Saints fall short in the sunshine

The Devonians were much more clinical when they had sight of the try line and the visitors can only lament not taking the opportunities that came their way. Played in glorious sunshine, both sides deserved great credit for serving up a game high on quality and commitment. Cully just about deserved the win but the Saints will feel disappointed not to have taken at least a losing bonus point back to Cornwall.

The Saints had the edge in the opening exchanges, moving the ball with accuracy and purpose. A break from winger Ben Chenoweth saw the Saints get behind the home defence just 15m from the Cully try line. A shrill blast on the whistle brought the promising attack to a juddering halt and the Stafford Park crowd were left stunned when it became apparent the referee had taken umbrage at an expletive used by a St Austell player while urging his teammates to go forward. Saints were to pay a heavy price for the unusual decision, as the penalty kick changed the momentum of the game and two minutes later Cully scored with their first visit to the Saints 22 (7-0). The Saints responded well and after a sustained period of pressure Cornwall U20 flanker squeezed in at the corner for his 10th try of the season (7-5). The visitors were now enjoying a good spell of possession but could not find a way through a well organised defence. A turnover enabled the home side to counter attack, eventually setting up a series of pick and goes to grind their way over the try line (14-5). A Liam Freeman penalty kept the Saints in the hunt at half time (14-8).

The second half got off to blistering start with the ball staying live for a full five minutes showing everything that is good about rugby. Cully patiently probed for a gap, showing excellent ball retention while the Saints remained disciplined and committed in defence. Cully eventually grabbed their third try on 50 minutes to stretch their lead to 19-8. The Saints regained the impetus and almost got in under the posts, but having failed to breech the home defence after running three successive penalties, the visitors elected to kick the fourth to take the three points (19-11). In a lung bursting finale both sides ran attacks the length of the field as they tried in vain to secure a bonus point.

There is no game for the Saints next week so the Colts will take centre stage when they take on Somerset side Thornbury RFC Colts in the last 16 of the Colts National Cup. A big crowd is expected at Tregorrick Park for this huge fixture on Saturday 25th February with the game kicking off at 14:30.

Man of the Match – Miles Davey Another inspirational display from the Saints’ skipper, diligent in the tackle and an effective ball carrier he almost nabbed a try in the second half that might have swung the game the visitors’ way.

1 Charlie Nicholson; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Hugh Noott; 4 Tony Knight; 5 Adam Pearce; 6 Max Duggan; 7 Jack Nelson; 8 George Knowles; 9 Dan Jane; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 Cavan Boyer; 12 Liam Freeman 13 Shane Johns; 14 Ben Chenoweth 15 James Martin
Reps:
Adam Kellow; Hector Bright; Toby Robinson

St Austell:
Tries – Max Duggan (21)
Cons –
Pens – Liam Freeman (38); Cavan Boyer (68)
Drop Goal –

Cullompton:
Tries – Sean Mardell (15); Sam Harris (36, 48)
Cons – Lewis Ryan (15; 36)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Cullompton: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Cullompton: None

Referee: Mr G Boyd (Devon RRS)