The home side were forced to make a late change to their lineup before the start when Laurie Thomson withdrew and was replaced by Lewis Wells. An early penalty by Jack Pritchard put Saltash ahead but Torquay quickly took the lead with a left wing try (4 minutes) and looked dangerous as they surged forward. Saltash forced the visitors back towards their own line and were rewarded after 12 minutes with a good movement and Dylan Davies touching down on the right to regain the home advantage (8-5).

Torquay began to take control of the game and broke through the Ashes defence for a converted try following some strong running and handling. A Jack Pritchard penalty after 19 minutes closed the Torquay lead to one point as the Ashes tried to take hold of the game. (11-12). However, a breakaway Torquay try within two minutes which was converted increased their lead and a penalty three minutes later pushed the score to 11-22. At this stage Torquay were well in command and seemed to have victory in sight as more good forward play and handling resulted in a converted try after 32 minutes which gave them an interval lead of 29-11 and the bonus point.

Saltash came out for the second half with a great determination and pressed hard towards the visiting try line and Phil Eatwell, who put in an impressive performance finished off a smart move by touching down under the posts for a converted try (45minutes). The Ashes continued to dominate and only good Torquay defending kept them out but another Pritchard penalty after 57 minutes closed the score to 21-29. As the match moved into the closing minutes Saltash turned down the opportunity to kick a penalty, instead going for the corner without success. They continued to strongly attack Torquay and were rewarded in the final moments when Ryan Cruickshanks who came off the bench at the interval concluded some slick Ashes handling for a converted try.

A very close and entertaining game for the neutral but disappointing for the Ashes who gave an impressive second half performance and were unlucky not to gain the points after being second best in the first period. Ryan Cruickshanks injected some passion into the Saltash backs and were well supported by their pack. Torquay had a good first half but ran out of steam as Saltash's influence grew and just about held onto their win.

Saltash Colts won the County Plate Final by beating Truro Colts 44-40 in an exciting game an put another trophy on the shelf at Moorlands Lane.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.