Match Report by Steve Murley.
Photo of Supporters Man of the Match James Tucker by Graham Walker.

St Austell RFC kicked off 2020 with the visit to Tregorrick Park of Saltash. Saints had finished 2019 in second place while Ashes languished near the foot of the table but with the Christmas break both sides were keen to get on the field and re-start their league campaigns.

This game had been designated “Sponsors Day” and the club paid tribute to the many businesses and individuals who sponsor teams and individuals throughout the age groups with a pre-match lunch and post-game meet and greet. In addition the Saints Girls provided the ball persons for this game.

In front of a large crowd on a bright afternoon Saints kicked off playing away from the Sports Hall and straight away hit their defensive strides. With Marriott and Inch prominent in the forwards and centre pairing of Plummer and Parsons sealing up the midfield Ashes found it hard to make any ground ball in hand and were forced back towards their line.

A Saints lineout followed by a period of patient but aggressive recycling from the forwards saw young flanker Cameron Taylor force his way over to get the first score of the New Year. 4 mins Saints 5 – Ashes 0

Despite enjoying good possession Ashes were struggling to clear their half and with the Saints forwards and backs combining well wave after wave of red and white pressure eventually told with Inch again scoring from close range, Tucker adding the extras. 9 mins Saints 12 – Ashes 0

The game had settled into a pattern of probing Saints attacks master minded by Boyce and Tucker allied with aggressive Saints defence thwarting Ashes attacking moves with the vast majority of the game played in the Ashes half. A dangerous tackle on Marriott saw a penalty kick to touch bring even more pressure. A subsequent dominant Saints scrum allowed Marriott to break to the tight head and full back Boyer cut a lovely line outside him to score try number 3 with Tucker again converting 25 mins Saints 19 – Ashes 0

With time running out in the first half Saints scored the try of the game. A clearance kick from Ashes was run back powerfully by Welland, a quick recycle saw Boyer blast through the defence and feed onto the ever present Sam Parsons to dive over and seal the try bonus point, Tucker taking the extra 2. 36 mins Saints 26 – Ashes 0

Half time saw a flurry of changes as Choppy Martin, Harry Pyatt, and Max Bullen came on for Pete Rowe, Mark Vian and Fraser Nottle respectively but the second half followed the pattern of the first. Neat between Taylor and Boyer saw Parsons gain his second try of the game and Saints their 5th again converted by Tucker. 45 mins Saints 33 – Ashes 0

To their credit just as it looked as if the game could completely run away from them, Ashes dug deep and began to disrupt the Saints game. The game became disjointed and lost its rhythm not helped by a series of injuries and yellow cards. Ashes began to enjoy more of the ball and while they found it hard to make real inroads into the still dominant Saints defence the game was scoreless for the next 25 minutes. Finally the Ashes got their just reward in the 72 minute as centre Ben Hocking smashed over from a 5m scrum 72 mins Saints 33 – Ashes 5

This roused the Saints who with full time looming launched one last attack putting all-action flanker Andy Inch over the line 80 mins Saints 40 – Ashes 5

While disappointed with a slight dip in their second half performance Saints can be satisfied with their return to league action. There were strong performances throughout the side in both attack and defence and the coaching staff will be pleased that they seem to have slipped back into the fine form they showed before the Christmas break.

The Sinners also won against Wadebridge Camels earlier in the day so both senior sides can be happy with their days work.

This Saturday sees the Saints again at home playing against Wivelscombe, ko 2:30, in what should be another fascinating game as they look to keep up the pressure on table-topping Wellington.

What’s Coming Up

Ex-Players Day - 11th January 20 – Ex-players Day at Tregorrick. Full details of the Senior Players Award Scheme are now released. In summary if you’re an ex-senior level St Austell RFC player this is going to interest you. As long as you have played one or more games for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd XVs or Vets you are entitled to an award. More details about the awards and the ex-players day are HERE.

Dates for your diaries:
8th February 2020 is our away trip to Wadebridge. In conjunction with the Par Inn we have a double decker to get as many supporters over the Wadebridge as possible...Details are HERE
17th-19th April 2020 is our ever expanding Ale, Cider and Gin Festival. Stacks of live rugby, food, live music and a superb selection of drinks to try.
Tuesday 21st April 2020 we host Cornwall v Devon at Tregorrrick Park in the Tamar Cup KO 7.45pm.
Saturday 23rd May - Proposed date for Senior Players end of season dinner and awards. More details to follow soon!