St Austell were left frustrated and disappointed as their run of bad luck this season continued, this time it was the abandonment of a match that they looked all set to win. The Saints were in total command of the game when referee Simon Lord was forced to bring proceedings to a halt on 28 minutes due to a calf strain. The official had already had several bouts of treatment from the Saints physio Sam West but even her healing hands were unable to soothe the injury. It was disappointment all round for another big Tregorrick crowd that included many of the Club’s sponsors because up until that point they had been richly entertained by the Saints.

Cullompton started the game with a strong wind at their backs but despite having first use of the elements they never entered the home 22. They faced a far bigger tempest coming in the other direction in a Saints side determined to put the woes of previous weeks behind them. Playing with greater confidence, freedom and fluidity than recent games they went on the offensive straight from the kick off and barely relented until the game was pulled. The Devonians deserve great credit for withstanding the opening salvos as Saints attacks down both wings were thwarted by some good last ditch defending. The first score came on 10 minutes when flanker Paul Winterbottom finished off an excellent catch and drive that literally stampeded over the Cully line. A scything break by Ian Venner, who showed he has lost none of his running skills since his conversion from centre to the back row, established a platform deep in the visitors 22. Scrum half Sam Tank saw a gap and darted over for the second try, converted by skipper Andy Ashwin. Cully finally enjoyed some prolonged possession to relieve the pressure and moved the ball into the home half for the first time in the game. A Saints offside allowed fly half Adam Pearce the opportunity to grab three points with a 35m kick. Home centre Alex Welland regained the restart and as the attack progressed it was obvious that referee Simon Lord was struggling with his leg injury. After further treatment it became clear the official could not carry on and with no suitable replacement available the match was abandoned. A rescheduled date will be confirmed in due course.

Despite the disappointment of four or possibly five points going begging there was nothing but positives for the Saints. The forwards provided a steady stream of quality ball from both the set pieces and in open play. The new look backline has struggled to gel at times this season but there were real signs of significant progress. The handling at pace was much slicker and the strike runners were hungry for the ball and looked a threat on each occasion they joined the line.
Next week the Saints face their longest journey of the season when they travel up to the Forest of Dean to take on Drybrook.

Match Stats:

St Austell: Noott; Grigg; Martin; Vian; Kellow; Winterbottom; Venner; Jeffs; Tank; Ashwin (Captain); Ewudzi; Welland; Freeman; Chenoweth; Pearce (D)

Replacements: Tyack; Williams; Pellow

St Austell:
Tries – Paul Winterbottom (10); Sam Tank (18)
Cons – Andy Ashwin (18)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Cullompton:
Tries –
Cons –
Pens – Adam Pearce (24)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Cullompton: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Cullompton: None

Referee: Simon Lord (Cornwall RRS)

Saints’ Man of the Match: