Match report by Steve Murley
Photo of Cav Boyer scoring the first of a brace of tries by Dave Philips

With a big crowd still buzzing following England’s convincing win over Australia in the RWC quarter final, Saints were looking to continue their winning ways against old rivals and friends Wadebridge Camels. In a high scoring game it was Camels who deservedly took 5 points, playing some stylish attacking rugby and defending robustly to rack up a 24-40 victory.

Camels kicked off the first half playing towards the sports hall on a bright and warm afternoon made for rugby. Unfortunately the Saints could not gather the kick off and a rampant Camels side launched several drives at the Saints defence until Mike Rawlings, outstanding on the day, picked the right line to drive over just to the right of the posts, Danny Thomas striking over the extras. 1 min Saints 0 – Camels 7

Saints cleared their heads and responded as they have all season with forwards driving hard and the ball spun wide when the opportunity arose. After 10 minutes, having enjoyed the majority of territory and possession in that period, Tony Knight rose high to feed ball off the top of the lineout just inside the Camels half, fullback Liam Freeman broke the defensive line and fed wing Cav Boyer who scooted over 10m in from touch, dependable Chris Ashwin kicking the conversion 10 mins Saints 7 – Camels 7

If Saints were edging possession, Camels looked sharper and more threatening with ball in hand. After 18 minutes Centre Will Pengelly jinked his way through the Saints defense to re-establish the lead with a wonderful solo try, Thomas again converting. Saints 7 – Camels 14.

Camels tails were now up and with Ashwin leaving the field with a leg injury they pressed home their advantage with 2 contrasting tries in 4 minutes. Wing Dom Hawkey’s converted try following slick handling after 27 minutes Saints 7 – Camels 21, was followed up by an unconverted try from close in through powerhouse prop Jack Scott 31 mins Saints 7 – Camels 26.

Saints continued to work away to get back into the game with centre Ben Plummer showing good footwork and Adam Kellow driving deep in to the Camels defence. Cav Boyer broke down the left wing but just overcooked his kick and chase.

With half time looming Camels once again showed their clinical side as Mike Rawlings crossed the line again for a converted score making the half-time score Saints 7 – Camels 33.

Saints looked down and out as Camels began the half by pinning them back in their own half with some clever kicking. As Saints tried to work their way out the referee penalised Camels for a no-arm tackle which was pumped from 22 to 22 by Liam Freeman. The forwards looked to work their catch-and-drive routine but when it broke down the ball was spun to the backs who kept it alive through Cav Boyer and Sam Parsons who moved the ball to young centre Ben Plummer who beat two defenders to dot down. 47 mins Saints 12 – Camels 33

The Saints continued to hammer away through Inch, Marriott and Davey but got no change from a well drilled Camels defence, who rarely allowed Saints past their 22m line. Saints also made several “unforced” errors which stopped their momentum. It was from one such error that Camels sprung into life working the ball to Joe Pretty who for all the world looked as if a try was a certainty until fullback Henry Welch produced another try saving tackle, something of a speciality for Henry this year.

After 72 minutes Camels worked the ball wide to wing Shawn Hartley who made good ground down the right wing before feeding the ball inside to supporting hooker Matt Ballard who sauntered in to the right of the posts with Thomas converting. 72 mins Saints 12 – Camels 40

If the game was done and dusted, no-one told the Saints and to their credit they continued to look for gaps in the Camels defence. With time running out Cav Boyer grabbed his second at 78 mins. Saints 17 – Camels 40

With the final play of the game skipper Miles Davey drove over the line with freeman converting to make the final score Saints 24 – Camels 40 and secure their losing bonus point.

There can be no doubt that Camels deserved their win. With a few returning players they were clinical in both defence and attack and will no doubt be looking to now continue their winning ways. Saints will point at a first half lost by 7 points to 33 as the period when the game really got away from them.

Saints now face two of the current top four in successive matches as they travel to Wellington and then take on Bideford at home. After such a promising start to the season the coaching staff will be reviewing the Camels game to identify what needs to be done in training this week. One defeat is no reason to panic and the Saints are a very good, developing young side who will have learnt a tremendous amount from Saturday’s game to put into action with another humdinger against joint top Wellington.

What’s Coming Up

Sat 26th October - Club open at 0830 serving food for a 0900 KO RWC 2019 Seni-Final between England and New Zealand. We are also running a breakfast and bus deal. Get a Saints breakfast, watch the semi-final then jump on the Saints bus to Wellington to cheer them on in a top of the table clash for just £15. If you just want to hop on the bus it’s just £10. Details of how to book a seat are HERE

We have decided not to open specifically for the second Sunday morning Semi-Final of Wales v SA. Non-England games have been poorly attended so not worth burning volunteer time running them. Youth rugby will be running as normal and the kitchen hatch open for food and refreshments but no bar service. We will gauge enthusiasm for opening for the final on Saturday 2nd Nov and make a decision once we know who is playing in it.

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!