Moriarty then continued to guide them to an excellent battling performance against a strong and lively Kingsbridge side that pushed the home team all the way to gain a well deserved victory. Heavy rain just before the start made handling conditions difficult and it continued to deteriorate as the game progressed. The Ashes got off to a good start and centre Greg Eatwell put them into the lead after five minutes with a well worked try which was converted by Jack Pritchard. Kingsbridge came back and following a penalty and kick to the corner their forwards drove over for a converted try to bring the score level. At this point the visitors looked to take control and went in front on the half hour with a try after a period of pressure by their pack. Saltash retaliated and Lewis Woolaway who had a strong game, powered over after thirty six minutes to re-establish their advantage with another converted try (14-12). As the half drew to a close Kingsbridge again nosed in front when their forwards again pushed the Ashes back and a try with added points resulted. The final play before the interval saw Jack Pritchard kick a penalty to bring the score to 17-19.

The second half started well for Saltash and right winger Will Morton who always poised a threat crossed the visitors line after some good inter passing on the wing after forty six minutes. Another Jack Pritchard penalty twelve minutes later eased the Ashes further ahead (25-19) but the game was still in the balance as Kingsbridge fought back and after a penalty, gained ground to go back into the lead by one point with a converted try on the left wing. Both sides were keen to gain the win and strived hard to gain the advantage in worsening conditions. It was Saltash that went back in front when Steve Hillman charged over for a try with the conversion just missing the upright. The rampant Ashes sealed the victory with a Fin Jones try three minutes later which was converted.

This was an over due, controlled and deserved Ashes team win in which the forwards excelled and the backs coped with the slippery ball very well. Fin Jones impressed when he came on but full back Ryan Cruickshanks was deemed man of the match by the coaches.

The under strength second XV travelled to play Camborne SoM at Penryn in vain as the game was called off due to an unfit pitch.

Rod Davies
Press Officer