In an action-packed Sunday match between Eagles Women and Exmouth Ladies at the Rec, both teams showcased their skills and determination right from the off, writes Mick Stevens and Gupta Singh.

The first ten minutes saw play concentrated in the centre of the park, with a series of scrums adding intensity to the game. Falmouth, more than holding their own, began to dominate in the second ten minutes, constantly pressuring Exmouth Women (The Cockles) in their own half.

Taking advantage of a crooked Exmouth lineout, Falmouth opted for a scrum and, after a series of pick and goes, Jess Casterton on her debut crossed the line for a well-deserved try on the 20-minute mark, although it was not converted.

However, The Cockles quickly responded, scoring a try straight from the kick-off after a series of powerful drives and successfully converting it. The score at the end of the first period stood at 5-7.

Early in the second period, The Eagles showed great resilience as they withstood sustained periods of Exmouth pressure, before eventually clearing their lines. The battle then returned to the middle third of the pitch, but a series of missed tackles from Falmouth allowed Exmouth to cross for a second try, which was converted, bringing the score to 5-14.

Undeterred, Falmouth gathered themselves and pressed forward from the kick-off. A series of determined drives resulted in the ball being recycled, and Jess Casterton made a fantastic arcing run to score a her brace out wide on the clubhouse side. Although the conversion was missed, Falmouth closed the gap to 10-21.

The middle third of the game saw both teams going back and forth, but it was Falmouth's Eagles who made the most impact. Falmouth's Cassandra Callihan galloped half the length of the pitch, scoring a thrilling try beneath the posts. It was converted by Abbie Truran which was also the first time the Eagles had converted a try on home soil, bringing the score to 17-21.

The third period started with Falmouth kicking off and the play once again see-sawing around the middle third of the pitch. However, a series of penalty decisions went in favour of Exmouth, allowing them to cross for an unconverted try in the clubhouse corner, extending their lead to 17-26.

Despite the high tempo and Falmouth's determined defence, the game was slowed down by a series of injuries towards the end, leading to the final whistle and a final score of 17-26 in favour of Exmouth Rugby Women.

Falmouth's performance continues to show improvement, as they displayed determined play against a team that draws players from wider areas. As their numbers and skill levels continue to grow, so will their results.

If your are interested in trying rugby out in Falmouth then join the women on Thursday evenings at the Falmouth Recreation ground from 18:30.