St Austell survived a torrid first half to secure a bonus point victory over a spirited Devonport Services side to remain top of the Tribute Western Counties West League. With close rivals North Petherton and Okehampton both bagging big wins Saints were relieved that their second half improvement was enough to keep their noses in front of the chasing pack.

It was a sombre atmosphere at Tregorrick Park with the sad news of the sudden death of Patricia Trebilcock, aged 49, mother of player Phil Parrish. With both the Cornish Flag and Club emblem at half-mast as a mark of respect the players stood in front of the stand to join the supporters in observing a moving minute’s silence in solidarity with their team mate.

The match kicked off with a cold wind blowing across the pitch. Services flew out of the blocks and the men from the Naval City kept the Saints blockaded in their own half for the entire opening quarter. The home side was forced into a succession of mistakes and infringements allowing Services to dominate territorially through their strong line out. The saving grace for Saints is that despite some good neat approach play, Services did not have the cutting edge to convert their early dominance into points. It took until the 28th minute for Saints to mount their first serious raid following a storming run by winger Alex Welland. Services survived the danger and when a Saints’ tackler failed to release an attacker moments later Centre Ben McGowan was able to slot over the penalty to give the away side a deserved lead. With the hosts continuing to err in the eyes of Referee Mr Richard Pryor it was no surprise when Sean Haley was sent to the sin bin on 30 minutes. The sense of frustration around Tregorrick Park was palpable and the Saints collectively stepped up several gears in a storming end to the half. Lock Adam Pearce stole a Services line out on halfway to feed flanker Paul Winterbottom whose barnstorming run took him to the 22m with seemingly most of the Services midfield hanging off him. A pop pass to the supporting Welland saw the winger scorch over under the posts and with scrum half Matt Shepherd converting Saints reached half time 7-3 despite being on the back foot for the majority of the 40 minutes.

Saints started the second half with much greater purpose so it was ironic that it was Services who scored first to restore their lead. There appeared to be no danger from a Services maul just inside the Saints’ 22 until flanker Joe Page, who had impressed throughout, spotted a gap and had the strength and speed to dart through to finish under the posts. McGowan added the extras. Saints upped the ante and for the first time in the match started to play with sustained intensity. Driving play from the forwards put the Saints within striking distance of the Services line. Fittingly it was prop Hugh Noott, on for impressive youngster Ryan Knott, who capped his return from injury by crashing over for a try. Shepherd made light of the difficult wind to convert and push Saints back in front. The momentum was now very much with the home side but they found Services determined in defence and still willing and able to counter attack. With 10 minutes remaining Haley secured good line out ball allowing the Saints pack to drive towards the line. Winterbottom spun away to score his 17th try of the season and Shepherd landed another difficult kick to set up the chase for the all-important fourth try. Saints now laid siege and with the home crowd finding their collective voices it created a crackling atmosphere. Twice Saints were pulled back by Referee Pryor with the try line beckoning as time starting to ebb away. A penalty award in the final minute allowed another Saints line out in the Services 22. When the catch and drive collapsed the chance seemed to have gone but quick hands across the back line allowed Saints Man of the Match centre Ian Venner to slice through and score under the posts. Shepherd added the conversion.

To the relief of all at Tregorrick Park Saints survived a poor first half performance to secure a vital bonus point victory and maintain their slender lead at the top. Next week Saints travel to St Ives for what promises to be a tough Cornish Derby. The Hakes are going through a transitional phase placing an emphasis on youth as they rebuild following last season’s relegation. Saints will not be deceived by their current lowly position as they remain a difficult proposition at Alexander Road. Saints will need to be prepared for a thorough examination if they are to secure the win to remain top of the league.

Match Stats:

St Austell: Knott (Noott 45); Hughes, Joseph; Martin; Pearce; Haley; Grigg (Hughes, Jack 62); Winterbottom; Jeffs; Shepherd; Ashwin (Captain); Chenoweth; Earp; Venner; Welland; Evison (Taylor 76).
St Austell: Tries – Welland (35); Noott (52); Winterbottom (70); Venner (78)
Cons – Shepherd (4)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Devonport Services: Tries – Page (47)
Cons – McGowan
Pens – McGowan

Yellow Cards: St Austell: Haley (32) Devonport Services: None
Red Cards St Austell: None Devonport Services: None

Referee: Richard Pryor (Cornwall RRS)

Saints Man of the Match: Ian Venner