South West One (West)

Matson 42,

Missing captain Ben Glover and with less than half their regular first teamers, Kings­bridge travelled to Matson and yet again proved how courageous they are this season, but came away defeated.

The scoreline, however, was not really indicative. Kings for much of the game more than matched the home side before two late scores from Matson made the final result slightly unjust.

Kingsbridge held Matson to an 8-3 lead in the first half, which contained some entertaining rugby, both sides equally happy to run with ball in hand.

The game started with Kingsbridge playing down the slope and took an early lead after Matson were penalised for a high tackle, Jones slotting over a fine penalty from outside the 22.

Matson soon started to apply pressure and only an interception from Banfield saved an almost certain try. Jones then missed a long-range penalty.

The home side started to produce some fine attacking moves which resulted in a try in the corner, conversion missed.

Kingsbridge were further handicapped as winger Isaac Rayworth was sin binned, but held on until half time.

Kings were punished for some sloppy play straight from the kick-off.

With the ball bobbling around Matson pounced and scored an unconverted try for 13-3.

Matson started to dominate play, their full-back showing class with some fine running and astute kicking which kept Kings pegged back into their own half.

It was not long before their backs, who began to exert real pressure with speed and strong running, scored again, adding the extra points to make it 20-3.

Kings, not giving up, pushed hard and were rewarded with a penalty which Jones kicked for 20-6.

Matson soon back in the game with a double catch and drive resulting in a converted try to take the score to 27-6.

With Matson’s number 15 now pulling the strings, a fine run from him into the Kings’ 22 saw fast hands in the backs resulting in another try for 32-6, with the conversion missed.

Kings still kept trying with James Palmer leading, playing his best game for the club.

Kings then let themselves down, allowing the home side to score two soft tries in the last 10 minutes, both from clever cross-field kicks, with Matson’s number 11 the grateful recipient.

Hopefully this young Kingsbridge side’s luck will change and see the return before too long of some of their absentees, although everyone in the team can certainly hold their heads high.

They deserve credit for playing their part in an entertaining match, which in no small way was helped by some very fine refereeing.

This Saturday sees the first XV return to action at High House for the visit of Bridg­water and Albion in the SW1W league.

Please note that this weeks match will kick off at the far earlier time of 1pm – this is to allow the visitors the time to return home before the roads into Bridgwater are closed prior to their annual floodlit carnival.

Meanwhile Kings­bridge A XV were left high and dry without a match last weekend after Crediton thirds withdrew from their scheduled visit to High House the day before the game was due to take place.

This week they will travel to face Exmouth thirds in the Merit Table while the Colts travel to face Stone­house in the Colts Merit Table.