St Austell came screaming out of the blocks against a Teignmouth side that was a shadow of the team that beat the Saints last season, St Austell outplayed their opponents in almost every aspect and in 2 minutes Craig Taylor scored the first of 11 tries keeping in touch with the league leaders and to finish to some fearsome forward pressure, seven minutes later Centre Sam Rhodes scored the first of his hat trick of tries which was converted by Scrum half Matt Shepherd the first of seven successful kicks. then a Try for Sam Tank who really sets pulses racing whenever he gets the ball in space. A penalty for Teignmouth was awarded and converted on one of their few forages into the Saints half ,a further 2 tries then followed for the Saints for prop Ryan Brown and the omnipotent Paul Winterbottom already securing the all important bonus point.
In a match that was well refereed the second half started with the same tempo a deluge of red and white attacks with Craig Taylor securing his brace, minutes later Alex Welland covering 80 metres skinning 4 defenders placed the ball neatly between the uprights. Winterbottom again robbed the opposition of the ball to offload to Rhodes who emulated Wellands previous score. Sam Tank secured his brace again dispatching the covering defenders with ease.
The Saints had made their changes and these allowed Teignmouth to enjoy a modicum of possession followed by an injury to Saints skipper Andy Ashwin with a suspected broken arm but their attacks were not penetrating the defence and a missed drop goal attempt had Welland gather, break to halfway and set Rhodes on his way to his hat trick.
Saints defence and much improved discipline held out to the 77th Minute but a series of penalties put themselves under intense pressure two yellow cards and a Try for Teignmouth closed the match.
Special thanks must go to St Austell's travelling "massive" supporters who outnumbered the home sides and have made the long trips away so much more worthwhile.

Next week the Saints host Stithians at Tregorrick Park with a 2-30 kick off.

Phill Raddenbury
Chairman & 1xv Manager
St Austell RFC