St Austell fell to their fifth consecutive defeat but they pushed undefeated Ivybridge all the way in an entertaining game that kept the large Tregorrick crowd enthralled right up to the final whistle. It will be scant consolation for the Saints that they became the first side to limit the free scoring Devonians to two tries to deny them a winning bonus point for the first time this season. It’s a recurring theme but the Saints really should have snatched the victory after a dominant second half but they could not make the pressure tell as Ivy’s defence held firm.

The visitors had first use of the swirling south westerly wind and it was no surprise when the league leaders took control of the opening exchanges. Playing with confidence and freedom the Devonian back line were making real dents into the Saints defence. On 12 minutes the pressure told when a missed kicked was capitalised upon with a powerful move finished off in style by full back Tom Scoles under the posts. Fly half Max Greiveson added a routine conversion. When flanker Alex Hall dived over 5 minutes later for a second converted try a long afternoon looked on the cards for the Saints. Rousing singing broke out in the stands from the small band of travelling supporters as the Tregorrick faithful looked on in trepidation. But as the saying goes “Cometh the moment, cometh the man” and it was fly half Andy Ashwin who steadied his young charges to mount a rear guard action and prevent the game running away from them. When half time arrived the Saints were on the front foot and they probably deserved more than the single Dan Pearce penalty that made it 14-3 at the break.

The Saints were a totally different proposition in the second half and almost got off to a dream start from the kick off. Centre Alex Welland reclaimed the restart kick and a swift exchange of passes allowed hooker Jack Grigg to slice through the first line of defence only to be denied by a brilliant covering tackle from full back Scoles. The Saints continued to dominate but failed to take the opportunities that came their way as Ivy’s defence held firm. The home side chipped away at the lead with three Dan Pearce penalties to bring the score to 14-12. In a tense finale Ivy scrum half Ben Watts was yellow carded for persistent offending as the Saints laid siege on the Devonian try line. Ivybridge were mightily relieved when the final whistle came but deserve great credit for holding their nerve in defence to keep their unbeaten run going.

For the Saints it was a case of Déjà vu “all over again” as yet once more a game they should have won slipped from their grasp. It was however a stirring performance and one that augers well for the rest of the season and the fact is they shut out the league leaders for 62 minutes, they need to find that cutting edge to turn pressure into points. There is a feeling someone will be on the receiving end of a Saints backlash soon and looking at the league table the Tregorrick Massive will be hoping it is next week when they travel to Gloucester to take on Matson.

Match Stats:
St Austell: Noott; Grigg; Tyack; Vian; Kellow; Inch; Venner; Jeffs; Tank; Ashwin (Captain); Martin (James); Welland; Wilson; Chenoweth; Pearce (D)

Replacements: Barbey; Martin (Mark); Freeman

St Austell:
Tries –
Cons – Dan Pearce (29, 50, 53, 74)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Ivybridge:
Tries – Tom Scoles (12); Alex Hall (18)
Cons – Matt Grieveson (12, 18)
Pens –
Drop Goal –

Yellow Cards:
St Austell: None
Ivybridge: Ben Watts (69)

Red Cards:
St Austell: None
Ivybridge: None

Referee: Mr Wookey (Somerset RRS)

Saints’ Man of the Match: Andy Ashwin