Drybrook 23ptsSt Austell 20pts
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Drybrook made hard work of finally overcoming St Austell and had a late penalty from fullback Alun Richards to thank for bringing them victory.
The game opened disastrously for Drybrook when within 30 seconds they were reduced to 14 men after winger Harry Gooderham was yellow carded after taking out a St Austell player in the air.
Drybrook competed well despite the numerical disadvantage but on 8 minutes a speculative grubber kick from the visitors led to the opening try.
The slippery ball led to numerous handling errors from both teams but on 17 minutes Drybrook responded with a well worked try. A St Austell clearance kick was gathered by No 8 Mitch Renton who made a lot of ground before slipping an inside pass to winger Sam Peaper who cut a great angle before squeezing over in the corner. Richards’ fine conversion brought the scores level but the visitors soon edged in front again with a penalty.
The remainder of the first half was fairly even but Drybrook came strong at the end and St Austell did well to keep them out. Right on the stroke of half time Richards had the chance to level the sore but his kick from near the posts sailed disappointingly wide.
Half Time:
Drybrook 7pts
St Austell 10pts
Five minutes into the second half Richards put over a penalty for Drybrook to bring the scores level but after this the home team’s game began to fall apart as their line out play disintegrated.
St Austell began to make inroads and a smart attack involving some quick hands led to a try for the winger in the corner.
Drybrook responded by throwing on all 3 replacements but it took some time before they put together any decent rugby which resulted in another penalty for Richards.
The visitors then lost a man to the bin but they raised their game and a penalty kick to the corner brought a third try when Drybrook were powerless to stop a catch and drive to the line.
Drybrook then lost influential centre Simon Rugman who was injured after being bundled into touch just short of the visitor’s line.
The home side remained patient and got back in it when sustained pressure finally created an opening for centre Kristian Taft to race over near the posts.
Richards’ conversion brought the sides level but with time running out there were still some anxious moments for the home crowd as both teams looked to secure victory.
It was Drybrook who stepped up to the plate and with 5 minutes to go Richards was wide with another penalty attempt.
A final onslaught led to another visiting player being sent to the bin and the resulting penalty was finally kicked by Richards to give the points to Drybrook.
Drybrook’s man of the match was No 8 Mitch Renton.
Drybrook; Alun Richards, Harry Gooderham, Kristian Taft, Simon Rugman, Sam Peaper, Ben Large (Capt), Tom Treherne, Dean Jelf, Luke Fisher, Elliot White, Neil Morgan, Glenn Nott, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne, Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Mitch Baldwin, Niall Gibbons, Ashley Howells.
