NATIONAL LEAGUE TWO WEST

CAMBORNE 31 TAUNTON TITANS 38

CAMBORNE suffered their first home league defeat in almost two years as Taunton Titans claimed a dramatic victory to complete the season double and cut the leaders’ advantage at the top of National League 2 West to ten points.

In a frantic encounter at the Recreation Ground, the visitors were inspired by player-coach Ratu Vakalutukali, who had a hand in all three of Taunton’s tries before delivering the decisive blow late on.

Camborne had made the perfect start. Hooker Ben Priddey powered over from close range inside the opening minutes, with Rory O’Kane converting.

Taunton responded with an unconverted try from Freddie Elliott, but the home side quickly restored their momentum when wing Alex Ducker finished in the corner. O’Kane produced an excellent touchline conversion to extend the lead to 14-5.

The visitors chipped away through two penalties from Tom Putt before Camborne struck again on 23 minutes as lock Shaun Buzza crossed, O’Kane adding the extras.

‘Town’ secured the try bonus point soon after when full-back Kyle Moyle slipped an inside pass for wing Robin Wedlake to race over, but Taunton refused to go away and hit back immediately with a converted try from Scott Gibson.

The key moment of the half arrived just before the break. Camborne looked set for a penalty try when a close-range maul was pulled down, but the chance went begging and Taunton broke clear to score at the other end through Archie Spokes, narrowing the gap to 26-25 at half-time.

After a breathless first period, the second half tightened up. Camborne extended their lead on 55 minutes when Priddey was driven over for his second and his 36th try of the season.

But with ten minutes remaining, Vakalutukali produced the decisive moment – charging 40 metres to the line to score. Putt converted and added two late penalties to seal a memorable win.

Camborne: K Moyle; R Wedlake, W Hennessy, J Matavesi, A Ducker; R O’Kane, CJ Boyce; J Andrew, B Priddey, B Watson; S Buzza, A Hughes; S Matavesi, J Nicholls, H Stupple. Replacements: S Rodman, A Rolls, J Prisk, D Roderick, F Love

Tries – Priddey (2), Ducker, Buzza, Wedlake; Conversions - O’Kane (3)