Tribute Western Counties West

Sidmouth 6,

A powerful display from the Kingsbridge forwards set up a comfortable win away at Sidmouth.

After the agonising defeat in the dying minutes of last year’s fixture, Kings exacted a 6-35 victory against the home side.

From one to eight every player played their part in a truly dominant effort, from the first scrum to the last they outplayed their opponents.

The Kingsbridge back row were outstanding from the platform set up by the front five and when the replacements came on there was no let up from the visitors.

Kings started the first half strongly, already beginning to dominate the tight, but Sidmouth, playing down the slope, rallied and made inroads in to the Kings­bridge half, but Kings defence, as it did all game, held up really well.

It was not long before Kings were up the other end and from a penalty and an ensuing catch and drive, Powell emerged for the first of his touchdowns.

Sidmouth came back with two penalties of their own, before Kings stretched their lead after a fine move which saw George Banfield on the overlap score and add the conversion.

Kingsbridge kept pressing and Sidmouth kept infringing, leading to another try for Powell. Kings led 6-21 at half time.

The start of the second half saw a sustained 10 minutes of pressure from Sidmouth, but Kings’ de­fence held out and they were soon back on the scoresheet after the referee lost patience with Sidmouth’s scrummaging and awarded a penalty try which Banfield converted.

Kingsbridge could and should have put away another couple of chances, but final touches let them down. They did finish strongly with another fine line-out drive, Cope going over to seal the win and make it three out of three for the young Kingsbridge side, who have started the season impressively.

Scorers – Mike Powell 2 Tries, Jack Cope 1 Try, 1 Penalty Try, George Banfield 1 Try, 5 Conversions.

Kingsbridge A XV 53,

Plymouth Argaum II 0

On a sunny September afternoon Kingsbridge seconds took to the field against a bulky Plymouth Argaum outfit determined to put the previous week’s defeat behind them.

It was a bright start for the hosts, with strong carries coming from both forwards and backs resulting in the first scrum deep in Argaum territory.

Jeff Merrin capitalised on loose ball at the base to break up to the five-metre line before the ball was recycled for Andrew Horton to dive over.

The second try came straight from the resulting restart. A break up the middle with some swift handling led to the ball being released to Luke Williamson, who used his pace to outsprint the last defender and touch down under the posts, Adam Morgan converting.

After repeated in­fringements Kings punted a penalty deep into the 22, where a strong drive from the forward pack ended with fly-half Dave Stephens crashing over.

The second half started much the same as first, with Argaum struggling to get any ball and Kings making inroads into their 22.

The first try of the second half was the result of a fine line from centre Max Rawlinson, who carved through a tired defence before being hauled down just short.

The ball was then recycled quickly for replacement wing Dave Thuel to go over in the corner, with Adam Morgan adding a fine conversion from the touchline.

With Kings now camped in Argaum’s half, it was only a matter of time before the next try was scored.

This time the backs had space to go wide, with Freddie Buckle feeding full-back James Oggelsby who set off down the wing, wrong footing his opposite man, to score in the corner. Again, there followed a brilliant touchline conversion from Morgan.

With Argaum now tiring Kings capitalised, with James Westlake sprinting over following good work from the front five. The conversion was again added my Morgan.

Kings’ ferocity in defence led to the next try, with a crucial turnover in the opposition’s 22 leading to Dave Thuel cantering away for his second of the afternoon.

This was duly converted by Morgan, who was next on the scoresheet, diving over in the corner following a break up field from Buckle.

The last try came after continued hammering of the Argaum line led to Matt Hurst burrowing his way over.

A great win for Kingsbridge, who next week travel to Saltash. Kings wish to offer their thanks to the three Salcombe players who came over to help both sides.

This Saturday sees the 1st XV return to action at High House with the visit of third-placed Okehampton. Kick-off will be at 3pm.

Kingsbridge A XV travel to face Saltash IIs, while the Colts XV travel to face Exeter.