By Nick Rich

COUNTIES THREE CORNWALL

Launceston Castles 14 Saltash Seconds 41

CHAMPIONS Launceston Castles finished off their home league campaign with a 41-14 loss to a strengthened Saltash Seconds side at Polson Bridge.

The Blacks went into the game looking to bounce back from defeat at St Agnes and were able to welcome back some players.

But it was the Ashes who were on the board after just six minutes with a tidy move deep into the Launceston half putting hooker Jacob Harvey into space to score (5-0).

The hosts came back well and scored a converted try to take the lead via Cohen Larson. Mitch Acres added the extras.

The home lead didn't last long as centre Scott Williams gave Saltash a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Saltash then got a fine third try as following a 50/22 kick, the line-out was taken quickly with Laurie Thomson dotting the ball down for fellow Colt Tom Knight to convert (7-17).

Launceston came back late in the half with a converted try of their own from No.8 Callum Johns and were just three points down at the break at 17-14.

Into the second half and a degree of control for the visitors saw them score through Jay Moriarty out on the right, for Knight to convert.

In the final quarter Saltash scored three further tries as makeshift fly-half Lewis Wells fended off several defenders to score a try, before centre Williams also went over for his second.

At the death a well-worked backs move put Knight clear in the right to score, which he converted.

However once the game was over the home side started their promotion celebrations.

LAUNCESTON CASTLES: Cohen Larson, Cody Smith, Callum Smith, Rich Jasper, Harvey Fry, Mitch Acres, Ollie Tomkies; Harvey Basford, Nathan Ferrett, Simon Burden, Ben Greene, Tom Walton, Mark Knight, Chris Hall, Callum Johns. Replacements: Tom Hargreaves, Joe Hicks, Adam Collings, Kuda Chisango, Dale Johnson, Aaron Curtin.

Tries: Larson, Johns; Convs: Acres (2); Pens: N/A.