The Saints may have dominated proceedings in the second half, but they just could not find a way through the blockade Services had placed around their try line. The home side remained dogged and determined in defence to keep the Cornishmen out until deep into time added on. The defeat ended the Saints’ nine game unbeaten run and saw them slip off the summit with Services leapfrogging into top spot.

Services got off to strong start to bottle the Saints up in their own 22 and despite stoic defence the deadlock was eventually broken by centre Toby Knowles on 9 minutes (7-0). The Saints hit back and patient ball retention by the forwards allowed skipper Miles Davey to crash over (7-7). The game turned on a nasty clash of heads between two Saints, running repairs enabled lock Adam Kellow to carry on. However, number eight George Knowles was forced to leave the field with a bad cut above the eye that required four stiches. To add insult to the injuries, the Saints were adjudged to have gone offside and the game restarted with fly half Matt Anstis converting the penalty (10-7). Services were now on top and another Anstis penalty (13-7) was immediately followed by a converted try from the restart (20-7). An excellent tackle from full back CJ Boyce prevented a further score but the respite was short lived when minutes later winger Rob Ede dived in at the corner. The Saints felt aggrieved at the grounding as the ball looked to have been dislodged in the process of scoring. Nonetheless the try stood and Matt Anstis completed a flawless day with the boot to convert from the touchline (27-7). The Saints applied some intense pressure with a series of 5m scrums and rolling mauls. Flanker Ian Venner looked to have scored from a rumbling catch and drive but the Services did enough to hold the ball up. The home side held out to reach the turnaround 27-7 in front.

It was almost exclusively one-way traffic as the Saints mounted an impressive second half response to try and claw their way back into the game. Services were no longer the attacking threat they were in the first half and were reduced to the occasional long-range counter attack. They proved to be tenacious and determined in defence to repel almost everything the Cornishmen threw at them. Even with the penalty count mounting and two yellow cards the home refused to capitulate under the Saints battering. Winger Cavan Boyer nearly found a way over on a couple of occasions, but any gaps seem to vanish as quickly as they appeared. The Saints’ consolation try came deep in time added when a short line out routine between Miles Davey and Mark Vian allowed the skipper to grab his second try of the day (27-12).

For the Saints, it was a sobering experience as the Services fully deserved their win to return to the top of the league. They will rue the loss of focus during the first half that saw them ship 20 points without reply and they will be disappointed they could only breech the Services’ defence on just one occasion in the last 50 minutes of the game despite monopolising possession.

Next weekend is a well deserved rest and they will look to bounce back against Falmouth on 25/11/17 (KO 2:30pm).

1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Adam Kellow; 5 Mark Vian; 6 Andy Inch; 7 Ian Venner; 8 George Knowles; 9 Andy Ashwin; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 Cavan Boyer; 12 Liam Freeman 13 Shane Johns; 14 Jake Carr; 15 CJ Boyce

Reps (All used):
Peter Rowe; Tony Knight; George Tregilgas

Saints Star Man: Ian Venner

St Austell:
Tries – Miles Davey (13; 80+4)
Cons – Liam Freeman (13)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Devonport Services
Tries – Toby Knowles (9); Ben Wadham (24); Rob Ede (30)
Cons – Matt Anstis (9; 24 30)
Pens – Matt Anstis (15; 23)
Drop Goal –

Referee: Mr G Fairbairn (Plymouth RRS)

Webmasters Note: Disappointed for the players and team management...Yes! Downhearted no! They played their hearts out and deserved more but that's rugby!

Tons to look forward to: England v Australia on our big tellys this Saturday. Game kicks off at Twickers at 3pm so bar open earlier to get your refreshments in. As mentioned we welcome Falmouth on the 25th. Its going to be a busy one so pitch up early and secure your viewing point! The pre-match lunches for this home fixture and every other leading up to Xmas are totally sold out. Next one with any seats is 13th January when we welcome Tiverton and there are only 11 seats left! Grab yours today by getting hold of Tich at sardineslayer@hotmail.co.uk.

Looking ahead at lunches beyond these; they are also booking up fast so go early on this or be disappointed!

December is looking like a lot of fun at Tregorrick with lots of Youth player parties and 2 home games on the 9th against Kingsbridge and 16th against Paignton. The 16th will be Christmas Jumper day so lets see them!