Teignmouth 15 St Ives 23

Teignmouth’s unbeaten record finally fell as a talented St Ives side kept up the pressure at the top of the league with a well-organised performance based on the organisational skills of fly half Ceiran Thomas.
Thomas, who spent last season playing in the second level of the national pyramid, gave a masterclass in tactical kicking and passing which allowed the visitors’ backs to dictate the tempo of a match which the home side hoped to dominate through their forwards.
At first, it seemed like the Teigns’ plan was working to perfection, as they spent the first 20 minutes encamped in the Cornishmen’s half. The pressure told almost immediately as a rolling maul resulted in a try from hooker Andy Webber which Dan Force converted.
On the basis that a tactic which has worked once will probably work again, Teignmouth continued to keep the ball in the forwards and were rewarded when another maul saw prop Paul Scott touch down to give them a 12-0 lead.
If the home side thought they had the game in their pocket, they were soon disabused of this notion. Realising that if they were to get back into the game they would have to keep the ball away from the home forwards, St Ives started to open up the play and bring their excellent backs into play. Using the quick hands and pinpoint kicking of Thomas, they began to dominate, and before half time had taken the lead with well-worked tries from Neil Corin and Kyle Moyle, and a conversion and penalty from Thomas.
The home supporters must have feared the worst, but Teignmouth rallied in the second half, and St Ives had to rely on resolute defence and a breakaway try from Jake Nennis to wrap up the points. Thomas and Force also swapped penalties to leave the visitors winners by 23-15.
So, despite the disappointment of a first defeat, Teignmouth remain in top spot, but their lead has been reduced to one point. Another serious test of their promotion credentials comes this Saturday with another home match, this time against Withycombe, kick off 3pm.