Report by Steve Murley
Photo by kind permission of Graham Walker - Kyle Marriott about to say something inspirational!

All roads led to St Clements on Saturday as the top two sides in Regional 2 Tribute South West, St Austell and Truro, faced up to each other in a local derby laced with emotion and significance beyond just league points.

A large crowd stood in impeccable silence before the kick off to mark the sad passing of stalwarts from both clubs. Former 1st XV captains Jeremy Hargreaves (Truro) and Robert “Guppy” Pollard (St Austell) both made huge contributions to their respective clubs, on and off the field. Community rugby revolves around the contributions of people like these, they will be sorely missed.
Saints kicked off with the clubhouse and impressive new stand to their right. The pitch was understandably heavy, and it was clear from the early exchanges that the team that adapted their game the best would come out on top.
Saints kept up their early pressure and from a lineout close to the twenty-two, Skipper Mark Vian soared highest to claim the ball. With the crowd expecting a catch and drive for the line, flanker Cam Taylor broke to the open side feeding centre Sam Parsons cutting a great inside line. In an object lesson for all players, Taylor continued his run supporting Parsons on the outside and feeding CJ Boyce who assisted by Nicholson and Jeffs had the momentum to make it over the line. Fullback Matt Shepherd added the extras.
Truro 0 – Saints 7 ( 5 mins – CJ Boyce Try – Matt Shepherd Conversion )

From the restart a nervy looking Truro put the ball straight into touch and the Saints once again worked their way up field from the resultant scrum. Another lineout close to the Truro line and a great gather again from Saints. Truro defended the initial drive well but patiently the Saints re-grouped and with Boyer, Boyce and Parsons joining their forward colleagues, it was try machine with Rob Jeffs emerging as the scorer. Shepherd, in tricky kicking conditions, added the conversion.

Truro 0 – Saints 14 ( 13 mins – Rob Jeffs Try – Matt Shepherd Conversion )

With 13 minutes gone, Saints found themselves in a decent position but this Truro side are not second by accident and they cleared their heads, beginning to put several phases of play together. Shepherd, normally so keen to run from deep, had assessed the slippery conditions perfectly and several times fielded kicks, returning them with interest to keep Truro away from the Saints half.

With play concentrated in midfield, Truro had a great opportunity from a penalty to set up an attacking lineout but unfortunately kicked the ball long letting the Saints off the hook. With wingers Nottle and Boyer not getting hands on ball they showed their commitment to the cause by chasing and harrying every kick making life uncomfortable for the opposition.

With half-time looming a fracas occurred close to the Truro twenty-two and once both sides had calmed down it was Fraser Nottle and a Truro player who were sent to calm down for 10 minutes.
36 minutes ( Fraser Nottle and Truro player Yellow Card )

It was Truro who seemed to rally first following the yellow cards and they enjoyed their best period of pressure in the half. With half time approaching and Truro throwing everything at the Saints, Head Coach and player Kyle Marriott won a fantastic turnover penalty in the shadow of the Saints posts to ensure that Truro remained scoreless in the first half

Half-time Truro 0 – Saints 14.
The half-time message from skipper Vian was clear, “job not over, work to be done, trust our processes”
Saints once again began the half well but soon had to make their first substitution of the game as Rob Jeffs injured his shoulder and made way for Hector Bright.
46 minutes ( Rob Jeffs off Hector Bright on )

Saints were probing the Truro defence with Sam Parsons carrying magnificently and Konor Ewudzi breaking strongly through the middle. Boyce nudged a ball through to the Truro 5m line and from good Saints pressure by Maunder a ‘not straight’ call meant that Saints could take their lineout. Vian once again soared and the Saints pack rumbled forward. Prop Nicholson, who carried magnificently all game took the plaudits as he dropped over the line. Shepherd again defied the conditions to add 2 points.

Truro 0 – Saints 21 (61 mins – Charlie Nicholson Try – Matt Shepherd Conversion).

With 65 minutes gone yet another flare up saw Bright and his opposing number leave the field on yellow cards for ten minutes.

65 minutes (Hector Bright and opposition Yellow Card).

Truro once again seemed to get extra energy from this and from a kick to the corner they opened their account with a good try.

Truro 5 – Saints 14 ( 66 mins – Truro Try ).

Truro sensed that this was their time and began to up their game. In an unfortunate collision Fraser Nottle took a heavy knock and was replaced by Dan Tyrell.

71 minutes (Fraser Nottle off Dan Tyrell on )

Saints re-grouped and once again found themselves encamped in the Truro twenty-two. After several phases of play a penalty awarded to Saints. Eyes turned to the touchline, surely a chance for a catch and drive? Kyle Marriott had other ideas with a quick tap and a perfect pass that sent skipper Vian gleefully galloping over under the posts to secure the bonus point.

Truro 5 – Saints 28 (72 mins – Mark Vian Try – Matt Shepherd Conversion )

Great credit to Truro who once again roused themselves and moved the ball to their left wing who cut inside beating several players before touching down under the posts
Truro 12 – Saints 28 ( 75 mins – Truro Try – Truro Conversion )
The Truro supporters roared, anticipating a grandstand finish but alas it was not to be. A Truro infringement on their twenty-two saw the Saints, through Shepherd, sensibly step up and slot the additional 3 points, eating up time in the process

Truro 12 – Saints 31 ( 78 mins Matt Shepherd Penalty )

This was a typically physical Cornish derby, robust and feisty. Referee Fergus Connolly deserved great credit for his calm approach.

Saints march on to their next game, another Cornish derby at Tregorrick against 5th placed Wadebridge Camels this Saturday 21st January with a 2.30pm KO. It’s going to be extremely well attended so we recommend you get into the ground early!

Full-time Truro 12 – Saints 31