ST AUSTELL head coach Sam Parsons feels his side are starting to ‘hit our stride’ as the Saints look to make it five unbeaten at bottom side Matson on Saturday in Regional One South West (2.30pm).

The Cornishmen make the long trip to Gloucester having thrashed Sidmouth before Ben Saunders’ late try gave them the narrowest of victories at fellow strugglers Royal Wootton Bassett last weekend, that after a victory over Launceston and draw at Marlborough.

It means the Saints are out of the bottom two and are up to ninth in the 12-team division, three points clear of second from last Marlborough and within two points of sixth-placed Chew Valley.

Reflecting on last Saturday’s victory, which came in classic winter conditions in Wiltshire, Parsons said: “We are just starting to hit our stride. I was delighted to get the win as I thought we deserved it and it gives us good momentum going into the run of games leading up to Christmas.

“As for the game itself, I thought I was a really well-structured game from both sides as both had clear game-plans and executed them really well.

“I was really happy in the way we implemented our game, especially in the second half and showed real poise and maturity for an extremely young side.”

He continued: “The majority of the second half was played in their half and that’s credit to our half-backs Dan Tyrell and Rory O’Kane who, along with Ben Saunders at full-back, navigated us around the pitch superbly.

“The pressure of playing out of their own half and the physicality of our attack eventually showed and they just couldn’t hold us out.”

While St Austell only have one bonus point to their name, their four victories and a draw from their nine starts means they are certainly heading in the right direction.

Not only are they finding form, but the return of key men from injury, means Parsons has a near full-strength squad to choose from.

Jamie Stanlake returns to the side at outside-centre for Dan Navas in the only change from last weekend as Archie Bees switches to the right wing.

However, Parsons also reserved praise for several other members, including former player-coach Kyle Marriott.

He said: “Hector Bright was everywhere again. His involvements in games right now are unbelievable, he really is having some season.

“As I mentioned before I was really impressed with our half-backs and a special mention for Dan Navas who is known for his work in attack, but he made a huge impact on the defensive end and grabbed a crucial turnover for us midway through the second half.

“But probably the biggest positive from Saturday was the return of Kyle Marriott from the bench who looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. He brought huge composure to help finish the game.”

For one of the first times this season, the Saints will start as favourites at Matson, and Parsons hopes they can continue their momentum.

He said: “We are currently in great form and confidence is high, so it’s important for us to attack every game whilst we are in the groove, so that approach will continue.

“When we are firing we are up for any challenge in this league and tomorrow will be another huge one away at Matson.”

ST AUSTELL: Ben Saunders; Archie Bees, Ben Plummer (co-captain), Jamie Stanlake, Max Bullen; Rory O’Kane, Dan Tyrrell; Dan Bennett, Peter Harris, Charlie Nicholson; Mark Vian (co-captain), Tom Daniel; Hector Bright, Cam Taylor, Adam Powell. Replacements: Riley Raikes, Kyle Marriott, Chris Ashwin.