Prior to the kick off a match ball was presented to Saltash by the Trelawney Army but it did not change their fortunes as they again lost by a single score. The Ashes pressed hard in the early stages and were rewarded when Lewis Woolaway forced himself over the visitors line in the corner after ten minutes. The hard working Truro side came back and following a lineout their forwards drove over to touch down and took the lead with the conversion (22 minutes). Four minutes later prop Lial Honey who had an impressive game for Saltash charged through the Truro defence to restore the home advantage with Jack Pritchard adding the extra points with an excellent conversion from near the touch line. Play continued to be from end to end with Truro claiming back the lead with a try on the left wing following a penalty after 34 minutes plus the conversion (12-14). Two minutes before the interval the home side went in front again with another try by Lewis Woolaway and conversion from Jack Pritchard. The half end with the Ashes leading by a narrow margin reflecting the swings that the game was producing (19-14).

Truro immediately took back the lead after the interval with a kick ahead and chase with the extra points being added. Both sides were striving to win the game which was giving the sets of supporters a very exciting climax and the lead swung back again towards the Ashes when Will Morton broke away down the right wing to get a bonus point try (24-21). Truro hit back again and a misplaced Saltash clearance gave them the opportunity to regain the lead on the hour mark with a try close to the posts which again was converted. A very determined Ashes fought back again with skipper Jay Moriarty squeezing into score to edge the home side back in front (70minutes) but a converted try four minutes later by Truro finally gave them victory in a pulsating game.

Saltash put in a tremendous team effort to win this game but unfortunately could not hold onto their slender advantage at the end.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.