While there was a strong argument for victory in the previous two games, this was really a case of a point gained rather than three points lost after Services controlled the second half. The Saints had held sway before the interval but left too many chances begging while on top and so had to settle for one first half try to lead 8-3 at the turn round. Services grabbed the initiative in an error strewn second period but it took a late converted try to seal victory against a stubborn home defence.

Services started the stronger but the home side weathered the early storm to mount a prolonged period of pressure in the visitors’ 22. The Saints’ pack was making good inroads into Services territory with a series of “pick and goes” and their patient play was rewarded on 15 minutes. With defenders tied up at the breakdown, the ball was spun wide for winger James Martin to score in the corner with a looping run (5-0). The Saints continued in the ascendency but the final pass was either not made or did not go to hand, letting the visitors off the hook. A rare visit to the Saints half by Services allowed fly half Matt Anstis to pull back three points after the home defence strayed offside (5-3). The home side enjoyed their best phase of the game around the half hour mark with a series of high tempo attacks. The home side was just short of the try line in front of the posts and a try seemed inevitable, that was until Anstis sealed off the ball to bring the momentum to a shuddering halt. A yellow card was duly issued for his try saving intervention with the penalty easily dispatched by Andy Ashwin. The home side were unable to rekindle the same level of intensity again and the half ended with the Saints 8-3 ahead.

The Services started the second period strongly and having survived several scares the Saints defence cracked in the 50th minute. A powerful maul saw second row Andy Pond driven over to tie the scores up at 8-8.The Saints response was immediate albeit a little frantic with the home side continually tried to outgun their bigger opponents through the middle when putting the ball through the hands to the spaces out wide appeared to be the better option. A cast iron opportunity was spurned when Sam Rhodes intercepted a pass in the Services 22. With the try line beckoning the ball fell from the centre’s grasp and with it went the home side’s last meaningful attack of the game. Services controlled the final quarter but found the home side resolute and defiant in defence. The Saints looked like they were going to hang on for a valuable draw until their world caved in during the last 5 minutes. A penalty on the halfway saw replacement prop George Knowles sent to the sin bin for entering a ruck from the side. Although the Saints withstood the initial pressure they were now pinned down deep in their own 22. The home side gathered a highly competitive lineout on their own 5m line but somehow Services managed to turnover possession in the ensuing maul. The visitors spun off the back and it was hooker Phil Wilson who touched down with the try converted by Anstis. With frustrations increasing the Saints had Andy Ashwin yellow carded allowing Services to see out the game against 13 men.

The final score of 8-15 saw the Saints pick up their seventh losing bonus point of the season. The inability to win tight matches or see off opponents while on top is something that needs to be reserved quickly if the Saints are to avoid a painful relegation dog fight. The task does not get any easier when they travel to local rivals Truro next week. The City based side have been in fine form in 2016 with three straight wins in January taking them up to fourth place. Another exciting encounter in prospect and one not to be missed (KO 2:15 pm).

Saints’ Man of the Match: Peter Rowe – A dogged display from the prop against a strong Services front row. Showed up well in the loose with some strong carries and stout defence.

Match Stats:

St Austell:
1 Peter Rowe; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Will Gilder; 5 Josh Phillips; 6 Peter Wheeler; 7 Jack Grigg; 8 Andrew Inch; 9 Dan Jane; 10 Andy Ashwin; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Shane Johns; 13 Sam Rhodes; 14 James Martin; 15 Callum Wilson

Reps:
Ian Venner; Curtis Newberry; George Knowles

St Austell:
Tries – James Martin (15)
Cons –
Pens – Andy Ashwin (33)
Drop Goal –

Devonport Services:
Tries – Andrew Pond (50); Phil Wilson (75)
Cons – Matt Anstis (75)
Pens – Matt Anstis (22)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: George Knowles (74); Andy Ashwin (78)
Devonport Services: Matt Anstis (32)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Devonport Services: None

Referee: Mr Andy Robinson (Cornwall RRS)