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| By KRFC Webteam: Monday, 1st March 2010 |
KINGSBRIDGE A XV 19 points TAVISTOCK II’s 18
This top of the table clash in Devon Merit Table 2 turned out to be a fantastic advert for the game and especially for those second teams that take the competition of the Merit Table structure seriously.
Kingsbridge have headed the table for much of the current season but this was the first time that they had come up against Tavistock as scheduled previous encounters had been postponed. The match certainly didn’t disappoint as Kingsbridge’s (mostly) young team had to show great character in coming from behind late in the match to secure their 15th victory in this seasons Merit Table campaign.
The Blue and Whites are now a massive nine points clear at the top of the table with four matches left to play. Tavistock still have a game in hand on the leaders but will find it impossible to catch Kingsbridge if they should win two of their remaining four matches.
The opening half of the match was very evenly contested. Kingsbridge had a number of close calls to open the scoring but the strong Tavistock defence kept the lively Kingsbridge backs at bay. It wasn’t until the 25th minute that the deadlock was broken when a period of sustained pressure in the Tavistock 22 from the Kingsbridge forwards, saw the ball moved swiftly along the back line for winger Andrew Nicol to race into the corner and touchdown. Fly half Ben Newman added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Tavistock reduced the Kingsbridge lead to 7-6 shortly before the half time break with two penalties.
In the second half Tavistock took the lead for the first time with a converted try as their centre ripped through the Kingsbridge mid field defence to touchdown under the posts and put them 7-13 ahead.
Kingsbridge then had to dig deep to retake the lead and, with fifteen minutes remaining, a five metre scrum saw the ball moved out to Newman, he dummied before finding Simon Scott on his shoulder and the full back crashed over near the posts. Newman’s conversion gave the hosts the narrowest of leads at 14-13. Thankfully for Kingsbridge they were soon able to extend that further as number eight Simon Pope delightfully fielded a ball in midfield. The ensuing ruck caught the Tavistock defence cold and Newman was able to pass out to centre Neil Lethbridge who send winger Harry Burner into score from the Tavistock 22. The conversion went wide but Kingsbridge led 19-13 with time rapidly running out.
Despite looking relatively comfortable, Kingsbridge were given an almighty scare when a quickly taken tap penalty saw the Tavistock scrum half race in from half way to touch down. Thankfully, and indeed surprisingly, the conversion was put wide and the hosts managed to hold on and gain the narrowest of victories.
This weekend sees Kingsbridge A XV entertain local rivals Ivybridge III at High House in the Merit Table. Kick off is at 2.30pm and the Colts will entertain Devonport Services on the Longfield Pitch at 2pm.
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