On a day perfect for running rugby, the Ashes were lured into a tighter game by a dominant and larger Tavistock pack. Saltash took the lead after 7 minutes with a penalty goal from fly half Kieran Down.
Playing down the slope, Tavistock came back strongly and scored a try to take the lead through fly half Jack Easton, and with the conversion missed, took the lead at 3-5 on the quarter hour.
The remainder of the half was a tight affair with territory and possession belonging to the Moorlanders, which bore fruit right on the stroke of half time as they moved the ball deep into the Saltash half, and spun it left for centre Jake LeGassick to go over for the try and a 3-10 half time lead.
The second period was a similar affair, although the Ashes clawed their way back into the game, for each foray into the Tavi 22 to be fended off. Saltash managed a consolation penalty goal through Down at the close to ensure the losing bonus point.