The Saints were arguably unlucky to be 15-11 behind at the break after an entertaining and keenly fought first half. That all changed in the second period after an early score for the Tics saw the Saints’ fragile confidence evaporate. The visitors were never seen as an attacking force after that and but for some tenacious defending things could have been a whole lot worse.

The Cornishmen got off to a dream start, a knock on from the kick off provided an attacking platform about 35m out from the home line. A rock solid scrum and quick hands across the back line allowed centre James Martin to cruise in near the posts for an unconverted try before the clock had even reached the first minute. The Saints were moving the ball well despite the blustery wind and were looking threatening but were sucker-punched by a fast flowing counter attack finished in style by winger Aaron Graham. The visitors returned to the ascendency with a prolonged spell of pressure in the Tics’ 22. With the try line looming the home defence intervened illegally and fly half Cavan Boyer restored the visitors’ lead. Both teams were throwing the ball about when the force of the wind suggested a tighter game might have the more sensible approach. Both sides exchanged penalties as the Saints kept their noses just in front at 11-10. It was that man Graham again who accelerated the Tics into a 15-11 lead. The reverse triggered perhaps the Saints best phase of the game as they tested the home side’s mettle. The visitors thought they had scored when young prop George Knowles powered in, only for the try to be chalked off for a marginal forward pass.

The Saints made a promising start to the second half but a needless penalty proved costly. The Tics kicked to the corner and although the Saints repelled the catch and drive attempt with gusto the ball was spun wide with winger John Brown grabbing a converted score. Saints’ heads visibly went down and it was a long hard rear-guard action to the final whistle. The home side ran in three further tries in a one sided second half to deservedly finish 41-11 winners. Saints maintained a degree of honour by virtue of a determined late rally that at least kept play in the opposition half in the closing minutes, even if a consolation score never looked likely.

At least the hospitality in the Clubhouse provided some compensation for the travelling Saints’ Massive, with even Cardinal Puff-Puff making an appearance to bless all those present. St Austell hearts were cheered with the news from elsewhere that the Sinners had beaten Bodmin IIs 39-0 in the Duchy League and the Colts maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 17-0 win at Newquay Hornets.

With both teams struggling at the foot of the table, next week’s Cornish derby against Penryn (KO 2:30pm) has taken on even greater importance and will not be for the faint hearted! The game will be preceded by a top of the table clash when the Colts play second placed Helston in a 12:30pm KO.

Saints’ Man of the Match: Shane Johns – A few individuals stood up while some wilted under the second half onslaught from Torquay. Number 8 Adam Kellow again battled valiantly, while scrum half Dan Jane was a constant thorn in the Tics’ side. Man of the Match was winger Shane Johns who, in only his second game, proved to be a diligent tackler with a strong work ethic and was prominent whenever the Saints threatened in the first half.

 
Match Stats:
St Austell:
1 George Knowles; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Will Gilder; 5 Josh Phillips; 6 Max Duggan; 7 Ian Venner; 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; Jack Grigg; Peter Rowe

St Austell:
Tries – James Martin (1)
Cons – None
Pens – Cavan Boyer (12, 20)
Drop Goal –

Torquay Athletic:
Tries – Aaron Graham (7, 23); John Brown (47); James Norrish (55); Ben Williams (62; 65)
Cons – James Wood (7, 47, 55, 62)
Pens – James Wood (15)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Torquay Athletic: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Torquay Athletic: None

Referee: Mr D Philpot (Devon RRS)