Western Counties West League

St Ives 27,

Kingsbridge 14

Kingsbridge travelled to table-topping St Ives on a murky windy day and came away defeated but not bowed.

The visitors were a match for the powerful home side for much of the game. They were undone by a try late in the first half, which left them with too much to do in the second when they had the advantage of the wind.

It’s easy to see why St Ives are on top of the league, they have a powerful set of forwards with an outstanding eight and a well-drilled set of backs and it’s to Kings credit that they never let them get away. The final scoreline of 27-14 was a true reflection of the game.

Playing with the wind in the first half, St Ives withstood early pressure from Kings, with Ali Hamilton having a couple of storming runs, but went in front after a long-range penalty.

From the restart, they were soon on the attack again and only a magnificent try-saving tackle by full back Thom Leman kept them from scoring.

After a series of penalties Kings went down to 14 with prop Stu Winzer yellow carded, and a further transgression resulted in the referee awarding St Ives a penalty try to make the score 10-0.

Kingsbridge kept the home side at bay for the remainder of the half until the very last minute, of an abnormally long extra period, when St Ives playing deep in Kings territory caught and drove from a lineout going over for their second. Unconverted leaving the half time score 15-0.

Kings again started the half well but were soon on the back foot as the powerful St Ives scrum went to work and through a series of powerful breaks they went further ahead with a further try.

Kingsbridge came straight back with real purpose and were rewarded with their first points as hooker Jake Vincent crashed over from close range with Leman adding the extra to bring them back into the game at 20-7.

However, it wasn’t long before Kings were on the back foot again and succumbed to a St Ives’ bonus-point try, which was converted.

But, as always, Kings­bridge never gave up and were rewarded with their second try after good work from Dan Jarvis, which allowed Winzer to score the visitors’ second try, which was converted by Leman to make the final score 27-14.

A good performance from Kingsbridge against a team surely destined for promotion.

Kingsbridge A XV were without a match last weekend while the Colts’ scheduled Merit Table match at Okehampton was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

This Saturday sees the first XV welcome second-placed Devonport to High House in the league, kick off 2.30pm.

Kingsbridge A XV travel to face Honiton IIs in the Merit Table while the Colts welcome Top­sham Colts to the Longfield Pitch for a 2pm kick-off.