Saints Colts Knock Out Newquay

Away v Newquay – Colts Cup: Newquay 0 – 20 St Austell

By Nick Bailey

With the promise of gales and stormy weather, neither the forecast or the intense rivalry between these sides disappointed. This Cup Game was granted a full refereeing team by the Cornish RFU with two Assistants and a Referee.

The first half was a fierce battle. Newquay kicked off and had the wind to their advantage. Saints battled throughout the half driving back towards Newquay repeatedly only to be thwarted by handling errors, largely due to the testing conditions.

The defence the Saints offered was tremendous. Newquay never threatened the Saints’ line despite their wind advantage. Niall Blackbeard was outstanding at tackling, Sam Cornell for winning turnovers and every player defended well, looking after their own ball at the breakdown and keeping up the relentless pressure on Newquay.

The one scoring opportunity in the first half came right at the end when Saints earned a penalty in front of the posts but 35 metres out. Given the wind this was a massive ask but Fullback Ash Gilder indicated he fancied a go. Cam Taylor had to keep a finger on the ball to stop it blowing off the tee and Ash kicked a ferocious low hard driven penalty attempt that challenged, was then held up by the wind and fell short and wide. The referee blew the whistle for half-time. 0 – 0.

The second half was started by Saints and the intensity increased. Saints knew that with wind advantage they could dominate territory and put even more pressure on Newquay. Ethan Pearce-Cowley made a dominant carry into the Newquay twenty-two and from the ruck Saints made repeated charges towards the Newquay line. The ball was spun wide out to the right reaching Harry Pritchard on the wing who cantered 10 metres around the defence for a try. Ash Stepped up to take the kick but the gale blowing diagonally down the pitch was actually bending the posts as if they were tall grass. The kick was carried passed the posts. 0 – 5.

In the next phase as Saints returned the kick off they earned a penalty in the next phase of play outside the twenty-two and slightly to the left of the posts. This time Ash made the kick. 0 – 8. Saints were now two scores ahead.

The ferocity and intensity of the game continued with multiple phases and turnovers but with Saints always always dominant. Ethan Truscott made a strong run through several Newquay players from a ruck and with the momentum gained, Cam Taylor finished the attack, touching down with a typically strong carry to under the posts. Ash converted. 0 – 15.

The final stages of the game saw the Saints continue their dominance in all aspects of the game, tactical kicking, carrying options and that crushing defence. Niall Blackbeard stole a turnover near the Newquay line and drove over for the third try. Ash attempted the kick but the wind was now bending the posts like a cane being flexed and it dragged the ball away.

The final whistle drew a huge cheer from the players and the crowd.

This was a fantastic performance by the Saints Colts. The best team performance of the season to date that puts Saints in the Semi-Final on Saturday 30th at home against Saltash. It was a team performance; no one player stood out above his peers, everybody made an enormous contribution and gave every effort. Special mention to Gabe Connolly for acting as Captain for the first half and leading by example. Also to Kit May for his defence, attacking runs, distribution and tactical kicking. To Ash Gilder for adding 5 points from the boot in atrocious conditions for a kicker and wrong-footing so many players with his runs, turning Newquay’s kicks down field in the first half into Saints attacks. To all of the front row for giving everything against a larger pack who never got the better of the Saints pack, and to the whole team squad for the collective will and discipline to win so convincingly. May there be a few more joyous celebrations like Saturday’s. Come on you Saints!