Honours Even at Camborne

By Nick Bailey

Saturday 10th November Away Camborne v St Austell

Score 19 - 19

Our second visit to the Rec, the first was a friendly with a very different and less well drilled side at the start of the season. This time it was a very different game with two very competitive sides producing a great game of rugby.

An early injury forced Ash Gilder to leave the pitch with a jarred ankle which was a worry as Saints have to come to rely on Ash’s 100% kicking form from the tee. Lewis replaced Ash at fullback. First score was Camborne’s after twenty minutes and the Saints replied with a try from fly half Kit May that unfortunately Kit failed to convert. 5-7.

Ash returned to the field after a rest proving the injury was minor. There was an opportunity to kick at goal before half time but and take the lead but the Saints opted for a tap and ran at the line but failed to score. Morgan Durant played well in his first start on the wing but received a knock to the head in an attacking move in the Camborne twenty-two. Lewis again was substitute.

The second half followed the pattern of the first with Camborne scoring first and Saints replying with a try from Max Bullen that Ash converted maintaining his 100% record for the season. 14 – 12.

Camborne scored again but failed to convert and Saints replied in a well worked and executed move that saw Lewis go over in the right hand corner. Ash stepped for the most difficult kick of the game and converted to tie the scores.

The final 5 minutes was a furious exhibition of rugby with both sides playing to win and not compromising in any area to achieve that. One chance with a penalty was given to the Saints in the Camborne 22 following a prolonged attack move. Before a decision was made a tap was taken to exploit the broken play and go for the line. Breakdown followed breakdown and the game finished with two exhausted teams sharing the honours and with pride undented.

There were some excellent performances across the team. Everyone gave their all for the Saints. Worthy of mention are the try scorers. Gabe Connolly for putting in a long shift at no. 8, Harry who tackled and carried until a groin strain forced an early retirement. Man of the match this week goes to Nialls Blackbeard for the ground covered and the sheer ferocity and tenacity of his tackling. One unfortunate moment in the game resulted in the first Yellow Card in a competitive game for a tackle that became tipped, so show a little care Smudge, not for the opposition but for the rules of the game!

It was an exciting game played by an increasingly exciting Colts team bristling with talent. Colts take on Launceston at home this Saturday so if you want to see another potentially epic game come up and watch. 12pm KO with the Saints playing Chard after and England v Japan on the screens in the clubhouse!