Tavistock were no match for the rampant Saints as the hosts scored 5 converted tries in each half. The Moorlanders never gave up but in truth, if it was not for a combination of some over-elaborate play at times, a sticky pitch and plucky defence it could have been far worse for the visitors. After a strangely subdued and hesitant start by the home side, things finally clicked in place in the 17th minute with the first try of the day from winger Marcus McCoan. That provided the catalyst for some scintillating play that delivered four more tries before half time to confirm the outcome of the game. The Cornish dominance continued after the break despite the introduction of uncontested scrums following injuries to two Tavy props. Given the one-sided nature of the game it was perhaps inevitable that the Saints would take their foot off the accelerator but they still managed to finish in style with three superb late tries.

Straight from the kick off, Tavy were caught offside allowing scrum half Matt Shepherd to take 3 points with his first of what turned into a flawless place kicking display. The visitors regrouped and following a spell of good possession extracted a penalty for offside. Fly half Richard West levelled the scores but that was as good as it got for Tavistock. The Saints stormed back and numerous opportunities went begging before a neat exchange between number 8 Steve Howorth and Shepherd off a 5m scrum provided the gap for McCoan to scoot over. From the restart prop Mark Martin intercepted the ball to feed Shepherd who found Adam Pearce in support on his shoulder. A pop pass provided the perfect invitation for the lock to outpace the defence with a 40m sprint to the line. The tries came thick and fast, first full back Sam Tank jinked over under the posts, then Shepherd finished off good work by Howorth and hooker Jack Grigg. Centre James Earp brought the first half curtain down to make the score 38-3 at the break.

Saints carried on in the second half where they left off, an excellent line out take by Scott McNally provided the platform for a 20m catch and drive. Shepherd and McCoan mesmerised the visitors’ back three before the Saints’ scrum half’s clever chip kick allowed him to bag his second try of the day. Play was then stopped for 40 minutes following a neck injury to Ross Tregidgo forcing the players to return to the changing rooms. The Tregorrick faithful gave a rousing send-off to the Tavy prop as he was stretched off to the waiting ambulance. All at St Austell RFC wish Ross the very best and hope he will back playing again soon. Play resumed under floodlights and became a very disjointed affair as the players tried to get back into the rhythm of the game. A stolen lineout produced quick ball for the Saints’ backline to create the space for Tank to dance over for his second. Tavistock’s search for a consolation score was to no avail and turnover ball allowed winger Alex Welland to blaze a trail from halfway to score under the posts. Flanker Adam Kellow crowned his first full 80 minutes since his return from injury with another forceful touchdown. The best was saved for last when Grigg and Shepherd capped good phase play by the Saints to set Welland away for the tenth and final try of the day.

There were many contenders for man of the match, Shepherd was at the heart of everything today and kept driving his forwards onwards. Grigg was back to his all action best while props Peter Rowe and Martin provided the platform. Welland, Tank and McCoan continue to look like a potent attacking force but the accolade went to lock Pearce. His no nonsense approach ensured the Saints maintained their shape and structure to build a big score.

The bonus point victory puts the Saints joint top with Bideford in what is turning into an exciting race for the title. Next week The Saints hit the road for their longest trip of the season when they travel to Wellington in Somerset.

Match Stats:
St Austell: Noott; Grigg; Martin; Pearce; McNally; Kellow; Winterbottom; Jeffs; Shepherd; Ashwin (Captain); Welland; Earp; Venner; McCoan; Tank

Replacements: Murley; Nelson; Rowe; Howorth; Vian; Hughes; Miles

St Austell:
Tries – McCoan (17); Pearce (19); Tank (22, 57); Shepherd (26, 47); Earp (32); Welland (67, 79) Kellow (72)
Cons – Shepherd (10)
Pens – Shepherd
Drop Goal –

Tavistock:
Tries –
Cons –
Pens – West
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Tavistock: Batten (56)

Red Cards St Austell: None Tavistock: None

Referee: Mr Simon Lord (Cornwall RRS)

Saints Man of the Match: Adam Pearce