Kingsbridge Colts 56, Newton Abbot Colts 5

 

This week's visitors at High House for this Devon Colts league game were Newton Abbot.

The visitors had the first attack, but the home team's defence was strong and showed that there was an early intent to compete in the loose.

Kingsbridge were first to put a score on the board following a loose ball from a line-out, Jeff Merrin crashing through to score, converted by George Banfield, for 7-0.

The pressure stayed on the visitors and a dummy break by Matt Hodgson opened up the visitors' defence for him to go over for a converted score and 14-0.

The visitors seemed to have no answer for the home team's defence, with Alex Allen and Billy Morgan putting in some massive hits.

Unfortunately, a shoulder injury to Harry Pilling saw him leave the field to be replaced by James Barlow.

A penalty in midfield was the home team's next score, slotted over by George Banfield for 17-0.

A good backs move saw the All Whites score an unconverted try before Kings hit back with a penalty from Banfield and a try by Merrin for 25-5.

The second half needed the home team forwards to show some more desire and from the start they ripped into the visitors. This gave the opportunity for Matt Hodgson to go over for his second try, 30-5, followed by Marco Alfano driving over for 35-5.

The forwards were now playing a dominant game and this was rewarded by Jeff Merrin's third try for 42-5.

Two converted tries by Billy Morgan revealed the space now on offer, exploiting a two-man overlap to make it 56-5.

This was another convincing team effort, where all members of the squad showed that they are key to the team game. The next league game is at Paignton.