They got a strong start with the wind at their backs and Ryan Cruickshanks crossed the visitors line in the second minute after receiving a pass from Greg Eatwell to touch down and scrum half Jack Pritchard added the conversion points. Three minutes later another break through by the Saltash fullback resulted in their second try which was also converted. Redruth came back and put pressure on the home side but the Saltash defence held firm and the lead was further increased when Jack Pritchard kick a penalty (17-0). More Redruth attacking led to a try after twenty five minutes as they threatened to get a grip on the match but a surging break through the visitors defence by Will Morton further increased the Ashes advantage with their third converted try fourteen minutes later which gave them an interval lead of 24-5.

The second half saw Redruth pressing hard and only great defending kept them at bay until Will Morton again went through on the right wing for a try for Saltash. The Redruth forwards were taking control as they took advantage of the conditions and two quick converted tries (53 and 59 minutes) closed the Saltash lead to 29-19 and introduce some tension among the home supporters. The game continued to be evenly contested until Steve Hillman suddenly appeared to score for the Ashes (76 minutes) and this was quickly followed two minutes later as a pass by Ryan Cruickshanks allowed Will Morton to put the result beyond Redruth with another try. However, a last minute touch down for the visitors completed the scoring.

A quick start and a sustained effort was requested from Saltash and all the team responded with some defiant tackling to gain an excellent victory which will boost their confidence for the final games of the season.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC