The home side got their tactics spot-on to deny the Students the quick ball that their wide game thrives on. The Saints dominated up front and an excellent second half display saw them close out the game to take all five points.

The Students started the game at a high tempo rocking the home side back on their heels and it was no surprise when winger Dom Thorne finished a fine move with a blistering sprint to the line. Fly half Charlie Wicks slotted the difficult conversion (0-7) and the visitors were hungry for more but were finding the Saints’ defence resilient and disciplined. Centres Liam Freeman and Lord Voldemort were diligent in their tackling and with backrow support never far away, the Saints were starting to snuff out the attacks at source. With the Saints pack dominating the set pieces the home side were slowly taking control of proceedings and on 35 minutes Max Duggan crashed over from close range. Fly half Chris Ashwin’s conversion ensured the home side reached half time on equal terms (7-7).

Half time brought a tumultuous downpour and while the Students elected to take the sanctuary of the changing rooms, the Saints braved the elements and held their time team talk in a huddle out on the pitch. The statement of intent delivered two early tries to take the game away from the table toppers and put the Saints on the path to victory. An excellent break by teenager Hector Bright split the Uni defence asunder and a deft offload delivered the perfect present for birthday boy Chris Ashwin (12-7). Scrum power was the key to the next try with scrum half Andy Ashwin on hand to dive through the legs (17-7). The conditions were now making progress hard for both sides but there is no doubt the Saints’ game plan was better suited to the wet and windy weather. On the hour mark the Saints’ big men showed a lightness of touch that defied the raging tempest. A flowing move involving prop Hugh Noott and lock George Knowles created the space for number 8 Max Duggan to glide over (22-7). The home side kept the game in the Uni half forcing the Students to run from deep to see off the challenge and deliver an excellent win.

A great team performance from the Saints who will travel to Torquay Athletic next week brimming with confidence.

Saints Man of the Match – Ian Venner: Sid was back to his destructive best using all his experience at the breakdown to slow down the ball and win a multitude of turnovers. Classic openside performance!
 

1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Tony Knight; 5 George Knowles; 6 Jack Nelson; 7 Ian Venner 8 Max Duggan; 9 Andy Ashwin; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 James Martin; 12 Liam Freeman 13 Shane Johns; 14 Cavan Boyer 15 Sam Kendall

Reps:
Charlie Nicholson; Hector Bright; Dan Jane

St Austell:
Tries – Max Duggan (35, 60); Chris Ashwin (42); Andy Ashwin (47)
Cons – Chris Ashwin (35)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Exeter University:
Tries – Dom Thorne (11)
Cons – Charlie Wicks (11)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Exeter University: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Exeter University: None

Referee: Mr S Lord (Cornwall RRS)