A XV lose to Bideford 2nds in tight affair

This was a thoroughly entertaining game played in the old tradition of fair combative rugby. Both teams put in a work rate rarely seen these days in reserve matches with neither side wanting to give way. But for an early error at the first scrum from which Biddies took full advantage and scored a try within the first 3 minutes this game may well have gone the way of the hosts. Kings replied immediately forcing a penalty that went narrowly wide and followed this with excellent work from centre Greg Parrot and then fly half Gareth Hack who made superb breaks only to be denied by the visitors defence. Then Skipper Baywatch Baker, prop Steve Shute and the veteran Bond showed their class as Kings attacked but the final ball was lacking so their hard work sadly produced nothing. Biddies countered but that man Baker and Nobby Horton defended the line holding them out. Bideford tried several moves and eventually broke through to go over out wide putting Kings 10 pts down at the break.

From the restart Kings worked hard trying to reduce the score and really should have scored following a brilliant kick through and this rattled the visitors who decided to try fisticuffs to intimidate Kings but this only strengthened their resolve and all 15 home players were involved in an excellent passage of play not least the very steady but very round Steve Hamilton at full back as he scooped the ball out of the air and returned some great kicks. But then a slick move from Biddies confused Kings and they went over for a try under the post which they converted. The amount of possession Kings had deserved a better score but they lacked that final touch which is surely developing as the weeks go by. Parrot was the star turn as he tried and succeeded in breaking through to go over out wide. Kings attacked relentlessly with the man mountain that is Chris Lee plucking the ball out of the air at the lineout and the veterans veteran Nobby Masters putting in an appearance But is was Baker, Horton, Dave Thuel, Hack and prop Shute who combined well to press away at the visitors. Kings were well on top but time was their enemy but Wing Drew Nicol jinked his way over to score a late try. The final few minutes were a frantic affair and Bideford were well relieved to hear the final whistle.