Barnstaple 49 – Kingsbridge 0

The result of this match does not reflect the nature of the journey Kings made to reach the final, beating Okehampton 49-10 in the first round, Newton Abbot 29-0 in the quarter final and Tiverton 20-5 in the semi-final. Barnstaple’s team of 2013 is an impressive line-up, including many Devon A players who are also in Chiefs academy. Just one point separated these two teams when Kings played them at home last season, losing 8-7 in the dying minutes on a penalty in last year’s Cup first round.

Barnstaple is a physically taller, stronger and more powerful team that has not lost a game all season and Kings knew they would have their work cut out even before making the long journey to Barnstaple who host this final every year. Perhaps the occasion, location, very large home crowd, and the end of the season took its effect on the Kings team who were unable to capture the excellent form they have demonstrated all season.

After holding firm in the opening 10 minutes, a series of errors seemed to unnerve Kings who uncharacteristically failed to clear their line. The pack of Mercy, Banfield, Jones, Pearsall, Warner, Wotton, Matthews and Oram held strong against a considerably heavier and taller Barnstaple eight, and despite Despite some fine work from George Jones, Beattie, Rayworth, Sutton, Tunley, West and Perez-Garcia they could not break through the home team’s defence. By the break, Barnstaple had a 20 point lead but with the wind behind them, Kings opened the second half well, pressuring the Barnstaple line for 15 minutes. They were very unlucky not to score in this period, with the forwards working well to produce quick, clean ball for Jones and the entire team demonstrating the dynamic style of rugby and flair for moving the ball that has come to define their game. The crucial point came when 15 minutes in, Rayworth was mistakenly judged to have deliberately knocked the ball on and was binned. At the same time Kings lost several players with concussion injuries. Playing with 14 men Kings held firm but Barnstaple capitalised on the extra space with successive tries to the final score.

This has been a fantastic season for the Under 15s who have developed into a mature bunch of players embodying the core values of the game, on and off the pitch. This was evident post-match in the dignified way they handled their defeat. Runners up in the Devon Cup and Plate winners of the Devon Sevens tournament add to the honours this team has secured consistently for 3 seasons of junior rugby. The club looks forward to seeing their final junior season at U16 next year – it will be anything but dull given the thrilling style that has entertained so many people this season.

The U15s below also topped their season with a great mini-tour to France – well done lads….

The Under 7′s had an amazing day and really shone showing of their skills that they have learnt over the season.

They played superbly well, drawing one match, winning one, and lost two by a near miss.

Newton Abbott 17 – 17 Kingsbridge

Brixham        6 – 17 Kingsbridge

Tavistock     18 – 14 Kingsbridge

Exeter Chiefs 19 – 16 Kingsbridge

Throughout the day George Chandler (14) whizzed through the opposition with great flair.  Alfie Mitchell (4) and Archie cooper (3) supported their team well with superb passing and speed to try.

Robert Croxford (7) and Finlay Hamilton (10) used great skill with some powerful running to score.  Josh Banner (13) and Ned Kelly (13) worked well within the team, ran fast and scored spectacularly.  Sam Owen(3) showed great improvement during the day and played well alongside his team mates.

Overall the Under 7′s had a great day and finished with big cheers when they received their medals.  Thanks go to the coaches on the day Stephen Hamilton and Mike Banner.

Stonehouse 4    Kingsbridge 3

Kingsbridge 2    Stonehouse 2

We fielded a team of Charlie Chandler, Charlie Cunningham, Jack Darburn, Kyle Dickens, James Hitchen, Inigo Jensen, Troy Kibbler, David Maiava, Wilf McCarthy,  Ruari McColl, Oliver Pearson, Sol Thomas and Fin Usher.

After the multiple injuries at last week’s festival, our numbers were somewhat diminished. Many of the players were in different positions, possibly partly responsible for our sleepy start to the game. Stonehouse are a very good side that we always have close matches with but on this occasion they dominated the first half and early second with the first 4 tries. Kingsbridge, as always, defended very well with particularly good efforts by Kyle, Charlie Cunningham, Finn, Wilf, Oliver and Sol. We missed the power our larger forwards in the rucks, though Troy had a particularly good game and Sol made up for his slender frame with quick thinking and effective tackling. We had several good breaks by James, Ru, David and Charlie Chandler but it was Wilf who scored our 3 tries, 2 of which were set up by Finn and one by Sol gaining possession.

The second game got off to an excellent start with another try by Wilf. This was quickly followed by Stonehouse seeing the ball on the ground faster than Kingsbridge again for a fast break, resulting in a try. Kingsbridge found themselves having to defend aggressively again at their own try line but a quick, powerful pass by Finn allowed Kyle the chance to outrun Stonehouse for the full length of the pitch and score the only non-Wilf try! A further try by Stonehouse made the second game a draw

A great last game to the season. Time to stop for the summer as the ground is hard and the injuries are many! Well done Kings on a great season.

KINGSBRIDGE brought the season at High House to a close on Saturday with their largest victory since October as they entertained relegated Honiton in the final WCW league game.

With the visitors already knowing their fate and the Blue and Whites knowing that they were safe in ninth place, this was a chance for an open running game and for the teams to express themselves ahead of the summer break. Kingsbridge certainly did in running in eight tries and the visitors did their best to keep the game moving in front of a large sun-drenched High House crowd.

Kingsbridge were off the mark early in the game as they crossed over for their first try after only 7 minutes. A penalty gave them a line out near the Honiton line and after winning the ball, the ensuing ruck saw flanker Duncan Lilburn peel off to touch down. Five minutes later and the hosts were further ahead as number eight Jack Cope galloped in from the 22 to score. Full back Ashley Treeby added the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

Try number three came on the half hour as Kingsbridge forward pressure within the Honiton 22 eventually told as the ball was moved along the back line for fly half Ben Newman to wrong foot the covering defence to score. The only further addition to scoring in the first half was a Honiton penalty which left the score at 17-3 at the interval.

Kingsbridge continued where they had left off at the start of the second half by extending their lead still further with their fourth try of the game to give themselves the bonus point. After pressurising Honiton in their own 22, the ball was turned over and, running a great angle, the ball was taken on by centre Ben Glover who scythed through the last line of defence to score. Treeby’s successful conversion increased the lead to 24-3

Lilburn powered his way through for his second try to take the score to 29-3 before Honiton were rewarded for their persistence as they scored a try wide out in the corner. The excellent conversion reduced the deficit to 29-10. That, however, was as close as they were to get as Kingsbridge finished the strongest by running in three further tries in the final quarter.

The first of these and the hosts sixth of the match saw winger Liam Wills cross over wide out on the operlap after the Honiton defence had been tied in before lock Dieniol Jones crashed through the Honiton defence from short range for try number seven. Treeby’s conversion of that try saw Kingsbridge lead 41-10.

The hosts completed the scoring five minutes from time when a 15 yard rolling maul in the Honiton 22 saw lock Neil Darke gain the touchdown for try number eight. Treeby again converted to round off a great result for the Blue and Whites who can now relax and recharge their batteries for a couple of months.

Scorers – Duncan Lilburn (2 tries), Jack Cope (1 try), Ben Newman (1 try), Neil Darke (1 try), Dieniol Jones (1 try), Liam Wills (1 try), Greg Parrott (1 try), Ash Treeby (4 conversions).

Tavistock would have been a swear word at Kingsbridge last weekend after their 2^nd XV pulled out of their scheduled Merit Table trip to High House late on Friday. This left the Kingsbridge A XV without a match on the final Saturday of the season.

2012-13 Season final analysis (seniors) –

1^st XV – Played 28, Won 11, Drawn 2, Lost 15, Points For 603, Points Against 569

A XV – Played 20, Won 13, Drawn 2, Lost 5, Points For 770, Points Against 291

Colts XV – Played 20, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 7, Points For 491, Points Against 240

Kingsbridge RFC Under 13′s A/B at the Devon 7’s Festival

Lady luck was not on the Kings side at Tavistock RFC last Sunday for the Devon 7’s Festival. Both squads started well with a win over Tavistock for the A’s with two tries for the excellent bouncing ball of energy that is Louis Chapman and a score for the uncompromising Jordan Perring. The B’s dispatched Stonehouse Sharks B but then slipped up against a strong Totnes side. The A’s were then well beaten by a good Exmouth side despite tries from Devon Jewsbury and Louis. Sadly this put both A and B teams in the same pool for the plate competition with Exeter Saracens.

The B team were first up and dug deep to come from behind to win the game. Strong tacking from Lewis Dunstan, aggressive running from Dan Morgan with Lawrence John and Alistair Damerall created a platform for Sam West to score a brace and Dan Tucker a try from turning on the after burners. Every member of the A squad then got in the act as they scored 14 tries in the next two sessions to set up a final against Crediton. The previous exertion may have impacted on the start and at half time Kings were two tries down but as ever the comeback Kings scored from an outrageous dummy from Ollie Wotton and another from the ever dependable James Tait. Extra time followed, Crediton scored first and despite a last ditch disallowed try Kings just ran out of Lady Luck. Bring on summer fitness training……..

Stonehouse U9s 15 Kingsbridge U9s 20

Stonehouse U9s 5 Kingsbridge U9s 10

The Kings stamped their authority on their final encounter of the season straight away, with Jake assisting Jonas to open the scoring early on. It wasn’t long before, with sustained pressure, Noah’s pass put Jack into a good position to stretch the lead.

Stonehouse’s ace card — a single quick runner — eventually got their side on the board. But a canny dodging move from Joe saw him punch through and cross the line. Finally Al’s unstoppable slalom run put the blues 20-5 ahead at half time.

It was a different story in the second half, the Kingsbridge side showing a hesitancy and indecision that allowed Stonehouse to claw back the deficit.

There was good tackling work from Daisy and Pip but the lead had shrunk to just a single point as the final whistle approached and Stonehouse’s star runner made a break down the line. It was Max who saved the day and sealed the win with a great last-ditch tackle.

The second match was an even more tense affair, with the home side making the Kings work hard for every yard and some contentious decisions putting the Kings on the back foot.

They were down by a single try as the second half began. Finally Max broke the deadlock with a crafty run to even things up but Stonehouse were holding up under pressure. It wasn’t until the final play of the match that Jack forced his way to the try line and secured a deserved victory.

Not an easy tie by any means but a fine way to end to the season.

Squad: Ben Banner, Jonas Brewer(1), Todd Chapman, Noah Farrand, Ben Fox, Max Goodwin(1), Sam Gray, Jake King, Hallie Reid, Joe Robinson(1), Pip Ross, Jon Scott, Louis Stilwell, Al Tickner(1), Ben Vassall, Jack Winzer(2), Daisy Womack, Oliver Zaffiro, Zak Zaffiro

Team

V

Venue

KO

Referee

Contact

1st XV

  Honiton

  Home

  3pm

  Nigel Boyd

  2nd XV

  Tavistock

  Home

  2.30

  Stuart Read

  Colts

  TBA

  U 16’s

  No match

  U 15’s

  Barnstaple

  Barnstaple

  Devon Cup Final

  U 14’s

  No match

  U13’s

  Festival

  Tavistock

  U 12’s

  France

  Tour !!

  U 11’s

  No match

  U 10’s

  Stonehouse

  Away

  U 9’s

  Stonehouse

  Away

  U 8’s

  Festival

  U 7’s

  Festival

  ]]> http://www.kingsbridgerugby.co.uk/fixtures-2728-april-13/feed/ 0 http://www.kingsbridgerugby.co.uk/u14s-make-semi-finals-in-devon-7s-festival/ http://www.kingsbridgerugby.co.uk/u14s-make-semi-finals-in-devon-7s-festival/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:09:39 +0000 Admin http://www.kingsbridgerugby.co.uk/?p=2318 Kingsbridge under 14′s ended their season at the Devon 7′s Festival.

Kings were drawn in a group with Stonehouse and Torquay.

Kings played a very physical match against Stonehouse and despite never going behind, Kings were level for most of the match before a last minute try gave Kings a 22-17 victory.

Kings played Torquay straight after and Torquay put up a very good fight with Kings needing a missed conversion to give them a 14-12 win.

Kings progressed to the knock out stages and drew Exmouth. Again the score was close throughout and again it was a late try by Kings to win the match 24-17.

Teignmouth were the opposition in the Semi’s and Kings were sloppy from the start making several handling errors allowing Teignmouth to lead

19-7 at the interval. Another try was conceded after the break and Kings finally woke up and began creating some chances. Two tries were pulled back and Kings were camped in the opponents 22, but an equalising try was not to be, and from the last play Teignmouth scored again to make it 33-19.

Kings played some great attacking rugby during the day and made it four semi-final appearances this season.

The squad was, James Kenny, Dan Schenck, Harry Fox, Ben Jamieson, Max Hollingworth, Luke Jarvis, Matt Moysey, Brandon Lee, Ollie Pound, Christopher Stacey and George Watson.

As the season draws to a close, it is once again time for the Kingsbridge RFC Annual Dinner.

This popular event is to be held on Friday 10^th May 2013, in the Marquee @ High House.

Tickets are priced at £40 each to include a three-course meal, prepared for you by Liz Turner, followed by dancing to not only a DJ but also this year we are delighted to announce that popular local band “The Rucks” will be performing for us.

Please join us to celebrate the end of another successful season.

Tickets available from

suedarke@hotmail.co.uk (Tel: 07855 878604)

martin@krfc.fsnet.co.uk (Tel:  07974 803735)

bettrhymes@gmail.com (Tel: 07902 211143)

Check out the menu below for this Annual Dinner…

Giant Field Mushroom filled with creamy crab, mustard and fresh chives, seated on a bed of rocket

Or

Devon Scrumpy and Onion soup, topped with cheesy crouton

Or

Classic Devon Egg encased in herby pork and bread crumbed

Served with sweet onion chutney and watercress

……………..

Tender Ragout of Beef with best local bacon, baby onions and button mushrooms, rich with red wine and garlic, topped with a cheese and herb scone crescent.

Or

Roasted Loin of Cod wrapped in pancetta and served with a fresh basil and tomato salsa, served on a bed of creamed spinach.

Or

Butterbean and Squash Tagine, served with rice and spiced courgette bhajees

Served with Seasonal Vegetables and Dauphinoise Potatoes

…………….

“Duet of Puddings”

Decadent dark chocolate torte with a

‘Cup’ of meringue, red berries and cream.

Or

Traditional Cheese and Biscuits with fruit

Kingsbridge U10′s were in a pool of six teams playing five matches drawing one match against Cullompton and winning the other four.  they played open flowing rugby something they had been working hard on all season and it produced some very entertaining games to watch. They progressed through the quarter final to their final game in the semi-final against Exeter Chiefs who went on to win the Tournament

Kingsbridge RFC U10 team

Alex Sheridan, Magnus Greatorex, Henry Blake, James Hitchen, Fin Usher, Troy Kibbler, Olivia Churcher, Inigo Jensen, Ruari McColl, Wilf McCarthy, Charlie Cunningham, Flynn Bewley, Ted Slade, Charlie Chandler
Oliver Pearson (reserve)

1st Pool Match

Kingsbridge (15) v Teignmouth (5)

With only 7 minutes allocated per match Kings were fast out of the blocks, Olivia made an early break only to be bundled into touch just short of Teignmouth’s line. Teignmouth won the lineout but Kings forwards maintained the pressure, a couple of quick passes and Wilf was over for his first try. First match nerves eased, Alex, James and Henry maintained the pressure up front, winning turnover ball. The backs keeping their line move the ball out fast to Flynn who made a blistering run down the right wing to score his first try of the day. The coaches were smiling now but Teignmouth came back hard with some direct running and broke a couple of tackles through the centre of Kings defence for a good try. It was game on until the backs, with some flowing passes through Olivia, Ruari and Charlie Cunningham, released Wilf down the right wing for his second try. Teignmouth came back hard from the restart but with only seconds to go Henry smothered the attack with a crunching tackle. Kingsbridge win their first Pool Match

2nd Pool Match

Kingsbridge (20) v Totnes (5)

After a great start the 2^nd pool match was a local derby against Totnes. A clash of shirt colours necessitated Kings running out in Exmouth’s strip.The game quickly got into its stride with Totnes going on the attack and Kings having to defend resolutely, which they did holding their shape throughout.  Great forward work led to a turnover and a couple of quick passes later Wilf was ghosting through the Totnes defence to score the opening try.  From this point on Kings were in the ascendancy, Magnus carrying and tackling strongly which led to a great run by Charlie Cunningham to set up a Try for Ted. Kings passing game got going and this really stretched Totnes defence with Wilf passing well and strong running from Flynn.  By this stage of the game the forwards were also on top and after a trademark rip of the ball from the maul from Finn and good distribution from Ted,  Wilf was over for his second try and Kings third.  Totnes’ spirit was not dented and they came back strongly to score their first and only try of the game.  In the closing moments Henry emerged from a ruck close to the Totnes line with turnover ball and carried it over for the last try of the game with Kingsbridge winning 4-1.

3rd Pool Match

Kingsbridge (10) v Topsham (0)

By now the sun had disappeared but Kings were back in their own strip to face one of the three teams from the Exeter area. Kings, once again, started well with driving tackles from Alex and Magnus pushing Topsham back towards their try line. Topsham were forced to commit more players to the break down. Inigo dug out the ball from the base of a ruck and after some brisk passing Wilf speeds round the Topsham defence to score on the right wing. Celebrations are short-lived though and Topsham force Kings back from the restart, they break through reaching Kings try line but can’t ground the ball with Kings working hard in defence. Further pressure forces Kings to give away a five metre scrum. Topsham put in but are driven off the ball quick hands release Wilf who runs the length of the pitch for his second try of the match. Topsham drive on again and another solid scrum from Kings allows the backs to once again whip the ball along the line to Charlie Chandler who makes a penetrating run. James, Troy and Finn make sure that Topsham don’t threaten the line again with some excellent forward play.

4th Pool Match

 Kingsbridge (5) v Cullompton (5)

The 4^th pool match saw the only two unbeaten teams in the pool coming together when Kings took on Cullompton who had impressed in their opening pool matches.  It promised to be a close game and did not disappoint.  With two such evenly matched teams this was always going to be a very physical encounter.  The forwards and mid field defence had to work very hard to keep Cullompton at bay.  With such a close game it needed a piece of individual brilliance from Wilf who broke a couple of tackles and then outpaced the Cullompton defence to score in the corner.  Cullompton came back very strongly and all the Kingsbridge players through themselves into defence and this led to several injuries with Charlie Cunningham, Flynn and then Olivia having to come off with injuries.  Unfortunately Olivia’s turned out to be more serious and after a trip to hospital we understand she has damaged her knee ligaments. We all wish her a speedy recovery.  This quick succession of injuries unsettled Kings and Cullompton took advantage levelling the score with a hard worked try.  Kings settled themselves and saw the game out on the offensive but at the final whistle the score remained 1-1 and all to play for to top the group.

5th Pool Match

Kingsbridge (10) v Exmouth (0)

Conditions remained cold, the threatening rain only amounted to a light shower as Kings play their final pool match. There was no confusion with shirts as James made a straight run through the Exmouth defence, Kings were quickly up but they lost possession, defence was solid but Kings were driven back into their own half. Troy and Fin drive in low gaining momentum for Kings, Ruari picks up a loose ball and drives on and passes out to Flynn who sidesteps and is away, with a great offload to Wilf for Kings first try. Kings with the quarter finals in sight keep up the pressure with Magnus driving and James continuing to rip the ball in the forwards melee. Inigo gathers the ball and sends it out down the line to Charlie “two hands” Chandler who scores a dramatic try. There was no extra time in this game Kings win and top the pool moving on to their quarter final match.

Quarter Final

Kingsbridge (10) v Stonehouse Sharks (0)

Having emerged as winners of their pool Kings were now into the quarter finals.  The nerves amongst the supporters were building as this was now  the knock out stage.  The opponents were Stonehouse Sharks and as we were only playing about 200 yards from their clubhouse they had home field advantage and another close game in prospect. Kings started well dominating Possession with great handling and recycling at the break down.  Kings confidence grew and then probably their best passage of play saw the forwards win clean ball out to the right wing where Charlie Chandler made good yardage and the forwards again delivered quick ball which went through the hands of every back at pace out to Flynn on the left wing who finished off a very accomplished piece of rugby which the Stonehouse defence could not live with. Kings then kept pressing and Alex’s continued excellent work in both defence and attack saw him stride through the Stonehouse defence only being caught just shy of the try line where he unselfishly popped the ball up to Ted to take the ball over  and score in the corner.  With the clock ticking down Stonehouse pressed hard pinning Kings back on their own try line but they held out the final few minutes and the final whistle saw a 2-0 victory and progression into the semi final.

Semi Final

Kingsbridge (0) v Exeter Chiefs (20)

The rain had mostly held of but there was a chill in the air as Alex Sheridan won the toss for Kings. As the two teams lined up eyes were drawn to the Chiefs forwards this was going to be a very physical encounter if Kings could not release quick ball. Alex lead from the front driving in with the crash ball but the Chiefs absorbed the attack and made good use of a resulting Chiefs scrum. As expected they kept the ball in the forwards and Kings threw themselves into tackles but could not stop the momentum and their biggest forward drove over for a Chiefs try. Kings could not find a way through from the restart and once again found themselves on the back foot. There was great tackling from Alex, Fin, James and Ruari along with the rest of the team but this was drawing in players and the Chiefs broke off to the right and with one pass were through a depleted defence. Shortly after the second try Flynn Bewley sustained a shoulder injury making a brave tackle and would take no further part. However the game did not stop and Ted responded with a break out of defence but found himself isolated and Chiefs were back in the attack. Ted once again in the thick of things went down injured and while on the floor sustained an accidental kick to the head. With another player down Kings had to quickly re-group but the Chiefs made good their advantage and went on to score a third try. From the restart the Kings responded with some time in the Chiefs half. Wilf slipped a tackle but was held up short of the Chiefs line, he still managed to throw a long pass to James who was following up in support. Unfortunately it fell just short forcing a knock on and the scoring opportunity was gone. Chiefs won the scrum and pressed on for their fourth try winning the match. Well done to Chiefs who went on to win the final against Exeter Saracens 20-5. A huge well done to all the Kingsbridge squad who never gave up and did so well reaching the semi-final. Everyone wishes the injured players a speedy recovery. Also thanks to Devonport Services for organising a great day of junior rugby.