EDF ENERGY SENIOR VASE FIRST ROUND

Saltash 0 Truro 26

THIS first-round match saw Saltash playing at the next level up and they gave a good account of themselves, despite the scoreline.

Saltash, under new head coach Nick Skinnard, gave five players their senior debuts, as well as flanker Neil Grose putting in a man-of-the-match performance on his return from a debilitating injury that kept him out for 18 months.

The home side also welcomed back forward Albert Hall after a five-year break from the senior side.

As a result, Saltash are a much-changed side from last term, when they won promotion from Cornwall One, but they competed in every area with their more illustrious opponents.

The home side had much the better in terms of territory and possession, although it was Truro who took the initiative on the half hour as, from a ruck close in on the right, tight-head prop Isaac Scoble was driven over for the try and a

5-0 lead.

As the match headed for half-time, a well-worked move up the midfield released right-wing Matt Trevail to run in from the 10-metre line for a second try of the half, converted by full-back Scott Martin, for a 12-0 half-time lead. After the turn around, Saltash again had much the better of the early exchanges, but could not find that final scoring pass to get themselves on the board.

It was not until the 75th minute that a break down the left from winger Luke Trescothick saw him hauled down 10 metres out, but he popped the ball up to supporting hooker Mike Stewart, who cantered in for the try, again converted by Martin, for a 19-0 score.

Truro finished it off in style, when a missed Saltash kick to touch found Trescothick once more, and he ran the ball back deep into the Saltash defence and it was recycled and spun right to centre Justin Irons, who went in out wide for the final try, with Martin converting the difficult shot at goal.

Saltash: S Watson, S Down, L Wells, K Pengelly, M Nicholas, S Chapman, W Morton, A Cottam, R Eatwell, J Rich, D Ryland, R Saxby, N Grose, J Oakes, A Hall. Replacements: S Snell, N Rich, R Skinnard.