The hard running Barnstaple side look dangerous each time they came onto the attack and following a good movement again crossed for another try with the extra points being added after nine minutes. Saltash gradually came back into the game and were rewarded with a penalty from scrumhalf Jack Pritchard six minutes later. They continued to press and test the home side and Fin Jones with the support of his forwards stormed through to score under the crossbar for a converted try on the half hour. The game swung back towards Barnstaple five minutes later following good handing and inter passing with a try on the left wing for another converted try to extend their lead (21-10). The Ashes worked hard to contain Barnstaple who then kicked ahead just before the interval and got their bonus point try to finish with a comfortable lead.

The second period was much more even with neither side able to add to their score and it was not until the seventy first minute that the lively Fin Jones, who had an outstanding game finished a good Ashes move went over the home line for a converted try. Saltash were playing much better and were pressing for more points to possibly snatch a win but were thwarted in the last minute with a drop goal by the Barnstaple flyhalf.

Saltash travelled to North Devon with an understrength side and although they started slowly came back to give a creditable performance with Lewis Woolaway in the forwards and centre Todd Crofts leading the recovery.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC