National Two South

Cornish All Blacks 31

Barnes 33

Polson Bridge

The Cornish All Blacks gave a performance of real character during their home clash against Barnes, and despite losing 31-33, they secured their first two points of the season.

The home side gave away a penalty in the opening minutes, giving Tom O’Toole a chance to put three points on the board for Barnes.

The All Blacks got back in the game and worked hard to push the visitors back.

After a couple of Barnes’ penalties, Launceston found a gap for Isaac Hydleman to touch down for an unconverted try.

But it was Barnes who dominated the rest of the first half, notching up two more tries, scored by Rupert Crossland and Alexander Crane.

The visitors extended their lead further with two more penalties kicked by O’Toole. At the half time whistle, the All Blacks trailed 5-21.

The All Blacks played some brilliant rugby in the second half and came within touching distance of their first win. Lewis Edwards scored a try, followed shortly by a converted try by Barnes’ replacement, Ciaran Smyth.

All Blacks’ captain, Jamie Salter scored his side’s third try, with the conversion being made by Chris Swash. Five minutes later Barnes responded with an unconverted try by O’Toole.

The All Blacks were eagerly looking for their fourth try. They didn’t have to wait long as in the 73rd minute, replacement Rhys Brownfield touched down and converted the try.

Less than two minutes later, Eddie McGinley made a fantastic run down the field and went over for the Cornish All Blacks’ fifth try of the game. This was a complete turnaround of fortune for the home side, who now trailed by two points.

The atmosphere at Polson was electric as the final minutes of the game played out.

Barnes were tiring but the All Blacks couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.

The home side was awarded a penalty and the decision was made to go for the kick. A victory for the home side rested on Swash’s kick, but unfortunately he missed.

Play continued but time quickly ran out. Although it was another loss for the All Blacks, they can take many positives from the game, an increased confidence and the crucial two points.

Launceston

Tries: Hydleman (9 mins), Edwards (45), Salter (60), Brownfield (73), McGinley (75); Conversions: Swash (62), Brownfield (73, 76) Penalties:

Barnes

Tries: Crossland (20), Crane (21), Smyth (50), O’Toole (67); Conv: O’Toole (22, 50). Penalties: O’Toole (2, 33, 38)

Half time: 5-21

Full time: 31-33

Attendance: 342

Referee: Calum Howard

Man of the match: Jamie Salter (All Blacks)

Launceston — Hydleman, McGinley, Chapman S, Westren, Edwards, Swash (Brownfield 69), Friend, Dugard (Grendall 67), Salter, Grendall (Chapman L 51), Tripcony, Hamber, Haines (Duke 68), Duke (Norris 61), Childs.

Yellow cards: McGinley (33).

Barnes — O’Toole, Carlisle, Butler, Holmes, Greenwood, Williams-Davies (Coles 62), Gordon (Reeves 62), Calvin, Crossley (Alteirac 63), Matthews (McArthur 68), Crane, Steele, Mortimer, Malaney (Smyth 47), Crossland.

Yellow cards: Greenwood (5)

On Saturday, the Cornish All Blacks are home again when they take on Dorking, with an earlier kick off of 2pm.