Any visit to High House is a tough one and this was no exception with the Saints weathering a first half storm before dominating the second 40 to consolidate their position at the top of the league.

The game kicked off in a swirling coastal mizzle so it was no surprise that the wet conditions coupled with the 3 week Christmas break led to an error strewn first quarter. That said the visitors scored an excellent early opening try following quick line-out ball on the halfway line. The ball was driven up the middle by centre James Earp before being spun wide for winger Alex Welland to touchdown in the corner for an unconverted try. The home side took full advantage of a Saints fumble at the restart using their big forwards in a series of pick and drives that took them close to the Cornishmens’ line. A penalty for offside provided fullback Ashley Treeby with a simple opportunity to take 3 points in reply. The visitors were clearly rattled and it was not long before Treeby put Kingsbridge in front with another penalty, this time for a high tackle in midfield. The Saints finally managed to get their high tempo game going and started to put the home side under sustained pressure. Twice they worked the ball wide only to be thwarted by last ditch tackles but they really should have done better with the “two on one” opportunities created. Frustrations at the missed chances spilled over and three successive penalties turned the tables as play switched from one 22 to the other allowing Treeby to extend the home side’s lead with another penalty. Right on half time the fullback added a fourth to make the score 12-5 at the break.

The Saints’ halftime team talk was remarkably calm given the deficit as the game plan for the second period was obvious - cut out the errors, maintain discipline and raise the tempo. This would reduce Kingsbridge’s primary source of attack through their lineout and prevent any further opportunities for Treeby’s boot, this being their only route to the scoreboard. The visitors tore into the home side using quickly recycled ball and clever offloads to commit defenders. Eventually the ball was played out wide for Welland to ground in the corner for his second try of the day without a Kingsbridge hand touching the ball from the kick off. The Saints rang the changes bringing on prop Hugh Noott for his first game of the season and more poignantly number 8 and former Club Captain Adam Kellow. This was Kellow’s first game since suffering a dislocated knee in February 2011 and testimony to his dedication and desire to pull on The Saints’ shirt again. Needless to say he delivered a performance full of commitment and passion to earn a fully deserved Man of the Match accolade. He was nearly upstaged by Noott who crowned his return with a wrecking ball of a try. The Saints were hammering at the home try line for some time from just a few metres out when the ball was played back to Noott. The svelte prop charged back into the contact area and like a bowling ball in a skittle alley he blasted apart the home defence to put the Saints in front. The Cornishmen continue to press but resolute defending meant they had to wait until the last minute to score the all-important fourth try. A pressure relieving kick out of defence by Kingsbridge was gathered on the half way line by Treve Murley. The full back drew in the defenders before cleverly off-loading to the supporting Matt Shepherd. The scrum half burst through opposition territory before spinning the ball out to winger Tom Miles who elegantly cruised over in the corner. Shepherd rounded off another fine personal performance with a touchline conversion. Kingsbridge had the last word with a fifth penalty from Treeby with the last kick of the game to secure a losing bonus point. It was the least the home side deserved for their first half showing although they were second best after the turnaround.

The 22-15 victory maintains the Saints’ eight point cushion over Bideford with 11 games remaining. The big games keep coming and next week the Saints entertain fourth placed Okehampton at Tregorrick in what is sure to be another tight and engrossing encounter (KO 2:30 Saturday 12 January 2013).

Match Stats:

St Austell: Rowe; Grigg; Martin; Pearce; McNally; Jeffs; Nelson; Howorth; Shepherd; Ashwin (Captain); Welland; Earp; Venner; McCoan; Murley

Replacements: Kellow; Miles; Noott

St Austell:
Tries – Welland (4, 42); Noott (56); Miles (77)
Cons –
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Kingsbridge:
Tries –
Cons –
Pens – Treeby (5)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Kingsbridge: None

Red Cards St Austell: None Kingsbridge: None
Referee: Mr Will Thomas (Devon RRS)
Saints Man of the Match: Adam Kellow