Cornwall Clubs Cup

Roseland 28

Lane End

FOR the second week running, Roseland had to make the long journey to visit the Ford, but this time for a cup fixture.

Unfortunately for Camelford, a number of players had dropped out from last week’s highly competitive squad, with one even off visiting Santa in Lapland!

To the credit of Roseland they pitched up with a full squad determined to gain the result in this game.

Following last week’s epic game there were high hopes that Lane End would be witness to a second great afternoon of rugby. Neither sides disappointed, though it was Roseland who got the upper hand. After ten minutes of pressure they gained their first try barrelling over from a ruck. The conversion was sweetly struck and Roseland were happy to get the points they richly deserved at this point.

A few minutes later a similar pattern of play resulted in an attempted clearance being charged down behind Camelford’s line. Roseland pounced on the ball for their second try, which was again well converted.

Camelford were beginning to struggle with both Rich Jasper and Luke Palmer having to play on with injuries, but their spirit remained strong. Some unfortunate handling errors just spoilt some good attack by the home side.

Roseland regained momentum and scored their third converted try with 25 minutes played. Camelford were defending brilliantly, though needed to be a bit more precise in their tackling, but Roseland could not get full control.

At half time Camelford were 21 points behind and had to use their only bench player as Ian Elford went on for the limping Jasper.

Camelford were determined to rekindle their form of last week and did well as they repelled all Roseland attacks and mounted a number of great efforts themselves.

15 minutes into the half saw another bad injury for Tim Williams leaving Camelford with only 14 fit players. Nic Osborne, the self-proclaimed ‘extreme veteran’ and Club President sped home to get kitted up.

Whilst away the resolve of the determined Camelford did not wane and they managed to keep the score to the 21 points from the first half. As Osborne arrived back, Karl Lovell was down injured so the 57 year old was called into action for the final 15 minutes.

At this stage Camelford were still well and truly in this game, despite only having the 14 fit players, and continued to push Roseland back. With only three minutes left Roseland eventually cleared their danger zone with a big boot by their fly-half. This was initially fielded well by Tom Sandercock, but his own clearance kick was charged down.

Roseland were again fast to react and the ball was scooped up and duly dotted down. Roseland’s kicker coolly slotted his fourth conversion to finally close the game down.

This was another great encounter between these sides played in brilliant spirit and determination. Despite the numerous changes Camelford still showed that they are a good squad which is capable of making opponents work hard for their results.

Both squads can now go into the Christmas break with the knowledge that they can produce good competitive and clean rugby.