LAUNCESTON Castles put in a fine performance but couldn’t quite get over the line against promotion-chasing Helston at Polson Bridge on Saturday.

The Castles, who had picked up eight points from 10 either side of Christmas, kept the ball for long periods and gained territory early on. But it was the visitors who got the scoreboard ticking on 14 minutes through full-back Tomas Townsend who converted the try himself.

Launceston though had no intention of rolling over as the Castles mounted an attack and soon found their way over the try line as Ben Greene took advantage of some space to dive over for a score. Launceston doubled up through club legend Lloyd Duke to take the lead and pile the pressure on the visitors.

However, they answered with a well-constructed backs move which saw them level the scores at 12-12 five minutes half-time.

Well within the fight, the Castles went into the second half full of the desire, but Helston though showed why they are the only team to beat league leaders Camborne Seconds this season.

Despite huge pressure from the hosts, they could not find a way over the try line. A killer blow was soon landed as Helston scored against the run of play via Jack Jenkin to swing the momentum in their favour.

Launceston’s potency in attack began to dwindle as Helston grew in confidence and scored again through flanker Jamie Hoskin just before the hour.

Launceston continued to work hard, but ultimately ran out of puff.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Castles this Saturday as they travel to Camborne Seconds.

LAUNCESTON CASTLES: Mill, Ward, Smith, Anderton, Chisango; Pearce, Sillifant; Stevens, Hargreaves, Burden (capt); Theobald, Greene; Stiles, Dennis, Duke. Replacements: Basford, Walton, Crabb, Knight.

Tries: Greene, Duke; Convs: Pearce; Pens: N/A.

Castles’ man-of-the-match: Lloyd Duke.