Western Counties West beckons for a jubilant Saints side who showed immense character to overcome a resilient Teigmouth outfit, this was a Saints side that at one stage of the match appeared to have run out of ideas against very determined opponents Saints scored in the first minute a break from Scrum Half Matt Shepherd offloading to Hooker Ryan Pill to finish the move, a conversion from Shepherd took the Saints score to 7-0. Teignmouth from the restart attacked the Saints 22 but for their efforts were rewarded a penalty that was struck with precision from their Scrum Half M.Moses. It was to and fro from this stage with the Saints running out of options and Teignmouth failing to gain further ascendancy until the 30th minute when Moses struck again 7-6. From the restart Saints lock Sean Haley gathered the ball fed replacement Flanker Dave Swiggs who fought his way over the visitors line. Matt Shepherd converting and the score a tentative 14-6. Both sides were hitting each other with all the ammunition they possessed but the score stayed the same until half time.

The second half started the same Saints No 8 Paul Winterbottom burst his way through from 30 metres to increase the lead, Teignmouth tried to rally but the Saints pack thwarted their effort. The home sides 3/4 line began to run from every angle and from a turn over Winterbottom bagged his brace, the Saints forwards now getting on top of their opposition, Matt Shepherd with a stable platform in front of him giving Fly Half Andy Aswhin time to make critical decisions in directing and dictating the field of play. A turnover after a massive shunt from the Saints pack allowed Shepherd to pick up and pass to Winterbottom who was by now content with his 26th try of the season and hat trick to boot. not to be out done Matt Shepherd then was fed turn over ball from Winterbottom to score and convert his own effort. The final score of 40-6 reflecting a fantastic team effort.

With the match over all eyes turned toward Graham Walker Club Secretary, Milo Bright forwards coach and Phill Raddenbury Chairman who were huddled around a telephone near the centre of the pitch, the raised arms and cheers said it all, Hayle had lost to Crediton by more than seven points and the Saints were now promoted to Western Counties.
The Season is not over with Stithians and Hayle to face, an outside chance of being promoted as champions still exists.

Phill Raddenbury
Chairman
St Austell RFC