Saltash continued their impressive start to the season with a victory against local rivals Liskeard-Looe although the visitors fought hard especially in the first half without being able to score any points, but in the second period appeared to run out of steam as the Ashes backs relentlessly opened up the Liskeard-Looe defence. The first home try came after 7 minutes from fullback Ryan Cruickshanks which he converted. More home pressure resulted in Ryan Rayner touching down under the crossbar 3 minutes later for the conversion to be added (14-0).Saltash were then reduced to 14 following a yellow card and although the visitors tried to break through to the home line they were constantly repelled. Will Morton then received a pass from Ryan Cruickshanks to score after 22 minutes. A period of scrappy play by both sides ended on the stroke of half time with a try by late replacement Nick Blake at flyhalf for the injured Lewis Stewart and he impressed throughout the game (24-0).

Early even second half exchanges were broken after 50 minutes when skipper Jay Moriarty scored the first of his four tries and Ryan Cruickshanks soon followed with another, both converted (38-0). Good movement and handling allowed Jay Moriarty to cross twice more before Nick Blake got his second after 72 minutes which was converted (55-0). Liskeard-Looe were visibly tiring and two minutes from the end Jay Moriarty got his final touch down which was converted.

Ryan Cruickshanks brought his kicking boots along and converted six tries while Devon Bennett-Murray again stood out in the pack which as a unit held the visitors to a pointless afternoon. The Ashes now move onto some stiffer opposition in the coming weeks.

Rod Davies Press Officer

Saltash RFC.