The Saints were on top in the first half scoring three tries to lead 17-3 at the break in an entertaining game. It was a different story in the second period as Chard roared back but the Saints showed just why they have the meanest defence in the Western Counties West. It was backs and forwards to the proverbial wall at times, but the Cornish line held firm to prevent the home side from gaining even a consolation try.

After the gales brought in by Storm Brian last week it was a welcome relief to arrive in Somerset to a calm almost warm autumnal day. The pitch was small and compact, and it took time for the Saints to adjust to the unfamiliarly tight confines of Essex Close. The shortened length meant an accurate box kick could quickly turn defence into attack. Chard’s aggressive chasing down of clearance kicks that consistently landed just outside the Saints’ 22 was causing the visitors problems. Two evenly matched and well drilled packs were playing out an intriguing sub-plot and first blood went to Chard when the Saints were penalised for wheeling the scrum (3-0). The Saints hit straight back when a driving maul from a lineout took play deep into the home 22 allowing Fly half Chris Ashwin to ghost in at the corner on 12 minutes (3-5). An excellent break from Max Duggan almost put Jake Carr in but the flying teenage winger was held up by a solid Chard defence. Back chat from amongst the Saints ranks was penalised and the indiscipline allowed Chard to clear the danger. It was almost a heavy retribution for the foolish words when Chard drove a maul to within 5m of the Saints’ line, but a turnover gave CJ Boyce the chance to kick to the halfway. A clever chip kick and a kind bounce saw Liam Freeman break through the Chard first up tacklers before an offload to Max Duggan saw the flanker stride away to score in the corner (3-10). Twice CJ Boyce and Cavan Boyer combined well on the right wing only to be denied by excellent scramble defence from the home side, but Chard could do nothing about another excellent line out move. A catch and drive and then quick ball to the backs saw Liam Freeman fly in under the posts with the centre converting his own try (3-17).

The Saints were back on the front foot at the start of the second half and a break by Jake Carr almost put Liam Freeman in for another try. With Chard having strayed offside the play was brought back for a routine penalty (3-20). The home side knew they needed to score next to prevent the Cornishmen from going out of sight so upped the tempo to exert a prolonged period of pressure in the visitors’ half. The Saints showed exactly why they have conceded the least amount of points in the league and not let anyone cross their try line since 23rd September. Chard threw everything they had but simply could not find a way through a well organised and disciplined rear-guard action. The Saints scrum held firm and the tackling in open play continually knocked Chard back. On the hour mark Chard broke through but a covering tackle from full back CJ Boyce dislodged the ball to force a knock on. With just three minutes remaining the Saints broke the length of the field and were just metres from the Chard try line. Desperation to grab the bonus point try foolishly saw hands dive into the ruck, the inevitable penalty allowed Chard to clear and the chance was gone. Deep into time added on Chard looked to have scored only for Chris Ashwin to clamp his hands on the ball like a monkey on a coconut and trigger the final whistle.

The victory was the Saints’ eighth win on the spin and keeps the Cornish tucked in just behind league leaders Devonport Services. Next week sees the visit of mid-table Crediton to Tregorrick (KO 2:30pm), the Devonians have proved tricky opposition in recent seasons, so the Saints will be expecting another tough encounter.

1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Tony Knight; 5 Mark Vian; 6 Andy Inch; 7 Max Duggan; 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; Hector Bright George Tregilgas

Saints Star Man: Liam Freeman

St Austell:
Tries – Chris Ashwin (12); Max Duggan (25); Liam Freeman (33)
Cons – Liam Freeman (33)
Pens – Liam Freeman (44)
Drop Goal –

Chard:
Tries –
Cons –
Pens – Charlie Roberts (7)
Drop Goal –

Referee: Mr N Heath (Somerset RRS)