Saints took time to get into their stride and the first 25 minutes were all Bideford who opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a try down the blind side by flanker Peter hockridge, after that Bideford opted to kick to the corner from penalties well within range and both times good defence kept them out. When Saints did get out of their half they lost possession and it took a brilliant covering tackle from home winger Meshak Esien to stop his opposite number scoring in the corner. After all action Saints could have been well behind, but with half an hour gone were only 5-0 down.

For the last 15 minutes of the half St Austell played the sort of rugby that the home supporters came to see, with the ball moved around at pace and it took Bideford by surprise. First winger Tate Richardson made ground and put in a long kick that bounced into touch 30 yards from the Bideford line. Scrum half Matt Shepherd made a break from the lineout and when the Saints forwards won quick ball it spread out to centre James Earp whose next pass gave full back Ian Venner space to outpace the last defender and score in the corner, fly half Andy Ashwin converted from the touchline and St Austell were in the lead at 7-5.

Saints continued to dominate and nearly scored on numerous occasions but had to settle for an Ashwin penalty from in front of the posts when the visiting backs were caught offside, leaving the half time score 10 - 5.

Instead of starting the second half the way they finished the first Saints sat back and let Bideford dominate the opening exchanges and as in the first half the visitors were on top for the first 20 minutes of the half but although having territory and possession rarely threatened to cross the whitewash and all they had to show for this dominance was a penalty from skipper Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland when Saints handled in the ruck.

When it was Saints turn to dominate they were already 10-8 in front. When they play the way they did for the last 20 minutes of the match Saints are insatiable. Winger Esien scorched down the touchline to set up position and when the ball was recycled to the backs centre James Earp powered his way over from 25 yards to leave Ashwin an easy conversion and put Saints out of reach at 17-8. With St Austell now playing their free flowing rugby again scores were bound to happen.

First after a break by Kieran Murphy, Saints were awarded a penalty and the ever reliable boot of Ashwin boosted the score to 20-8 and with time running out the Saints forwards had the final say, winning a lineout 5 yards out and driving the Bideford forwards over their line for prop Will Hancock to get the touch down and make the final total 25-8.

Saints now have to play the three teams above them away from home and will need to perform for the whole 80 minutes and not just 40.