Camborne School of Mines 12 – Roseland 10
On Saturday Roseland travelled the short distance to Penryn RFC to take on Camborne School of Mines (CSM) in the Tribute Cornwall League. The pitch and the weather were near perfect for running rugby despite the moderate breeze blowing down the pitch from the Mabe end.
CSM kicked the game off playing with the wind. Much of the first half was an even affair with the younger CSM backs trying to use the width of the pitch to spread the ball wide and the bigger Roseland forwards punching holes in the heart of the CSM defence.
Roseland struck first though with a well taken penalty by fly half Matt Eddy.
CSM had a penalty attempt of their own to level the scores but the kick was missed.
CSM finally broke the Roseland defence and flooded support runners through behind Roseland to dot down a try near the posts, the conversion was successful and CSM led 7-3.
Roseland did have another penalty kick at goal to reduce the arrears but Eddy’s attempt fell just short of the cross bar.
The half ended with CSM 7-3 in front after a breathless first half. The second half promised much of the same.
The second half was very similar to the first with both sides determined to play running rugby and but for handling errors on both sides the game could of been much higher scoring.
CSM struck first this time when after a barn storming run by their No8 the ball was spread wide and this time the passes stuck and they cantered over on the left hand side. The conversion was missed but Roseland now trailed 12-3 and needed to score next.
Roseland upped the ante and forwards and backs combined well to gain territory deep in the CSM half. The Roseland pack was starting to produce quick ball and from one such breakdown close to the CSM line scrum half Tom Day grabbed a poachers try when he spotted a gap close to the ruck to get through and stretch out for a try. Eddy slotted the conversion and suddenly it was a 2 point game, 12-10 to CSM.
Roseland were determined not to lose this fixture having lost the previous 2 weeks by not being clinically enough in the second half despite being close at half time.
It looked as though this week Lady Luck might be on Roselands side as once again the pack laid siege to the CSM line however Day was penalised close to the line when adjudged not to have released the ball in the tackle before getting up again, and CSM relieved the pressure. Despite this, Roseland built again and got deep into the 22 and were looking for openings, only again to fall foul of the referees whistle, this time No8 Nathan Chapman was penalised for holding on in the tackle.
Despite Roselands best efforts they just couldn’t create a chance to score the extra points and credit to CSM who defended stoutly.
The game ended 12-10 and both sides were out on their feet as the game had been face paced from start to finish.
Roseland entertain Camelford at Philleigh this week before an away trip to Helston where a bus is available from St Mawes (and back) for supporters and players.
Since writing this report unfortunately the Camelford game has been cancelled due to Camelford being unable to raise a side.