St Austell always seemed to just have the edge, but Newton Abbott proved stubborn opponents who never gave up in an enthralling game. The home side closed the gap to just three points just after half-time, but the Cornishmen always seemed to be able to find an extra gear when needed to keep their noses in front.

After a week off the Saints preparations were severely disrupted by injury and bad weather impacting training in the run up to match day. With hooker Miles Davey, flanker Hector Bright and centre Ben Plummer already out due to injury, there was a further late change when Cavan Boyer fell ill on Friday. Matt Shepherd dropped back to full back with Chris Ashwin coming in at fly-half, Fraser Nottle got the call to move up from the Sinners to take his place on the bench. Heavy rain made for a difficult journey across the Tamar and although it had eased slightly by the kick-off, it made conditions very soft under foot.

The visitors got off to the perfect start when from a solid scrum platform on halfway saw the backs scythe through the home defence with Max Bullen dobbing down in the corner after three minutes (0-5). The Saints forwards applied further pressure and after a series of close calls number eight Kyle Marriott showed great athleticism to stretch to the line (0-10). The All-Whites showed they were not to be taken lightly and the Saints did well to repel a driving maul after the home side gained a foothold inside the 22. After 25 minutes fly-half Chris Ashwin had the time and space behind another dominant scrum to send Matt Shepherd through a gap in the home defence to seemingly put the Saints in control of the game (0-17). The Saints gave away a penalty on the restart and the catch and drive routine that threatened ten minutes earlier was successfully executed this time to give the home side their first score of the day (7-17). Not to be out done, the Saints demonstrated their own mauling technique creating a blindside alley for flanker Cam Taylor to gleefully run down for the bonus point try (7-24). The scoring continued in a breathless surge to half-time, more indiscipline at the restart allowed the All-Whites to set up another driving maul which the Saints did well to hold off. A series of rucks created the space for live-wire full back Whane Corey to dive in under the posts (14-24). With time nearly up Cornwall U20 hooker Peter Harris looked to of scored his first senior try when he wrestled the ball over the line. Unfortunately with the referee unsighted the moment was gone, and the ball was deemed to have been held up.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Whane Corey finished in the corner, fly-half Jack Sweeney’s excellent touchline conversion meant for the first time in the game the Saints could feel the hot breath of Newton Abbott breathing down their necks (21-24). The response was instantaneous, and the Saints regained their urgency to up the tempo in their play. Prop Dan Job and Pete Harris combined showing great skills and no little strength to blitz a hole through a maze of home defenders. Not to be out done, winger Max Bullen showed his own silky footwork to squeeze in at the corner (21-31). Two tries in two minutes ensured the Saints restored their buffer, the first came from a solid lineout catch and drive finished off by Mark Vian (21-38). The second followed when midfield magician Chris Ashwin had the time and space to pick out Matt Shepherd’s perfectly timed run into the line (21-45). The home side refused to lie down and responded with an excellent try finished in the corner by winger Ryan Partridge to secure a bonus point (28-45). The Saints made sure there was not going to be a late comeback by again scoring two tries in quick succession. The first was hard on Newton Abbott but says much about the resilient defence and the pace and determination of Konnor Ewudzi. The Saints defence held firm as the home side applied pressure on the visitors’ try line, a turnover and a raking kick down field then created a foot race that went the length of the field. The Saints’ centre was first to the ball on halfway and kicked ahead twice before scooping it up to dive over (28-52). Konnor then turned provider with deft footwork and a pass inside to lynchpin Chris Ashwin whose swift hands let centre Sam Parsons finish off a flowing move that brightened up the gloom with the light fading rapidly (28-59). In a topsy-turvy match the home side had the last word with hooker Charlie Dore capping a rumbustious performance with the last try of the day to make the final score 35-59.

An incredible game which the Saints deserved to win but one the home side can take much credit and encouragement. So far this season the Cornishmen have never conceded more than two tries in a game so the defence will be under scrutiny after shipping five at Rackerhayes. The Saints ability to stay clam under pressure and exert themselves when required ultimately ensured victory. Next week the Saints welcome Dorset side Sherborne RFC for their first ever visit to Tregorrick (Saturday 3rd December 2022, kick-off at 2:30pm)

Saints Star Man: Dan Job – In difficult conditions it was all about the forward platform and prop Dan Job proved to be the cornerstone of the Saints pack. The Cornish eight had the edge in the tight and were able to provide the backs with a stream of good ball. The side-stepping rumble between Dan Job and young hooker Pete Harris that set Max Bullen away for his second try was a thing of beauty!

Saints
1 Dan Job; 2 Pete Harris; 3 Charlie Nicholson; 4 Mark Vian (Capt.); 5 Tony Knight; 6 Rob Jeffs; 7 Hector Bright; 8 Kyle Marriott; 9 CJ Boyce; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 Dan Tyrrell; 12 Konnor Ewudzi 13 Sam Parsons; 14; Max Bullen; 15 Matt Shepherd

Reps (All used):
Fraser Nottle; Joe Maunder; Matt Boothby

St Austell:
Tries – Max Bullen (3, 48); Kyle Marriott (10); Matt Shepherd (25, 54); Cam Taylor (31); Mark Vian (52); Konnor Ewudzi (65); Sam Parsons (68)
Cons – Matt Shepherd (26, 32, 49, 53, 55, 66, 69)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Newton Abbott:
Tries – Thomas Osborn (28); Whane Corey (36, 42); Ryan Partridge (57); Charlie Dore (75)
Cons – Jack Sweeney (29, 37, 43, 58, 76)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Newton Abbott: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Newton Abbott: None