Having lost four players to injury during the week, pre-match preparations were thrown into further turmoil as both Darren Pellow and Dan Johns were forced to pull out during the warm-up. A quick search of the stands press ganged Sam Rhodes and Adam Barbery into service to ensure the Saints had a full complement for the kick off. The home side’s woes were not finished there as they lost four more players to injury during the course of the game, effectively leaving them with 14 fit players for the final ten minutes. The brave Saints dug deep to hold firm in the face of a furious onslaught from Cullompton during a tense finale to a topsy-turvy match.

The kick-off was preceded by a poignant and touching act of remembrance for Tom Demaine (22) who tragically died in a road accident earlier this week. A fitting tribute by the Saints rugby family to the son of Ann and Andy, coaches with the ladies and girls team St Austell Angels. Once the game was underway the Saints got off to a fast flowing start that belied the late churn in personnel and positional changes. The early endeavour was rewarded with a rip-roaring try from Konnor Ewudzi that included a marvellous “one-two” with flanker Jack Grigg as he flew down his wing to raucous cheers from the Tregorrick massive (7-0). Saints’ injury problems continued to mount as lock Josh Phillips went off with a knee injury, allowing Andy Inch to come on for his home debut. The home side continued to enjoy the ascendency but found the Cully defence a tough nut to crack. Winger Ben Chenoweth thought he had scored only for play to be brought back for a foot in touch in the build-up. A bout of fisticuffs on 20 minutes ended with prop Mark Martin forced from the field with blood gushing from a deep cut that required a trip to the hospital for stitches. Saints skipper Miles Davey was sin binned for his reaction but as is often the case in these incidents the instigator of the disagreement was unseen by the official and escaped unpunished. With the home pack now significantly underpowered the pendulum swung Cullompton’s way as they used the fortuitous penalty to gain a foothold in the Saints 22. The hosts held firm against the catch and drive but the Devonians used the ball to good effect with a well worked backs move to launch winger Paul Barker under the posts (7-7). The visitors sensed more Saints’ blood but despite enjoying sustained pressure they could not find a way through a resolute home defence. It was the home side that restored their lead with a fine counter attack instigated by Andy Ashwin. The veteran fly half showed an eye for a gap and the acceleration to exploit it, allowing centre James Martin to lead the charge up field before feeding Konnor Ewudzi who scorched in for his second try (14-7). Saints’ joy was short lived as the young winger was left prone with a hamstring injury. Another reshuffle ensued at half time with Adam Barbery coming on as flanker with Jack Grigg moving out to the wing.

The Saints took the game to Cullompton at the start of the second half with the visitors conceding a string of penalties. The inevitable yellow card went to prop John Snell and the home side were quick to take advantage with Andy Inch crowning a fine individual display with a try (21-7). The Saints at this stage looked like they would run away with the game but were unable to find the finishing touch to convert the opportunities created. Cully weathered the storm and got their reward for some good patient approach play that created the overlap for winger Jack Stoddart to touchdown (21-14). Devonian tails were up and ready to jangle home nerves as they chased a game that really should have been out of sight. With Miles Davey unable to continue following a shoulder injury, the final 10 minutes saw the Saints down to effectively 14 men as the crocked Josh Phillips bravely returned to the field. Cully mounted a series of raids but the Saints line held firm to grab a notable victory in difficult circumstances.

It says much about the spirit of the players and the increasing strength in depth that the Saints were able to overcome a host of unexpected injuries during the week, immediately before the game and taking some nasty knocks during the eighty minutes and still come up with a win. Dealing with adversity helps to make teams stronger and the Saints youngsters will have learnt a huge amount from the experience. It looks like it will be a busy week in the Tregorrick physio room as the Saints prepare for a difficult trip to Plymouth to take on league leaders Devonport Services (3pm KO).

Match Stats:

St Austell:
1 Peter Rowe; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Josh Phillips; 5 Mark Vian; 6 Jack Grigg; 7 Will Gilder; 8 Adam Kellow; 9 Callum Hayne; 10 Andy Ashwin; 11 Ben Chenoweth; 12 Sam Rhodes; 13 James Martin; 14 Konnor Ewudzi; 15 Callum Wilson

Reps:
Andy Inch; Adam Barbery; Kyle Gallacher

St Austell:
Tries – Konnor Ewudzi (4, 38); Andrew Inch (45)
Cons – Andy Ashwin (4, 38, 45)
Pens – None
Drop Goal –

Cullompton:
Tries – Paul Baker (22),
Cons – Adam Pearce (22,
Pens – None
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: Miles Davey (48)
Cullompton: John Snell (43)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Cullompton: None

Referee: Mr James Millner (Cornwall RRS)

Saints’ Man of the Match: Will Gilder – On a day of so much disruption there were plenty of candidates for the award. Callum Wilson coped admirably in the unfamiliar role of full back. Callum Hayne again shone at scrum half while Andy Inch should be renamed “Metres” given the length of his carries. However it was the stellar performance of teenager Will Gilder who took the accolade for an industrious display at blindside. A constant defensive thorn in Cullompton’s attacking ambitions with five turnovers, some vital tackles and a cunning instinct for slowing the ball down.