Kingsbridge RFC snatch victory right at the death

CONDITIONS at High House were nothing short of appalling, but those hardy spectators who braved the elements were rewarded with a cracking afternoon of good, old-fashioned rugby, ending with a dramatic last-play try that saw Kingsbridge RFC 1st XV snatch a remarkable 15–14 victory over Cullompton.

This was never going to be a day for expansive rugby, and Kings can be justifiably proud of their efforts in securing victory over the hitherto unbeaten visitors.

With the strong wind at their backs, Cullompton enjoyed a considerable advantage in the opening half, but the Kingsbridge defence was quite outstanding.

Time and again the home side stood firm in the face of sustained pressure, refusing to allow the visitors to make the most of the conditions. To reach half-time trailing by just 7–0 was a wonderful defensive effort and kept Kingsbridge firmly in the contest.

Kingsbridge emerged for the second half with renewed determination and gradually began to get on top. Their forwards, who were magnificent throughout the afternoon, began to impose themselves, gaining valuable territory and putting the visitors under increasing pressure.

Following a series of powerful drives, the ball was eventually moved wide to Tom Winzer, who dived over for Kingsbridge's opening try, reducing the deficit to just two points.

Just when it appeared that Kings were gaining the upper hand and looked the more likely side to score again, disaster struck. An interception try against the run of play, duly converted, stretched Cullompton's advantage to 14–5 and threatened to undo all the home side's hard work.

But Kings were having none of it.

Back they came, refusing to accept defeat, and their persistence was rewarded when Stu Harris forced his way over following another period of sustained pressure. Jones was desperately unlucky to see his conversion attempt strike the upright, leaving Kingsbridge trailing by four points.

The home side continued to press, with the forwards and backs showing tremendous determination as the clock ticked down.

With time running out and the visitors desperately defending their slender advantage, Kingsbridge summoned one final effort. With the very last play of the game, Tom Winzer wrestled his way over the line to snatch a quite extraordinary victory.

The final whistle brought an end to a tremendous contest, with Kingsbridge edging home 15–14 in a match that could so easily have gone the other way.

This was a victory built on character, courage and sheer bloody-minded determination, with the whole team giving their all and the Kingsbridge pack deserving praise for a magnificent afternoon's work.

The handful of spectators who endured the wind and rain might have questioned their sanity at times, but by the final whistle few would have regretted turning up.

Victory in the rain has Kingsbridge sitting third in their division, a record of 4-0-1 and 18 points to their name.

One point ahead in second place are Paignton who have won all four of their games to date- their scheduled clash with Barnstaple IIs was rained off. Cully are at the summit (20pts).

Elsewhere, Newton Abbot delivered a dogged performance to topple Devonport IIs and there were narrow away wins for Truro and Redruth IIs.

Photographed by Reith May- Kingsbridge RFC hooker Toby Redwood gets to grips with Cullompton flanker George Woofenden.