Tribute Western Counties West

Torquay 11,

Kingsbridge 16

KINGSBRIDGE travelled to face Torquay for the penultimate league game of the season keen to keep alive their hopes of securing the solitary end of season play off position and a likely trip to face Newent RFC in Glou­cestershire.

It was probably not one of Kingsbridge's greatest performances of the season, but the victory was the all-important matter.

With this in mind, their determination came through during the second half to secure the four points needed to maintain their position in second place.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 22nd minutes as they converted a penalty for a 3-0 lead.

Kingsbridge then opened their account in the 35th minute with a trademark catch and drive move.

With a line-out just outside the Torquay 22, the visitors took possession and proceeded to drive the hosts back through their 22 before flanker Ali Hamilton (or was it Charlie Brooking) gained the vital touchdown. Full back Tom Putt added the conversion for a 3-7 lead.

Torquay returned to the Kingsbridge half and were immediately awarded a penalty, which they scored to reduce the deficit to 6-7, which was how it remained at the interval.

Early in the second half the hosts implemented their own version of the catch and drive from deep inside the Kingsbridge 22 and were rewarded with their first try to retake the lead at 11-7.

Back came Kings­bridge again to reduce the deficit to 11-10 with a penalty from the boot of full-back Putt and then a second effort soon afterwards saw Kingsbridge retake the lead again at 11-13.

A third penalty from Putt, with around 12 minutes remaining, gave Kingsbridge a bit of breathing space at 11-16.

The hosts produced a final flourish in the closing minutes of the game and Kingsbridge had to withstand the threat of a final line-out near their line.

However, on this occasion, the move was stopped early and any potential threat to Kingsbridge's victory was averted.

This weekend sees the 1st XV play host to Truro in their final league match of the season.

Victory for the Blue and Whites will see them qualify for the end of season play-offs on Saturday, April 25. Kick-off will be at 3pm. Kingsbridge Colts play host to Honiton Colts on the Longfield Pitch at 2.30pm.