Tribute Western Counties West

St Ives 5,

Kingsbridge 55

KINGSBRIDGE travelled into deepest darkest Cornwall on Sat­urday for this WCW clash, where debutants Joe Banfield and Matt Allen enjoyed great starts to their first-team careers.

Both Colts players, who were drafted on to the bench, scored in an easy victory over a struggling St Ives team.

Kingsbridge had travelled with a new-look side forced on them with a series of injuries and unavailability. While never playing to their top form, Kings won 5-55.

The game was the story of two halves. Kings forwards took control of the game in the first half with a powerful display with two tries from the ever-present Mike Powell, the first within two minutes.

St Ives were continually guilty of trying to kill the ball and giving away too many penalties, which kept Kings on the front foot. From yet another penalty Treeby drilled a long kick and from the line-out Jack Cope scored.

Continued domination and a host of errors from the home team saw Ali Hamilton snatch two more tries as Kings took a lead of 0-29 to half-time.

After the break Kings' backs came alive and treated the crowd, many of whom had made the long trip from Kingsbridge, to some fine running rugby.

There were some magnificent moves stemming from individual breaks, skipper Ben Glover to the fore. Quick passing and in­terplay brought about three unanswered tries.

Both Banfields, George and younger brother Joe, went over after fine breaks and good, quick hands.

Debutant Matt Allen, who ran some great lines all afternoon, was put into space after Newman and Glover had broken through to score his opener.

St Ives never gave up and had a try of their own as their big lock crashed over for a try shortly before the end.

Not to be outdone, Kings replied straight away with a fine run by stand-in scrum-half James Trout, whose score sealed the win. Ashley Treeby contri­buted with five conversions.

This Saturday sees Kingsbridge 1st XV travel to Okehampton in the league, while the A XV will entertain Barnstaple thirds at High House in the Devon Merit Table with KO at 3pm on the High House pitch.

The Colts play host to local rivals Ivybridge Colts on the Longfield Pitch at 2.30pm.

Ex-players of Kings­bridge RFC are advised that this season's annual Past Players' Day will be on Saturday, October 18, when the 1st XV play host to Tavistock.

The lunch will take place from noon and those interested should contact president Jonathan Robinson or secretary Martin New­man.