This was another well attended and keenly contested local derby, the game flew by even though the scoreboard did not move for an age both teams were organised and resolute in their attack and defence. Poor finishing and ball handling when under pressure saw the Saints spurn three clear opportunities to score when camped in the Camels' 22. The visitors did likewise when presented with a clear 3 man overlap and choosing to move the ball back inside. Frustrating for the teams but a fascinating display of strategy. The swirling blustery wind was causing the kickers headaches, both packs proved an even match for one another and the when there were opportunities the attempts to ground the ball were held up, there really was nothing in it. The only difference between the two sides in the first half were two well struck Cavan Boyer penalties to take the Saints 6-0 up at the end of the half.
Camels started the second half brightly with Danny Hosking securing 3 early points, the Saints were to have none of this and wave after wave of pressure had James Martin scything his way through the Camels to score out wide, the score now a relieved 11-3. A good restart had Saints again working toward the oppositions line and the best move of the match had winger Ben Chenoweth traversing the width of the pitch finish a move that involved eight sets of hands. Both conversions were missed but at 16-3 this did not cause too much concern as the Saints had appeared to have broken the Camels back
However, a poor restart let Wadebridge straight back in and Danny Thomas had the pleasure of converting his own try and at 16 -10 the Saints discipline faltered. An incident involving both packs saw two Saints and one Camel, sin binned, the home side were already a man down for an earlier infringement but this proved to be the turning point. The Saints missed a key penalty kick which thumped against the post and the Camels were sensing a change in momentum to set up a very tense final quarter. Camels' skipper Mike Rawlings showed his class in the 65th minute powering over the line with Thomas crucially converting taking it to 16-17. The last 7 minutes saw the Saints were laying siege to the Camels' try line but Wadebridge managed to hold firm to take the points and set up a mouth watering return match later in the season.
The match refereed by visiting Tom Berridge had flowed very smoothly with an even penalty count and clear indications of why decisions were made, but a Cornish derby at Tregorrick Park clearly put him to the test. The second half witnessed 5 yellow cards 2 for Wadebridge and 3 for the Saints to add to the one for the visitors in the first.
What a difference a week makes in rugby! Next up another Cornish derby a welcome visit to Bude away.