Old Patesians RFC (Cheltenham) 28pts Saltash RFC 36pts (AET)

They took the lead after 5 minutes with a Ryan Cruickshanks penalty and the early exchanges looked promising for the Ashes but the Old Patesians started to get a grip and their quick handling got them a try on the right wing after 16 minutes and a penalty soon put them into a 8-3 lead. More home pressure and a cross kick increased their advantage with a try which was converted (15-3). Saltash were finding it hard to contain Old Patesians but fought back and following a scrum close to the home line Greg Eatwell got hold of a loose ball and touched down in the corner on the half hour. Two minutes later the home side went further ahead with a well worked try on the left wing which was converted after the ball hit the crossbar and were taking control of the game (22-8). However, the Ashes struck back when Will Morton went over with a try in the last minute of the half (22-13). Too many mistakes and kicking decisions were giving the home side the advantage.

The second period began with a much more determined Ashes and a good forward drive enabled Devon Bennett-Murray to crash over the line within five minutes but a penalty in front of the posts made the score 25-18. Saltash were now playing well and after 58 minutes Phil Eatwell raced over on the left wing for a try which Lewis Stuart converted to bring the score to 25-25. Old Patesians still looked dangerous when attacking with their strong running and another penalty after 63 minutes edged them back in front. Saltash were now putting great pressure and effort into their game and were rewarded when Lewis Stuart equalised two minutes from the end to get the game into extra time (28-28).

The Ashes were now giving the Old Patesians fewer chances with their excellent defending and determination and Greg Eatwell eventually touched down to give them the lead after 87 minutes (28-33). A Lewis Stuart penalty in the second half of extra time gave them an eight point cushion to hold until the final whistle. This was a superb turn around by the whole Saltash squad which gave them a victory out of defeat.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash