Nobody ever said that the Western Counties League was going to be easy

The home side had won their previous two matches, and clearly felt that a big scalp was well within their grasp as they started the game in determined fashion. Teignmouth barely had a touch of the ball in the first 20 minutes, during which time the Cornishmen built up an 8-0 lead through a try from skipper James Comber and a penalty by Olly Denford.

It was only at this point that the visitors started to get a grip on the game and their control of possession and territory set Bude on the back foot. Nevertheless, the home defence stood firm until an attempted clearance was charged down by Teigns’ skip Colin Aldworth. He reacted much more quickly than the defenders, picked up the rebound and stormed over the line to put the Teigns back in the game.

However, this setback did not dampen Bude’s enthusiasm, and Freddy Saxton soon restored the eight point gap with their second try.

Teignmouth managed to reduce the arrears in the last five minutes of the half with two Dan Force penalties, but coach Simon Morrell had to deliver a forceful half-time talk for the second week running – as the previous week it worked, as the Teigns almost totally dominated the second period.

On the hour mark, Arron Kelly finally turned pressure into points with a strong charge to the corner to cap yet another fine performance by the popular second-rower.

Although Bude refused to lie down, and came back with a second Comber try, which Denford converted, it seemed only a matter of time before the Teigns’ powerful pack ould give their backs a chance to cut lose.

With just over ten minutes remaining, the visitors finally put the match to bed with two converted tries in as many minutes. First Chris Tidman, always a threat in midfield broke through the tiring defence, and then Will Sowden at last showed his pace and class to touch down in the corner. Force’s two goals completed the scoring.

It was interesting to note that there was little jubilation from the Teigns at the final whistle, and Morrell and Aldworth had to remind the team that there are few easy games in this division, particularly away games in Cornwall, and therefore that gaining a bonus point victory under such circumstances was not to be sniffed at. Morrell was particularly proud of the effort his team put in against determined opposition, and remains up-beat about what the rest of the season may hold.

So yet another bonus point victory sees the Teigns consolidate their fourth position in the league. Morrell was delighted by the way his side fought their way back into the game, and pointed out that travelling to Cornwall and coming away with five points is a real achievement.

This week Teignmouth have a rest from league concerns and travel to league leaders Ivybridge for a Cup Tie, kick-off 2.30pm.

Report By: Paul Williams