As the score suggests it was a very close encounter which could have been won by either side and gave the supporters an exciting afternoon of rugby up until the final whistle.

The visitors began strongly and were ahead after only 4 minutes with a converted try. Saltash who gained promotion last season and are still trying to adjust to the pace and intensity of the league gradually worked their way back into the game and were rewarded when Rob Walsh forced himself over the line after 17 minutes with the conversion hitting the post. Slick movement and handling by Wiveliscombe led to a try (26 minutes) and a further one soon after when scrum half Rich Baker burst through the Ashes defence to get the touch down which was converted (5-19). Saltash hit back and fullback Ryan Cruickshanks finished a good period of pressure with a try in the corner and the conversion by Jack Pritchard from the touchline was successful but leaving the visitors an interval lead (12-19).

The second half saw the Ashes soon on level terms after 43 minutes with a Fin Jones try and a conversion by Jack Pritchard but were immediately behind again after allowing the Wiveliscombe scrum half to run through their defence for a second time for a try on the right wing (19-24). Saltash then began a sustained period of attack as they gained some control of the game and with three quick penalties by Jack Pritchard eased ahead and with ten minutes left victory was in their sights only to be dashed again with a Wiveliscombe try by Will Ruell and a Will Thorn conversion (28-29). The game continued to be closely contested until a try by Dan Rottenbury (76 minutes) plus the added points extended the visitor's advantage to eight points. Saltash refused to give up without a fight and a quick move ended with Ryan Cruickshanks going over the Wiveliscombe line in the corner for Jack Pritchard to close the lead to one point with an excellent kick. (35-36). In a thrilling finish the Ashes could have snatched victory from a very late penalty which drifted just wide of the post.

Although losing the game this was a very good promising Ashes performance against a dangerous Wiveliscombe side that took their chances well and with players coming back plus a few improvements the Ashes should be able to establish their position in the league.

1. S.Nance. 2. R.Walsh. 3. L.Honey. 4. J.Sutton. 5. L.Woolaway. 6. L.Wells (c). 7. C.Knight. 8. F.Jones. 9. J.Pritchard. 10. B.Dover. 11. S.Jones. 12. S.Williams. 13. G.Eatwell. 14. J.Gamble. 15. R.Cruickshanks. 16. R.Simmons. 17. L.Thomson. 18. A.Hicks.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.