Tribute Western Counties (West)

Saltash 33 pts

St Austell 28 pts

The victors in this intensely-fought encounter were not decided until the end, as both sides threw what they had at the opposition. Saltash’s backs were clearly on top out wide but the power of the St Austell pack clear from the outset.

The home side were on the board after just two minutes with a penalty from full back Max Venables, countered by a fine move from the Saints who responded with a try almost immediately from Josh Phillips, converted by full back Cavan Boyer.

Saltash’s backline were in sublime form and a well-taken try from a breakaway saw centre Callam Cload go over, converted by Venables to add to a penalty goal after 20 minutes as Saltash nudged further ahead at 13-7.

Saltash then produced what would more than likely be their try of the season as a flowing move up field from the re-start and some superb inter-play from forwards and then the back line put left winger Shaun Crawford in at the corner for a try and an 18-7 lead. Their score was pegged back by a Boyer penalty goal on the whistle at the break for 18-10.

The second period proved a more attritional affair and the mid-Cornwall outfit started the stronger. A series of phases put them deep in the Saltash half and from a catch-and-drive at the line-out, flanker Will Gilder went over for a try.

Again, the hosts came back, and a move down the blind side, saw flanker Phil Eatwell pluck a pass off his boot laces to dive in for a try, shortly followed by another effort that put Cload over for a try, converted by Venables for a 30-18 lead.

A try for the visitors’ number 8 Andy Inch narrowed the gap to 30-23 before a prolonged injury break for an injury to a St Austell player halted proceedings.

On the re-start, Saints replacement flanker Paul Winterbottom went in for a try to reduce the arrears at 30-28, but Venables slotted a penalty to seal the victory at 33-28.

Read more rugby news in the Cornish Times out today (Friday)