The Saints again demonstrated that they can string together impressive phases of play to gain parity in territory and possession. The pack held sway at scrum time and drove hard in the loose while the back three looked a potent threat on the occasions they were unleashed. Unfortunately the habit of switching off defensively allowed Bridge’s pacey strike runners to seal the game in the third quarter. So from being a tad unlucky at being 10-7 adrift at the break the visitors were 31-7 down by the hour mark undone by two quick fire tries. Home centre Chris Ashwin’s unerring accuracy with the boot ensured the maximum damage was suffered by the Saints with every try. The Cornishmen showed great fortitude to ensure the game did not fall away completely to finish the stronger side.

The game kicked off under cloudless Somerset skies, bright sunshine and a swirling wind that tested the kickers. Both sides were determined to play running rugby and were superbly orchestrated by the man in the middle Nick Heath, who showed great empathy with the whistle. The opening quarter breathlessly ebbed and flowed with opportunities appearing for both sides. Remarkably it was not until the 26th minute that the deadlock was broken, Saints fly-half Liam Freeman was adjudged to have tripped his opposite number and Chris Ashwin slotted the three points. Despite being down to 14 men, the visitors mounted a searing attack to stretch the home defence. Full back Dan Pearce joined the line at pace and his pass put winger James Martin in for a try. The Saints were now playing with confidence and looked to have control of the game at this stage. With half time approaching the visitors were caught flat footed when prop Jordan Brodley burst through the first up defence to run in a fine solo try from 40m to make the half time score 10-7.

The Saints started the second half with purpose to mount a series of menacing mauls in the home 22. Somehow they lost the ball just as they sniffed the try line and Bridge launched a counterattack that eventually saw Chris Ashwin go over under the posts (17-7). As is the affliction of a relegation haunted side, Saints’ fragile confidence evapourated in an instant and they were suddenly under the cosh from a now rampant home side. Bridge’s hard runners were making inroads through some lacklustre tackling and two tries in three minutes (31-7) had the Saints staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat. Playing for pride the Saints galvanised themselves to first of all stem, and then to turn the tide to finish the game on top. With the clock ticking down the visitors endeavours were rewarded when groom-to-be Mark Martin rumbled over with seemingly half the home pack hanging on to him. Dan Pearce’s conversion was followed by the final whistle to end a highly entertaining game. The Saints yet again will rue a 15 minute collapse which saw them concede three tries in a game they were otherwise highly competitive in.

Next season will see the Saints back in the Western Counties were the focus will be on rebuilding and integrating an exciting crop of young players into the senior squads.

Match Stats:

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

Reps:
Ashley Mason-Maxwell; Paul Winterbottom; Dan Johns

St Austell:
Tries – James Martin (30); Mark Martin (79)
Cons – Dan Pearce (30, 79)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Bridgwater & Albion:
Tries – Jordan Brodley (38); Chris Ashwin (44); Rob Allen (52); Ollie Dunn (55)
Cons – Chris Ashwin (38, 44, 52, 55)
Pens – Chris Ashwin (26)
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Liam Freeman (26)
Bridgwater & Albion: None

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Bridgwater & Albion: None

Referee: Mr Nick Heath (Somerset RRS)

Saints’ Man of the Match: Adam Kellow – A powerful performance from the number 8 who lead from the front throughout in a typically
all action display. Big carries with the ball saw him pack a punch like a kangaroo at times, Kells was one of the focal points in the Saints recovery in the final quarter.