WILL MORTON broke Saltash’s try scoring record for the season as they ended their 2023-24 campaign on a high by beating Perranporth 58-26 to lift the Cornwall Clubs’ Cup at Launceston on Saturday.

The prolific winger bagged six tries in the final at Polson Bridge to take his tally for the season to 48.

After narrowly missing out on the Counties Two Cornwall title, the Lockie Cup and reaching Twickenham in the Papa Johns Cup, it was a nice way for Saltash to end a season where they have managed to score four tries in every match they have played and finished with a massive 103 points from their 22 games in the league.

Perranporth battled hard, but they were unable to contain the Ashes’ open-style of play.

Saltash took the lead after only three minutes when Morton bagged his first of the day.

The Brewers hit back and following some sustained pressure Justyn Winkler-Irons scored close to the posts for Ben Jones to add the conversion and put them 7-5 ahead.

But the Ashes went back in front with a good passing move finished by Morton on 18 minutes and then a try by hooker Rob Walsh moments later, which Lewis Stuart converted to make it 17-7.

Two more tries late in the half by Morton and skipper Jay Moriarty increased the lead to 29-7.

Perranporth immediately came back with a Martin Rainbird converted touch-down, but there was still time before the interval for Ashes prop Ryan Simmons to grab a score on the right wing and with the conversion that gave them a 36-14 lead at the break.

The second period started strongly for Saltash with Morton ending a cross-field attack with a try.

But a forward drive by the Perranporth pack saw Axel Nicks, who guested for them from Saltash, score near the posts to cut the gap to 41-19.

However, Saltash continued to dominate and more tries came from Moriarty and Morton (2).

Perranporth were rewarded for their battling performance with a late Tom Simmons touch-down, which was converted by Ben Jones.

Considering the hot conditions, it was an entertaining final played in a good spirit.

The Ashes backs and forwards were able to combine well to win and put a trophy on the shelf at the ‘Shed’.

Although Morton broke the club’s try scoring record, the man of the match in the final went to forward Devon Bennett-Murray, who worked hard with great carries and produced a non-stop performance.