Devon Cup final

RFC U16s 21,

Devonport

Services RFC 7

In atrocious conditions at Ivybridge, Kingsbridge still managed to play expansive rugby with half-backs Rory Shillabeer and Mat Hodgson making excellent use of the abundant possession given by the dominant forwards.

It wasn't long before the pressure was rewarded when the talented Elliot Pound raced over under the posts for the first try, converted by Lee Morgan.

More excellent forward play saw Kings edging towards the try line, from where powerful John Merrin drove over for their second try, converted by Morgan.

Although Kings battered the Services line, it remained 14 - 0 at half-time.

The second half started the same way, but it seemed the referee decided he wanted to even the game up by penalising Kingbridge nearly every time they were in possession.

Frustration set in and Kings were being marched back ten metres repeatedly.

But Kingsbridge do not give in easily and a foray down in the Services 22 saw the gifted Hodgson dummy the opposition and then feed Angus Beattie, who raced in unopposed for their third try, again converted by Morgan.

The referee penalised Kings again and again, eventually sin-binning man-of-the-match Jeff Merrin, and it was in this phase of the game when Services scored their try through what was excellent forward play.

Now with their tails up and the referee's help, Services battered Kings' line, only to be thwarted by excellent defensive work, marshalled by inspirational captain Charlie Brooking.

With the penalty tally being two awarded to Kings and thirty-six against, the boys did well to keep their composure and finished the game as worthy winners.

They now hold the Fisherman's Cup and the Devon Cup, with one more final to play, the Devon League Final, which takes place at Sandy Park against Sidmouth on May 6.