On a beautiful but cold afternoon there was no better place to be to watch a great game of running rugby as Caswell lane hosted the South West Counties final between Gordano and Saltash. With Gordano juniors section giving both teams guard of honour it was set up for a great game and the large crowd wasn’t disappointed. Saltash well known for there quick starts were again out the blocks like a rocket and it was only 5 mins in when they scored in the corner for an unconverted try. Gordano were trying to get themselves into the game but couldn’t build any pressure but Saltash were looking dangerous every time they had the ball. In the 11th minute Saltash extended their lead with a try though their winger for a converted try 0-12 to Saltash. Gordano knew they needed to get a grip of the game and they were lead by skipper tom Arnall who powered over for their first try of the game , converted by Alex Walder. On the half hour mark Gordano were hammering at the Saltash line again and Cornishmen Royce Chiddle found himself in some space to touch down for another score converted again by Walder. With the half coming to an end Saltash were awarded a penalty which they decided to kick for goal which was successful for the ashes to take the half time lead 14-15.

Goradno knew this was there time to shine and started the second half with high pace and the added tempo caused Saltash problems and were making yards with each attack. With the defence in disarray centre Joe Rowsell noticed the space behind and put in a cleaver little kick which he chase himself, with luck on his side after the ball bounced off the post away from the covering full back for the easiest of touch downs. Again, Walder added the extras and Gordano lead by 21-15. The game begun to get tight up with both teams feeling the pressure of big game and Saltash who won the shield last season showed their experience and closed the gap with a quick tap pen from the prop Adam Coutts who powered his way over to close the gap, conversion missed. On the hour Saltash took the lead as their nippy scrum half score from close range to take the lead, this time to conversation was added. 21-27. Gordano tried there hardest to get back into the game but Saltash had tighten up their defence and were holding out the efforts of the Gordano players. Saltash put the game to bed with only 2 minutes left as a good move off the scrum finished off by winger Ryan Rayner, this time the extras were added. With no time left Gordano tried for the miracle try but fell short and Saltash kicked the ball out to signal the end of an entertaining match.

It was a fantastic match that lived up to its billing but unfortunately Gordano fell the wrong side of the result but can be proud that they were so close in a match that was played at a very high level. There were some great performances from captain Tom Arnall and Stuart Harris who both worked hard all day, but the Richwood Construction man of the match was Sam Hodge, who’s carries made yards every time and his defence was fierce.

Next week Gordano get back to their league challenge with a home game against Minehead Ko 2.30pm.