Bude 2XV 35

South Molton 2XV 17

BUDE seconds welcomed South Molton to Bencoolen Meadow on Saturday in a wet and windy encounter, which saw the home side run out comfortable 35-17 winners.

Bude started with the wind in their favour and dominated early possession, but without crossing the white line. There were also some big hits made in defence from Ali Mason, Phil Horton and veteran Phil Thomas, still playing at the age of 57.

It took until a set play in the 20th minute for the first score of the game through the colossal Chris Ball. Ball peeled off the back of a maul, powered towards the line and then side stepped the South Molton full-back to give them a 5-0 lead. Young fly-half Will Pharo added the extras.

The remainder of the half saw Bude dominating possession and position without taking full advantage of the wind conditions, although it took a huge hit from Ali Mason on the South Molton full-back in the last few seconds to maintain their lead.

Bude started the second-half dominating possession again, and after some sustained pressure they were able to score the games second try. A mazy run from full-back Lyle Kear was carried on by Robbie Williams, before he smartly offloaded to young Rory Mead to score under the posts. Again Pharo converted.

From the restart, Bude were gifted possession and a powerful run by

Williams resulted in their third try. It was the same story at the next restart with the ball landing in the capable arms of Horton who danced his way through the entire South Molton team before touching down under the posts. Again Pharo was successful on both occasions.

The fifth try came from Bude’s own 22. After some sustained South Molton pressure, the ball was turned over and given to the lightning quick Kear who ran almost the length of the pitch to score. Pharo made it five from five on the conversions.

With such a strong lead Bude made some changes in the pack, with Mark Kendrick dusting off his boots to replace Ball and Thomas coming off for Carl Ashcroft.

These changes allowed South Molton to get back in the game, and on 60 minutes they were able to nip over for their first score of the game, which was scored and converted by Sean Gomez.

This was quite quickly followed by a try for Pedro O’Leary as they started to make the scoreline more respectable.

Seamus Gonzales then went over with seconds to spare as South Molton were rewarded for their determination in difficult conditions.

Notable mentions should go to Colts players, Rory Mead, Brad Horton, Alex Robertson, Will Hockridge and Will Pharo who converted all of Bude’s five tries.

This Saturday, Bude’s first team return to action with a North Cornwall derby at Wadebridge Camels while the seconds, are scheduled for another home clash, this time against Torrington seconds.