Three first half tries by the Devonians proved enough as they withstood a second half fight back from the error strewn Saints. The home side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory but failed to carve out enough scoring opportunities to win the game. This was in part due to a very determined Crediton defence who earned numerous turnovers, often at crucial times. The main cause however was the large number of unforced errors made by the hosts. Handling errors, missed kicks to touch, losing the ball in contact and a malfunctioning lineout prevented the Saints from sustaining periods of pressure in the right areas.

Crediton had first use of the blustery south west wind and were quickly on the scoreboard when number 8 Mark Nott took advantage of a tap penalty to power over (0-5). Despite playing into the wind, the Saints dominated the opening quarter but only had one missed penalty attempt to show for their efforts. The home side were punished when Crediton stole a lineout on the halfway line to build a number of phases that eventually launched winger Jack Zilch. The wide man still had work to do as he evaded three would-be tacklers to score under the posts, converted by full back Mark Lee (0-12). The Saints almost hit back immediately with fly-half Cavan Boyer only just beaten to the touch down. The home side lost the resulting 5m scrum allowing Crediton to relieve the danger, the Saints had to settle for a three pointer from Cavan Boyer to open their account (3-12). The line out was proving to be the home side’s Achilles’ heel, a put-in just 10m from the Crediton try line was lost and the visitors’ counter attacked to take play deep into the Saints’ half. The Devonians built up a head of steam through a series of 5m scrums and attacking line outs, including one driving maul containing 12 players. The home side looked to have held out until flanker Ben Wonnacott found a gap (3-19). Deep in time added on Cavan Boyer gave Saints hope with a second penalty to make the half time score 6-19.

Saints looked to take the game to Crediton in the second period but were finding it difficult to sustain an attacking platform in the visitors’ 22. All too often the inaccuracies of the first half would reappear to allow Crediton to clear their lines. The visitors proved particularly adept at isolating runners and holding players up to force a scrum, it took until the hour mark for number 8 Adam Kellow to power over and trigger hopes of the comeback (11-19). With just over ten minutes remaining optimism abounded when centre James Martin finished off a fine move. Cavan Boyer’s conversion put the Saints just one point behind with the momentum well and truly behind the home team (18-19). Crediton dug deep and managed to starve the Saints of quality ball to keep them frustratingly camped on the 40m line. With three minutes to go the Saints were awarded a penalty 35m out, Cavan Boyer’s standing leg slipped as he kicked and the ball floated wide of the posts and with it went the Saints’ hopes of victory.

A very disappointing day for the home side who made far too many basic errors to win the game. The visitors racked up 16 penalties compared to the 5 awarded against the Saints, but inaccuracies with the boot and at the lineout ultimately cost the home side. These are things that can be corrected and the Saints will know they cannot afford a repeat next week when they travel to a resurgent Torquay Athletic (KO 2:30pm)

Saints’ Man of the Match: Adam Kellow – The number 8 battled valiantly throughout and was at the centre of the action for the entire 80 minutes. It says much about Kells that he played despite a shoulder injury to ensure the home pack had some much needed experience on board.

Match Stats:
St Austell:
1 George Knowles; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Will Gilder; 5 Josh Phillips; 6 Max Duggan; 7 Jack Grigg; 8 Adam Kellow; 9 Dan Jane; 10 Cavan Boyer; 11 Shane Johns; 12 Andy Ashwin; 13 James Martin; 14 Konnor Ewudzi; 15 Callum Wilson

Reps:
Sam Rhodes; Adam Barbery; Andrew Inch

St Austell:
Tries – Adam Kellow (62); James Martin (68)
Cons – Cavan Boyer (68)
Pens – Cavan Boyer (26, 39)
Drop Goal –

Crediton:
Tries – Mark Nott (5); James Zilch (21); Ben Wonnacott (36)
Cons – Mark Lee (21, 36)
Pens – None
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Crediton: Matt Dayment (44)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Crediton: None

Referee: Mr A Denham (Cornwall RRS)