Tribute Western Counties West

Kingsbridge 21, Tavistock 3

KINGSBRIDGE returned to league action at High House on Saturday for the visit of newly promoted Tavistock. The Blue and Whites were keen to put the last week's narrow defeat at league leaders St Austell behind them and return to winning ways in front of a large partisan home crowd.

The opening quarter was extremely tight, with play continually switching from end to end and both defences being tested thoroughly. Kingsbridge had a chance to open the scoring after 12 minutes when they were awarded a five-metre scrum in front of the posts, but the resulting possession was lost forward and the chance was gone. The visitors finally broke the deadlock on 21 minutes as Kingsbridge were penalised for offside in front of their posts and the kick was duly taken to make the score 0-3.

Kingsbridge immediately took play back into the Tavistock half and crossed over for the first try of the afternoon, courtesy of hooker James Westlake. A storming run from lock Andy Rossiter took play deep into the Tavistock 22, and the resulting ruck saw Westlake burrow his way over in the corner. Fly-half Ben Newman added an excellent touchline conversion to put Kingsbridge ahead at 7-3.

A second try for the hosts right on the stroke of half time stretched their lead.

A forwards-dominated drive for the line from a ten-metre line-out saw play taken right up to the Tavistock line, from where scrum-half Tristan Couch did what he does best to force his way over from close range.

Newman again converted to take the half time score to 14-3.

Kingsbridge enjoyed some superb periods of play during the second half but were unable to penetrate the well-organised Tavistock defence and it was not until midway through the second half that the hosts were able to increase their lead.

This try showed the Kingsbridge back line off in its full glory, with great hands and superb support play.

Fly-half Newman set centre Tom Speechly on his way and his well-timed step back inside, to take out two defenders, saw the ball moved to fellow centre Ed Lennon, who put wing James Trout away to score in the corner on the overlap. Newman again added a great conversion to take the score out to 21-3.

Kingsbridge were now scenting the fourth, and the bonus point try, but were kept pinned back by some tenacious Tavistock play and the game reached an unfortunate conclusion as the final whistle was blown early.

This was due to an injury sustained by one of the Tavistock players who had fallen awkwardly after jumping to take a high ball. With possible back and neck injuries suspected, the land ambulance and then the Devon Air Ambulance were both summoned to High House and the player was transferred to Derriford Hospital. Kingsbridge have been in touch with Tavistock early this week and are pleased to report that the player was released from hospital on Sunday and should not sustain any long-lasting damage from the injury.

Scorers – James Westlake, Tristan Couch and James Trout. Ben Newman scored three conversions).

This weekend sees Kingsbridge travel to face Wellington in the league, while the unbeaten A XV are currently without a match. Kingsbridge Colts, who are unbeaten in the Merit Table so far this season, welcome Newton Abbot Colts to High House at 3pm.

Advance warning to all interested parties is the annual past players lunch, which this season will be held on Saturday, October 6 at noon and will be followed by the 1st XV match against Truro. Tickets can be booked by contacting the club chairman Phil Darke on 01548 561089 or club secretary Martin Newman on 01548 853976.

 

Tavistock II's 12, Kingsbridge A XV 26

Kingsbridge A XV made it three out of three for the start of the new season and continued their strong start to the new Merit Table campaign on Saturday as they overcame the challenge of Tavistock II's.

Both teams started slowly in this match, with far more handling errors than either team would have liked. However, once the visitors settled they were rewarded with the game's first try as centre Duncan Lilburn powered through for the only score of the first half.

The second half saw the blue and whites play the majority of the half with only 14 players, due to three Kingsbridge players being yellow carded for infringements. The hosts seemed not to transgress once during the half and remained at full strength.

However, despite being a man down for most of the half, Kingsbridge defended superbly and although Tavistock scored two tries, Kingsbridge fought back and scored further tries through winger Martin Fletcher, Lilburn and fly-half Jack Davey. Davey was also successful with three conversions.

Special praise this week must go the front five in the pac,k who were outstanding all afternoon, and in particular the front row of Scotty Holford, Richie Rossiter and Jack Taylor, who provided the solid platform for the excellent away victory.

Scorers – Duncan Lilburn two, Martin Fletcher and Jack Davey a try and three conversions.