Greg Eatwell, who played well throughout the game opened the scoring with a well worked left wing try which was converted by flyhalf Keiran Down. From a break full back Ryan Cruickshanks increased the home lead after 17 minutes which again was converted by Kieran Down. The Ashes were reduced to 14 following a yellow card 3 minutes later but came back with good handling and open play which allowed skipper Phil Eatwell to extend their lead to 19-0 after 27 minutes. Veor then pressed and hit back with a converted try 4 minutes later. Just at the interval the visitors crossed the home line again with a hard worked try to reduce the lead to 19-12.
Saltash got off to a great start in the second period with another Fin Jones try after 43 minutes and 12 minutes later and more home pressure Kieran Down broke through and scored close to the posts to increase the home lead and again added the extras (31-12). Ryan Cruickshanks who had another good game for Saltash cut through the Veor defence and touched down 2 minutes later with Kieran Down converting. Veor went hard for the Ashes line several times but were repelled by resolute defending. Dale Thompson completed the Ashes scoring by crashing over with their 7th try of the game after 62 minutes. Eventually Veor penetrated the home defence with a converted try to complete the scoring after 65 minutes (43-19).
This was a convincing Saltash team win with Liall Honey, Lewis Wells supporting Skipper Phil Eatwell in the pack and Greg Eatwell, Ryan Cruickshanks and Jack Pritchard playing well behind them. Kieran Down controlled his kicking game with 5 conversions including hitting the post twice.
Rod Davies Press Officer
Saltash RFC.