Wellington 1st XV 5-40 St.Austell 1st XV

THE league leaders St Austell were the visitors to The Athletic Ground last Saturday.

The Chiefs had to make numerous changes to the playing squad from the previous weeks fine win against Wadebridge.

Despite the changes The Chiefs were still able to put out a talented and competitive squad.

The Saints, stung by last week’s unexpected defeat, traveled with a full strength squad.

Playing away from the clubhouse The Saints started strong taking a early lead via a converted try.

The Chiefs came back strong following this score but were denied by a resolute Saints defence to clear their line.

The Chiefs manufactured some promising attacks, one such attack was halted with an intercepted pass and a converted try from 55metres out.

Buoyed by this score The Saints soon scored another converted try soon after and at this point the writing did appear to be on the wall for The Chiefs but to their credit they rolled up their sleeves and soon crossed for an unconverted try by Chris Kitto from an unstoppable dominant scrum.

The Saints scored the last try of the half, which was converted, with the last play of the half, a dubious try in many ways that indicated it was not going to be The Chiefs afternoon.

A half time debrief and The Chiefs doubled their efforts but were thwarted by The Saints well marshalled defence on numerous occasions.

The Saints created chances of their own and like the first half were clinical with ball in hand crossing for two more tries one of which was converted for a handsome 5-40 win.

It has been suggested by some that this defeat was a bit of a drubbing for The Chiefs. The score does indicate this but the score does not do The Chiefs justice.

The Saints are a top team, with top players, clinical when attacking & defensively very sound, they were the better team and deserved throughly deserved the win.

Next week The Chiefs travel to Sherborne, a side they beat earlier on in the season, however this will be a huge challenge for The Chiefs.

Sherborne will be desperate for the league points in their battle against relegation plus they have had some fine wins and close defeats when playing at home.