Saints Colts Deliver Against Redruth

Saints set up home final after dogged display in the semis.

By Archie Connolly.

It was warm and muggy as the Saints Colts kicked off playing down the slope. The visitors enjoyed far more of the opening possession and went close after working the ball from side to side. An unfortunate knock on near the five-metre line prevented them from making the perfect start.

The opening exchanges were fairly even but Redruth probably enjoyed more of the ball and the Saints were lucky to not be down to 14 after Archie Connollly slapped the ball down for what looked like a deliberate knock on. The ref thankfully only gave a scrum in what was a massive let off for the hosts.

What happened next probably was a good indicator that luck was on the home side. The Kick didn't make touch but Jake Carr chased up well to claim the ball. It was recycled and Jack Ryan seemed to have run up a blind alley but showed pace to go down the short side, fending off two players before touching down in the corner. The kick was short. 5-0.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the first half was the set piece of St.Austell was far superior. Time and time again Redruth would have good territory but the Saints would turn over the ball and relive the pressure. It would be fair to say Redruth dominated territory but a mixture of good defence and handling errors prevented them from converting that into points. St.Austell had their own chances but were turned over far too many times to mount any meaningful pressure.

Saints did extend their lead but again it was rather fortuitous. After they failed to make touch Redruth flicked the ball wide but as they tried to penetrate the Saints line a stray pass invited skipper Ethan Vincent to intercept and despite not being blessed with speed he ran the ball home! The kick went wide and left the score 10-0 at half time.

The pattern of the second half was slightly frustrating. Saints would do really well and get so far then get turned over and credit to Redruth as they dominated that facet of the game. For the first 20 minutes Redruth tried to pin the Saints deep in their half and apply pressure. The Saints dominance at the lineout made this difficult and the Saints turned over a lot of the ball themselves so no side could really stamp their authority on proceedings.

The clock ticked on and fitness was beginning to play a significant part in the game with the home side mainly benefitting. Space had started to appear and St.Austell made a few breaks but failed to convert. However, with about fifteen to go, they finally made an opportunity count with a fantastic team try. After good interplay between the forwards, a neat wrap around sent George Tregilgas clear before he found Connolly in space who then shipped on to Carr, who despite nearly having his head taken off touched down in the corner and saw the Redruth full back go to the bin. The kick was missed. 15-0.

For the last ten minutes St.Austell really began to express themselves, taking control of the game. Elliot Salt went on a couple of barnstorming runs in midfield and in the hot, dry conditions the ball was starting to be thrown around with confidence and flair. The introduction of George Tregilgas gave the Saints some control as his kicking game was exemplary, pinning the 14-men defence deep in their half.

St.Austell wanted another and got it after an excellent kick and good chase rushed the cover defence into a poor clearance, the ball sat up nicely for Tregilgas who ran at the defence before offloading to Nottle. He ran the ball into the corner to wrap up the game. The kick went wide. 20-0.
The final whistle came and the Saints confirmed their place alongside Launceston for this Saturday’s final. The final score: St.Austell 20 Redruth.

A very professional job in the end which puts the Colts in another final. Man of the Match was Jack Ryan who gave an assured performance in midfield and at the back. Next week’s final: Details HERE. This will give the Saints the opportunity to exact revenge on Launceston.

Due to having two finals it's imperative we have numbers at training so we have the best chance of picking up two winners medals on Saturday. Well done lads another good win and now on to the final.

St. Austell 20 Redruth 0
Tries: Jack Ryan, Ethan Vincent, Jake Carr, Fraser Nottle