Depleted Kingsbridge defeated at Newton Abbot

KINGSBRIDGE RFC women travelled with a short-handed side to Newton Abbot on Sunday, November 1, and this shone through on the scoreboard.

The All Whites were at it from the off and with some strong running, winger Izzy Parks was the first to cross, Katie Burtwell adding the conversion.

Kings were then able to settle into the game before Newton pushed on, Tara Sercombe, Lucy Jenkin and Rhianna Everson all adding tries to give the hosts a 26-0 lead at the turnaround.

There would have been more points between the two sides were it not for Kingsbridge’s resolute defending.

One play in particular saw Georgia Berryman and Megan Sams unite to deny a certain score in the corner.

Newton may have picked up where they left off, Dani Pritchard powering over shortly at the break, but Kings stuck at it and had a try to show for it.

The experienced Hayley Hopkins gathered possession from well within her own half and set off around and then behind the home defence to score what was perhaps the try of the day.

Their hosts fired back with two tries from range of their own through Gee Dolan and Zara Butt.

A second moment of brilliance earned Kingsbridge further points in reply; Maddie Grant showing fleet of foot to move into space, picking out the hole and crashing over.

As with Hopkins’ try, it was out towards the touchline and so the conversion was unsuccessful.

Whilst Newton had a handful of subs they could send on, Kingsbridge travelled with a bare side and both teams even had to drop a player when one was injured.

This numerical difference was telling as a trio of replacements- Grace Eckford, Butt and Emily Nott- helped the hosts run up the score.

The result leaves Kingsbridge fourth in the division, having won one of three games, whilst Newton Abbot are on a tear, with three victories from three.

Kings will hope to have greater numbers when they host winless Camborne on Sunday, November 8.