Services had first used of the strong wind and put the home side under the cosh in the opening quarter. The wind made line outs tricky but the visitors were still able to launch a couple of menacing driving mauls, the first was held up but the home side could not stop the second with number eight Matthew Gregory touching down (0-7). The Saints responded well and built up a head of steam with a series of pick and goes inside the Services’ 22. The visiting defence was become increasingly stretched, giving away a string penalties and Saints electing to take set pieces in deference to the strong wind. The pressure finally told when Max Duggan’s powerful surge saw him break the stubborn resistance to draw the Saints level (7-7). A 30m penalty kick from Liam Freeman punished a Services’ offside to give the home side a 10-7 lead at half time.

With the wind at their backs, the Saints gave a scorching display in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Lock Tony Knight leapt highest to give the home attack quick ball from a lineout to ignite a chain of high tempo possession finished off by Hugh Noott. The prop was on hand to run over one opponent and side step another on his route to the try line to the delight of the Tregorrick faithful (17-7). Winger Ben Chenoweth caused havoc in Services’ ranks and his astute kick forward allowed Max Duggan to win the race for the touchdown. A superb conversion from Liam Freeman put the home side into an impressive 24-7 lead with 25 minutes left on the clock. Services’ showed why they figure at the head of the table as they dug deep to stem the St Austell tide. They struck back with a poacher’s try from Gregory as the ball squirted out of the back of the scrum (24-12). Both sides were now chasing a bonus point and enjoyed periods of pressure but defences were generally on top. The Saints almost grabbed the elusive fourth try with the last play of the game when Shane Johns led a break out and kicked ahead. Cavan Boyer won the race to the posts but the ball sped away on the greasy surface beyond the despairing reach of the winger’s outstretched hands.

The Saints will be satisfied with the effort and performance in difficult conditions and the same levels of commitment, focus and determination will be needed next week when they travel to Topsham to take on table toppers Exeter University (2:30pm).

Man of the Match – Max Duggan An influential performance from the fast maturing youngster who carried well with ball in hand and showed resilience in defence. The brace of tries takes the Saints’ leading scorer up to 12 for the season.

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

St Austell:
Tries – Max Duggan (21); Hugh Noott (43)
Cons – Liam Freeman (21; 43; 55)
Pens – Liam Freeman (38)
Drop Goal –

Devonport Services:
Tries – Matthew Gregory (15, 63)
Cons – Matt Anstis (15)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Chris Ashwin (46); Adam Kellow (74)
Devonport Services: Jack Martin (31)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Devonport Services: None

Referee: Mr A Robinson (Cornwall RRS)