SALTASH secured promotion back to Western Counties West on Wednesday night by hammering Tavistock 78-0 at Sandy Park.

The five points the Ashes picked up guarantees them a top two finish in the Cornwall/Devon League, along with Wellington.

Wellington look favourites to win the title. They just need one point from their home game with Torrington on Saturday to go up as champions, while Saltash would need five from their trip to Bude.

But winning promotion caps a memorable campaign for the Ashes, who still have a Twickenham cup final appearance to look forward to on May 6.

Cornwall winger Will Morton was again in top form for them against Tavistock. He scored a hat-trick as the Ashes ran in 12 tries against a makeshift home side. Fellow Duchy player Lewis Wells also went over for three.

The visitors were 33-0 up at the break thanks to two touch-downs apiece by Morton and Lewis Wells and also one for flanker Phil Eatwell. Kieran Down converted four of them.

And Saltash did not let up in the second half. Morton and Wells completed their hat-tricks, while there were also scores for James Moriaty, Carroll, Eatwell, Ryan Rayner and Ryan Cruickshanks.

Saltash were last in Western Counties West two years ago.