Bude 34 pts Saltash 24pts.

Bude took the lead after 8 minutes following a forward surge on the right wing and 7 minutes later they increased their advantage with a converted try on the left wing. There was then a period of sustained Ashes pressure close to the Bude line but without any points being scored. The home side always threatened to breakaway to score and they did after 38 minutes with another converted try to take the interval score to 19-0. This was based on control in the pack and a strong running back division.

The second half was only 2 minutes old when a Bude penalty in front of the posts increased the lead to 22-0. At this point the Ashes started their resurgence with the impressive Danny Snook going over for a try after 46 minutes which Kieran Down converted. More good play by Saltash was rewarded 11minutes later by a lively Jay Moriarty try again converted by Kieran Down (22-14). A 64th minute penalty by Kieran Down, who kicked well throughout the game reduced the home lead to 22-17 and an Ashes win looked a possible result. The home side were reduced to 14 when a yellow card was produced for a tackle on Simon Nance which could easily have been a red one. However. the game turned in Bude's favour with two quick tries after 70 and 72 minutes ( one converted) although a couple of forward passes should have nullified one of them.

Saltash kept battling away and got the final try through Lewis Wells, again with Kieran Down adding the points. After a slow first half Saltash greatly improved after the interval with Fin Jones, Ben Simmons, Devon Bennett-Murray and first time captain Lewis Woolaway in the forwards leading the charge.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC