THE gulf in class between table toppers Camborne Seconds and the remainder of the league was brutally exposed on Saturday as third placed Bude were simply no match for the home side's second string at the Recreation Ground, who are now odds on favourites for promotion at the end of the season.

Previously undefeated since early November when the sides met in the reverse fixture at Bencoolen Meadow and off the back of an eight game winning streak, and with a strong squad, the Seasiders travelled to West Cornwall with realistic hopes of running the league leaders close.

However, within minutes of the first whistle, it was clear it wasn't going to be the visitors' day as they conceded a pair of early tries, a foretaste of things to come.

In total they shipped 11 tries, including 40 unanswered points in the first half, against a team with clear ambitions of marching up the league structure, to mirror the strides made in recent seasons by their senior side.

While Bude's pack put in a strong performance, matching the home eight at scrum and line out time and at the breakdown, with the back row of Fred Saxton, Fin Fry and Matt Maniglia never taking a backward step, the visitors simply had no answer to Camborne’s handling skills and pace out wide.

As soon as the ball was moved away from the point of contact, the Seasiders try line was in constant danger from the home side’s lightening quick back division.

A brace of tries from right wing Jack Davis, plus singles from number eight Cameron Bone, fly half Ollie Roberts, second row Damien Cook and inside centre Will Hennessey followed.

Hennessey converted five in the one sided first half that put the match result beyond doubt at the break, with the hosts' try scoring bonus point in the bag after barely 20 minutes.

Things did improve somewhat for the North Cornwall side after the turn around, with tries from Maniglia and Saxton, both from close range “pick and go” moves, with inside centre Olly Denford converting Maniglia's five pointer, but there was no way back for the Seasiders.

Further tries from Bone and Roberts to add to their earlier efforts, along with single scores from flanker Charlie Butler, replacement three quarter Ewan Murray and full back Harry Larkins, with Hennessey adding the extras each time made the final score 75-12 in Camborne's favour.

It was a tough day for Bude's young inexperienced side, but one from which they can take lessons and if those lessons are learned, ultimately it will stand them in good stead for the remaining weeks of the season as they seek secure a top three league finish, as well as pursuing cup glory both at National and County level.

This Saturday, Bude return to home territory in the league as they host St Austell Seconds (3pm), looking to put last week's heavy defeat behind them.

Meanwhile, Bude Seconds are on the road with a tough away fixture to Redruth Albany in the Counties Tribute Three Cornwall League Cup, while Bude Colts have no game. On Sunday, Bude Ladies are away to Devonport Services Ladies in the Women's NC Two South West (West) League.