St Austell put the seal on a magnificent season with an emphatic win to secure promotion at a packed Tregorrick. The home faithful were treated to a scintillating Saints display that delivered a dozen tries in a typically high tempo performance. The final scoreline was harsh on a combative Newton Abbott who made sure they did not cross the Tamar to make up the numbers at a victory parade. The Devonians put in a spirited shift that belied their recent form, but they were up against the meanest defence in the league, and the Saints were at their scrooge-like best as they repelled the visitors’ attacking intent. The home side’s patient guarding of the gain line was coupled with the ability to launch lightening counterattacks whenever the ball was turned over. The result was a hugely entertaining game that showcased the Saints’ fast paced expansive style that has been their trademark this season.

With the Saints needing just one win to confirm their position as Champions, the players ran out to an expectant Tregorrick Park eager to get the promotion party started. The home side got off to a high energy start but found Newton Abbott stubborn and resilient in defence. It took a smartly taken tap-penalty by fly-half Matt Shepherd to get the scoreboard moving with the first try of the day after five minutes (7-0). The visitors responded well to the set back with a prolonged period of possession but they found the home defence resolutely determined to prevent any progress beyond the 22m line. With the attack running out of steam, the Saints made progress back up-field and a lineout steal by Mark Vian launched a charge down the touchline finished by Fraser Nottle in the corner (14-0). A sniping break by scrum-half Dan Tyrrell sent centre Sam Parsons on a powerful run, the offload to Miles Davey looked to have created the score but the hooker was stopped just short of the line. Sam Parsons was on hand to pick up the ball at the ruck to crash over (21-0). Newton Abbott again responded well and this time gained a foothold in the home 22. The ring of steel around the try line was finally broken when the ball spread wide to number eight Scott Mason lurking with intent on the touchline to score a well worked try (21-7). Any hopes the visitors had of a fightback were soon dashed with two tries in three minutes, first Kyle Marriott and Sam Parsons combined to send winger Konnor Ewudzi into the corner and confirm the bonus point (28-7). A penalty at the restart allowed the Saints to set up a lineout just 5m out. Vian soared, the pack rumbled, and flanker Cam Taylor powered over in Apples Corner to make the half time score 35-7.

A low-key start to the second half suddenly burst into life when Konnor Ewudzi received the ball at the halfway line. The flying winger outpaced the beleaguered Devon defence before unselfishly passing inside to Matt Shepherd (40-7). A superb break by Newton Abbott full back Corey Whane split the home defence and it took a brilliant tackle after a lung-busting 40m sprint by Sam Parsons to prevent the score. The Saints counterattacked and a swift exchange of passes with Matt Shepherd saw Konnor Ewudzi fly in for his second of the day (47-7). Although the restart went deep into home territory, the Saints launched another jet-heeled raid with full back Cavan Boyer tearing up the park before a deft chip ahead allowed Matt Shepherd to complete his hat trick (54-7). Minutes later it was replacement winger Max Bullen breaking the sound barrier to score on his 50th senior appearance (59-7) on the hour mark. The pace of the game naturally slowed but the Saints ensured a grand finale with three tries in the final five minutes. Skipper Mark Vian, inspired by his backline, showed great skills to side-step his way through the defence and the Gorran Lighthouse crashed over the line to the delight of the home crowd (64-7). Not to be outdone, Miles Davey touched down a cross field kick before Max Bullen sprinted home for his second of the day in time added on.
The final whistle was met with great celebrations amongst the players and supporters with the Saints crowned Regional 2 SW Champions.

Promotion will take St Austell RFC to the highest level the Club has ever achieved in its history and a fitting way to start the Diamond Anniversary season in 2023-24. The Saints have scored 1,017 points this season nearly 400 more than their nearest rivals, besides being potent in attack they also have the meanest defence. They have conceded just 239 points, 100 less than the next best record, and testimony to their hard work and determination. Unbeaten at home, the Tregorrick supporters have been treated to 102 tries and some fantastic rugby.
The Saints travel up to Somerset next week for the final league game of the season at North Petherton (kick-off at 2:30pm). The title may be in the bag, but the Saints will be determined to finish the league campaign on a high before the start of the County and National Cup competitions.

Saints Star Man: Konnor Ewudzi – An outstanding day for the entire Saints’ backline but Konnor just edges it for the accolade. Power and pace are the watch words for the flying winger.

Saints
1 Dan Job; 2 Miles Davey; 3 Charlie Nicholson; 4 Mark Vian (Capt.); 5 Rob Jeffs; 6 Rory Jago; 7 Cam Taylor; 8 Kyle Marriott; 9 Dan Tyrrell; 10 Matt Shepherd; 11 Konnor Ewudzi; 12 Ben Plummer; 13 Sam Parsons; 14 Fraser Nottle; 15 Cavan Boyer
Reps (All used):
Joe Maunder; Matt Boothby; Max Bullen

St Austell:
Tries – Matt Shepherd (5; 44, 53); Fraser Nottle (18); Sam Parsons (25); Konnor Ewudzi (35, 50); Cameron Taylor (40+1); Max Bullen (56, 80); Mark Vian (76); Miles Davey (78)
Cons – Matt Shepherd (6, 18; 26; 36; 40+2, 51, 54, 80+1)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Newton Abbott:
Tries – Scott Mason (33)
Cons – Corey Whane (34)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Matt Shepherd (21)
Newton Abbott:

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Newton Abbott: None