St Austell made the long journey to Coney Hill just outside Gloucester to play their National Intermediate game against opponents who topped Western Counties North with Saints sitting in 2nd place in Western Counties West.

Despite the run of recent wet weather, the pitch was in great condition and with a decent crowd in attendance, all looked set for a ding-dong battle.

Saints had much of the early possession and the first opportunity to record points from a penalty which was not taken. With both sides sparring with each other and the Saints attacking it was Coney Hill who scored a fantastic opening try.

Breaking from their own half and with back and forwards exchanging passes they stormed up field with wing Jack Paterson putting the finishing touches with an unconverted try ( 5 – 0 10 mins )

Coney Hill had found their rhythm and added another try from hooker Tom Anderson, this one converted by fly half Tom Davis ( 12 – 0 13 mins ). Once again the Saints found themselves under pressure immediately from the kick off through hard running players in the outside channels and centre Burrows showed pace and strength to extend their lead with Davis converting ( 19 – 0 18 mins )

Lock Tony Knight was injured in the build up to this try and sadly had to be replaced, one of 3 forward replacements Saints were forced to make by half-time.

Saints rallied and forced Coney Hill back into their own half. At a lineout the referee yellow carded an opposition player for what he called a “slap”. Saints now pushed home their man advantage and with the forwards enjoying some dominance in the contact area it was fly half Chris Ashwin who profited by darting in for a try, converted by Liam Freeman. ( 19 – 7 23 mins )

Two minutes later Saints open-side flanker, Ian Venner, took a nasty knock and had to be substituted. It says a lot for the spirit of rugby that in the middle of a hard fought passage of play the Coney Hill number 8 Andy Macrae, protected him from the action around him and drew the referees attention to what was a serious injury. Great credit to Andy for his fantastic sportsmanship.

Miles Davey made his much awaited return to Saints action in the unfamiliar flanker position , it was good to see him back in a Saints shirt again. This was tempered by another Coney Hill try from Burrows with Davis converting ( 26 – 7 30 mins )

After 38 minutes Mark Vian, a substitute for Tony Knight, suffered another cruel shoulder injury and after lengthy treatment trudged forlornly from the field to be replaced by club stalwart Adam Pearce.

Despite this the Saints rallied and patiently worked their way into the Coney Hill half. Some loose play conceded a lineout and, from behind their own line, the pacy Coney Hill backs swept upfield leaving Greer to apply the finishing touches for the try and Davis to once again convert ( 33 – 7 40 mins )

The half time team talk was simple, go and win the second half and lets see what happens.

Coney Hill, however had other ideas and turned over ball in the first minute to allow mammoth substitute winger Toby Eaton to plunder the first of his 3 tries, sprinting in from 60 metres ( 38 – 7 41 minutes )

A penalty by Davis followed ( 41 – 7 43 mins ) followed by another Eaton try and Davis conversion ( 46 – 7 48 mins ). Burrows and Davis reprised their double act with a converted try ( 53 – 7 50 mins ) With Eaton and Davis once again joining forces ( 60 – 7 53 mins)

With the game now well lost, Josh Phillips joined the fray in the second row and Colt Dan Tyrell came on at scrum half. With Coney Hill also emptying their bench , Saints enjoyed their best period of the match, a testament to their spirit and commitment. One bulldozing run and some great link play from Tyrell bodes well for the future.

Winger Sam Kendall buzzed over for an unconverted try ( 60 – 12 59 mins ) while number 8 George Knowles barrelled his way over for a try ( 60 – 17 74 mins )

It was Coney Hill who had the final score as Toby Eaton completed a second half hat trick for a final score of Coney Hill 65 Saints 17

There can be no doubt that Coney Hill were terrific value for their win. They played a very entertaining brand of dynamic, quick rugby that was very attractive to watch. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin, congratulate your opponents and wish them all the best in the next round.

Saints would have learnt a great deal from that game, not just from the opposition but also about their individual players. There is still much to play for. With Services losing at Kingsbridge, Saints retained their league second spot.

This result should provide the incentive to refocus attention on the next few crucial weeks. After this Saturdays away game against Crediton, the Saints play Services at home in a league game and follow that up on March 17th with their cup semi-final against St Ives. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks !!!