Totnes 2nd XV
Totnes 2nd XV v Kingbridge 2nd XV Saturday 6th October
Totnes travelled to Kingsbridge this week for a merit table game to find that there wasn't a referee available. The match went on as a friendly with the merit game to be re-scheduled for a later date.
After a late start, play got underway. Totnes knew that this wasn't going to be an easy game, but the quins were looking strong with some well seasoned forwards and good speed and experience in the backs.
In the early stages possession was fairly even, with Totnes doing consistently well in the line-outs winning all their own ball and a good percentage of Kingsbridge’s.
Due to the home side lacking a front row player, the scrums were uncontested putting more onus on the backs to perform, and they did. Jonus Dix in the centre stepped up the pace for Totnes putting Kingsbridge on their back foot several times.
First points finally went to the home side with a try but they failed to convert. Shortly afterwards Kingsbridge broke through again and found the line, but this time they did convert toting up a 12 - 0 score line.
The second half saw Totnes winding up the pressure and holding Kingsbridge in their own half for the majority of the time. 15 minutes in, Totnes drove the home side back to their 5 yard line and as each side rucked and mauled for possession, scrum half Jannie Pieterse picked up the ball, saw the gap and seized the opportunity putting Totnes on the board. With 10 minutes to go and a 12 – 5 score, it was all to play for. As the final minutes wound down Kingsbridge were awarded a penalty, they went for the posts adding another 3 points and putting a Totnes victory out of reach with the time remaining.
Despite the final score it was a good result for Totnes. Man of the match went to Al Tate who played a great game at 8 securing many a loose ball.
