Kingsbridge 21,

Paignton 0

KINGSBRIDGE kicked off the new rugby season at High House on Saturday with a warm-up match against Paignton.

After their first scheduled warm up match the previous week failed to materialise when the visitors failed to honour the fixture, the Blue and Whites were keen to get in some game time ahead of the new league season, which kicks off on Saturday, September 5.

Despite missing a number of first-choice players for various reasons, the Blue and Whites ended up proving too strong for their visitors from the league below.

Despite a slow start, Kingsbridge took the lead as a break from full-back Ben Newman near half way saw him pass inside to centre Joe Banfield, who was able to carry the final defender over the try line with him for the first try. Fly-half Ashley Treeby converted for a 7-0 lead.

That lead was soon extended to 14-0 as a strong forward surge within the Paignton 22 saw flanker Ali Hamil­ton power over to touch down for the second try.

Treeby added his second conversion and the score remained 14-0 until half time.

With a number of changes for both sides in the second half, play became more disjointed with final scoring opportunities at a premium.

The only score of the second half came with 15 minutes remaining as Newman – now at fly-half – dummied his way through the back line to score near the posts. Again Treeby converted to take the score to 21-0, which was the final score.

This weekend sees the A XV entertain New Cross at High House at 2.30pm.