Higgins' late try gives Launceston thrilling derby victory at St Austell

LAUNCESTON claimed bragging rights in the first Cornish derby of the season after snatching a dramatic 31-25 victory over St Austell in a pulsating encounter at Tregorrick Park.

The match was also part of the inaugural Innovation Cup, a new-look competition that brought the two sides together for a fiercely contested battle full of tries, controversy and late drama.

The Blacks secured victory with two decisive late scores, breaking St Austell hearts after the hosts had battled valiantly for almost an hour with 14 men following a first-half red card to lock Tom Daniel.

The result was Launceston’s second win in three matches, while the performance offered plenty of encouragement for both teams as they continue to adapt to their changing squads.

St Austell made the brighter start, fly-half Neldus Kruger kicking an early penalty to give the hosts a 3-0 lead.

However, Launceston responded quickly when scrum-half George Hillson took a penalty swiftly, catching the home defence off guard - and although he was stopped just short of the line, the visitors recycled possession and Devon Bennett-Murray powered over for a try.

As the half continued, Launceston continued to threaten, but St Austell’s defence stood firm before the contest took a significant turn midway through the first half.

Saints lock Tom Daniel was shown a red card for leading with his head following a collision. But rather than allowing the setback to derail their afternoon, St Austell responded impressively.

A powerful line-out drive carried them deep into Launceston territory before centre Dan Tyrrell crossed beneath the posts. Kruger added the conversion for a five-point cushion.

The hosts then extended their advantage, returning full-back Archie Bees exploiting space out wide to score in the corner, and give his side a 15-5 lead at the turn.

On the resumption, Launceston needed a rapid response and captain Mitchell Hawken provided it, powering over from close-range. Albie Newton, in for the holidaying James Tucker, converted to bring the visitors within three points.

St Austell refused to surrender their advantage, however, as Max Bullen finished in the corner following pressure from a dominant scrum.

The Blacks again fought back through replacement Cian Baker, who finished a flowing attacking move, before Ollie Bebbington intercepted a pass and raced beneath the posts. Newton’s conversion putting his side 24-20 ahead.

St Austell continued to dig deep despite their numerical disadvantage and regained the lead when Bullen crossed in the corner, making it 25-24 with the closing stages approaching.

However, with the home crowd sensing victory, Launceston delivered the decisive blow.

After taking a pass from Jack Easton that many felt was forward, winger Sheldon Higgins chipped the ball ahead and chased through to score a crucial late try. Newton added the conversion to give the visitors a memorable triumph.

The Blacks will now look to carry their winning momentum at Newent on Saturday, while St Austell, who host Sidmouth, can take considerable encouragement from a determined performance that pushed their rivals all the way.

ST AUSTELL: Archie Bees; Finn Bulley, Dan Tyrrell, Jamie Stanlake, Max Bullen; Neldus Kruger, Jake Walker; Dan Bennett, Connor Wild, Matt Boothby; Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (capt), Adam Powell, Cam Taylor, Kyle Marriott. Replacements: Scott Pearce, Charlie Nicholson, Rory Jago, Sam Stokes, George Tregilgas.

Tries: Tyrrell, Bees, Bullen (2); Convs: Kruger; Pens: Kruger.

LAUNCESTON: Ollie Bebbington; Sheldon Higgins, Eoin Baker, Jack Easton, Dan Pearce; James Tucker, George Hillson; Mitch Hawken (capt), Archie Doidge, Charlie Short; Devon Bennett-Murray, Dan Goldsmith; Charlie Tummon, Lloyd Duke, George Harris. Replacements: Alex Bartlett, Rory Mead, Jed Griffin, Cian Baker, Tom Sandercock.

Tries: Bennett-Murray, Hawken, Harris, Bebbington, Higgins; Convs: Newton (3); Pens: N/A.

Men-of-the-match: St Austell – Adam Powell; Launceston – Ollie Bebbington/Jack Easton.