TORQUAY 48 points KINGSBRIDGE 10
Kingsbridge’s seven match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were soundly beaten at title chasing Torquay.
To be fair Torquay were the better side and played the conditions more appropriately although the final score was a little flattering to the home side. Kingsbridge certainly did not deserve to go down by nearly 50 points.
The visitors had the first opportunity to open the scoring in the 3rd minute as Torquay were penalised just outside their 22. Unfortunately for Kingsbridge the kick went wide. The hosts then had their chance at the other end as Kingsbridge strayed offside and they scored the resulting penalty. A second penalty on the half hour, for the same offence, extended their lead to 6-0.
Kingsbridge finally got on the scoresheet as scrum half Matt Barlow converted a penalty when the hosts were penalised for holding on in front of their posts. Two minutes later Kingsbridge stunned the hosts by taking the lead with the first try of the match. A break from the base of a ruck from scrum half Barlow saw him caught ten metres from the Torquay try line, he was however to offload to flanker Neil Darke who in turn found fellow flanker Ali Hamilton in support and he was able to put hooker Matt Darke in from short range to score his first try for the 1st XV. Barlow added the simple conversion to put Kingsbridge 6-10 ahead.
On the stroke of half time an offence missed by the referee allowed Torquay to cross over near the Kingsbridge posts top score their first try of the game and their simple conversion gave them the half time lead at 13-10.
Torquay now had the wind at their backs in the second half and with Kingsbridge suffering a number of injuries and conceding too many turnovers, the hosts pulled away to 27-10 with two quick tries. The first came from a close range ruck and the second from a turnover scrum near the Kingsbridge 22.
Unfortunately the breakdown very often turned into a shambles with players all too often allowed to go off their feet making a fair challenge for the ball almost impossible. The hosts then added their fourth try with a catch and drive try from a line out near the Kingsbridge 22 to make the score 34-10.
Two further tries followed in the final ten minutes as the Kingsbridge defence wilted to give the hosts a flattering 48-10 victory.
This week sees Kingsbridge entertain Truro at High House at 2.30pm and the game has been very kindly sponsored by Westbrook Laundry and Dry Cleaners. Kingsbridge A XV travel to face Plymouth based OPM II’s in the Devon Merit Table. Kingsbridge Colts have a well earned week off
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