Playing with the strong wind at their backs, Kingsbridge got off to a strong start and following a penalty scored a converted try after 5 minutes. Saltash who are still getting to grips with the standard of rugby in the Western Counties West League suffered an early injury to Tom Hogan following a penetrating burst into the Kingsbridge half after 12 minutes.

However, they came back five minutes later and some smart movement by the Ashes backs was ended with right winger Will Morton touching down (7-5). A home penalty extended their lead (22 minutes). Saltash battled well and surged back down the left and Lewis Woolaway was able to finish off a good attack and cross for a try (24 minutes) which was converted by Jack Pritchard to put the Ashes ahead at the interval (10-12).

Kingsbridge got off to another strong and positive start in the second half and within two minutes were back in the lead with a try on the right wing. Their forwards were exerting some pressure on Saltash and were rewarded with another try after 50minutes, but a yellow card for the home side gave a numerical advantage to Saltash who came back to within a point with a converted try by Todd Crofts and the added points by Jack Pritchard (20-19/66 minutes). Any chance of victory faded for the Ashes when after a penalty Kingsbridge broke through the Ashes' defence for a converted try (27-19). With seconds left Jack Pritchard kicked a penalty to earn the visitors a bonus point.

Saltash were hard working but were not quite able to match their Devon rivals although did come close towards the end to snatching an away victory.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC