Saints Pip Penryn

By Steve Murley
Photo by Dave Philips

The Saints kicked off their home 2019-20 fixtures with their first Cornish derby of the new season against newly promoted Penryn. With the clubs Oktoberfest opening at 12:00, a large and expectant crowd enjoyed the brilliant late summer weather as the Saints received the kick-off playing towards the sport shall end.

After a brief spell in the Saints half , an overthrown Penryn lineout saw Pete Rowe drive forward before feeding skipper Miles Davey who kept the momentum going as the Saints made their first sortie into Penryn territory. A box kick from scrum half CJ Boyce to Penryn was turned over and from then on the Saints clicked into their game plan.

Two and a half minutes later after retaining possession through 15 rucks stretching the Penryn defence wide on both flanks while sending crashing runners up the middle, Saints opened the scoring in the left hand corner as Max Bullen skipped his way past 2 defenders. Chris Ashwin added the extras to put Saints up 7 – 0 after 5 minutes.

Saints retained possession from the kick off and patiently began putting pressure on the Penryn defence. A scintillating run by Fraser Nottle was recycled to his fellow wing Max Bullen who broke down the left wing before flinging a pass inside which was gathered by sniping scrum half CJ Boyce to dive over and put the Saints 12-0 up after 17 minutes.

A pattern was emerging as the Saints probed through their dangerous backs while the forwards were winning the physical battle and making sure the ball was recycled. After 26 minutes this was repeated as flanker Andy Inch scrambled over from close range after more great team work. 26 minutes gone Saints leading 19 - 0

Just as it seemed as if Saints would run away with the game Penryn regrouped. A great burst through the midfield by Sam Hitchens, was followed by slick inter-passing with his fellow centre Andrew Seviour before a magnificent cover tackle by Saints young flanker Cam Taylor seemed to snuff out the move before supporting scrum half Sam Carter took the final scoring pass to dot down just to the right of the posts. With the conversion surprisingly missed the score after 33 minutes Saints 19 – Penryn 5

Encouraged by their success Penryn upped their game and following a penalty for a deliberate knock on Sam Carter kicked the penalty on the stroke of half-time to give a score of Saints 19 Penryn 8

The second half saw Ben Plummer replaced by debutant Nelly Webber in the Saints centre as both sides struggled to get going initially. While Saints continued to enjoy clear territorial advantage neither side would have been pleased with the number of unforced errors, as the game was played out largely in the middle third.

With Max Bullen injured, Plummer returned to the wing and almost immediately was put into the corner after more patient build up work to score the 4th try and secure the bonus point, Saints 24 – Penryn 8 after 62 minutes

With a 16 point deficit to claw back and time running out Penryn once again clawed their way back into the game. Centre Andrew Seviour took the ball from his scrum half to saunter over the line opposed in the 67th minute to make the score Saints 24 Penryn 15.

Penryn fullback Viv Willmott then cut a cracking line beating several Saints defenders n a 40m run to the line, converted by Carter to make the score after 71 minutes Saints 24 Penryn 22.

With Penryn sniffing a sensational comeback and the Penryn crowd finding their voice Saints roused themselves for one last effort. With Kyle Marriott, Harry Pyatt and Tony Knight prominent the pack drove the ball on, CJ Boyce sniffed around the edges and off loaded to Nelly Webber who danced his way over for a debut try which Chris Ashwin converted. 84 minutes Saints 31 Penryn 22.

In an entertaining game with plenty of good rugby in attack and defence, both sides can find positives to take from their performances. Both will probably be a little frustrated by some unforced errors that prevented them playing their best rugby but is the Saints who took 5 points, stopped Penryn getting a losing bonus point and travel to Saltash this Saturday looking to maintain their unbeaten record.

Parish Notices

A number of supporters are taking the train to Saltash this Saturday. See our Facebook page ‘St Austell RFC - News and Events’ for details. It’s going to be a great day out and you’d be most welcome.

Colts welcome Saltash and KO at 1230 at Tregorrick. The Sinners play straight after in a friendly against Devonport Services with a 2.30pm KO. Free entry and bar open.

RWC Big Breakfast #1 - we open at 0815 to serve breakfast then it’s Scot v Ireland at 0845. Straight after it’s England v Tonga at 1115. The U16’s are playing Camborne on P1 at 1000 as well! Details HERE

RWC Big Breakfast #2 - you can watch Japan v Ireland, get a good breakfast and jump on the Saints team bus to Wiveliscombe for just £12 all in! You can also just watch the Japan game and have breakfast or not...choice is yours! Details HERE