Devonport Services on the attack against Saltash (picture by Mark Andrews)
DEVONPORT Services came from behind to beat Saltash 12-10 in a competitive pre-season match at the Rectory on Friday evening.
Both teams had players missing for their last warm-up match before their league campaigns get underway on September 2.
Cornwall/Devon League side Saltash started the better and took a 10-0 lead at the break thanks to a try, a conversion and a penalty from Kieran Downs.
Saltash clear the ball from a ruck (picture by Mark Andrews)
After defending for the opening 10 minutes, Western Counties West outfit Devonport did have a couple of good chances in the first half, but Saltash defended their line really well.
Service were held up on the line seven minutes later and then wasted another good chance in the 58th minute.
But eventually their pressure told when Jason Stead crossed from a catch-and-drive move on 64 minutes and crucially Tom West converted to put his side two points in front.
Both sides made quite a few handling errors in the last quarter, but showed plenty of spirit and fight.
Devonport Services come within inches of scoring in the first half (picture by Mark Andrews)
Saltash try to stop a Services attack (picture by Mark Andrews)