The fact that losing run has all been against Cornish opposition has made it an even harder cross to bear, with Wadebridge Camels the latest benefactors. Both sides enjoyed long periods in the ascendency but Camels deserved the win for dealing with the strong south westerly wind far better than the home side. The visitors were determined in defence, frequently slowing the Saints’ ball by fair means or foul. They conceded a staggering 18 penalties over the eighty minutes, but the Saints were unable to take advantage of the territory gained. Whenever the momentum swung their way the Camels’ backs looked far sharper and incisive in attack.
The game was preceded by a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day made all the more poignant by the sound of the Last Post played by Christine Knight-Double. The ceremony also made for a touching mark of respect for former Chairman John Savory who sadly passed away recently. The large crowd included local MPs Steve Double (St Austell & Newquay) and Scott Mann (North Cornwall) to add extra spice to the local rivalry.

With both clubs sponsored by Sharp’s Brewery there was much at stake when the match kicked off with the Camels dominating the opening stages. A promising flowing move threatened briefly but the home side were saved by a forward pass. The Camels continued to make good progress into the strong head wind with their pick and go tactics and their patience was rewarded when winger Joe Pretty exploited an overlap to put the visitors in front (0-5). Saints hit straight back with their first meaningful forays into Camels’ territory with Cavan Boyer the beneficiary. An offside allowed the fly half to slot over a penalty and minutes later pressure at the scrum saw Boyer charge down a hurried clearance kick to score under the post (10-5). For the remainder of the half Saints pressed hard but failed to breech the Camels’ defence. The home cause was not helped by a malfunctioning lineout that twice failed to provide a catch and drive platform with the visitors’ try line just 5m away. In the end the Saints had to make do with a single Cavan Boyer penalty just before half time (13-5).

The home side were rocked by two tries in an as many minutes but in truth they were architects of their own misfortune. A penalty conceded at the restart allowed Camels to establish a platform in the home 22. Although the Saints won the lineout they themselves were turned over in midfield and the ball was quickly spun back towards the touchline where second row Jack Scott was the eager recipient who galloped home (13-10). The Camels kicked the restart deep into Saints’ territory and an attempted clearance was blown back by the strong wind with centre Danny Thomas reacting fastest to romp home for a converted try (13-17). The home side looked shell shocked and the visitors were now in command looking to extend their lead. The Saints’ dominance at the scrum was giving the home side some respite but the Camels finally made the pressure count when winger Dom Hawkey carved a way through to the posts (13-24). The next score came just after the hour mark when ironically it was the Saints’ pack pinged for a binding infringement, fly half James Grubb had no issues slotting over (13-27). The final quarter belonged to the home side, but despite their best endeavours they could not find their way through some resolute defence. Their persistence was finally rewarded when prop Peter Rowe burst through to shimmy and weave his way through to the try line in the final play. Cavan Boyer’s conversion ensured the home side at least gained a losing bonus point, but that was scant compensation to listening to opposition cheers again at the final whistle.

The Saints are at home again next week when then they will be hoping for a change in fortunes against Devon opposition. Fourth placed Sidmouth will present a stiff challenge on Sponsors Day (Kick Off 2:30pm).

Saints’ Man of the Match: Josh Phillips – A stirring display from the young second row who has been a consistent performer this season. The lock put in some stirring tackles and frequently offered himself to carry the ball.

Match Stats:
St Austell:
1 Peter Rowe; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Andrew Inch; 5 Josh Phillips; 6 Jack Grigg; 7 Will Gilder; 8 Adam Kellow; 9 Callum Hayne; 10 Cavan Boyer; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Billy Jones; 13 James Martin; 14 Konnor Ewudzi; 15 Callum Wilson

Reps:
Hugh Noott; Max Duggan; Andy Ashwin

St Austell:
Tries – Cavan Boyer (19); Peter Rowe (79)
Cons – Cavan Boyer (19, 79)
Pens – Cavan Boyer (15, 39);
Drop Goal –

Wadebridge Camels:
Tries – Joe Pretty (13); Jack Scott (42); Danny Thomas (44); Dom Hawkey (53)
Cons – James Grubb (44, 53)
Pens – James Grubb (63)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Wadebridge Camels: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Wadebridge Camels: None

Referee: Mr Simon Lord (Cornwall RRS)