A spirited late rally from Sidmouth Chiefs wasn't quite enough to upend the highly experienced St Austell team on Saturday.

In a physical encounter at a sun-drenched Blackmore, Sidmouth proved they can go toe-to-toe with any team in league, ultimately securing two vital losing bonus points in their battle to climb away from the relegation play-off spots.

The home side started with intent, their disciplined defence frustrating the visitors for the opening twenty minutes.

The pressure finally told when George Locke went over for Sidmouth's first try. Lewis Tose added the conversion.

However, St Austell then showed why they are at the top end of the table. Despite Sidmouth’s heroic goal-line stand in the Heydons Lane corner, the visitors eventually found an overlap to narrow the gap.

As the half drew to a close, a clinical 50:22 from the Saints' fly-half turned the tide.

A series of infringements led to a yellow card for flanker Shaun Malton, and with the man advantage, the Cornish side crossed twice in quick succession to lead 7-19 at the interval.

Down to 14 men, Sidmouth refused to fold.

Prop Haydon Down epitomized the Devonian grit, bulldozing his way over early in the second period, and with Lewis Tose adding the extras, the Blackmore was rocking at 14-19.

​St Austell Saints' quality shone through in the final quarter, capitalizing on a break from their skipper to extend the lead to 14-33.

But the Devonians weren't finished.

In a grandstand finish, the Sidmouth "catch and drive" became unstoppable, crossing for two late tries for Rabbie Hansford to bring the score within seven.

Unfortunately, time ran out on the comeback, leaving the Saints relieved to hear the final whistle.

Sidmouth Chiefs visit the English Riviera to play Brixham (Saturday 7th March)

Sidmouth RFC Chiefs

Tries; George Locke, Haydon Down, Rabbie Hansford (2)

Conversions; Lewis Tose (3)

Yellow Carded; Shaun Malton

St Austell RFC Saints

Tries; B Saunders (2), K Marriott (2), A Tyndale-Powell

Conversions; M Shepherd (4)

Yellow Carded; J Stanlake