Roseland 31 Helston 0
By Nick Sylvester
With the second half of the league season getting underway, Helston were the visitors to Philleigh with Roseland looking to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture back in October. With both sides, together with Lankelly/Fowey, being the three main contenders seeking to avoid the drop to Cornwall League 2, there was potentially more than just the result at stake.
Under ideal playing conditions Roseland played up the slope in the first half, the opening exchanges of which were fairly even, although the visitors were unfortunate to suffer an immediate injury which meant playing with 14 for a short period until a replacement arrived.
Both sides had periods of early ascendency although Roseland’s excellent determination, discipline and game management shone through and after 12 minutes they were rewarded when Sam Glanville forced his way over in the top left corner following several phases of forward domination. Tom Day added a great conversion from the touchline and after 25 minutes, Roseland’s lead was extended. More sustained forward pressure allowed Nathan Chapman to score from a 5 metre scrum, again converted by Day.
In first half injury time, and after yet more forward dominance, Christian Benbow scored following a clever long pass from David Williams that gave the winger a clear run to the line.
Following such an impressive first half display, and a 19-0 lead including three tries, there was obvious touchline optimism that a Roseland try bonus point would soon be forthcoming. However, with no further scoring during the third quarter and a couple of significant injuries, Roseland lost some of their momentum which also encouraged the visitors although they were never able to sustain significant pressure. With bonus points being potentially so important, Roseland’s excellent decision-making started to creak, mistakes crept in and the penalty count mounted against the home side.
However, by now the Helston scrum was in tatters and, although the visitors still had the better lineout, the vital fourth and bonus point try finally came after 77 minutes when Glanville grabbed his second in the bottom left corner. With a maximum of five league points secured and the associated pressure now off, Roseland played with more freedom in the final minutes and were rewarded in injury time with a scrum penalty try with the last play of the game to extend the final score to 31-0.
Appreciated by the smiling faces both on and off the field, Roseland’s best performance this season and the timing, result and related confidence thereof will surely provide the springboard for more of the same. Given the immediate fixture schedule against Illogan Park next Saturday (away) and Lankelly/Fowey (home) on 19th January, there is clear opportunity to climb the league, secure Division One league status while alleviating any such pressures.
Well done lads !