Saturday, April 7

Tribute Cornwall and Devon League

Bude 22

PLAYER/coach, Angus Hodges, believes that Bude ‘put in one of their best’ performances of the season despite falling to defeat at Wellington.

The league leaders have lost just twice as they look to secure an instant return to the Tribute Western Counties (West) and they looked every bit the part as they raced into a 22-10 at the break thanks to tries from Alex Davey, Will Hinchcliffe, Joe Dyke and Nev Pitman.

An Olly Denford penalty had given Bude a 3-0 lead while their try came through Hodges after some sustained pressure eventually led to the ball being played out into the backs for Hodges to ride a couple of tackles to score.

At 22-10 down, Bude were just about still in the game and Hodges’ second of the day after good work down the blindside from a ruck with Charlie Watton brought them back into contention at 22-15.

Despite Regan Walker extending the lead to 15 points, Bude’s powerful pack continued to dominate at scrum time, which eventually led to a penalty try with less than ten minutes to go.

But Alex Davey’s penalty with a couple of minutes remaining meant that Bude needed two scores to get back into it — a task which just eluded them.

Hodges was full of praise for his side and hopes they can repeat their efforts at home to Wessex on Saturday (3pm).

He said: “I was super happy with how we played.

“Although there were a couple of mistakes which ultimately cost us, it was our best performance in a long time.”

Bude —

Tries: A Hodges 2, penalty try

Convs: Denford

Pens: Denford