The Ashes lost this Papa Johns cup semi final to a very strong and fast Old Elthamians side that contained a good pack of forwards that linked well with their fast and elusive back division. The game was played on a very dry pitch with the gusty wind giving good distance to clearing kicks. The start was evenly contested with both teams probing at each others defences but the Ashes were reduced to fourteen players following a yellow card after 10 minutes close to their line and the visitors took the lead when Perry Parker went over the home line from the resulting penalty and fly half Joe Leigh converted (0-7). The Old Elthamians forwards were taking control and the lead was extended with a penalty by Leigh. Saltash immediately counter attacked with some good movement and handling ending in centre Danny Snook touching down near the posts and scrumhalf Jack Pritchard added the extra points (7-10). Saltash continued to press hard into the Old Boys half but an interception by the very quick Luca Pettrozzi extended the visiting advantage after 24 minutes with an unconverted try (7-15). Both sides battled to get the next score as the game ebbed and flowed but 5 minutes before the interval an Old Elthamians player was shown a yellow card but that did not prevent centre Sam Tilley bursting through the Ashes defence for a try converted by Leigh to give them a deserved interval lead of 7-22.

Saltash came out for the second half in a very determined manner, attacking the visiting line and fullback Ryan Cruickshanks brushed off attempted tackles to get a second Ashes try converted again by Jack Pritchard (43 minutes). Five minutes later a penalty from Pritchard reduced the Old Boys lead to 5 points (17-22) and gave the final half an hour a very tense finish for both the players and the spectators as the game could have been won by either team. Both the Ashes and the Old Elthamians had tries disallowed with the visitors just about hanging for victory and a trip to Twickenham for the final. Fullback Prince Ncube from Zambia was very impressive for the Old Elthamians.

The whole Ashes squad and coaches can feel very proud of their season as the main objective of winning the league and promotion has been achieved as well as victory over close rivals Devonport Services in the Lockie Cup. There is also a Cornwall Cup final to come against Helston at Hayle on the 25th May.

1.S.Nance. 2 R.Walsh. 3. L.Honey. 4. D.Bennett-Murray. 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. L.Woolaway. 20. F.Jones. 21.C.Knight. 22. S.Williams.

Saltash 2nd XV lost to a strong St Austell XV in the Duchy Shield Final 7-57.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC