COUNTIES THREE CORNWALL (SATURDAY)

Launceston Castles 38 Illogan Park 5

PROMOTION-CHASING Launceston Castles eased to a comfortable home victory over third-placed Illogan Park on Saturday with both Leion Cole and Dan Pearce dotting down twice.

The visitors proved problematic at times, but three tries either side of the break ensured the hosts kept the pressure up on Camborne Seconds.

After an even start, number eight Seb Cox hurt his ankle ten minutes in and was replaced by regular first teamer Leion Cole.

But it was full-back Mitch Acres that put the Castles in front just after the midway point of the half as he superbly collected a pass by his ankles before going over in the clubhouse corner. The kick was missed.

The second try was all about a fine break from flanker Tyler Westlake. He broke through near halfway before offloading to Cole who rumbled over from close range. Dan Pearce, making his second appearance since returning from injury, added the extras.

Pearce then crossed himself in the corner two minutes before the break; and slotted the kick for 19-0.

Illogan came out fired up after the restart and soon scored on 47 minutes following some close range drives, but Launceston, helped by some reinforcements off the bench, scored three times in the final 17 minutes.

Cole got his second, Tom Anderton dotted down Adam Collings’ fine kick through and Pearce secured a brace late on to round off a satisfying afternoon.

LAUNCESTON CASTLES: Mitch Acres, Dan Pearce, Tom Anderton, Richard Jasper, Kuda Chisango, Adam Collings, Ollie Tomkies; Ollie Martin (capt), Nathan Ferrett, Callum Johns, Ben Greene, Tom Walton, Tyler Westlake, Finn Stiles, Seb Cox. Replacements: Simon Burden, Mark Knight, Harvey Basford, Leion Cole, Callum Hall, Cody Smith.

Tries: Acres, Cole (2), Pearce (2), Anderton; Convs: Pearce (4); Pens: N/A.

Launceston Castles man of the match: Adam Collings.