Tribute South West One West

Camborne 18,

Ivybridge 20

Ivybridge took a big step towards their objective of a top-six finish in their first season in South West One West with a hard-fought win over a physical Camborne side writes Tim Leigh.

Camborne's home record has been singularly impressive of late, with Ivybridge's first team coach Neil Thomson thinking this was only their third home defeat in almost 50 matches.

He said: 'It was a hard encounter, you expect that travelling down to Cornwall and particularly Camborne with their record.

'I thought we defended so well, they had about 75 per cent possession in the first half but all they had to show for it was a penalty.'

The first half an hour was certainly one way traffic, but Ivybridge's defence was ironclad and a testament to how they have adapted to life in a higher league as the season has progressed.

Whereas before they may have shipped points and left themselves a mountain to climb, this time they held firm and so were able to stun their hosts at the end of the first period.

In virtually their first visit into the Camborne 22, a catch and drive move saw lock Elliott Worrell, on as a replacement, power over to give Ivybridge a 3-5 lead.

They doubled their score before the half-time whistle when scrum-half Ben Watts spotted a gap and linked well with Lewis Paterson to cross for the visitors' second try, also unconverted.

This gave Ivybridge a seven-point cushion going into the break, and must have left Camborne's coaches wondering how so much possession had yielded so few points.

The home side came out firing after the break, scoring an unconverted try of their own through number eight David Roberts, and a penalty from their fly-half saw them claim a narrow lead 11-10 during the final quarter.

Ivybridge, however, were in determined mood and some good phase play saw them secure territory before centre Paterson bundled over from close range, restoring their advantage.

The crucial score of the game soon followed, with lock Dom Loomes on hand following good work by the Ivybridge pack to cross for the bonus-point try.

At 11-20 ahead and with time running out, Camborne rescued a losing bonus-point for themselves when they crossed following a superb break from the scrum-half.

Nevertheless, Ivy­bridge held on to se­cure a thoroughly im­pressive victory which sees the gap between them and sixth-placed North Petherton standing at 22 points.

The win wasn't without its costs, however, as back row Justin Rogers fractured his skull and will be out for an estimated five to six weeks.

In addition, lock George Wilson picked up a head knock and will be assessed this week, and Dom Loomes had to have a damaged finger attended to at hospital.

Nevertheless, Thom­son was thrilled with the victory and even more so with the manner in which it was achieved, saying: 'It was certainly a bruising match. I think Cam­borne may have let their frustration at not being able to break us down get the better of them a little.

'We're a step closer to our objective and have increased our lead over third-placed Bridg­water and Albion.

'We've picked up three massive away wins and a win at home to Matson, and we'll go into tomorrow's game against St Austell full of confidence.'

St Austell have perked up after a poor start to the season and Ivybridge won't be taking anything for granted, but a fifth win in a row is no more than the club deserves and no mean achievement after their pre-Christmas wobble.