A penalty goal by fly half Nat Paul and with their forwards gradually taking control laid the platform for their hard running backs to probe the Ashes' defence which managed to repel the home attacks. However, after 27 minutes a lineout close to the Saltash line T Bostock crossed to extend the home advantage with a try which was converted (10-0). Saltash worked hard but without cohesion or seriously threatening to put any points on the board. Their situation was not improved after receiving a yellow card (32 minutes) which was quickly punished by a Redruth forward drive leading to R.Brown scoring a second home try, Saltash hit back deep into the Redruth "22" and were rewarded when lock Lewis Woolaway went over the Red's line for Jack Pritchard to add the extra points from near the touch line with an excellent kick at the end of the first half (15-7).

Redruth came out strongly in the second period and within two minutes scored a try and continued to dominate a Saltash side that were unable to get their backs into the game. Following a penalty Redruth moved further ahead after 65minutes with another converted try (27-7). The Ashes valiantly fought back with rare attacks and eventually broke through the Redruth defence and ended with Lewis Stuart touching down to reduce the home advantage (74minutes). However, another converted try by Redruth wiped out any chance of a late Saltash recovery although Axel Nicks did get a final consolation try at the very end of the game.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.