The Ashes were playing in their third cup game in a week and well deserved the passage through to the semi-final of the Papa Johns cup although Frampton Cotterell were very close to snatching an away victory. The game started in a very lively and even manner with both teams testing out each others defences but the Ashes were soon down to fourteen players after 6 minutes due to a yellow card. They managed to keep their visitors from scoring due to some resolute defending and the game continued to swing either way until flanker Phil Eatwell eased over the line after 31 minutes for a try which scrum half half Jack Pritchard converted. The Frampton Cotterell side looked very dangerous on the break but Ashes covered well and there were some good clearances from fullback Ryan Cruickshanks which kept the visitors from getting any points at the interval (7-0).

Frampton Cotterell came out for the second half in a very determined manner and kicked a penalty after 45 minutes soon followed by a try 4 minutes later on the right wing to put them into the lead. Saltash came back strongly and Rob Walsh charged through to take them in front again with a converted try (54minutes). Almost immediately Frampton Cottertell were on the attack down the right wing and following a penalty regained the advantage with a converted try (14-15). The ding dong battle continued and within another 5 minutes the Ashes were back in the lead after a flowing move with a Ryan Cruickshank's try. Frampton were awarded a penalty but missed the kick and Jack Pritchard then increased the Saltash lead with his own penalty (73minutes).The game looked to be heading into extra time when a try and conversion under the posts brought the teams level (22-22). Tension was rising in the closing stages when Jay Moriarty broke through the visiting defence to score the winning try which was again converted with an excellent kick by Jack Pritchard.

This was a very tight and enthralling game between two well matched sides and a strong well organised Frampton Cotterell deserved much credit for their contribution while Ashes again worked very hard and backed each other all over the pitch.

1. S.Nance. 2. R.Walsh. 3. L.Honey. 4. L.Woolaway. 5. T.Rixson. 6. L.Wells. 7. P.Eatwell. 8. R.Rayner. 9. J.Pritchard. 10. B.Dover. 11. J.Moriarty(c). 12. D.Snook. 13. G.Eatwell. 14. W.Morton. 15. R.Cruickshanks. 16. A.Nicks. 17. R.Simmons. 18. J.Sutton. 19. D.Bennett-Murray. 20. F.Jones. 21. C.Knight. 22. S.Williams.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.