Match Preview

We are all looking forward to this fixture. Not only is it a ‘top 3’ league clash but also it’s a big festive occasion as the Saints play their last game at Tregorrick of 2019 and we ask you to break out the Christmas jumpers and seasonal spirit.

Let’s see how both sides have been performing…

Kingsbridge started off this season with a surprising loss at home to newly relegated Teignmouth. Kingsbridge is a place few like to travel to so kudos to Teignmouth for pulling it off! Obviously ‘miffed’ by this poor start, Tiverton copped it the following week as Kingsbridge nailed them by 77 to 15! They also thrashed Wadebridge before meeting Wellington who put 50 against them at Welly. No patterns forming at all with further defeats at Chard and Penryn but also some further big point wins. In summary they have been blowing hot and cold but when they are hot they are keeping the scoreboard operators very busy. They currently sit in 2nd having played 13, winning 9 and losing 4 putting them on 49 points.

The Saints returned to winning ways at Falmouth last Saturday after being pipped at Welly. In what could be described as an odd fixture, the whole day was not the ‘standard’ for our club with multiple players swapping in and out of the team and positional changes because of that. Once the team settled down on paper it demonstrated our strength in depth this year as despite some of the regular choices being absent, the quality of the squad was unbothered. The amount of time the Saints spent in the Falmouth twenty-two, no matter their half, in the first period was insane for the return of no points. It took until the 55’ of the first half (not a mis-print) for Saints to break the deadlock. Falmouth tackled like Trojans and never gave up in-spite of the very light support from their own fans on the day. In the end Saints toiled to a 0-21 win arguably leaving a bonus point on the field.

Saints sit just one point behind Kingsbridge, in third, with a game in hand. Whomever takes the honours this Saturday changes the flavour of the top three of this league so it’s all to play for.

Those who travelled to Wellington back on 30th November couldn’t help but notice the home crowd advantage. It’s our turn to make this happen this Saturday. A big crowd getting all the way behind the Saints is going to make a difference so I really hope you can make it up to Tregorrick. Make sure, if you have one, you get those Christmas jumpers on and let’s get the festive period going from 1200 onwards (if you’re attending the lunch) this Saturday. More about what else is going on this Saturday below.

Seasonally Yours in Rugby,

Ian Grantham

What’s Coming Up

Saturday 14th December- last Saints home game before Xmas! Saints v Kingsbridge, 8 x Christmas Food Hampers to be won, reindeer racing and Christmas Karaoke. More details HERE

Boxing Day – Annual Sinners v Lankelly fixture is at Tregorrick this year! Turn it into a walk to blow the cobwebs away and enjoy this fun fixture. Bar open and free entry.

Sponsors Day - Saturday 4th January 20. If you’re one of our sponsors then you’re invited to a spot of lunch on us! If you’re not one of our sponsors and are now thinking ‘why aren’t I?’ get in touch at st_austellrfc@outlook.com to find out the opportunities. If you haven’t received an invite then get in touch via the same email and we'll sort you out.

Ex-Players Day - 11th January 20 – Ex-players Day at Tregorrick. Full details of the Senior Players Award Scheme are now released. In summary if you’re an ex-senior level St Austell RFC player this is going to interest you. As long as you have played one or more games for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd XVs or Vets you are entitled to an award. More details about the awards and the ex-players day are HERE.

Dates for your diaries:
17th-19th April 2020 is our ever expanding Ale, Cider and Gin Festival. Stacks of live rugby, food, live music and a superb selection of drinks to try.
Tuesday 21st April 2020 we host Cornwall v Devon in the Tamar Cup KO 7.45pm.