Match Preview

By Steve Murley.

Saints make what Google tells us is their longest trip of the season this coming Saturday to take on Wiveliscombe. At 105 miles it is just 1 mile longer than the 104 miles trip to Wellington and a hardy band of players and supporters will be taking a coach there for our latest league game.

While the Saints sit equal with old rivals Bideford with 14 points at the top of the table, Wiveliscombe newly promoted from the Somerset Premier League are currently in 11th place. Saints points for and against sits at 83-48 while Wiveliscombe are currently at 66-113. While in their 3 games to date they have one win sandwiched between 2 losses, a 34 – 24 defeat of Saltash.

Everyone loves a good stat but they can only tell us so much and it is notoriously difficult for newly promoted sides to adjust to life in a higher league e.g. Penryn last year’s Devon and Cornwall Champions currently occupy 9th spot in Western Counties West.

It may be that the home defeat of Saltash gives us a stark reminder of just how difficult this fixture could be. In last year’s promotion season Wiveliscombe were undefeated at home and in their only home game this season they extended this record. Rugby is a tribal game and sides always seem to play that little bit harder when defending their home turf.

I am certain that none of the players or coaching staff are under-estimating the challenge that lies ahead. The Saints have also played 2 away games but with wins against Honiton and Saltash will be confident that if they prepare well and deliver on the day that they have the ability to bring home the points.

It’s all set up for a fascinating tussle with Saints keen to maintain and advance their current performance levels and Wivelscombe desperate to kick-start their season and re-discover winning ways.

For those who can’t travel and want their fix of rugby Tregorrick Park is the place to be from Friday night where Sinners take on Veor ko 7:45 while our Colts side travel to Liskeard on Saturday kicking off at 2:00

Parish Notices

We are showing many of the RWC games in the clubhouse. An overview of what’s going on isHERE

RWC Big Breakfast #2 - This Saturday 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

We need volunteers to help with the RWC Breakfasts as the World Cup progresses. If you want to have a go in the kitchen or receive some basic training and help behind the bar please email st_austellrfc@outlook.com or message Ian Grantham on Facebook.