Both sides reached their respective County Cup Finals in midweek so it was no surprise that this was an entertaining and free flowing contest. The Saints always appeared to have the cutting edge whenever they move the ball but the Somerset side were resilient in defence and clinically took the few opportunities that came their way. The game was preceded by a moment of remembrance for Marion Craddock whose family continue a long association and passion for the Club. A lilting lament played by a lone piper in honour of Marion’s Scottish roots was followed by a minute’s silence impeccably observed by both teams and the large Tregorrick crowd.

The Saints were harshly penalised for an accidental crossing in midfield to allow Pethy scrum half Jacob Beleski to give the visitors an early lead. The home side hit straight back with number 8 Adam Kellow in imperious form. Excellent link play with scrum half Matt Shepherd saw Kellow outstrip a stretched defence to touchdown. Despite Shepherd’s conversion being followed almost immediately by another Beleski penalty the Saints continued to press until good work by hooker Jack Grigg created the gap for Kellow to score his second (12-6). From the restart Kellow was involved in a hefty collision that left the Saints talisman holding his knee in real pain. To the relief of the home faithful Adam Kellow was able to walk unaided to the touchline after prolonged treatment from Saints Physio Sam West. The lengthy stoppage meant that the Saints had lost the head of steam they had built up and Pethy took full advantage with all action number 8 Aaron Gibbs crashing over for a converted try to restore the visitors’ lead (12-13). The Saints slowly regained the ascendency and when Dan Pearce burst into the line a try seemed a foregone conclusion. A tap tackle stopped the full back’s progress but a deft off load to Shepherd continued the move and it was winger Darren Pellow who grabbed the score. Shepherd’s touchline conversion put the Saints 19-13 up and the home side never really looked back for the rest of the half. Saints added two more tries before the break, first flanker Paul Winterbottom rounded off an excellent rolling maul that travelled nearly 20 metres. This was followed by Dan Pearce breaking the gain line again, this time it was Jack Grigg that provided the support to receive the off load and link with Shepherd who unleashed the waiting Ben Chenoweth to score in the corner. A hugely entertaining half ended with the home side leading 29-13.

Pethy responded well to underline what a good side they are and cleverly positioned their big ball carriers out in the backs. Hooker Sam Williams and number 8 Aaron Gibbs led the charge but the Saints defended stoutly against the barrage. The task was made harder when Winterbottom was sin binned but it still took until the 53rd minute for a chink in the defence to open. A pick and drive saw Gibbs grab his second with Beleski adding the extras (29-20). Pethy’s exertions seemed to drain them as they were unable to sustain the momentum allowing the Saints to regain a foothold in the possession stakes. A break by the now restored Winterbottom allowed teenager Konnor Ewudzi, making his league debut, to link wonderfully with Shepherd and the Saints’ skipper scooted over for a converted try (36-20). Saints pressed and with Jeremy Grigg rolling back the years with a rampaging 40m charge another score seemed inevitable. Unfortunately a series of unnecessary penalties in attack allowed Pethy to gain a free pass into the home 22. It was that man Gibbs who took advantage to complete his hat trick with Beleski again adding the conversion (36-27). The Saints saved the best try to last and it was fitting that Konnor Ewudzi was able to crown an assured display with a fine score. Excellent work by Ian Venner split the visitors’ defence and a clever interchange of passes between Shepherd and Ewudzi set the youngster on his way to outpace a bedraggled defence. A standing ovation met his return passed the packed stands as Shepherd made light of another touchline conversion to make the final score 43-27.

The Saints have ended their league programme in second place but with their nearest rivals still with matches to play over the Easter weekend it is likely that Chard (2 games) and possibly Camborne (1 game) will overtake them. Regardless of that the Saints can be justifiably proud of their first year back in SW1 and the assurance of at least a fourth place finish will surpass the highest league placing ever achieved by a St Austell RFC side. There is also the little matter of the County Cup Final on Monday 5 May 2014 (KO 4:30 at Redruth RFC); now that would be a fantastic way to end the Club’s 50th Anniversary season.

Match Stats:

St Austell:

Noott, Jack Grigg, Martin, A Pearce, Vian, Winterbottom, Venner, Kellow, Shepherd (capt), Ashwin, Pellow, Welland, Rhodes, Chenoweth, D Pearce,

Replacements: Ewudzi, Rowe, Jeremy Grigg.

Referee: Clinton Mill (Devon RRS).

Saints Man of the Match: Konnor Ewudzi

St Austell:

Tries – Adam Kellow (8, 14); Darren Pellow (25); Paul Winterbottom (27); Ben Chenoweth (38); Matt Shepherd (62); Konnor Ewudzi (75)
Cons – Matt Shepherd (8; 19; 62; 75)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

North Petherton:
Tries – Aaron Gibbs (19; 53; 64)
Cons – Jacob Beleski (19; 53; 64)
Pens – Jacob Beleski (1; 11)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Paul Winterbottom (43); Andy Ashwin (64); Jeremy Grigg (76)
North Petherton: Scott Cook (67)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
North Petherton: None