ST AUSTELL head coach Sam Parsons admits his side will need to be ‘right on the money’ when the Saints head to Royal Wootton Bassett this afternoon (3pm) in Regional One South West.

The Saints opened their league programme with a dogged 19-15 success over Chew Valley at Tregorrick Park last Saturday, a perfect start compared to last year where they were lost four of their first five outings, a run of form which cost them a play-off place.

On last weekend, Parsons said: “It was a great start to the campaign for us. We are fully aware of our notorious slow starts, so to pick up the win against a well-drilled, physical Chew side was very pleasing.”

He continued: “We started the game exactly how we asked with a fast tempo and with accuracy opitimised, but the work-rate of Tom Daniel who made three of the first four tackles in the game was outstanding, leading to high pressure that resulted in our first try off the clearing line-out.

“After 20 minutes the game had a bit of rust still in it from both sides, and it became a bit of a set-piece contest due to unforced errors and timing issues. However, there were some real positives for us in terms of the way we looked to move the ball. Dan Tyrrell and Max Bullen were standouts with Finn Bulley looking very comfortable on debut. But our man-of-the-match was Cam Taylor who put in a typically outstanding effort all over the park on both sides of the ball.”

Parsons however felt they need to brush up on a few things.

He continued: “Discipline became an issue for us. Whether it was fatigue or being off the pace, three yellows in a tight encounter just can’t happen again and we have looked to iron out the whys this week while looking forward to going up to Royal Wootton Bassett.

“We expect a real test up there and go into it fully aware we need to be right on the money to get the result we want against a very good outfit.”

While the pack remains unchanged, there are two alterations to the backline as winger Dan Navas (concussion) and George Tregilgas drop out. Last year’s co-captain Ben Plummer has gone back to Australia having been on the bench last week.

Parsons concluded: “We welcome Neldus Kruger for his debut having arrived a few days ago, and Tom Tanswell who has joined us on loan from Camborne. We have family history there after we enjoyed a season-long loan from his brother Will two years ago, so very grateful to Camborne and Ricky Pellow as we carry on our relationship. “

ST AUSTELL at Royal Wootton Bassett: Max Bullen; Finn Bulley, Neldus Kruger, Jamie Stanlake, Dan Tyrrell; Tom Tanswell, Jake Walker; Dan Bennett, Charlie Wild, Charlie Nicholson; Tom Daniel, Mark Vian; Hector Bright, Cam Taylor, Kyle Marriott. Replacements: Scott Pearce, Rory Jago, Adam Powell, Sam Stokes, Sam Parsons.