St Agnes 50 – Roseland 0
In perfect weather conditions on Saturday Roseland made the trip to St Agnes in a battle of the basement game in the Tribute Cornwall One league.
St Agnes sat one point ahead of Roseland having also struggled against the senior sides and both sides were targeting the game to help elevate them up the table. St Agnes had a strong squad to choose from and Roseland unfortunately had a bare 15 which included hooker Ant Thomas in the second row, regular number 8 Nathan Chapman at scrum half and also a return for prop David “Gerbil” Martin who hasn’t played since before Christmas due to illness.
The opening exchanges as ever were fairly even but St Agnes soon started to gain the upper hand despite playing up the slope and against the slight breeze. They soon had a 10-0 lead. Roseland had a shot at goal that pulled just wide. St Agnes grabbed a couple more scores despite valiant Roseland defence. Roseland made an excellent break from inside their own 22. Fly Half Day dummied and made the initial break before passing to centre Mike Rushbridge who made 50-60 metres and was caught and just failed with the final offload.
Roselands other first half opportunity came from an excellent rolling maul from a lineout but unfortunately the ball was turned over just short of the line.
St Agnes scored a couple more tries including a penalty try when Rushbridge was penalised for a high tackle on the St. Agnes prop after he made a scintillating break. St Agnes ended the half 31-0 in front.
Roseland were determined to keep their heads up and play with pride and passion for the shirt and for much of the second half they did just that. They spent long periods in the St Agnes half and within the 22 but just couldn’t find a way to unlock the Aggie defence. One was created when after several phases Chapman freed his arms and put out a perfect pass for winger Dan Eames who unfortunately was on his heels and the ball went harmlessly into touch. St Agnes scored 2 converted and one unconverted try in the second half, including a try with the last play of the game.
All 15 Roseland players put in a mammoth shift and done themselves and the shirt proud on Saturday.
The result didn’t fairly represent Roselands contribution to the game and even St Agnes felt it flattered them somewhat and that Roseland deserved a try or two of their own.
Roselands next challenge is an away fixture to Camborne School of Mines at Penryn RFC who are also near the bottom of the table on 10 points, alongside St Agnes, and Roseland on 4.
Roseland won the reverse fixture back in January so will be hoping for more happy memories.