Kingsbridge U12s 61,
Ivybridge U12s 7
A sobering result for Ivybridge against an excellent Kingsbridge side who played some blistering rugby that the Ivybridge boys couldn't cope with.
While the result perhaps does not reflect the competitive nature of the game, Kingsbridge's decision-making in the backs, with intelligent kicking and use of space out wide, gave them an early lead which they quickly built upon.
Kingsbridge looked fitter and were getting to the breakdown in fours and fives rather than Ivybridge's ones and twos, allowing them to turn over the ball and quickly turn defence into attack.
With a developing squad Ivybridge will learn from this and at times the movement of their opposition was sublime, making defence very difficult.
Having said this, several of Kingsbridge's tries came from missed tackles and this needs to be addressed throughout the squad.
Up front Ewan Stephens and Hamish Harris worked hard – Harris broke through at the line-out to score Ivybridge's only try and in the backs Will Rogers defended valiantly along with Archie Bryan. Harry Towle was, as ever, safe under the high ball.
So congratulations to Kingsbridge and more work to be done on the training pitch for the Ivybridge boys.
They need to collectively step up and be counted the next time things start to go against them, with higher levels of commitment than were on display today.
Kingsbridge Colts 45,
Devonport Colts 7
Kingsbridge were paid a visit by Devonport Colts and immediately Kings were putting in great defensive work as Devonport came out strong.
Great tackling from Chris Canevali and Shane Freeman in particular held out Devonport.
Kings at times were lethargic in the first half at times, but Billy Oram forced a turnover penalty and a quick tap put Matt Allen in, George Jones converting for 7-0.
A bit of white line fever then broke out in Kings, before they counter attacked from a poor kick and Fynn McCoy put James Ogglesby in for 12-0.
Straight from the kick-off the ball was caught and fed to Mat Allen, who ran in for another try, converted again by Jones, 19-0.
The rest of the half followed a similar pattern with mistakes by Kings followed by a score, with Allen, and Ogglesby going over to make the half-time lead 31-0.
Kings brought on the Foale twins, Jack Way, Tom Simpson, George Rivas and Fred Mathews, plus Will Dorey.
Kings went through several phases for Fynn McCoy to go over, converted by Ogglesby to make it 38-0. Tom Wotton added another, converted by Ogglesby, to make it 45-0.
A great counter-attack from Devonport's flying Fijian winger was stopped by Tom Wotton with a great tackle. Right at the end Devonport scored a try to make the final score 45-7.
Kings travel to Ivybridge for the next Merit Table game this Saturday, kick-off 1.30pm.
Kingsbridge U15s 17,
Ivybridge U15s 20
Kingsbridge travelled to Ivybridge and despite a sleepy start, the game turned round to be a tight affair.
Kingsbridge kicked off but Ivybridge showed they meant business, moving into the Kingsbridge half.
Louis Chapman put in a crunching tackle, but Ivy found a gaping hole in the napping Kingsbridge defence to score a converted try.
Just seven minutes later Kingsbridge were not organised from a line-out and again Ivy took advantage, scoring from an overlap.
Possession passed back and forth as Kings gradually became more alert and from a turnover and a chip by Will Throgmorton, Devon scooped the ball cleanly passed out to Sam West, who put Kings on the board.
Early in the second half Ivy once again turned the ball over and scored. The next score came when Kings were awarded a penalty for Ivy holding on.
From the resulting Kingsbridge scrum quick-thinking James Tait sprinted blindside three-quarters of the pitch to score.
Just two minutes later good handling from Will and Louis got the ball to Devon, who turned on the afterburners to put Kings level with less than five minutes to play.
Unfortunately Ivybridge were awarded a penalty which they kicked on the whistle to win the game.
Ivybridge U13s 24,
Kingsbridge U13s 36
This was always going to be a competitive game between the 'bridges'.
From the kick-off Kings worked tirelessly in the ruck, with Ivor turning over ball. There was some great work from Ben G too, out of position as flanker.
Ivy put pressure on Kings, but a scrum saw Kings win back possession, a feature in the game with solid hooking from Ben L.
Archie secured a lose ball which got passed to Toby, and he opened the scoring.
A long ball into Kings' 22 from the kick-off, was taken by Marcel, playing at full-back for the first time, a good decision as he ran the length of the pitch to score, with Tom converting.
Ivy then put Kings on the back foot but again there was good defence. Sheer persistence gave the home team their first points.
Another good kick from Ivy resulted in a penalty try.
This gave Kings the impetus they needed and a tackle from Ivor spilled the ball for Toby to pick up and score.
The second half saw Kings playing up the slope and, with no substitutes, they would have to dig deep to keep their lead.
From a pick and drive, Oscar scooped up the ball and accelerated to score. Toby added his third try shortly after. Ivy responded with a powerful run on the wing.
A well-worked passage of play gave Toby yet another try, his hard work and commitment giving him an outstanding game.
It was Ivy who bridged the gap, securing the last try in an exciting and contested match which the spectators enjoyed.
The whole team can be applauded for rising to the challenge and proving they are still great to watch.
Kingsbridge U12s 48,
Ivybridge U12s 7
Kingsbridge U12s played hosts to the current Devon and Land Rover Cup holders Ivybridge at High House on Sunday.
With the coaches emphasising the need for the team to stick to their game plan of high tempo tackling and use of Kings pace, the match got off to a flying start.
From the kick-off Ivybridge immediately went on the attack, but a great clearance from Moss led to some superb play, allowing Charlie Chandler to open the scoring with a blistering solo run, converted by Alex.
With the nerves settled Kingsbridge played as one cohesive unit with outstanding tackling and efficient rucking.
The hard work from the forwards led to Ivybridge leaving themselves exposed on the wing, with Wilf punishing them with a well-worked converted try.
While a stunned Ivybridge tried to regroup, Kings were relentless, allowing a try for Ruari, converted by Moss.
Further tries from Wilf left Ivybridge with a huge task to turn the match round.
After the break Ivybridge looked more composed from the re-start and with some pressure from the lineout scored a well worked converted try.
While momentarily it looked like the comeback might be on, the Kingsbridge juggernaut was relentless with the immediate response being a try from Charlie Cunningham.
With Henry and Tom tackling relentlessly, the wings were left with plenty of space leading to further tries from Wilf, Bertie and Alex, resulting in a resounding victory for Kings.
This was an outstanding team performance with all players contributing and sticking to the game plan.
The final result was just reward for all the hard work the coaches and team have put in recently.
Kingsbridge U11s 20,
Ivybridge U11s 5
On a grey and blustery autumnal morning, battle resumed at High House between two of south Devon's most intense rivals.
Kingsbridge played with power, intensity, passion, and no little skill from the off.
Ivybridge are never a team to underestimate though, and for all of the Kings bright attacking moves, the visiting defence managed to hold firm.
It needed a moment of quick thinking to unlock the defence, and this was duly delivered by Jack, who took a quick tap, allowing Joe to touch down in the corner.
The opening score lifted the Kings further, and a number of fluid passing moves led to another penalty deep in the Ivybridge half.
Once again, the quick tap proved effective, and strong running from Ollie saw him over the line for the second try of the day.
The Kings were now well on top, with Ivybridge struggling to get out of their own half.
Strong tackling from Louis and Finn, and committed rucking from all players made further inroads into the defence, with Jack getting a much deserved try to make it 15-0 at half time.
Kingsbridge rung the changes at half time, and picked up from where they left off.
Noah made a barnstorming break from his own half before the ball was worked to Domi, who ran half the field to make it 20-0.
Ivybridge fought hard to come back into the game, and to their credit did not give up.
However, a single try was the only response they managed, and Kings ran out comfortable winners 20-5.
The entire Kings squad should be congratulated and both teams should be pleased with the committed, but fair, spirit in which the game was played.
Kingsbridge U10s
It was a fine day on Sunday when Kings U10s hosted near neighbours Ivybridge at Belle Hill.
For once Kings faced an equally strong squad and last year's experience told them that this game was to be no push over.
For the first time this season it was the visitors who drew first blood after Kings succumbed to relentless pressure.
The Blues soon bounced back, however, and it was Harry Rodwell who evened the score. The tables were now turning in Kingsbridge's favour, mainly due to fantastic work in the ruck by Tom Partridge, who had a fine day.
He was supported admirably by Alpheus Terblanche, Max Ferguson and Louis Tollins.
With Ben Walwryn and Rhys Stevens making valuable ground on the wings, it wasn't long before a well-worked move orchestrated by Pip Burton Race got Harry over the line for his second.
Both teams were able to field fresh teams for the second half, and after team great pressure Otis Morgan battled over the line to extend the Kings lead.
Strong hole-punching runs by Joe Burner, Josh Perrett and Finley Roberts and great defensive play by Jayden Bacon and Matt Hill continued to give Kings the upper hand.
Stan Gerrard strolled up the line to make the final score Kingsbridge 3, Ivybridge 1.
With some run left in their legs and a score to settle Ivybridge agreed to a second game.
Both teams fielded the same teams as the first game, but this time Kingsbridge decided to enforce their authority.
Tries by Ben Walwryn, Rhys Stevens, Joe Burner and Max Ferguson to one from Ivybridge, and one try from Matt Hill in the second half, contributed to a conclusive end to the proceedings.
Kingsbridge U8s 3
Ivybridge U8s 7
With only eight players, Kingsbridge struggled in this half-term fixture against a well-drilled Ivybridge side.
Ivybridge arrived with two teams and so a round-robin tournament was played.
The best match came with Kingsbridge's second game, Ivybridge applying the pressure straight from the whistle and scoring quickly.
This seemed to galvanise Kingsbridge and their successive tagging was rewarded with turnover ball, which they used to score through Ben Meek.
Much-improved new arrival Giles Hamner-Grant worked hard, as did Joel Barry and Matthew Taylor. Harry Howell ran down the wing for his try, then Ben kept the try scores equal with another fine run to the corner.
This is when Ivybridge stepped up a gear and despite Oscar Howell's good passing and promising runs from Fergus Raymond and William Varney, Ivybridge took their tally to seven tries.
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