Although not mathematically certain yet, results elsewhere went against the Cornishmen so survival seems a forlorn hope now. The game epitomised the whole season in that the Saints played well but not quite well enough. The failure to translate periods of territorial pressure and possession into points again cost them dearly. The Gloucestershire side thoroughly deserved the spoils with victory built on a solid almost impregnable defence and clinical finishing.

The game kicked off in glorious sunshine under cloudless blue skies with a pitchside temperature in the high teens. The Saints started at a roaring pace but in what was to become a pattern for the game they just could not force a decent line break against the Thorns’ tight defence. The home side retained the ball for 12 phases in the opening minutes but failed to move beyond the visitors’ 10m line before being pressured into kicking away possession. Either side of the fifteen minute mark the Saints had two glorious chances to take the lead, the home side conjured up a ‘three on two’ just 10m out but failed to use the overlap. Then number 8 Adam Kellow burst over the line but the pass was adjudged to be forward. The visitors took the lead on their first sortie into the Saints’ half with a move that was elegant in its simplicity. Quick ball off the lineout was moved across the backline with speed and efficiency to create the space for winger Rich Bennett to score in the corner (0-5). The Saints almost replied immediately with a blistering run by full back Dan Pearce, tackled 10m short his offload to centre James Martin looked to be a scoring pass but the Thorn defence arrived in numbers to clear the danger. The Saints finally equalised with a well marshalled catch and drive that allowed flanker Ian Venner to dive over. A half time score of 5-5 was a meagre return for the home side’s efforts.

The Thorns held sway at the start of the second half and extended their lead with a penalty from fly half Tim Stephens after the Saints strayed offside (5-8). The home side were then punished for over playing in their own 22 with the Thorns forcing a penalty for not releasing. A quick tap penalty by scrum half Jak Evans created a series of rucks near the home try line and it was the fleet footed nine who dived over (8-13). The Saints bounced back and exerted sustained pressure in the visitors’ 22, a catch and drive looked to be try bound before Thorns’ were penalised. A second lineout created the platform for a backs move that broke down in front of the posts allowing full back Ed Sheldon to burst free in a charge up field. It was home full back Dan Pearce who won the battle of the speedsters catching his counterpart inside the home 22. It was a pivotal moment however as the Saints’ siege had been broken and the momentum swung away from the home side. It was a very despondent looking Saints’ pack that trudged back for the line out. Minutes later the sharp-witted Evans struck again with a quick tap penalty to glide over under the posts (5-20). The Saints fought to the end and although Dan Pearce and winger Ben Chenoweth gave Thorns cause for concern their defence held firm. The game ended after a remarkable phase of play in which the ball stayed live for nearly 7 minutes. When the whistle finally came it saw players from both sides collapse to the ground in the early spring sunshine. Both sides along with referee Zerran Bell deserve great credit for putting on a hugely entertaining game in front of a large and appreciative crowd. It says much for the loyalty of the Tregorrick faithful that they still turned out in force given the other competing attractions.

The home side can hold their heads up high, no one can question the commitment and effort they put into the game. Games at SW1 level are frequently decided by fine margins and decision-making under pressure and that is where the Saints are being edged out. Next week the Saints travel north to Bristol for their first ever visit to Avonmouth Old Boys (KO 2:30).

Match Stats:

St Austell:
1 Hugh Noott; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Jordan Duke; 5 Mark Vian; 6 Jack Grigg; 7 Ian Venner; 8 Adam Kellow; 9 Andy Ashwin; 10 Liam Freeman; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Callum Wilson; 13 James Martin; 14 Dan Johns; 15 Dan Pearce

Reps:
Peter Rowe; Sam Rhodes; Adam Pearce

St Austell:
Tries – Ian Venner (36);
Cons –
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Thornbury:
Tries – Rich Bennett (20); Jak Evans (54, 66)
Cons – Tim Stephens (66)
Pens – Tim Stephens (45)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Thornbury: James Wood (59)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Thornbury: None

Referee: Mr Zerran Bell (Devon RRS)

Saints’ Man of the Match: Ian Venner – Dan Pearce was again the Saints’ most potent threat in attack but it was the tireless work of the back row that stood out. Adam Kellow, Jack Grigg and Ian Venner epitomise the Saints’ spirit and they strained every sinew in pursuit of the cause. El Sid just edged the Man of the Match from his industrious back row colleagues.