Saltash 20pts Redruth 26pts

Redruth came out on top thanks largely due to their better management and several costly Saltash mistakes. It was the Ashes that took an early lead through a forward drive which ended with Ryan Rayner touching down over the Redruth line but it could not be converted (5minutes). Redruth hit back three minutes later when flyhalf Dean Wills darted through the home defence for a try which he converted (5-7). Play continued end to end until a kick ahead by the visitors and some loose covering by Saltash resulted in Henry Eddy picking up the ball and getting the try and the added points being kicked by the impressive Wills. More pressure by the Ashes pack enabled Simon Nance to reduce the Reds lead and after good handling Greg Eatwell went over on the left wing to give Saltash the advantage at the interval (15-14).

The Ashes lead increased 6 minutes into the second half after more attacks allowed Lewis Wells to find a way through to the try line and it looked like they may be taking a grip on the game until after 62 minutes Redruth centre Harry Andrews took an opportunity coming from an Ashes error to score a try which again was converted (20-21). At this stage the game could have been won by either side but 5 minutes from time Charlie Levick secured the victory for Redruth with a left wing try. On the balance of play the visitors just about deserved to win this very close encounter which was played at pace and in good spirits.

Saltash put ever effort into their performance and will have to go again next season but came up against a well organised Redruth team that played the conditions better and took their scoring chances.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.