LAUNCESTON joint head coach Ian Goldsmith hailed the inaugural Borders and Castles Cup clash with Okehampton as a ‘roaring success’ after the rivals took each other on in West Devon on Saturday.

Three Launceston sides – the Colts, Castles (second team) and All Blacks – made the short trip up the A30 to take on their Okehampton counterparts with each one leaving with victory, and with it the cup.

The first match between the Colts was a close affair with Launceston edging it 27-22, before the second team clash saw a comfortable 50-17 success for the Cornishmen.

Okehampton were relegated from Regional One South West last season meaning no local derby for the clubs until at least next season, but despite a fierce effort from the hosts who had a new-look about them, Launceston ran out 35-12 winners to ensure a 112-51 aggregate scoreline.

The All Blacks, who dominated after an early spell of pressure which saw Okehampton take the lead, led 21-7 at the break thanks to tries from winger Ollie Bebbington, prop Charlie Short and outside-centre Jose Juarez, which was added to by three conversions from James Tucker.

But Tucker’s afternoon was cut short by a rolled ankle which puts him in doubt for Saturday’s league opener at home to Brixham, with inside-centre Cam Fogden converting both second half tries from Levent Bulut and Dom Ellery.

Goldsmith hailed the concept and is delighted that the clubs have agreed to do it again next year with the venue set to alternate each year. He said: “No doubt Saturday was a roaring success and the concept of all three games meant every moment in each game mattered.

“Already people from both clubs are looking forward to next year, and it looks like the ladies’ will be added to it as well, possibly for an evening game.”