Report by Paul Hayes
Photo of Saints man of the match Andy Inch by Dave Philips.

St Austell 61 Wiveliscombe 10

On a day of celebration off the field with the launch of Senior Players Award Scheme, it was fitting that the Saints should deliver an emphatic victory on it. The stands were packed with ex-players drawn from the last four decades, all attending Tregorrick to receive Caps and ties for past appearances, and they would have been mightily impressed by the current generation of Saints. The home side overcame a sluggish start that saw the Somerset visitors race into a 10-point lead in as many minutes to claw back the deficit with three tries before half time. It was one-way traffic in the second half as Wivvy struggled to contain the home side who ran in six unanswered tries.

The home side were led out by prop Mark “Choppy” Martin to mark his 200th appearance for the Saints. A fitting tribute to Choppy, who has been the cornerstone of the St Austell pack since his debut in 2011. The pre-match euphoria seemed to have an impact on the home side as it was the visitors who made all the early running.

Making full use of the strong wind, Wivvy pinned the home side in their 22 and fly half George Rowe hit over a penalty with just two minutes on the clock. The visitors increased their lead when they decided to run another penalty with a vintage move drawn from the 1980s playbook. A line of three forming a shielding wall, decoy runners heading in different directions and a thundering run from prop Matthew Ellis. It may have gone against the home side, but the try received the seal of approval from the watching veterans, nodding sagely in the stand (0-10).

The Saints found progress hard against the strong wind and the spirited Wivvy defence, but they ground their way up the pitch. Once in the red zone the Saints proved lethal with centre Ben Plummer and full back Cavan Boyer both scoring from moves launched off a strong scrum platform (14-10). A powerful surge from flanker Andy Inch delivered quick ball to fly-half James Tucker who defied the conditions to spin a long pass to Max Bullen. The winger weaved his way passed three Wivvy defenders to score a rousing third. James Tucker’s touchline conversion into the full blast of the raging South-Westerly saw the home finish the half 21-10 ahead.

Now with the wind at their backs the home side got off to a hurricane start with two quick fire tries. Excellent handling by the backs saw centre Henry Welch finish in the corner (26-10). Not to be left out, the forwards got in on the act with a thundering catch and drive that started on the 22 and finished with prop Peter Rowe touching down (33-10). Wivvy were starting to wither under the pressure and a pushover try from Kyle Marriott was quickly followed by another lineout routine that presented Harry Pyatt with his first senior try, to put the home side into an unassailable 47-10 lead. To their credit the visitors looked to get themselves back into the game but Wivvy were finding it just as difficult as the Saints did to make territorial headway into the wind. An attempted long pass on the halfway was intercepted by James Tucker who showed a clean pair of heals to the chasing defenders (54-10). The Saints finished the game with Harry Pyatt grabbing his second try from another catch and drive. James Tucker slotted the conversion to finish the day with eight kicks from nine, a remarkable achievement given the conditions (61-10).

The bonus point win consolidates second place for the Saints with a healthy gap starting to emerge over third placed sides Chard and Kingsbridge. Next week the Saints venture over the Tamar for what will undoubtedly be a testing encounter at Teignmouth on Saturday 18th January 2020 (KO 2:30pm).

Saints Star Men: Andy Inch – In conditions where ball carriers would dictate the play Inchy deliver a powerhouse performance by the blindside flanker! Hardworking in defence, dominant in the lineout and eager for work in the loose, Inchy ensured the Saints were always on the front foot.

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.

What’s Going On!:

18th January the Saints travel to Teignmouth. Supporters are welcome to jump on the Saints coach and enjoy a day trip to Devon. Just £10. Message Al Cummins or Ian Grantham to book a seat. With no rugby for the Saints the following week best get your fix on this trip!!

8th February 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!