Ashes edged out by visiting Truro despite Eatwell's early brace

THE Ashes are still looking for their first win of the season at OMG Moorlands Lane as Truro won a close encounter late on.

Saltash were bidding to build on their superb success at Torquay Athletic a week earlier and made just one change to the starting line-up as Danny Snook made his first start of the season at inside-centre in place of Andrew Walsh, while on the bench there was a return for influential No.8 Steve Hillman following his cut eye against Paignton.

Saltash had lost incredibly close contests against St Ives and Paignton in South East Cornwall, albeit having picked up two bonus points in each, but the fixture was in doubt 24 hours before with the Ashes posts having fallen victim to Storm Austen.

But, thanks to sponsors and local businesses brilliantly lending their support, the posts could be repaired and re-erected.

Torrential rain and a howling wind could have put paid to any open flowing rugby, but to their credit, both sides made an effort to play an open game.

Truro went ahead after just three minutes when they went over for a converted try from scrum-half Jarvis Lee to take the lead which Mikey Howell added to.

The Ashes clearly woke up and produced some positive rugby, and after a number of phases put centre Greg Eatwell over for a try to reduce the arrears at 7-5 inside five minutes.

Saltash kept their foot on the pedal and a moment of brilliance from Snook saw him put a chip over the defence for midfield partner Eatwell to dive on the loose ball and bag the try. Scrum-half Jack Pritchard added the conversion to put Saltash in front at 12-7 after 13 minutes.

The visitors kept plugging away and put themselves in good field position, and from a line-out close in, a series of phases saw them score a converted try from Lee for a two-point lead in the 23rd minute.

Both teams had their moments before half-time, but it was the City outfit that had a slender advantage going into the break.

As the second period wore on, Truro gained control of the game. And although the Ashes defence kept them at bay, they did concede a series of penalties at the breakdown.

However, the pressure eventually told in the 74th minute as Ross Denning grabbed Truro’s third try for 19-12.

Knowing they needed a converted try for a fine draw, Saltash piled on the pressure but couldn’t find a way through as they were forced to settle for a losing bonus-point.

The newly-created Ashes Supporters Star award for the match went to lock Thomas Hoban, with Greg Eatwell and Billy Dover also in contention.

The Ashes’ second team had a day to forget when they were soundly beaten at Hayle 59-7 in Counties Three Cornwall. Their try came through lock Dylan Lamerton, converted by scrum-half Ross Martin.

Both teams are in action next Saturday as the firsts visit Barnstaple Seconds (2.30pm), while the seconds host Camborne School of Mines (2.30pm).

SALTASH: Ryan Cruickshanks; Henry Taylor, Greg Eatwell, Danny Snook, Jay Moriarty; Billy Dover, Jack Pritchard; Simon Nance, Fin Jones, Liall Honey, Thomas Hoban, Billy Garratt; Charlie Knight, Laurie Thomson, Phil Eatwell (capt). Replacements: Ryan Simmons, Steve Hillman, Andrew Walsh.

Tries: G Eatwell (2); Convs: Pritchard; Pens: N/A.

Ashes’ man-of-the-match: Thomas Hoban.