It was a much-changed Saints side that made the long journey North for the always difficult challenge of an away day at Matson. As has been the case for the majority of 2024, injuries and unavailability again gave the Coaching team some real selection headaches. The loss of Max Bullen, who broke his wrist against Brixham last week, and the unavailability of Chris Ashwin and Sam Parsons meant a new look backline. Thankfully Archie Bees had overcome his chest infection to return at full back and in-form youngster Arthur Flecther stepped up from the Sinners as part of the reshuffle. In the pack the loss of Jake Arms was offset by the welcome return of skipper Mark Vain to the engine room. Last minute unavailability meant the entire Sinners’ back row were called up late on Friday to fill the gaps, needless to say Rory Jago, River Nowell and Hector Bright all played key roles in securing the win.

The Saints got off to a good start and the early pressure was rewarded by a try from winger George Tregilgas (0-5). Matson found their rhythm, but the Saints defence held firm to limit them to two penalties with the home side in front 6-5 after 25 minutes.

The Saints then took control for the remainder of the half with tries from centre Ben Plummer and hooker Peter Harris. Both were converted by Matt Shepherd who also added a penalty to make it 6-22 at half time.

The second half started badly for the Saints losing first prop Matt Boothby to a yellow card and then lock Mark Vian to injury in quick succession. Matson took full advantage of the uncertainty in the Saints pack with a converted try (13-22). The Cornishmen rode out the storm and with the forwards back on song number eight Kyle Marriott grabbed the all-important fourth try for the visitors. Shepherd’s conversion score 13-29 as the hour mark approached and looked to have secured the game.

Matson have a fearsome reputation at home so it was no surprise they would rally strongly in the final quarter. Two late tries for the home side made it a nervous finish, but the Saints held on to secure an important win on the road.

The league programme takes a break next week, and the Saints can be pleased with their efforts in the first block of four games. While no points were secured, there were encouraging signs in the performances against Barnstaple and Lydney. Back-to-back bonus point victories against Brixham and Matson provide a firm foundation for the October round of fixture. First up is Chew Valley who travel down to Bristol on Saturday 12th October (KO 2:30pm).

Saints Star Player - Peter Rowe

There were good performances across the board but to win at Matson you have to come up on top in the physical battles. Veteran Prop Pete Rowe, arguably in the best form of his career, was a standout in the front row and a menace in the loose. It is an underhand compliment and testimony to the threat he posed to the home side but Pete stood up to some close attention from the Matson forwards. He had the last laugh in the final minutes with a powerful scrum that took the ball against the head to deny the home side any chance of a completing an unlikely comeback.