Torquay 32pts Saltash 27 pts

Saltash took the lead after only 3 minutes with an unconverted try on the left wing by flyhalf Kieran Down which Torquay answered with a penalty seven minutes later. Danny Snook increased the visitors advantage with a well taken try on 16 minutes (3-10). Torquay came back to equalise with a converted try after 19 minutes before following some even exchanges Danny Snook assisted Ryan Cruickshanks to go over for a good try which was converted by Kieran Down (10-17). A strong scrum after 30 minutes enabled the Tics to draw level again with a converted try and just before the interval they took the lead following some strong running with their third try on the left wing (22-17).

The second half started brightly for Saltash although they lost Joe Ronayne through a shoulder injury shortly after the restart. The Ashes produced some good running and handing but errors stopped them from improving their score until Ryan Cruickshanks ran through the home defence after 58 minutes with an excellent touch down. Torquay then missed a penalty before going back into the lead following a kick ahead after 63 minutes and further increased their score 5 minutes later with their fifth try (32-22) The game became a bit heated and after 75 minutes Jay Moriarty completed the scoring with a try to bring the home advantage down to only five points and give the match a tense last few minutes. Although losing, Saltash did gain 2 bonus points for their efforts with Lewis Woolaway in the forwards and fullback Ryan Cruickshanks producing good performances.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.