Thank you to Chris Brown for the photos, and Tom Day for the excellent match report…
On Saturday in near perfect playing conditions Roseland welcomed Perranporth to Philleigh in the quarter final of the Tribute Cup.
Having won their group having played some tidy running rugby and conceding only 3 points Roseland were feeling confident.
Things didn’t start great as Perranporth had transport problems so the 2 o clock kick off became 2:15ish.
Roseland also had a few problems as some late withdrawals from the team plus some regulars sadly unavailable they had to turn to 51yr old coach Andy Day to put in a 80 minute shift on the flank and play with a make shift back line with Ali Hill orchestrating the show at 10 with youngsters Mike Berridge and Barney Wood filling in the centre positions. A slimlined Billy Thomas was a welcome sight at 15 having come back for Easter with Christian Bembow and Tommy Wyles roaming on the wings.
Perranporth kicked off playing downhill towards the gate and regained possession. Stringing several phases together they failed to break down a resolute Roseland defence. However they soon created the gap and crashed over.
Roseland kicked off but failed to keep Perranporth pinned back and soon found themselves underneath their own sticks.
After several good phases and a few penalty kicks to gain territory Roseland worked their way deep into the Perranporth 22. With lots of hard work and huffing and puffing from forwards and backs alike Roseland crept to within 5m of the line when talisman and number 8 Nathan Chapman spotted a gap on the left and called for the ball wide to take the pass and beat the defender to dive over 15m in from touch. Tom Day’s conversion caught the wind to drop agonisingly short.
Perranporth attacked again and despite valiant Roseland defence soon stretched their lead again.
Roseland worked hard to get within 5m of the Perranporth line with several strong rolling mauls and were in the charge when Perranporth illegally collapsed the maul in front of their posts. Tom knocked over the simple penalty goal.
Perranporth scored a couple more tries before the interval to go in at half time with a comfortable 40-8 lead.
At half time strong words were said in the Roseland huddle and it showed in the second half performance as they spent far more time with possession and in the Perranporth half.
Roseland’s endeavour was rewarded when Billy Thomas crossed for a try. Day failed miserably with the conversion on tired legs. (“excuses excuses!”, webmaster.)
Roseland only conceded 3 more converted tries in the second period to end with a final score of 61-13.
Commendable mentions should go to all 17 players who wore the Roseland shirt and put in 110% effort for the club. Although the result was disappointing none of the players heads dropped.
Dates for your diary:
- Saturday 18th April, friendly at home to Redruth Albany. A big fixture as we’ll be facing Albany in the league next season.
- Friday 1st May, Dinner and Dance at Alverton Manor – will be an excellent evening for all associated with the club as an end to the season. Click for ticket details