Ever reliable Ryan Cruickshanks appeared for the 300th time at fullback while Laurie Thomson was playing in his first game for the senior side.
The game was eagerly anticipated as previous encounters in recent seasons have produced very close finishes.

St Ives took an early lead with a penalty after 2 minutes but the Ashes soon hit back when Will Morton touched down on the right wing which was converted by scrumhalf Jack Pritchard. Some quick and precise handling by the Saltash backs resulted in Morton going over in the corner after 10 minutes (12-3). Exchanges were evenly contested until a penalty extended the home advantage. The St Ives pack were then involved in a move which ended in a try (20 minutes). The very lively Will Morton collected the ball in his own half, kicked ahead along the touchline and followed up for his third try which was converted to give the Ashes an interval lead of 22-8.

Laurie Thomson came on in the second period to make his first team debut for Saltash and made a good start but a left wing try after 50 minutes by St Ives reduced the score between the sides. Five minutes later Simon Nance who was returning from injury charged over the visitors line with again the conversion being successful (29-13). Yellow cards reduced the Ashes number at times as St Ives began to come back into the match but during a home assault into the visitors "22" fullback Ryan Cruickshanks collected a loose ball and went in at the corner for another converted try (63 minutes). St Ives pressed very hard to snatch a win in the closing stages and were awarded with a converted try (75minutes). Valiant defence by Saltash held out for a well deserved victory.

This was a combined team effort to gain a long awaited win against their old rivals in a very entertaining game with St Ives looking very dangerous especially towards the final whistle. Jack Pritchard kicked four conversions and a penalty, Ryan Cruickshanks celebrated his milestone appearance with a solid game with Fin Jones and Tom Hoban contributing and bedding into the pack.

1.S.Nance. 2. F.Jones. 3. L.Honey. 4. T.Hoban. 5. J.Sutton. 6. A.Nicks. 7. P.Eatwell (c). 8. L.Woolaway. 9. J. Pritchard. 10. T.Crofts. 11.G.Eatwell. 12. S.Williams. 13. A.Walsh. 14. W.Morton. 15. R.Cruickshanks. 16. R.Simmons. 17. L.Thomson. 18. N.Blake

Saltash 2nd XV went down 24-19 at Bodmin in a close game under lights on Friday evening.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC