KINGSBRIDGE 1st XV overcame a late scare to edge out a competitive Barnstaple 2nd XV 28-22.

The two sides were evenly matched early on with Kings were starting to put pressure on but a series of penalties knocked them back and eventually lead to Barnstaple taking the lead with a nicely worked backs move.

Kings responded almost immediately when they took advantage of Barnstaple’s lack of discipline, Jones putting them close to the visitors try line from where Harris crashed over. The former converted successfully.

The hosts seemed to keep on the wrong side of the referee and were soon back defending. They were punished again as Barnstaple took the lead through an unconverted try.

Kings responded when the exciting young back rower Freddie Hoare powered over, Jones adding the extra.

They had a glorious opportunity to go further into the lead after a Dan Jarvis turnover was wasted by yet another penalty leaving the halftime score 14-12.

Kings started the second half well with Dalton making some telling inroads and taking them close.

Good running lines kept Kings on the front foot with Stu Winzer showing a clean pair of heels and so nearly getting away to score. Yet again, Harris broke through and Hoare was on hand to score his second to put the finishing touch to a series of good drives. Jones converted again.

Barnstaple hit back almost immediately as their winger sliced through Kings defence, a rare occurrence in this game, where a well-marshalled defence had held firm up until then.

But the penalties kept coming and Kings were down to 14 after the referee lost patience and branded a yellow card. An interesting decision as moments before he had told Barnstaple one more high tackle would result in a card but only gave a penalty when they committed the same foul only moments after the warning.

And from one of the penalties, Barnstaple took the lead with minutes left in the game.

Kings were not to be denied the victory and a magnificent effort from their forwards, led by captain Rich, steamrolled their way over to clinch the win. Jones converted and left the score at 28-22 with a try bonus point.