The opening exchanges were even but the Paignton side looked very mobile and following a lineout close to the Ashes line crossed for a try after nine minutes. Saltash came back and were awarded a penalty three minutes later which was kicked by scrumhalf Jack Pritchard who had a good game. The score remained the same until the interval although the Devon side held the slight edge but were kept at bay by resilient Ashes defending.

The second period started well for Saltash as within three minutes Dylan Davies touched down in the corner following a cross kick and Jack Pritchard added the extra points to give the re-energised home side the lead (10-5). Paignton continued to press the Ashes defence and after a scrum near the home line went over to equalise with their second try six minutes later. A long penalty kick by Jack Pritchard restored the Saltash advantage after 53 minutes and when Steve Hillman broke through to get a try which was converted close to the posts (69 minutes) the long awaited home victory was in sight. However, two very late converted tries by the visitors gave them the win in a closely contested game.

For Saltash Tom Hoban, Charlie Knight and Dylan Davies played well but it was a familiar case of making too many mistakes ant not being able to hold onto a narrow lead until the final whistle.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.