This eagerly anticipated top of the table clash lived up to expectations to deliver a thrilling game between two sides determined to grab second place. Helped by a forceful scrum that had the Services’ pack streaming backwards, the Saints dominated the first fifty minutes to build up a 29-7 lead. Services dusted themselves off to reel in the Saints to just 34-28 to set up a nervy final ten minutes for the home side. Forward power steadied the ship and forced the penalty to allow Liam Freeman’s kick to seal the win.

The Saints started with the gusty wind at their backs and from the outset it was clear that the home pack had the edge at scrum time. The first scrum went backwards at a rate of knots and Services were penalised at the second. The inevitable happened with the third scrum when the home eight powered over the try line to allow number eight George Knowles the formality of finishing off the pushover (7-0). Two penalties, the first ironically for a scrum infringement by the Saints’ front row, gave Services a platform in the home 22. A slick backline move from quick ball off the top of the lineout saw Joseph Wyatt come in off his wing to score under the posts (7-7). Saints hit back and reapplied the thumbscrews through a succession of 5m scrums that ended in a heap. With the referee’s warning still ringing in their ears the Services’ front row offended again and the home side were awarded a penalty try (14-7). Determined to make amends, Services enjoyed a good period testing the Saints with quick hands as they probed for a gap to exploit. The home side withstood the examination and turned the tide when flanker Andy Inch led a lung busting charge up field which was stopped metres short of the try line only for George Knowles to crash over for his second try (19-7). The Saints then enjoyed their best period of the match with the ball being moved through multiple phases creating the space for centre George Tregilgas to stretch the home lead (24-7) at half time.

The home side started the second half as they had finished the first and a short lineout move gave skipper Miles Davey the chance to snatch another try (29-7). The home side could be forgiven for thinking the game was won but Services had other ideas although the comeback started in perhaps fortuitous circumstances. The ball shot out from a Saints’ ruck and landed at the feet of a Services’ player, who appeared to be running back from an offside position. With the home defence waiting for a whistle that never came, lock Andy Pond sprinted home for a try (29-14). Saints scored again soon after with centre Liam Freeman outwitting the Services’ defence to score in the corner (34-14). That really should have been of that, but Services punished the Saints for over playing in their own 22 when winger Ben McGowan intercepted a stray pass to go over under the posts (34-21). Inspired by the try, Services were now in the ascendency and they were rewarded for their ambition when fly-half Matt Anstis finished off some good approach work. The touchline conversion put Services in contention for two bonus points and at 34-28 within striking distance of the Saints with 9 minutes remaining. The restart was crucial and it was won by flanker Andy Inch who held Chris Ashwin’s high hanging kick to secure vital possession for the home side which they never gave up. A probing run and kick ahead by Cavan Boyer almost produced a try but the Services defence touched down first. It did set up a series of 5m scrums and with time up the under pressure Services strayed offside. Liam Freeman’s penalty brought the curtain down on a thrilling game and stripped the visitors of one of their bonus point.

Not for the first time this season, the Saints swap places with Devonport Services to move into second place and there would be no surprises if there were to be more twists in the battle for the runner-up position. The Saints have a game in hand but if they are to reach the play-offs then they will have to do it on the road as four of their remaining five games are away from Tregorrick. First up is that game in hand and an awkward looking trip to relegation battlers Crediton next Saturday (14:30 KO).

St Austell

1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey; 3 Mark Martin; 4 Tony Knight; 5 Adam Kellow; 6 Andy Inch; 7 Jack Nelson; 8 George Knowles; 9 Andy Ashwin (Capt.); 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Liam Freeman 13 George Tregilgas; 14 Cavan Boyer; 15 CJ Boyce

Reps (All used):
Peter Rowe; Jake Carr; Mark Vian

Saints’ Star Man: Liam Freeman – a thorn in the Services defence all afternoon and the Saints were grateful for his tough tackling to help stem the visitors’ revival.

St Austell:
Tries – George Knowles (4, 26); Penalty Try (15); George Tregilgas (30); Miles Davey (46); Liam Freeman (54)
Cons – Liam Freeman (4); Penalty Try (15);
Pens – Liam Freeman (80+2)
Drop Goal –

Devonport Services
Tries – Joseph Wyatt (9); Andy Pond (52); Ben McGowan (65); Matt Anstis (71)
Cons – Matt Anstis (9, 52, 65, 71)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Referee: Mr A Denham (Cornwall RRS)