Saints well beaten at impressive Royal Wootton Bassett

ST AUSTELL fell to a heavy defeat at an impressive Royal Wootton Bassett side in Wiltshire on Saturday, but took a bonus point back to Cornwall.

The Saints travelled with two changes to the side that had edged out Chew Valley in their opener as South African back Neldus Kruger made his debut having arrived in the country earlier in the week, while Camborne loanee Tom Tanswell also started after joining on loan from Camborne.

Dan Navas (concussion) and George Tregilgas dropped out of the side, while it also meant a slight reshuffle as young fly-half Finn Bulley switched to the wing to accommodate Tanswell. Kruger started at outside-centre in place of Tregilgas.

There were two noticeable milestones for the travelling party. Skipper Mark Vian started on his 200th appearance for the club, while back-rower Rory Jago came off the bench to reach the century mark.

St Austell started well and Kruger scored with his first touch early on following Australian hooker Connor Wild’s offload, but from there on the hosts’ powerful forwards and backline took control to lead 27-10 at the break despite Bulley getting the Saints’ other score.

The Cornishmen scored 19 points in the second half to ensure a losing bonus point via joint man-of-the-matches Wild and Kyle Marriott and a penalty try, however once again their usually reliable defence had no answer to Bassett who ended up deserved winners.

A Cornish derby at home to Launceston awaits on Saturday (2.30pm).

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

Tries: Kruger, Bulley, Wild, Marriott, penalty try; Convs: Kruger; Pens: N/A.

Saints man-of-the-match: Connor Wild/Kyle Marriott.