A date with destiny in the Club’s 50th Anniversary season but Camborne had other ideas. Town used their experience of playing both in cup finals and in a higher league over the last few years to deservedly etch their name on the cup for the 8th time. The Saints dominated the opening 25 minutes but were rocked by two late tries to tie the scores at 10-10 at half time. Camborne dictated play in the second half and three penalties in ten minutes put them in a strong position that in the end proved insurmountable for the Saints.

It had started so well for the Saints, playing with the wind at their backs and a light mizzle they dominated territory and possession during the opening quarter. As expected the contact areas were physical and robust with Camborne showing great commitment in defence to repel the Saints’ pressure. A surging break by flanker Paul Winterbottom set up Darren Pellow but just as the try line beckoned the centre was swamped by defenders piling in from the side. The Saints elected to kick to touch rather than pot the 3 points on offer but were left to rue the decision when the line out failed to function properly. On 12 minutes prop Hugh Noott broke the gain line and two quick rucks by the forwards produced the space for winger Ashley Taylor to fly over for the opening try, converted by Matt Shepherd. Saints were now in the ascendency but despite the almost incessant pressure Camborne’s line stayed intact. In the end they had to settle for a Matt Shepherd penalty to stretch the lead to 10-0. On 25 minutes the Saints were again camped on the Town line and with the referee already playing an advantage Camborne flanker Cameron Bone sealed off the ball preventing one last surge for the try. A long discussion between the Referee and the Touch Judge ensued with the Saints’ camp expecting a yellow card for Bone and the possibility of a penalty try. After a lengthy lecture the errant defender was returned to the ranks and Saints’ hooker Miles Davey was called forward. A yellow card was issued for being too rigorous in the ruck, the penalty reversed and the pressure cleared. Town took full advantage of the depleted Saints’ pack to force a scrum infringement. Insult was added to injury when Bone crashed over for a try from the lineout catch and drive. You could sense a change in the momentum of the game and four minutes later flanker George Hall ghosted over on the blindside to tie the scores. With halftime looming the Saints’ backs cut loose with Dan Pearce bearing down with runners either side of him. To Saints’ dismay the move was called back for a knock on offence quickly followed by the half time whistle and the moment was gone.

The second half started with the rain getting heavier and wind stronger. Camborne exerted an iron like grip on the third quarter with the Saints’ runners corralled like young thoroughbreds with nowhere to run. Three David Mankee penalties in 10 minutes underlined the building frustration amongst the penned in Saints and at 19-10 Town were now more than two scores ahead. Whenever the Saints did break out spiralling clearance kicks put them back on their heels. A blindside move on 65 minutes saw winger Rob Floyd elude the covering defence to touch down. The celebrations amongst the Town supporters underlined the feeling that this was the match winning score. To their credit Saints battled to the end but Town hands were now firmly on the cup. Adam Kellow was denied a consolation try with the score chalked off due to a forward pass. At the final whistle the scenes of desolation amongst the Saints’ players were in stark contrast to the jubilant Camborne team.

To the victors the spoils and Camborne’s second half performance made them deserved winners. For the Saints’ it was a disappointing end to the season but the team can be proud of the progress they have made. The squad will learn some valuable lessons and will come back stronger than ever next season.

Match Stats:

St Austell:
Hugh Noott, Miles Davey, Mark Martin, Adam Pearce, Mark Vian, Paul Winterbottom, Ian Venner, Adam Kellow, Andy Ashwin, Matt Shepherd (Capt), Ashley Taylor, Welland, Darren Pellow, Ben Chenoweth, Dan Pearce,

Replacements: Konnor Ewudzi, Sam Tank, Treve Murley, Peter Rowe, Jack Grigg, Rob Jeffs.

Referee: Clinton Mill (Devon RRS).

Saints Man of the Match: Ian Venner