. At the break, the home side led 5-3.

After the break, the All Blacks returned to the pitch with even more spirit. There was some sterling work by the players, which resulted in a try under the posts by man of the match Dan Lee. The conversion was made by Fraser Honey.

Southend had a lucky break a few minutes after when a try by Jack Daley came off a wayward ball. Burr converted.

A couple more penalties came the All Black’s way and they gained more and more ground on Southend. Honey missed a penalty kick, but their score was bolstered by Eddie McGinley who scored an unconverted try in the 67th minute.

The home side kept the pressure on, seeking their fourth try, but with three minutes to go, replacement Craig Strachan made it two tries for Southend. The pressure was on Burr to make the conversion and equalise, and he didn’t let his team down.

Although Southend perked up towards the end of the game, it was the Cornish All Blacks, under new head of rugby, Jimmy Tucker who deserved a win - but the coaches, players and supporters alike were happy with a draw and two points.

Cornish All Blacks

Tries: Salter (11), Lee (54), McGinley (67).

Conv: Honey (55)

Southend Saxons

Tries: Daley (58), Strachan (77).

Conv: Burr (59, 78).

Pen: Burr (16)

Half time: 5-3

Full time: 17-17

Referee: Shane Lewis

Attendance: 402

Man of the match: Dan Lee (All Blacks)

Cornish All Blacks — Hydleman (Chapman S 51), McGinley, Westren, Dawe, Edwards, Honey, Friend, Dugard (Chapman L 70), Salter (Bulut 70), Chapman L (Collinette 55), Tripcony (Duke J 67), Hilton, Childs, Duke L, Lee.

Southend Saxons —Billings, Bolton (Hoadley 63), Ashton, Vaughan, Cleare, Burr, Daley, Bailey (Strachan 55), Grier, Bevans, Barker (Fombo 47, Barker 55, Shields 78), Chesney, Fombo (Smith 41), Hudson, Twigt.