BUDE extended their winning streak to six games on Saturday as a result of their excellent 27-12 victory over fourth-placed Liskeard-Looe at Bencoolen Meadow.

In front of a bumper crowd, the hosts couldn't have made a better start as they claimed their first score within 90 seconds of the kick-off. Following a penalty after a ruck infringement, the ball was kicked to touch and from the ensuing line-out, a classic ‘catch and drive’ move saw skipper Will Hockridge crash over for the opening try. The conversion attempt by fly-half Brad Thomas struck an upright.

However, it didn't take long for the visitors to respond and on six minutes, in virtually identical circumstances, No.8 Flynn Elworthy drove over for a try at the back of his pack, with fly-half Callum Beaver slotting the conversion for a two-point lead.

Just beyond the 20-minute mark the Lions extended their lead when a penalty was kicked to touch and from a clean line-out take the ball was worked left along the visitors' three quarter and Elworthy was again on hand to dot down for his and his side's second try of the afternoon. This time Beaver was unable to convert, but Liskeard-Looe led 12-5.

With their forwards dominating possession in the heavy conditions and the penalty count rising, Bude cut the deficit back to two points in the 26th minute when from another line-out following a penalty award kicked to touch, No.8 Fred Saxton was unstoppable from close-range. Thomas’ kick slipped wide of the uprights, and at the break Liskeard-Looe led 12-10.

That was to prove to be the high point from the visitors' perspective and in the 50th minute came the game-changing momentum swing in Bude's favour. From a line-out on the Lions' 10-metre line the ball was tapped back on their side, but then lost in contact. The loose ball was scooped up by young winger Cobi Yelland who raced away, outstripping the defensive cover in the foot race to the line.

Will Pharo took over duties but was also unsuccessful as they led 15-12.

Urged on by their vociferous supporters, Bude went two scores clear just before the hour mark. With Liskeard's line under siege, a tapped penalty on the five-metre line was run, but the ball was held up. A ruck was quickly formed and scrum-half Olly Mounce combined with replacement No.8 Joe Wilson to put Pharo in under the sticks for a beautifully-worked bonus-point try. Full-back Blaine Wickett made it 22-12.

The game was now the Seasiders' to lose, but they were no mood to be charitable and in the 78th minute they made the result secure as tighthead prop Anthony Kennett barrelled over around the front of a set-piece line up for his side's fifth and final try. The conversion was missed but Bude had five points.

Bude visit mid-table Falmouth on Saturday, while the seconds have no game, the Colts visit Redruth and the ladies visit a Newton Abbot side they beat 46-10 earlier in the season in the Women’s NC 2 South West (West) division.

BUDE: Wickett; Eaton, Hilliam-Cooke, Pharo, Yelland; Thomas, Mounce; Firman, Brown, Kennett; Hockridge (capt), Robinson; Fry, Maniglia, Saxton. Replacements: Chater, Wilson, Tharme, Lovejoy.

Tries: Hockridge, Saxton, Yelland, Pharo, Kennett; Convs: Wickett; Pens: N/A.

Seasiders’ joint man-of-the-match: Anthony Kennett and Edy Hilliam-Cooke.