Saints Topple Tivvy!

Report by Paul Hayes - 1st Team Manager
Photo of man of the match Kyle Marriott on another gain line crossing run by Dave Philips

St Austell 42 Tiverton 14
Three tries in either half gave St Austell a deserved bonus point win over a hardworking and physical Tiverton. The Saints dominated large stretches of the game but Tivvy never gave up to land consolation tries in spirited finishes to both halves.

With the gusty wind at their backs, the visitors got off to bright start but were left stunned by a blistering counterattack from the Saints. From a scrum inside the home 22, scrum half CJ Boyce exploited a gap in the defence to set off on a mazy run before popping the ball to the supporting Frazer Nottle on the Tivvy 10m line. The jet healed winger then outpaced the beleaguered Tivvy back line to dot down under the posts (7-0).

The home side applied a prolonged period of pressure as they elected to kick a string of penalties to touch in search of the second try. By fair means or foul Tivvy withstood the attacking lineout routines but playing with another penalty advantage, a succession of close quarter drives eventually saw Andy Inch crash over (14-0).

The red waves kept crashing against the blue rocks and a brilliant flat pass by flyhalf maestro Chris Ashwin set Frazer Nottle hurtling down the wing. Inside passes to full back Cavan Boyer and onto Andy Inch almost delivered the third try but desperate defence manged to prevent the Saints’ blindside flanker from grounding the ball. A series of 5m scrum failed to deliver the score so Chris Ashwin decided to set the backs moving only for the final pass straying forward to deny Max Bullen a try.

The visitors weathered the storm and gained a sustained foothold in Saints territory for the first time in the game. A determined break by centre Callum Stone broke the gain line and his offload found lock Richard Tucker in support to stun the home support (14-7).

From looking like they were done for, the visitors were now in search of an equaliser and it was the home side’s turn to defend under pressure. As the clock ticked down time towards half time a stray pace just 10m from the Saints’ try line was intercepted by Frazer Nottle who sprinted the near length of the pitch to touchdown (21-7). While the timing of the score was hard on the visitors, no one could deny the scoreboard was not a far reflection of an entertaining of the opening forty minutes.

The Saints got off to a strong start to the second period with a series of drives ending with Andy Inch being rebuffed again as Tivvy defenders literally put their bodies on the line. The blonde bombshell was not going to be denied and moments later he forced his way over to complete his brace (28-7).

On the hour mark the Saints scored the try of the day with Chris Ashwin at the fulcrum like a master puppeteer pulling the strings on his marionettes. Patient play moved the ball right and then left, before a fine pass from the conductor at 10 set Cavan Boyer on his way to score in the Gym corner. Fittingly, Chris Ashwin slotted the touchline conversion with a sublime kick to put the home side into unassailable 35-7 lead.

Minutes later livewire flanker Cameron Taylor danced through the Tivvy defence like a contestant on “Strictly”. Chris Ashwin’s metronomic place kick made it a perfect six from six for the Saints playmaker (42-7). The last ten minutes became increasingly scrappy and in the closing acts a determined breakout from Tivvy took play deep into the home 22 with Mark Schofield eventually wriggling over. A drop goal conversion from flanker Blake Lugg brought the game to close.

Wellington’s defeat at Penryn means the Saints are now just one point behind the league leaders. With the Somerset side due to arrive at Tregorrick in two weeks’ time the match could be pivotal in the title race. To make sure that is the case, the Saints must overcome a tough assignment when they make the short journey to Wadebridge Camels. The Cornish derby has been given even extra spice as it has been combined with the Cornwall Cup semi-final to make the contest a “double header”. The result will deliver both precious league points and a cup final place along with a healthy dose of local pride! (Saturday 8th February 2020 KO 2:00pm).

1 Mike Shakespear; 2 Miles Davey (Capt.); 3 Mark Martin; 4 Mark Vian; 5 Tony Knight; 6 Andy Inch; 7 Cameron Taylor; 8 Kyle Marriott; 9 CJ Boyce; 10 Chris Ashwin; 11 Max Bullen; 12 Henry Welch 13 Ben Plummer; 14 Fraser Nottle; 15 Cavan Boyer
Reps (All used):
Peter Rowe; Harry Pyatt; Dan Tyrrell

Saints Star Men: Kyle Marriott – There were several candidates for man of the match, Chris Ashwin’s peerless display at fly-half and another all action display from Cam Taylor just two of the standouts. The award went to the tireless work from the Saints’ number eight whose ceaseless appetite for hard work tip the balance in tight exchanges against a very physical Tiverton pack. Secure under the high ball, strong with ball in hand and determined in defence, Kyle ensure the Saints were always on the front foot.z