Camborne 50 - Loughborough 39

Camborne RFC staged a stunning second half comeback to secure the spoils in a 12 try thriller against Loughbrough, writes Martin Symons.

The match was played in front of another large crowd at the Recreation Ground.

Given first use of the slope the Students took an early lead with a converted score but the Cherry & Whites soon levelled matters with blood replacement Cameron Bone going over for Josh Matavesi to add the extras.

Loughborough were looking to move the ball at every opportunity and capitalised on home errors to run in a brace of tries, to make the score 7-19 on the half hour.

‘Town’ hit back when Ben Priddey’s break created a chance for Harry Larkins to race clear for a solo try again improved by centre Matavesi.

Before half time the Students bagged their bonus point with a converted try followed by a late penalty leaving the home side a mountain to climb 14-29 down at the break.

Soon after the resumption an interception on halfway let in the visitors for a simple converted try, with Camborne now staring at defeat trailing by some 22 points.

On 49 minutes the home comeback began with full back Larkins running on to a chip ahead by Matavesi to touch down his second try of the afternoon in front of the West Bank. Matavesi missed the conversion but did add the extras minutes later to hooker Priddey’s catch and drive score reducing the arrears to 26-36.

With their tails up and Loughborough conceding possession and territory ‘Town’ turned the screw coming down the slope. When replacement fly half Jordan Sidwell deftly held on to a head high pass to dive over Matavesi’s successful conversion had the deficit down to only three points going into the final quarter.

It was now game on and relentless forward pressure eventually told with hardworking lock Jack Heazelton crossing under the posts in the 67th minute. Skipper Matavesi duly knocked over the regulation conversion to give his team the lead at 40 -36.

As the game entered the closing stages an isolated attack by a shell shocked Loughborough saw a penalty shot cut the deficit but Camborne were soon back downfield with Matavesi coolly slotting a drop goal to restore the four point advantage.

The game ended with ‘Town’ camped in the scoreboard corner, from where the industrious Priddey bagged his 25th try of the season and Matavesi capped a fine individual display with a wide angled conversion to round off a memorable victory.