BUDE kept their slender promotion hopes alive with a hard earned victory over St Austell's second string at Tregorrick Park on Saturday.

Having already lost twice on the road this season, they badly needed the result of this game to go their way and this win keeps them in the hunt for an immediate return to the Counties 1 Western West League.

However, with only one promotion place up for grabs and Camborne Seconds already nine points clear at the top with a 100 per cent record, one third of the way through the season and with only five points separating the next five sides, including the sixth placed Seasiders, its already looking as though the race is on for second place only.

Having benefited from a week's break and extra time on the training paddock, with the exception of those players out with long term injuries, the Seasiders were able to name their strongest starting 15 for this “must win game”, but they rotated their bench with last season's Colt Bailey Fackrell stepping up from the Seconds, joined by Fraser Martyn, who missed the previous game against Camborne Seconds, and Josh Rowland.

With dry conditions overhead after early morning rain, the game kicked off with both sides showing good attacking intent and it didn't take long for the hosts to take the lead with a try from flanker Rory Jago, converted by scrum half Alfie Middlewood.

However, on 14 minutes the visitors replied with a try by loosehead prop Charlie Firman from close range after some excellent play by skipper Will Hockridge and No 8 Fred Saxton before fly half Brad Thomas added the conversion to level the scores.

Despite the best efforts of both sides there was no further score in the first half and at the interval the game was deadlocked at seven apiece.

Bude again started the second period strongly and in the 43rd minute they went in front when some good three quarter play saw the ball worked wide and left wing Oscar Davey was able to dot down in the corner.

Fly half Thomas couldn't added the extras, but shortly before the hour mark the visitors extended their lead when following a period of phase play No 8 Saxton crashed over wide out.

With the kicking duties now in the hands of inside centre Olly Denford, his conversion attempt slipped wide of the upright. In front by 17-7, the Seasiders were now well in command and looking to go further ahead.

However, despite more good play from the visitors, they were unable to extend their lead and shortly before the final whistle, loosehead prop Hugh Noott barrelled over from close range to claim his side's second try of the afternoon, which took the Sinners back within seven points, thereby securing a precious bonus point in the process.

It was a far from perfect display by the Seasiders, but there were good performances right across the team from one to 18 and with a busy four week period ahead in the lead up to the Christmas and New Year break, Bude appear well placed to keep up the pressure on the teams in front of them in the title chase.

This Saturday, the Seasiders entertain the basement club, Bodmin, in a North Cornwall derby, with a 2.30pm kick off.

Scores: St Austell Seconds: Rory Jago, Hugh Noott (Tries), Alfie Middlewood (Conversion). Bude: Charlie Firman, Oscar Davey, Fred Saxton (Tries), Brad Thomas (Conversion).

Bude: Will Pharo, Edy Hilliam-Cooke, Ben Tharme, Olly Denford, Oscar Davey, Brad Thomas, Olly Mounce, Charlie Firman, Harvey Cholwill, Hayden Chater, Will Hockridge (Captain), Alex Robinson, Finley Fry, Matt Maniglia, Fred Saxton. Replacements: Bailey Fackrell, Fraser Martyn, Josh Rowland.