Tyrrell stars once more as Saints win at Topsham

ST AUSTELL picked up a first away win of the season on Saturday with an impressive success at last year’s runners-up Topsham.

The Saints headed to East Devon having gained a morale-boosting victory over Weston-super-Mare a week earlier and were able to welcome back Matt Boothby as scrum-half Will Tanswell was also given a start with Jake Walker switching over the wing in place of Finn Bulley.

However, the hosts started well, crossing after just four minutes for an unconverted try from George Tucker.

But bar that, St Austell, who saw Max Bullen and Hector Bright make their 100th appearances for the club, responded superbly, eventually levelling on the half-hour mark as a superb kick and chase from winger Dan Tyrrell saw him gather the ball to dot down.

The Cornishmen went into half-time in front as fly-half Neldus Kruger slotted over a penalty.

Flanker Rory Jago was forced off with an ankle problem at half-time to be replaced by Bright, and in the 57th minute they extended their lead as a fine passing move ended with inside-centre Jamie Stanlake going over.

Hugh Moore responded within two minutes for the hosts, but another brilliant St Austell move extended the lead once more with Tyrrell going over for his second.

Australian hooker Connor Wild was forced off with a nasty injury, but they soon had daylight as good work from AJ King and Walker ended with flanker Cam Taylor securing the bonus-point try.

St Austell end the first six-week block in fifth, seven points off third-placed Exmouth.

ST AUSTELL: Max Bullen; Jake Walker, AJ King, Jamie Stanlake, Dan Tyrrell; Neldus Kruger, Will Tanswell; Matt Boothby, Connor Wild, Charlie Nicholson; Adam Powell, Mark Vian (capt), Rory Jago, Cam Taylor, Kyle Marriott. Replacements: Dan Bennett, Scott Pearce, Hector Bright, Sam Stokes, George Tregilgas.

Tries: Tyrrell (2), Stanlake, Taylor; Convs: Kruger (2); Pens: Kruger.

Saints’ man-of-the-match: Dan Tyrrell.