Falmouth were the visitors at Tregorrick Park for the first league game in several years having been promoted last season. While sitting in the lower reaches of the league, Saints had played the Eagles in the Cup semi-final last year and whilst prevailing eventually were well aware of their potential.

There was a poignant moment before kick-off when the Williams family made a presentation of rugby balls in memory of their son Roy. It was three years ago now that “Sharkey” sadly passed away. Roy was a stalwart of the club playing for both Saints and Sinners and, like his family before him, making a fantastic contribution to St Austell RFC off the field. It was a timely reminder that while rugby is just a game, it also plays a huge and important role is so many lives.

Saints played away from the sports hall in the first half and were stunned when, after 5 minutes, an energetic Falmouth side powered over for the first try through blind-side flanker Andrews, although unable to add the extras ( 5 mins 0 – 5 )

A strong response by the Saints saw them take the game to the Eagles as they pounded away at a very well organised defence without reward. With powerful running by Inch, Kellow and Noott ably supported by Mike Shakespear, playing his first game of the season in place of injured skipper Miles Davey, it looked only a matter of time before the score would come. Falmouth resisted admirably tackling low and taking the opportunity to break away when their chances came.

After 39 minutes that dogged defence and eye for the chance paid dividends. A quick break and series of rucks were followed by a sharp break by Eagles scrumhalf Austin who skipped through a weak defence at the ruck before accelerating away to dot down under the posts, Irons converted ( 39 mins 0 – 12 )

Saints picked up their game and in their best passage of play so far won the ball back form the kick-off and recycled through several phases before an off-side penalty was given against Falmouth. Liam Freeman stepped up to take the points ( 40 min 3 – 12 )

There was some straight talking at halftime and while there was confidence that Saints could get back into this game, there was also an acceptance that they had to raise their game and go win it, rather than wait for the win to come to them.

Flanker Max Duggan was subbed on after 43 minutes and his direct and powerful running began to pay dividends. With Falmouth now having to defend behind their tackle line, the Saints began to exert more concerted pressure. It was from a series of pick and drives that Pete Rowe burrowed his way over the line with Freeman converting ( 55 min 12 – 10 )

With their noses in front Saints were really in control and while Falmouth tried to break out of their own half they encountered robust defending and were turned over regularly by veteran flanker Ian Venner. With pressure mounting and brothers Andy and Chris Ashwin dictating where the game was played it was young wing Cav Boyer who scored next. A chip to the left of his opponent while he ran to the left resulted in try number two for the Saints. This was a fantastic piece of creative play and was enhanced by Freeman’s conversion from out wide on the right wing to edge Saints in front. ( 60 mins – 17-12 )

With backs and forwards combining well in the loose it looked as if Saints could overrun Falmouth, but all credit to their fantastic team spirit as they continued to repel waves of Saints attacks

The final try of the game came in the 73rd minute with the Eagles defence pulled wide on the right wing a pinpoint cross field kick from Chris Ashwin was chased down by fullback CJ Boyce who still had a lot to do to finish off a fantastic move wide on the left-hand side. ( 73 mins – 22 – 12 )

The Saints emptied their bench searching for the try bonus point as the youngest Saint George Tregilgas and veteran Saint Adam Pearce both came on. It wasn’t meant to be and the game finished Saints 22 – Falmouth 12

This was another of those fantastic Cornish derbies that Saints seem to have been involved in this season. Both sides played some great stuff with the Saints re-establishing their winning credentials. Falmouth played a full part in this spectacle and if they continue in this vein should pull themselves up the table. Saints now look forward to another derby this coming Saturday away against Wadebridge Camels

View form Director of Rugby Steve Murley:

I was very pleased with our response in this game following the recent loss at Services. I thought we were too sluggish in the first 35 minutes or so here and while we had our share of the ball we didn’t really exploit it, or look after it as well as we have done when at our best. I didn’t really have any complaints to be down at half-time, I thought Falmouth played very well. That said I knew that we had more to come.

We asked the lads to step up at half-time and go out to make the win happen. We talk a lot about being patient and that’s important, but I felt we needed to be working harder and quicker to make something happen rather than just wait for it to happen.

It’s a fine line but I was really pleased with the response and how we approached the last 40 minutes. We began to look more like the side we were earlier in the season and I thought all 3 tries were good examples of their kind. Great ball retention and body position by the forwards for Pete Rowe’s try. Lovely piece of individual skill by Cav for his, and a great appreciation of space from Chris Ashwin while CJ Boyce really stretched kept the pitch wide and finished fantastically.

A little disappointed not to get the 4 try bonus point, but delighted to be back on winning ways and really looking forward to the game against Wadebridge Camels who had a really impressive win against Kingsbridge. That will be another excellent Cornish derby.

Webmasters Note: Really exciting game if not a tad nippy on the day! This summary should warm you all up though!

December is going to be awesome as a Member, Supporter and or follower of St Austell Rugby Club.

We have home league games on the 9th December against Kingsbridge and 16th December against Paignton. Then you get a short break before a St Austell select take on Lankelly in the annual Boxing Day fixture which this year is at Tregorrick. 2017 rugby comes to an end with a bang when we welcome Penryn on the 30th December at 2pm for the next round of defending the cup we historically clinched last Easter.

Accompanying all that is lots of Sinners, Ladies, Colts, Girls And Youth Rugby. Sell out lunches, packed Youth Rugby Christmas parties, RFU grand draw sales and more!

Looking forward to March we welcome Jack Nowell, Thomas Waldrom and Gareth Steenson to Tregorrick on the 21st so you all can meet them. Tickets are selling like hot cakes so hurry up and grab yours. Over the bar or contact Darren on tregorrickpark@hotmail.com to note interest or ask questions.

The Saints family is working hard for you and it’s great to be a part of it don’t you think?!