They had to make an early change when James Sutton went off injured and Lewis Wells reverted to the pack and Todd Crofts came off the bench into the centre. The Ashes held the edge for the initial thirty minutes but were unable to cross the home line and during a rare excursion into the Saltash "22" the Hakes scored an unconverted try through Fletcher on the right wing after 35 minutes. Just before the interval another St Ives handling movement ended with a try by Bailey which was converted by Turton giving them a lead of 12-0.

The second period started with the home side in control and a converted try by Stevens after 53 minutes increased their lead which was never threatened by the disappointing Ashes efforts which were repelled by the quick covering St Ives defence. A bonus point try was scored a few minutes before the final whistle for St Ives in the fading light. Although losing, there were good performances for Saltash by Tom Hoban and Lial Honey who worked hard in the pack while Todd Crofts was lively when he came on at centre. Dylan Davies continues to improve at flyhalf and Billy Dover was solid at fullback.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC