Saltash 41pts Withycombe 17pts.

Kieran Down opened their account after 5 minutes with a penalty and Joe Rider quickly increased the lead with a try after 10 minutes which was converted. A kick across the pitch enabled Jay Moriarty to touch down on the left wing to put Saltash 15-0 into the lead. Joe Rider got his second try seven minutes later following some good inter play and again Kieran Down added the extra points (22-0). The Ashes were playing some of their best rugby of the season and Ryan Cruickshanks scored another home try after 32 minutes which was followed 3 minutes later with their fifth try which was converted (34-0). Just before the interval Saltash were reduced to 14 players after a yellow card and Withycombe took advantage by scoring a converted try with the final act of the half (34-7).

Withycombe started the second half strongly and put Saltash under pressure and took the opportunity to cross the line in the corner after 48 minutes. The game became more evenly contested as the visiting pack looked very strong but the Ashes held out with some good defensive work and after 50 minutes Kieran Down crossed under the posts for a try which he converted (41-12). Withycombe completed the scoring with a try 12 minutes before the end to give Saltash a deserved win which should give them confidence going into the rest of the season.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.