The contest started well for the Saints. A good break by centre James Martin was well supported by winger Ben Chenoweth who beat the last defender to score scored under the posts. This left Liam Freeman an easy conversion to put Saints 7-0 up.

A Lack of concentration allowed Crediton to regain the kick off and the momentum and a brace of penalties has them breathing down the visitor’s neck. These were both converted by Mark Lee, who was to prove to be a thorn in St. Austell's side all afternoon with his long-range clearance kicks regularly steering the hosts out of danger. The Saints eight were getting on top of their much bigger opponents and from a scrum 30 metres out won Saints a penalty which Freeman converted to put Saints 10-6 halfway through the half. Despite their dominance the visitors could not get that crucial score that would put them two scores ahead. There were several line breaks but all too often there was no support with the ball carrier being penalised for not releasing. As the half came to an end Saints, who had been comfortably on top, found themselves only a point ahead as a Lee penalty narrowed the scores to 10-9.

Saints started the 2nd half well but it was Crediton who took the lead with a fine try after winger Jason Luft set up Matt Dayment to score, putting Crediton 14-10 in front. This stung Saints into life and with the home pack tiring number 8 Max Duggan was driven over. Five minutes later Freeman added a penalty to put St Austell 18-14 in front with twenty minutes left to play.

The Saints had several chances to finish the game off but these went begging and they were made to pay for their profligacy. A loose pass in a Saints attack was intercepted to allow centre Jack Boulter to cross under the posts. Lee added the conversion and another penalty, Saints now found themselves 24-18 down with time running out. St Austell could never be faulted for their effort, pounding the Crediton line. Saints got their reward when Max Duggan scored in the corner with the last move of the game. Freeman had a chance to give Saints the result their efforts deserved but unfortunately the difficult conversion missed by inches and it was Crediton who were celebrating at the final whistle, winning 24-23.

Saints have a difficult run of matches between now and Christmas and although the effort and determination does not seem to be lacking they need to play as a team and not 15 individuals to start moving up the table.