Saltash progressed through to the last 16 of the Tetley's Bitter Vase as both the form book suggested and the pundits predicted. But not until their enthusiastic young visitors gave them a run for their money with a wholehearted display that certainly belied their Devon division two status.

Saltash had a third minute try disallowed after an adjudged forward pass had put Ian Davis over in the clubhouse corner and play went immediately to the other end where winger Wai Thai dotted down wide out for the Saracens.

Nick Rich levelled for Saltash from a catch and drive lineout move, and two penalties from Nigel Owen left Saltash in front by 11 points to give at the break with nothing to choose between either side.

Sarries went back ahead with Gary Deacon converting for Darren Slee after Saltash un-characteristically turned the ball over at a quick throw in. Owen landed a penalty and Peter Congo sidestepped through for a try from the back of a forward drive to nose Saltash back in front.

The young visitors spent some time camped inside the Ashes' twenty-two but were unable to turn the pressure into points, and Owen had the final say with a drop goal at the other end to put the result beyond doubt.