Saints hit a Magnificent Seven!

The heavy rain and a sodden pitch had a major influence on proceedings but both sides deserve great credit for delivering a quality game with very few errors. It was the visitors who adapted to the elements far better than the home side, especially in the second half where the Cornishmen largely dominated the forward exchanges. The intensity and desire of the Saints and clever tactical use of the rolling replacements were ultimately the deciding factors with all 18 players contributing to the victory.

The Saints got off to a racing start with two early tries, first number eight Adam Kellow slipped the Sidmouth defence a dummy to score wide out on the right-hand side after early intense pressure (0-5). Minutes later a series of pick and drives was finished off by battleship flanker Ian Venner (0-12). Sidmouth regained their composure after the early blitz and soon started to reel in the visitors lead, first Luke Wells-Burr took advantage of the ball becoming stuck in the sodden ground and fly hacked ahead winning the foot race to touch down (5-12). Sidmouth now had the Saints on the back foot and two Tom Whelan penalties brought the home side back within one point (11-12). The Saints steadied themselves and a sublime Chris Ashwin try gave the visitors some breathing space at half time (11-17).

With the Saints starting to dominate scrum the visitors took the sensible decision to build the lead early in the second half with a Liam Freeman penalty (11-20). The visitors were now playing at a high tempo, with waves of intense carrying by the forwards starting to create spaces in the home defence. Chris Ashwin slipped over for his second try (11-27) and replacement Max Duggan finished off some excellent work by the pack (11-34). Sidmouth showed great spirit to grab their second try through Gavin Pearson (16-34). The Saints shuffled the front row to maintain the high pace and dynamism with the ball in hand. Charlie Nicholson, now switched to loosehead received his reward for his hard carrying and mobility to smash over (16-41). Hugh Noott was now at number eight and the prop masterminded an intricate back row move to feed winger CJ Boyce and his perfectly timed pass set Liam Freeman through to score in front of clubhouse. The centre’s conversion was the final action (16-48) to seal a fine victory on the road for the Saints.

The result sees the Saints leap frog above Sidmouth into 7th spot and they are now nestled behind St Ives and Wadebridge Camels. With just two leagues games remaining, the Saints will keep their focus, ready to take advantage of any slip ups that may enable them to jump ahead of their Cornish rivals. Next week the Saints entertain Somerset side Wellington at Tregorrick for the penultimate league game of the season (KO 3:00pm).

1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Charlie Nicholson; 4 Tony Knight; 5 Adam Pearce; 6 Jack Nelson; 7 Ian Venner; 8 Adam Kellow; 9 Andy Ashwin; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 CJ Boyce; 12 Liam Freeman; 13 Shane Johns; 14 Ben Chenoweth; 15 Toby Robinson

Reps (All used):
Mark Martin; Max Duggan Dan Jane

St Austell:
Tries – Adam Kellow (5); Ian Venner (7); Chris Ashwin (28, 57); Max Duggan (63); Charlie Nicholson (76); Liam Freeman (80+1)
Cons – Liam Freeman (7, 28, 57, 63, 76, 80+1)
Pens – Liam Freeman (47)
Drop Goal –

Sidmouth:
Tries – Luke Wells-Burr (15); Gavin Pearson (66)
Cons –
Pens – Tom Whelan (20, 25)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Sidmouth: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Sidmouth: None