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1st XV
Matches
Sat 18 Jan 2025  ·  Counties 2 Tribute Cornwall
SALTASH RFC
1st XV
40
17
Helston
Saltash 40pts   Helston RFC 17pts

Saltash 40pts Helston RFC 17pts

Nick Rich20 Jan - 12:13

The Ashes were wary of this top of the table potential banana skin after last week's close encounter and the final score does not reflect on how hard they had to work to gain this victory against a very good Helston side.

They got off to a quick start following smart handling on the left wing with skipper Jay Moriarty touching down and Jack Pritchard converting after 3 minutes, Helston hit back and gave the home team a defensive testing before breaking from their own half and getting a try on the right wing (13 minutes). The game continued to be evenly contested until Lewis Wells broke through the visiting defence after 28 minutes for a try and the conversion put Saltash 14-5 in the lead. Three minutes later a flowing cross field move ended with Ryan Cruickshanks extending the home advantage with another converted score. Helston were then beginning to get back into the game but on the stroke of the interval more Ashes pressure close to the visiting line resulted in a penalty try being awarded giving them a lead of 28-5 at the break.

Helston soon reduced the Ashes lead 2 minutes into the second half with a converted try after a penalty in the home team's 22. Saltash were then reduced to 14 when a yellow card was shown (48 minutes) and their lead was further cut two minutes later when Helston crossed the home line again. Another Ashes yellow card for a high tackle increased the pressure on their defensive capabilities and the tension in the game as Helston pressed hard to take advantage and close the score. The Ashes held the situation with some stalwart defending and eventually Ryan Cruickshanks went through after 74 minutes and good handling for a try, again being converted by JP (35-17). He then completed his hat trick which followed a charge down to complete the scoring.

This was a defiant Ashes performance against a Helston side that contributed to a very entertaining game and gave the home side a few anxious periods. It was a good team result with Ryan Rayner, Tom Rixson, Ryan Cruickshanks and Jack Pritchard all putting in notable contributions.

1. S.Nance.  2. R.Walsh.  3.Lial Honey.  4. J.Sutton.  5. T.Rixson.  6. L.Wells.  7. P.Eatwell.  8. R.Rayner.  9. J.Pritchard.  10. L.Stuart.  11. J.Moriarty (c).  12. B.Dover.  13. D.Snook.  14. W.Morton.  15 R.Cruickshanks.   16. R.Simmons.  17. C.Knight.  18. Fin Jones.  19. G.Eatwell. 

Rod Davies
Press Officer

Match details

Match date

Sat 18 Jan 2025

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Counties 2 Tribute Cornwall

League position

1
Saltash
2
Helston
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Main Club Sponsor - RG Pools & Leisure
Women's & 2nd XV Sponsor - Westcountry Fabrication
Club Sponsor - Buoyant Works
Club Sponsor - Westcountry Skip Hire
Club Sponsor - WR Plumbing and Heating
Club Sponsor - Driver Hire
Player sponsor  - We are Ease LTD
Kit provider - Kitworld