Victory at Tiverton

Match Report by Ian Grantham
Photo by Graham Walker

Saints travelled north, secure in the knowledge that they were five from five. Tiverton had a different taste in their mouths, left behind by a heavy 40-14 defeat to a team lower than them in the league. They had only a week to recover and re-build from this, especially if they were to focus their minds on the task of playing the league leaders St Austell.

Tiverton hopes were raised when, in the opening minutes, the Saints strayed offside in a 'kickable' position and Tivvy added three points after 5’. Minutes later Tivvy No. 15 Tom Cooke missed the chance to add another 3 points and Saints took that as their cue to turn up the heat.

Saints Captain and Hooker Miles Davey turned over Tivvy ball and fed to big Lock Tony Knight who made 10 yards before laying off to CJ Boyce. Boyce spread to Winger Cav Boyer whilst still just in his own half and Boyer stripped the Tivvy cover to score far left at the clubhouse end. The angle beat Chris Ashwin so the score remained 3 -5 at 15’.

Tiverton gained and held territory for a period but the Saints lines stood firm. A tivvy infringement allowed Ashwin to clear the lines and get the Saints into an attacking position at the half hour mark. A clean take at the line-out by Mark Vian translated into a driving maul but it stalled ad seemed to have fallen apart until a group of industrious Saints forwards fragmented, reorganised and drove Andy Inch over the line. Chris Ashwin got his eye in and added the conversion making the score 3-12 at 31’.

Tiverton heads did not drop and they worked their way back into Saints territory, looking to reinvigorate their game plan. On the cusp of the half time whistle a penalty was awarded on the Saints 5m line. The Tivvy pack fancied their chances and opted for the scrum but the Saints resisted, the ball squirting out and Tivvy nearly got in under the posts but it was deemed to have been knocked on! At half time the score was 3-12 and we sadly said farewell to Tivvy no.12 Dave Harris who had suffered a dead leg.

The second half revealed a Saints switch with Prop Mark ‘Choppy’ Martin coming on for Pete Rowe. Within 4 minutes the scoreboard was moving in Saints favour. Outside the Tivvy twenty-two a ruck formed with Saints on the offence. Flanker Adam Kellow claimed possession and held up two Tivvy defenders whilst executing a one-handed lay-off to the ever attentive CJ Boyce. Boyce spun a long miss-pass to Cav Boyer who again demonstrated his impressive pace by rounding his opposite number and fullback to turn his haul into a brace. Fly Half Ashwin added the 2 and at 45 minutes the score was 3-17 with the Saints only one try off a bonus point.

In the 51’ it was time for another Saint to add to his tally. Full Back Liam Freeman began the scoring sequence by beating two defenders before passing to Cav Boyer who was looking for his hat trick. Boyer made more ground, drawing the defensive cover across to him before giving the perfect inside pass to Centre Sam Parson who completed the move and earned the Saints a try-scoring bonus point. Ashwin once again added two to his season haul of kicked points making the score 3-24.

Saints changed Ben Plummer out for Henry Welch and a little later into the half Josh Philips gave relief to Tony Knight. Tivvy No.14 Callum Wren got to hit the showers a few minutes earlier than anyone else when he was shown a red for punching and the score of 3-24 remained the same until the referee blew his whistle to end the game.

Of special note from this fixture is not only Cav Boyer’s brace of tries but also the fact that he was making his 100th appearance for the Saints. Congratulations from all of us to Cav on this momentous landmark.
The Saints move onto Round 7 of the Western Counties West League fixtures on Saturday 19th October when they welcome two Wadebridge Camels teams to Tregorrick Park. The Sinners kick off at 1230pm then the Saints at 3pm in what will be a huge Cornish Derby.

Notices

We are showing many of the RWC games in the clubhouse. An overview of what’s going on is HERE

RWC Big World Cup Quarter Finals Breakfast - This Saturday you can watch England v Australia with a 0815 KO then Ireland v New Zealand with a 1115 KO. The BBQ will be cooking bacon and sausages for breakfast baps either on the balcony or if its is wet under it (we have a sell out pre-match lunch on so the kitchen is not available on this day) and tea/coffee available from the bar. The bar is open from 0745 as well. Sinners take to P1 at 1230 so if you are in from early you have a full and flowing day of rugby ahead of you!

On the Sunday we are showing Wales v France at 0815 then Japan v South Africa at 1115. Food in the form of breakfasts (limited number due to fresh ingredients) will be available from the kitchen. Bar open and all welcome. Youth rugby is running alongside this event and all parents, guardians, siblings and players are welcome to eat, watch and enjoy.

We’ll make a call on the popularity of the semi-finals and if we show them once we know who's getting through so stay tuned to our Facebook events page and this website. If you want us to show games (or any sporting events for that matter) then let us know...if we perceive interest we'll try and make it happen!

Colts in National Cup Clash - Our Colts have been placed into the National Colts Cup this season. First round fixture is at Tregorrick against Kingsbridge On Sunday 20th October with a 2.30pm KO. FREE ENTRY. Bar open! Come up and cheer them on please.

Sat 14th December - heads up for your diaries. Last Saints home game before Xmas, Reindeer racing and karaoke!

Fri 17th April - 19th April 20 - St Austell RFC Ale, Cider & Gin Festival 2020. Third day added to this growing event.

Tuesday 21st April 20 - Cornwall v Devon in the annual Tamar Cup at Tregorrick Park!