Both sets of players deserve great credit for a game that was high in quality and played with great intensity throughout. The Saints dominated territory and possession in the first half, but the home defence proved a tough nut to crack. The second half was a far more even affair, but the Saints showed greater coolness under pressure to take the opportunities that came their way. A frenetic finale saw the Cornishmen dig deep to deny the league leaders the losing bonus point their efforts probably deserved.

On a crisp, cold and blustery autumnal afternoon the home side had first use of the wind and the added advantage of the low sun shining into Saints’ eyes from over the Clubhouse. It was the visitors who took charge early on and looked to have scored when a catch and drive thundered over. The visitors’ delight was cut short after Rory Jago was adjudged to have been held up by the home defence. Chew full back Tom Bryan slotted over a penalty after an over eager Saints defence strayed offside (3-0). Matt Shepherd quickly drew things level when the home side coughed up a penalty from the restart (3-3) with eight minutes gone. The game became a cagey affair largely played in the Chew half but a rare sortie into Saints territory allowed Tom Bryan to restore the home lead (6-3). The Saints then applied a sustained period of pressure on the Chew try-line which saw another attempt held up following a powerful catch and drive. A series of five-metre scrums followed with Saints left frustrated at the resets as the home pack creaked under the pressure. Pragmatism told in the end with Matt Shepherd invited to tie things up with a penalty (6-6). A trademark Konnor Ewudzi break almost broke the home defence, but the Saints were penalised for going off their feet as they tried to recycle the ball quickly to land the killer blow before half time.

Chew started the second half with greater urgency and set Saints nerves jangling after a charge down led to a mad dash for the try line. To the relief of the visitors the ball managed to elude both attacker and defender in front of the clubhouse. Saints had now weathered the initial onslaught from the home side and started to probe themselves. Matt Shepherd gave the visitors the lead for the first time in the match with a penalty for offside (6-9). On the hour mark Chew had their best period of the game with a succession of attacks in the Clubhouse corner. The Saints defended resolutely repelling a series of lineouts but after three penalties in quick succession it was Adam Kellow who received the inevitable yellow card. The Cornish defence remained firm and when Chew loss patience and went off their feet it was with much relief the Saints cleared their lines with their try line still intact. A late high tackle on Cavan Boyer saw Chew hooker Jack Monk sent to the bin, probably relieved the card was not another colour. The Saints took full advantage and at the third time of asking the catch and drive crossed the try line with young prop Matt Boothby touching down for his first senior try in his second Saints appearance (6-14). The visitors continued to apply the pressure and a neat blindside move off a scrum saw number eight Kyle Marriott feed Matt Shepherd who scampered to the try line to the delight of the travelling Saints support (6-19). The home side launched a frenzied response as they went in search of a bonus point in the increasing gloom as the setting sun dipped from view. The Saints defence held firm to inflict a rare home defeat on the hosts and close the gap at the top to just one point.

The Saints have now played all their top five rivals away from home securing wins at both Lydney and Chew Valley along with two bonus points in a narrow defeat at Thornbury. The only real blip was the opening day defeat at Devonport Services. All four of those sides will now have to cross the Tamar in the second half of the season so there are some mouth-watering encounters to look forward to at Tregorrick in 2022. With Chew Valley without a game next week the Saints have a golden opportunity to grab poll position when they take on Crediton at home (KO 2:30pm Saturday 11/12/2021). The Saints have enjoyed some very tight games with the Devonians over the years and another enthralling encounter is expected next week when the home side will go in search of the win needed to overhaul Chew at the top.

St Austell Sinners confirmed their position as Champions of the Duchy League East with an emphatic 41-5 win over second placed Launceston IIs in front of a large Tregorrick crowd. It was two tries apiece from George Hutchinson and Chris Ashwin with Zach Morley and Harry Pritchard also crossing the whitewash. Nick Woolley weighed in with the boot striking over a penalty and four conversions. It has been a hugely successful campaign for the free scoring Sinners who have managed to secure a bonus point in every game. From January 2022 the Sinners will take their place in Group 1 of the Kernow League alongside Bodmin; Helston and either Illogan Park or Camborne SOM from Cornwall One; St Ives the runaway winners of Cornwall Two and either Camborne IIs or Redruth IIs from Duchy West.

1 Dan Job; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Charlie Nicholson; 4 Mark Vian; 5 Tony Knight; 6 Adam Kellow; 7 Rory Jago; 8 Kyle Marriott; 9 CJ Boyce; 10 Matt Shepherd; 11 Fraser Nottle; 12 Ben Plummer 13 Konnor Ewudzi; 14 Alex Welland; 15 Cavan Boyer
Reps (All used):
Matt Boothby; Cam Taylor; Archie Bees

Saints Star Man: Alex Welland
This was very much a team performance by the Saints, so it is hard to pick out an individual. The front row quartet of Dan Job, Miles Davey, Charlie Nicholson and Matt Boothby ensured the visitors could play on the front foot. The Gorran Lighthouse Mark Vian ruled the airways while Tony Knight possibly had his best game in a Saints shirt. Konnor Ewudzi was a hat trick hero last week, but it was his diligent defensive work that caught the eye this time out. Just edging them all was Alex Welland, a call-up for the injured Max Bullen, he proved robust in defence, probing in attack and excellent cover as flanker when the Saints were reduced to 14 at a crucial point in the game.

St Austell:
Tries – Matt Shepherd (70); Matt Boothby (75)
Cons –
Pens – Matt Shepherd (8, 31, 48)
Drop Goal –

Chew :
Tries –
Cons –
Pens – Tom Bryan (5; 17)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Adam Kellow (60); Matt Boothby (79)
Chew Valley: Jack Monk (68)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Chew Valley: None

Referee: