Match Preview

By Steve Murley - Director of Rugby at St Austell RFC

With five games now left in their league season the Saints travel to old friends and rivals Bideford, looking to build on their recent excellent form and further consolidate their top spot.

With the original fixture against Bideford postponed on February 29th due to a flooded pitch, the Saints played their first March fixture at home against an always competitive Chard side that would undoubtedly have counted themselves unlucky to lose when we played at their place.

Chard travelled with a very strong side and made a fine contribution to an entertaining game, but unluckily encountered a Saints side who delivered one of their most complete performances of the season to take maximum points.

While the Saints certainly hit their stride against Chard, the season is not yet done, and as well as the lads have played, they know that the most important game is the next one. They could not have asked for a tougher one than Bideford. Biddy are another team we have ‘grown up’ with over the years and with whom we have enjoyed many tight, tough tussles.

While Biddy sit comfortably in mid-table, Saints know better than to under-estimate our North Devon friends. Last season a high-flying Saints team travelled away to King George’s Field in November, confident that they would continue their winning run against a Biddy side that had not yet hit their straps, but were sent home chastened and defeated.

There is undoubtedly great respect between the two clubs forged over the many years of competition. A few years ago this was formally recognised through the award of the “Picture Trophy” which is competed for every time the two sides play. If any extra spice was required to this already important fixture this is it.

League rugby is often described as a marathon not a sprint, and the hard-earned points gained in the previous two games will be worth nothing if we let our performance and commitment levels drop. Coach Kyle Marriott talks often about concentrating on the job in hand and come Saturday, it will be time to put away memories of games won and concentrate on building new memories as we strive to beat Biddy; it should be another great game!

What’s Going On!:

Friday 20th March - St Austell RFC U9's are holding a family Prize Bingo evening in the clubhouse. Doors will open at 6.15pm with 'eyes down' at 7.15pm and the bar is open! Proceeds towards this years annual U9's festival held here at Tregorrick and the Saints Family Rugby Fund (that pays for kit, volunteer training and a number of other rugby related things). No tickets required...Just turn up.

County Cup Final – Saints play either Truro or Veor in the County Cup final…and that is pretty much all we can be sure of at the moment! The glut of games lost to bad weather around the county has thrown a spanner in the works as our potential opponents struggle to catch up league fixtures and indeed to play the semi-final. What we are sure of is that the final WILL NOT be over the Easter weekend. Our results (and resulting league position) and our opponents catching up their fixtures will shape what happens here. Minutes after we know we will let you know.

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. Update to this is that the Sunday session will now include the Cornwall Colts Finals day so some fantastic rugby to watch and refreshments to enjoy during each of the sessions now! Volunteers to work the Ale/Cider bar, kitchens or to just generally help are required. Please email events@staustellrfc.co.uk if you can give a couple of hours or more on one of the days. Also be more informed about the festival by searching for 'St Austell RFC Ale and Gin Festival' on Facebook and like/follow. Then you'll get all the updates about this fun event!

28th April Cornwall play Devon with a 7.30pm KO at Tregorrick Park. The Tamar Cup is the Senior County Rugby Season opener for these two sides and it will be a fantastic fixture to attend. £5 by programme on the gate. Food and bar all available.