PENZANCE and Newlyn kept up their fine start to the season in Regional Two South West on Saturday with a 13-5 success at Okehampton.

Both sides deserved credit on the day in what were less than ideal conditions in Storm Boelo, but for the Pirates it was a truly stoic performance that sees them still unbeaten with five wins from five at the top of the table.

Playing with the wind in the first forty, the Pirates led 13-0 at the break thanks to two tries from prop Joe Best and a penalty slotted by fly-half Rhys Brownfield. The Okes – rarely beaten at The Showground – scored an unconverted try in the second half, but on a day when low scoring was all but inevitable, that was it.

Speaking after the game, Penzance and Newlyn’s head coach Murray Westren said: “It was quite some day for playing rugby - stating the obvious conditions were about as horrendous as you can get, but what a win from this group.

“I could tell early in the week that we were ready for it, and what evolved was a performance full of character, effort and grit.

“As expected, it was a very physical game, and especially so in the second half against the wind, but we managed to hold on to our lead.

“Unfortunately, the day did take its toll injury-wise, but it will be a full squad effort to finish this first block of games off at the Mennaye against second-placed Tiverton on Saturday. We would also absolutely love a big crowd to be present to help cheer the boys on!”

Penzance and Newlyn Seconds, who are also unbeaten, also emerged victorious once more on Saturday, winning a close contest 28-26 away to Redruth Albany in Counties Three Cornwall.