By Paul Hayes

REGIONAL ONE SOUTH WEST (SATURDAY)

Matson 25 St Austell 29

ST AUSTELLL returned to Cornwall with a well-deserved but hard-fought five points in Gloucester.

A try from winger George Tregilgas gave the Saints an early lead, but two penalties from Matson put the home side in front at 6-5 after 25 minutes.

The Saints then took control for the remainder of the half with tries from centre Ben Plummer and hooker Peter Harris. Both were converted by Matt Shepherd who also added a penalty to make it 22-6 at half-time.

Matson hit back with a converted try but the visitors looked to have secured the game when number eight Kyle Marriott grabbed a fourth for the visitors. Shepherd’s conversion made the score 29-13 as the hour mark approached.

Matson have a fearsome reputation at home so it was no surprise they would rally strongly. Two late tries made it a nervous finish, but the Saints held on to secure an important win on the road which built on their victory over Brixham the week before.

St Austell now have this weekend off before entertaining Chew Valley on Saturday, October 12.

Elsewhere around the club on Saturday, the seconds beat their Wadebridge counterparts 31-24 at Tregorrick Park in Counties Two Cornwall, thanks to tries from man of the match George Oakley (2), Tom Tyrell, Peter Wheeler and Hugh Noott which were added to by Jay Mason and Dan Haley (2).

The visitors led 17-12 early in the second half.

ST AUSTELL at Matson: Archie Bees, Arthur Fletcher, Ben Plummer, Jamie Stanlake, George Tregilgas, Matt Shepherd, Dan Tyrrell; Matt Boothby, Peter Harris, Peter Rowe, Mark Vian, Tom Daniel, Adam Tyndale-Powell, Cameron Taylor, Kyle Marriott. Replacements: Rory Jago, Hector Bright, River Nowell.

Tries: Tregilgas, Plummer, Harris, Marriott; Convs: Shepherd (3); Pens: Shepherd.

Saints man of the match: Peter Rowe.