By Paul Cottle at Bencoolen Meadow

COUNTIES ONE WESTERN WEST (SATURDAY)

Bude 38 Penryn 34

A LATE converted try by debutant Sam Vickery secured a welcome bonus point victory over fellow strugglers Penryn as they came from behind to claim the spoils in a 12-try thriller at Bencoolen Meadow.

Not only did the win give the Seasiders a vital five league points, but also clinched them a place in the final of the CRFU Tribute Knockout Cup against Regional Two South West side Truro.

Playing towards the clubhouse end, the visitors dominated the opening exchanges and it took them barely three minutes to open the scoring as flanker Josh Cumberland went over from close range. The conversion attempt from full-back Rob Banks failed to find it target (0-5).

However, Bude quickly responded and on seven minutes scrum-half Ollie Rowland brought his side level from a sniping run on the blindside after his forwards had secured good quick ball at a ruck. Brad Thomas's well-judged kick from the touchline added the extras.

Penryn were soon back in front as inside-centre James Salisbury quickly made amends for a Banks missed penalty as he crossed for Penryn's second try, which was added to by Banks (7-12).

Bude were level from the restart in the 13th minute as hooker Rory Mead finished off a driving maul, and midway through the half they doubled their lead as a poorly-directed clearance kick was collected by left wing Ryan Butler and he made good ground up the touchline before offloading to inside-centre Joe Wilson who crossed wide out on the left (19-12).

However, Penryn had other ideas and in a seven-minute burst leading up to the break they scored three further tries via Aaron Jones, Jack Truen and Salisbury (19-27).

The Borough went further ahead on 46 minutes as flanker Jones crashed over for his second try of the afternoon and with Banks adding the extras.

However, in the 55th minute, and against the run of play, outside-centre Ben Tharme collected a

loose ball in midfield and he strolled almost nonchalantly to the line to give the home side a lifeline. Then, with less than 10 minutes remaining, Bude were within three points as another driving maul was finished off by Mead. Winger Olly Denford took over kicking duties and slotted it over with ease (31-34).

Bude then won it as a 40-metre burst from dynamic number eight Ben Hancock was halted just short of the line and, from the resulting ruck, replacement tighthead prop Vickery was on hand to burrow over and spark wild celebrations from the majority of supporters inside the ground. Denford coolly slotted the conversion (38-34).

Back came Penryn and from the last play they had a scrum in the Seasiders’ 22. But Rowland hassled his opposite number into a knock-on and the final whistle went.

Bude have this weekend off before they go to leaders Pirates Amateurs on Saturday, March 1 (2.30pm).

BUDE: Alfie Hurwood, Olly Denford, Ben Tharme, Joe Wilson, Ryan Butler, Brad Thomas, Ollie Rowland, Hayden Chater, Rory Mead, Chris Allin, Will Hockridge (capt), Fred Saxton, Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Ben Hancock. Replacements: Sam Vickery, Harvey Cholwill, Jordan Hill.

Tries: Mead (2), Rowland, Wilson, Tharme, Vickery; Convs: Thomas (2), Denford (2); Pens: N/A.

Bude man of the match: Ollie Rowland.