Following their disappointing loss at home against Sidmouth when they allowed an 11 point lead to be overtaken in the last 10 minutes the Saints travelled to newly promoted Paignton determined to get their season up and running.

Playing with the wind towards the clubhouse the Saints received the kick off but almost immediately found themselves behind as a strong run through weak tackling saw flanker Joel Taylor storm in under the post giving Sandercock a straightforward conversion. ( 2 mins 7 – 0 )

Several of the large travelling support held their breath as they waited to see if this would be a continuation of last week’s capitulation. Saints cleared their heads and began to pressurise the Cherries line. Vian stole a lineout and following good phase play, centre Shane Johns burst over the line but lost the ball in the act of touching down. The die was cast and the Saints continued to pressurise until Tregilgas took a short pass just outside the 22 and skipped over close to the post giving Cav Boyer a straightforward conversion. ( 17 mins 7 – 7 )

With the Saints growing in confidence and trusting their game they continued to put together phases of pressure well rebuffed by strong home defence. After 23 minutes the Saints won another lineout deep in the Paignton half and set up a well-controlled drive over the line. As the players cleared it was veteran flanker Ian Venner who emerged with the ball, Boyer adding the extras ( 23 mins 7 – 14 )

Paignton have a proud home record and they mounted a furious response which was halted only when the Saints fell offside at a ruck. Sandercock stepped up and pulled 3 points back ( 32 mins 10 – 14 )

There was one more scoring act in an entertaining and hard fought first half. Lock Vian stole lineout ball which Chris Ashwin pumped into the opposition 22. Once again Vian rose high and the Saints drove for the line again to allow prop Noott to add to his growing collection of close range tries. The conversion was unsuccessful ( 38 mins 10 – 19 )

The Saints replaced Tony Knight with Hector Bright at half time but it was the Cherries who seemed to begin the stronger. A thumping tackle on half way, needless back chat, Saints marched back an extra 10 metres and Sandercock stroked over the penalty (42 mins 13 – 19 )

Just as the Saints needed to take control they seemed to wobble. The restart went straight into touch to concede possession, heralding a series of unforced errors culminating in another successful penalty by Sandercock ( 52 mins 16-19 )

Captain Davey took control of his team and the Saints began to work their way back into the game. From a scrummage offence Boyer sensibly kicked 3 points to steady the ship ( 55 mins 16 – 22 )

In what was probably the best [period of the game for the Saints they retained possession through many phases severely testing a determined Cherries defence who managed to repulse several attacks . While not faultless , the Saints were now beginning to show some better form and from a classic scrum 8-9-12 the oldest member of the side, Andy Ashwin, fed one of the youngest, George Tregilgas, through a gap for his second try of the game. Boyer converted the extras again ( 64 mins 16 – 29 )

While Paignton tried to rally the Saints were impressive in closing the game out denying their opponents ball and following pressure on their line, Andy Inch completed the scoring with a well taken unconverted try ( 80 mins 16 – 34 ).

While the Saints performed well against a very competitive Paignton, they will know that there were elements of their game that fell short of the standards they are chasing. There is work to be done in several areas but to travel away and come away with 5 tries and respond to early mistakes with such a performance augurs well for the future.

The side had a nice blend of youngsters and veterans and current Colts Fraser Nottle and George Tregilgas, who can be pleased with their first senior starts.

Saturday brings the first Cornish derby of this season and turns up the heat an extra notch with early season table toppers St Ives visiting Tregorrick. The Hakes have been very impressive so far and it promises a great game and one that will tell both sides just how good they are.

2 mins 7 – 0

17 mins 7 – 7

23 mins 7 – 14)

32 mins 10 – 14

38 mins 10 – 19

42 mins 13 – 19

52 mins 16-19

55 mins 16 – 22

64 mins 16 – 29

80 mins 16 – 34

Subs :

41 mins Hector Bright on \ Tony Knight off

75 mins DJ Jane on \ Andy Ashwin off

75 mins Tony Knight on \ Ian Venner off

No yellow cards

No red cards