Great Win for Colts team

Saints 30 Redruth 0

On the day where we remember those who gave their lives for us, St. Austell produced a performance to remember which progresses them into the next round of the National Cup.

St. Austell kicked off and the high hanging bomb allowed Keane Whittaker to compete and brilliantly turnover. The ball was knocked on from the next phase when Dillon Frise couldn’t quite hang on and gave the ball to Redruth for the first time in the match.

St.Austell’s defence was mesmeric all afternoon. This work rate helped pin Redruth in their own half for almost the entirety of the first period. Even when Redruth kicked for territorial advantage, St.Austell’s back three of ran the ball back with interest keeping the all-important pressure on Redruth. This momentum was amplified through St.Austell being dogged in contact and the only thing that prevented the Saints asserting any goal line pressure were handling errors, perhaps from nerves given the occasion.

The saints started to settle, eventually converting ball carrying and skill in the phases into a penalty which allowed George Tregilgas to kick to the corner. A good line out then saw St.Austell set up a maul and despite Redruth sacking it, Keane Whittaker broke off and looked to have provided the breakthrough but Sadly he was adjudged to have knocked on.

St. Austell kept up their level of intensity with excellent tackling led by Jake Carr and Ben Plummer. This strong defence eventually paid off with George Tregilgas gaining a penalty in kickable range for a Redruth infringement. Fraser Nottle kicked the penalty with aplomb to give the Saints a 3-0 lead.

St.Austell didn’t have to wait long to extend their lead. This time the penalty was given for a hand in the ruck and again Fraser Nottle punished Redruth by making it 6-0 .

A George Tregilgas offence saw him sin-binned. Some may have thought this would dent St.Austell’s chances but if anything it inspired them. St.Austell controlled possession during this period which culminated in a penalty on Redruth's five-metre line after some lovely handling in the back line. St Austell kicked to touch and from the lineout Archie Connolly gathered the ball and drove forward before stretching out and finding the try-line. The try wasn’t initially given but after consultation the Referee relented. A near-touchline conversion took the score to 13-0.

Now back at full strength Saints remained hungry for more points before the half ended. From a penalty, George Tregilgas identified space and went quickly before passing to Keane Whittaker ­­­who showed his strength to break the line, fix the full-back and send Archie Connolly clear to go under the posts for his second of the afternoon. Fraser’s kick cannoned off the post leaving the score 18-0 at half time.

St.Austell remained on top for the beginning of the second half but good defence from Redruth prevented them going further ahead. A late tackle from Keane Whittaker saw him sent to the bin which handed momentum to Redruth. This reduction in manpower allowed the visitors more possession but the Saints remained resolute and never looked like conceding at any point.

The return of Keane Whittaker saw St.Austell begin to dominate, gradually building phases and stretching play allowing them to make their way into the twenty-two where they remained for the next ten minutes. They had an array of penalties that did not change the score line but they remained professionally patient. Eventually Kyle Gratrix demonstrated his power to bulldoze over from 5 yards and with Fraser Nottle adding the extras it took the lead to 25-0.

Redruth built some pressure of their own in the 60th minute beginning with a scrum in midfield. They shipped the ball from side to side and started to test the Saints defence. Saints again forced a turnover and steadily built phases before a stunning ball back inside sent Jake Carr clear. He raced into space before chipping the ball into vacant territory. Redruth got there first but fumbled which allowed Fraser Nottle to pounce on the ball and score…. or so we thought. The ref again consulted his assistants who viewed Fraser to have knocked on hence disallowing the try.

The Saints wanted to finish the day with a flourish and achieved it in fine fashion. The ball was carried up through the forwards before George Tregilgas spotted Fraser Nottle in acres of space on the far wing and found him with a sumptuous kick. Fraser collected before bouncing his opposite man to touchdown in the corner and with a missed conversion the game was over with the Saints victorious 30-0.

A superb day where the pride shown on the field fully merited a win against a strong side who we’ve never beaten before. On behalf of the team and coaching staff I’d like to thank the spectators who turned up as it was a huge inspiration for us all. Thanks to our coaches who prepared us for the game, it was good to see the hard work pay off.

Congratulations to skipper Ethan Vincent for getting Man of the Match for his outstanding work rate.

Hopefully we can build on this performance away at Penzance KO 12:00 starting with more good work and enthusiasm at training this Tuesday and Thursday.

St.Austell 30 Redruth 0
Tries: Archie Connolly (2), Kyle Gratrix, Fraser Nottle
Cons: Fraser Nottle (3)
Pens: Fraser Nottle (2)

By Archie Connolly