It was an absorbing encounter in Devon that belied its “dead rubber” tag with both sides determined to end their respective campaigns with a win. The home side led 22-13 going into the final ten minutes before the Cornishmen completed a fine comeback thanks to an Adam Kellow try and a magnificent 45m penalty from full back Liam Freeman.

Tiverton had first use of the slope and gusting breeze and put the visitors under early pressure. Despite plenty of possession the home side were making little impression on the Saints’ defence until a succession of penalties conceded allowed Tiverton to turn the screw in the corner. A powerful surge from a catch and drive allowed Wayne Sprangle to touchdown under a pile of bodies (5-0). The Saints hit back with an explosive move that saw winger Ben Chenoweth come agonisingly close to scoring. The respite was short lived when half-backs Dan Jane and Andy Ashwin combined well to create a gap for centre Shane Johns to power through for a converted try (5-7). The Saints’ dominance in the scrum forced the Tiverton front row to stand-up and Cavan Boyer was on hand to extend the lead with a well struck penalty (5-10). Tiverton built up a head of steam and a well worked overlap on 25 minutes looked to have a created a golden opportunity for a try. However, the home backs contrived to knock the ball on with the Saints’ line at their mercy. The Saints were regularly on the wrong side of the referee at the breakdown and continually conceded the initiative to Tiverton and their dangerous rolling maul. Having stoutly defended one menacing catch and drive routine the visitors found themselves behind again when the blue surge crashed over with Matt Down gaining the plaudits this time (12-10). Disaster struck for Will Gilder right on the cusp of half time when the young lock landed awkwardly causing a suspected broken leg. A 60-minute wait for an ambulance ensued with the player immobile on the pitch. Thankfully Will was diagnosed with ligament damage and was discharged from Royal Devon and Exeter into the caring hands of the team bus at about 8pm!

The second half eventually resumed after a 50-minute interval when the game was transferred to another pitch when the second team match on it ended. The home side settled first and their early pressure was rewarded with a penalty to extend their lead (15-10). The Saints hit back and a Cavan Boyer penalty reduced the deficit when a promising move was stopped by a stray Tiverton hand (15-13). Tiverton looked to have sealed the game when Mark Schofield stole a march on the visitors with a quick tap and go for a converted try when the Saints’ pack was penalised for an early push in a scrum (22-13). The Cornishmen were distinctly unhappy at the circumstances feeling that they and the referee had been duped by a dummy feed from the home scrum-half. The event seemed to inspire rather than deflate the Saints as they started to apply sustained pressure in the home 22. After several near misses the breakthrough came on 72 minutes when a swift interchange of passes by forwards Andy Inch and Max Duggan paved the way for lock Adam Kellow to blaze a trail to the line. Cavan Boyer’s conversion brought the Cornishmen within two points of their Devonian rivals (22-20). An obstruction on Ben Chenoweth’s kick and chase just inside the Tiverton half set the scene for Liam Freeman. The full back’s superb 45m kick soared through the uprights to put the Saints back in front with the narrowest of margins. It was a nervous finale for the visitors with the home crowd baying for a penalty at every contact. Resilient to the end, the Saints’ youngsters held on and deep into time added on, Tiverton knocked on to bring the curtain down on an entertaining game.

A season of transition comes to an end for St Austell and with 8 players in the match day squad of 18 playing their first season of senior rugby it underlines the extent of the rebuilding that has been undertaken during 2015-16. A difficult mid-season has evolved into a fine run of form in the home straight and if the Saints could have turned some of the 9 losing bonus point games into wins they would have been well established in the top half. Optimism abounds for next season so roll on 2016-17.

Man of the Match: Miles Davey – Captain Marvel has led his young charges with distinction through a difficult season. Despite having to move from his normal position of hooker to the unfamiliar role of flanker due to unavailability and injury for the day, he still delivered an all-action display.

1 Peter Rowe; 2 Max Duggan; 3 Mark Martin; 4 Will Gilder; 5 Adam Kellow; 6 Sam Rhodes; 7 Miles Davey (Capt.); 8 Andy Inch; 9 Dan Jane; 10 Andy Ashwin; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Shane Johns; 13 James Martin; 14 Cavan Boyer 15 Liam Freeman

Reps:
Josh Phillips; Billy Jones; Peter Wheeler

St Austell:
Tries – Shane Johns (14); Adam Kellow (72)
Cons – Cavan Boyer (14, 72)
Pens – Cavan Boyer (18, 48); Liam Freeman (75)
Drop Goal –

Tiverton:
Tries – Wayne Sprangle (9); Matt Down (33); Mark Schofield (51)
Cons – Jimmy Aitkins (33, 51)
Pens – Jimmy Aitkins (45)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Tiverton: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Tiverton: None

Referee: Mr Marc Simon (Devon RRS)