WHILST the extended league programme has solved the perennial problem of unfilled gaps in the post Christmas period fixtures list, it has created another for mid-table clubs with no chance of promotion and little fear of relegation, writes Paul Cottle.

Bude appear to have fallen into this trap, seventh place in the table and with little left to play for in the remaining weeks of the league season, but pride and the chance to blood some of their talented youngsters into the rigours of senior rugby.

On Saturday, after dominating the opening exchanges and taken a 15-0 lead against relegation threatened Tiverton at Bencoolen Meadow with little over half an hour gone, they switched off mentally, conceded two soft tries and being unable to regain the initiative, were defeated by a slim margin on a beautifully sunny, but crisp early spring afternoon.

That victory should have ensured Tivvy's survival in the Western Counties West League for another season and showing real heart and commitment after their shaky start, few neutrals would argue they didn't deserve the spoils.

For the Seasiders whilst the defeat hurt, the real damage done was the loss of influential skipper Steve Yates with a damaged Achilles in the closing stages of the match, which threatens to sideline him for a few weeks and could severely dampen his side's chances in the latter stages of the Skinners Brewery sponsored Cornwall Knockout Cup. Bude's coaches will be watching the medical bulletins with trepidation.

Whilst Tiverton opened strongly, with their pack quick to settle, they failed to take advantage as a long range penalty attempt from fly half Jimmy Atkins fell short and wide, after a Bude hand was caught illegally killing the ball at a ruck on their own 10 metre line.

However, that let off seemed to spur the home side into action and on 12 minutes they took the lead as Tiverton's pack was forced to illegally stop an attempted push over try, following a scrum on their own 5 metre line. This, after the Seasiders had turned down a regulation kick at goal and instead opted to set an attacking scrum. Referee Steve Moir awarded a penalty try and full back Olly Denford slotted the conversion attempt from in front of the uprights.

With the half hour mark rapidly approaching and Bude continuing to dominate, Denford stretched the home side's lead to 10 points from a penalty goal, after good work by left wing Blaine Wickett, following up his own chip ahead, had forced the visitors to take him out in mid-air as he leaped to re-gather the ball.

In the 31st minute, after another punishing drive by his forwards, inside centre Paul Williams forced his way over from close range. This time Denford's conversion attempt drifted harmlessly wide of the posts, but a clear two scores ahead, Bude's supporters looked forward to a prosperous afternoon.

All was to change in the final ten minutes of the half.

First Tiverton's outside centre Tom Heard caused havoc in the home defence, with a surging 40 metre break from deep, only to see his long miss-pass elude its intended target, left wing Bradley Baker in space on the outside, with the line at his mercy and fly harmlessly into touch.

The tall, long striding centre was clearly a danger man and four minutes before the break, his involvement in a simple threequarter move from first phase possession caused hesitancy in the hosts' defence and right wing Joel Sully ghosted through on the outside for an easy try.

Atkins converted expertly from the touchline and worse was to follow for Bude a minute into stoppage time as flanker Ollie Chanin touched down wide out on the left, following good work by his threequarters. Atkins again added the extras and at the turn around, Bude's lead was down to the slimmest of margins.

Dave Risdon replaced Barry Sobey in the front row in his first game back after a hand operation and he was clearly full of beans after his enforced absence.

However, you began to sense that perhaps it wasn't going to be Bude's day as their early confidence slowly ebbed away and the visitors scented victory.

On 54 minutes, after the Seasiders' pack was again forced to concede a penalty at the breakdown, Atkins stroked the ball through the uprights and for the first time, took his side into the lead.

Temper began to fray midway through the half, as the sides battled for domination. An ugly skirmish at a maul threatened to spill over onto the touchline, but the rapid intervention of the referee and a stiff lecture to both captains quickly restored order, thus proving that a fist full of cards isn't always the best option to keep control of two fiery testosterone fuelled sides. Take a bow Mr Moir.

After Bude had used the last of their replacements in seeking to bring fresh legs and urgency to their game, they lost Yates with ten minutes remaining, following a fairly innocuous tackle and were forced to play out time one man short and couldn't quite claw back the deficit. It wasn't the Seasiders' day, but at least the visitors went home happy.

This Saturday, Bude head down west to take on high flying Truro at St Clements Hill. After securing victory in the reverse fixture last November, the Seasiders have nothing to fear and two points would give them a tremendous boost ahead of their upcoming league and cup double fixtures with old rivals Wadebridge Camels.

Scorers

Bude: Penalty try, Paul Williams (try), Olly Denford (conversion and penalty goal).

Tiverton: Joel Sully, Ollie Chanin (tries), Jimmy Atkins (2 conversions and penalty goal).

Bude: Olly Denford, Timmy Green, Matt Trewin, Paul Williams, Blaine Wickett, Steve Yates (Capt), Ollie Mounce (Andy Yates), Matt Williams, Luke Dunkin, Barry Sobey (Dave Risdon), Paul Cholwill, Mark Parsons (Kurt Blake), Will Kingdon, Dave Uglow and Lee Weston.

Referee: Mr Steve Moir (Callington – Devon RRS).