Exeter University v Withycombe

University Pull Away In Final Quarter

Exeter University 39
Withycombe 5

Table-topping Exeter University had too much in the tank for Withycombe, who slip to fifth at the Christmas break.

Having lost at basement dwellers Penzance the previous week, Withycombe travelled with trepidation to the opposite end of the table this weekend to face high-flying Exeter University.

There was little in the way of festive cheer for Withycombe though as the students' Scrooge-like defence proved the difference. The hosts raced into an 8-0 lead after six minutes, with another try after 20 minutes putting them 15-0 in front. Withycombe had plenty of possession, but the patient University defence held firm until 32 minutes, when a workmanlike 30-yard rolling maul was brought down with the Exeter University line begging. After a sin bin which brought the teams back on level terms following Ben Mardle's earlier yellow card, Dave Richards crashed over in the corner from the resulting maul only to be adjudged to have had his foot in touch.

Withycombe scored with their second bite of the cherry though. Gunboat Glenn Channing busted a big hole in midfield, brought down with the line almost in touching distance. The ball was spread wide and Santa gifted Fridge Gibbons an early Christmas present with five of the easiest points the prop will ever score. Kevin Rodwell almost turned the tie on its head with an intercept attempt with nothing but 75 metres of grass between him and the opposition tryline, sadly the ball was dropped on to the tune of the half-time whistle.

Withycombe started the second half much as they had finished the first; full of perspiration but lacking any real inspiration. At times the University defence strained under the weight of possession exerted by the visitors; Jon Axon was a boon for hooker Dave Richards' lineout stats by catching everything at the front in gale-force winds, and providing a solid foundation for mauls to boot. It all lacked a finishing touch though, and when the University scored again to go 20-5 up, the jig was up. The students would score three more tries off the back of Withycombe's desperation to get back into the game, but both sides will know that the score was a poor reflection on an exhilarating fixture.

Withycombe's next league action is on the 4th of January when they host Falmouth at Raleigh Park. Boxing Day sees the annual fixture between the first XV and the President's Invitational XV. Those wishing to participate should contact Nigel Symons. Details of more festive fun at the club are available at withycomberugby.co.uk

Pirates Amateurs v Withycombe

Twin Bin Sinks Withy as Pirates Pillage Bonus Point

Pirates Amateurs 34
Withycombe 27 

Two yellow cards finally put paid to an off-colour Withycombe challenge in Penzance as they slumped to a third defeat in four games.

Withycombe travelled to bottom-of-the league Pirates Amateurs for what the form book promised as a gimme.

Withycombe appeared as though they were still on the bus for 70 minutes though as they lacked the energy of a Penzance side clearly low on morale. The Pirates opened the scoring with a try on seven minutes having already missed a shot at goal, their big runners making big gains and Withycombe's defence eventually succumbing after a lot of backpedalling.

Withycombe fought back with two penalties in two minutes from Glenn Channing, one an absolute doozy from 45 metres out. It seemed as though Withycombe were just doing enough to stay interested though, as the home side were quicker off the line in defence and bossed the gainline in attack. The teams traded penalties to turn around with the score 12-10 in Withy's favour, witht he visitors thankful that the Pirates kicker brought the wrong boots, missing three penalty shots in all.

Pirates started the second half the brighter, some swift phase play giving them a try under the posts to lead 17-12. Channing responded with a penalty to keep Withy within reach.

The home side struck the hammer blows after Withycombe's Mike Richards was controversially yellow carded for a high tackle on 63 minutes; a penalty kick was followed up by a workmanlike try with the one-man advantage, and another against 13 men after lock Jon Axon was also given a rest spell for infringing at the ruck.

Richards' reintroduction and a few choice words from Channing appeared to give Withy the impetus they sorely lacked up until then; with seven minutes to go there was precious little left to play for at 34-15. Withycombe started to tap-and-go and make some serious inroads to the Pirates defence. Richards was first adjudged to have been held up over the line, before being awarded a try two minutes later; Phil Sluman setting the stage for a two-metre pick-and-go effort. Then with the last play of the game, the returning Jon Axon's lineout take set a driving maul which rumbled 20 metres for Richards to grab his second try. 

Channing nailed the conversion to salvage a losing bonus point, elevating them to fourth, but it was all too little, too late for Withycombe who will be disappointed at letting this one slip through their fingers. Next week the top-of-the-table Exeter University host the first XV while the 2nd team welcome Topsham to Raleigh Park.

OPM v Withycombe

Old Plymothian & Mannameadian 6

Withycombe 13

Family Fortune As Withycombe Sneak Win

Three pairs of brothers helped Withycombe to a laboured victory in fine winter conditions in Plymouth on Saturday. Dave & Mike Richards, John & Joe Parkin, and Aaron and Sam Conway all started at King George V playing fields, watched by their fathers Merv, Shaun and Paul respectively, who have all previously played for the Green & Black.

The game will not likely rank in the fondest of their memories of the club however; both teams will feel they could and should have done a lot better. Withycombe started strongly enough, an early surge from George Toomey forcing OPM to concede a penalty which Jack Pugsley converted.

Withycombe took their foot off the pedal after that, with OPM making inroads into Withy territory. After drawing level, the hosts missed a further two penalty kicks at goal before Withycombe struck with their first meaningful attack since Toomey's break. Jon Axon's workmanlike run barged four defenders out of the way, before a nice piece of skill from Sam Conway kept the ball infield as he was bundled into touch, with Mike Richards' hamstrings somehow allowing him to pick the ball off his bootlaces and flop over from a couple of yards out.

The game turned round at 8-3, and this time it was Withycombe's turn to rue missed penalty opportunities, Jack Pugsley missing three attempts at goal that would have put the game to bed, given the attacking on show. OPM drew themselves to within two points with a penalty kick with 20 minutes to go, only for Joe Parkin to pounce on a ball that squirmed out of the back of an OPM scrum soon after, dashing ten yards to score.

Withycombe held on to escape Plymouth with four points. The first XV have a bye next week but travel to Penzance the following Saturday, whilst the 2nd XV look to return to winning ways when they host Bideford in the Merit Table.

Withycombe v Kingsbridge

Withycombe 3

Kingsbridge 29

Devon Intermediate Cup

Withycombe were taught a lesson in chance-taking as they were humbled by a clinical second-half performance from Western Counties outfit Kingsbridge.

Kings, flying high a league above Withy, were slow out of the blocks as Withycombe heaped pressure at the Brook End of the ground, only for the visitors' first visit to the opposition half to give them the opening points of the game.

Withycombe were spurred to action, and a workmanlike series of phases gave Jack Pugsley the simplest of penalty chances to make it 5-3 at half time. All the talk in the Withycombe huddle was of turning the screw and making hard work pay dividends, however in the second half it was Kings who were to take their chances.

The visitors had been slightly ahead of the game at the breakdown, and it started to pay dividends. Two missed conversions from tries early in the second half ostensibly kept Withycombe in the tie at 15-3, but the lack of a finishing touch prevented them from truly looking like scoring.

A further two tries later in the half put the result to bed. Kingsbridge were by no means far and away the better side, but by taking their chances made the result a very comfortable one. If Withycombe have plans of playing in a higher league next year, this will serve as a good yardstick. The 1st XV are back in league action next week as they visit Old Plymothians & Mannameadians.

Tiverton Athletic 29

Withycombe 2nd XV 10

Withycombe were left cursing their lack of front row experience as Tiverton ended their unbeaten Merit Table run.

Tries from Mark Wilkinson and Glen Layton kept Withycombe in the match, but a lack of forward power meant the backs had very little platform to showcase their superior speed. Next week the 2s host OPM at Raleigh Park.

Withycombe v Tiverton

Withycombe 14

Tiverton 17

Tiverton only led for a total of four minutes but it was enough to secure them four points in a tight encounter at Raleigh Park.

Tivvy stay unbeaten but Withycombe can take heart from a commanding performance in a game that proved a fantastic advert for Devon rugby. Withycombe opened the scoring on 15 minutes after fly half Glenn Channing was hit late, Jack Pugsley kicking the goal. 

The very slight incline on the pitch proved a considerable factor; Channing's boot using it to Withycombe's advantage throughout the first half, and Pugsley was to strike two more penalties before half time to edge Withycombe to a 9-0 lead at the break.

Tiverton started the second half the brighter, a string of rare missed tackles from the Withycombe midfield allowing Johann Van Wyk to score by the posts. With Tivvy using the hill just like the home side had in the first half, Withycombe spent much of their time defending, and a further three points from a penalty niudged Tiverton in front for the first time in the game. 

Withycombe hit straight back after winning their own restart, a clever kick from Jack Pugsley forcing Tiverton to concede a lineout on their own 5m line. From the lineout, the unlikely figure of Glenn Channing emerged from the rubble over the tryline to claim his fourth try of the season. 

The game returned to Withycombe's stout defence holding out wave after wave of Tiverton attack, and with three minutes to go, the levee finally broke. A series of pick-and-go carries and mauls eventually resulted in Tivvy scoring a workmanlike winning try and converting with three minutes to go. The result sets up a mouthwatering return fixture at Coronation Field in March should both teams keep up their current form. Next week Withycombe host Western Counties outfit Kingsbridge in the Devon Cup, while the 2nd XV look to maintain their unbeaten run in the Merit Table at Tiverton.

Newquay Hornets v Withycombe

Rampant Withy Rout Hornets

Newquay Hornets 8
Withycombe 48

First half dominance seals third victory of the campaign on Cornish soil in gale force winds

A game of two halves loomed with the blustery conditions, with Withycombe preparing to batten down the hatches as they played into the wind in the first half. The old cliché never materialised though as the visitors went straight on the offensive.

Receiving the kickoff, Withycombe worked up the pitch, until Freddie Fraser made a decisive break before feeding Jack Pugsley who scored the opener. 

At times Withycombe 's indiscipline cost them big as penalty kicks were carried by the massive winds into green and black territory, but the strong forward display at set piece negated the effect somewhat. Freddie Fraser was sent to the sin bin on twenty minutes as Newquay snatched three points, but Withycombe replied by scoring with 14 men. 

A George Toomey break set Dave Richards in motion to feed "tugboat" Glenn Channing, who pinned his ears back to crash over. 

Withycombe's next score would come from defending a lineout on their own 5 metre line. With the conditions dictating that just about every throw go to the front, the gigantic Jon Axon was a constant thorn in the side of Newquay, and no more so than on this occasion, when the subsequent maul from his steal set the stage for Glenn Channing to bust a hole in the defence on the 22 before offloading to Jack Pugsley who ran in untouched from 50 metres out. Pugsley then converted his own try to make it 17-3. 

The four try bonus point was secured with the last act of the first half as Jon Axon made a delightful midfield half break and Freddie Fraser finished the job undertow posts. Pugsley converted to give Withycombe a 24-3 halftime lead, all but unassailable should the wind keep up! 

Another Channing-Pugsley connection early in the second half essentially secured the win, Withycombe able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their first half labour, even if Glenn Channing's boot did occasionally overcook! 

Newquay showed they still had some fight in them by scoring a workmanlike try to pull it back to 31-8,but the score was instantly cancelled out as a steal from the ensuing kickoff led to Freddie Fraser scoring an eye-catching individual try. 

A slick backs move put George Toomey in for a late try before Andrei Toma hacked on a loose ball and just managed to get the ball down before it squirmed out of play. With the unbeaten league leaders Tiverton visiting Raleigh Park next week, a 40-point win in Cornwall is sure to raise eyebrows.

Withycombe v Exeter Saracens

Withycombe Nil Sorry Saracens

Withycombe 34
Exeter Saracens 0

Exeter's second club were sent back up the A376 with their tails between their legs as Withy make it three on the trot.

It was a miserable return to their old stomping ground as former Withies Rob Hilton and Martyn Dibble led a dispirited Saracens team to defeat at Raleigh Park.

After scoring their first bonus point of the season last week, Withycombe had this one wrapped up by half time, and it took only seven minutes before Mike Richards worked a crevice in the defence from the scrum base just big enough for John Parkin to penetrate and score the opener, Jack Pugsley adding the conversion. Five minutes later and a quick tap penalty left Saracens short on defence in Clubhouse Corner, Will Cole giving Kevin Rodwell the scoring pass.

Saracens played with intent, though never really looked like scoring into the wind in the first half. It would take until the 35th minute for the home side to score again when Jack Pugsley intercepted and left Rob Hayes to wheel away for the score. The bonus point try came on half time when Glenn Channing followed last week's bump-and-run with a slippery show-and-go to make it two tries in two weeks.

Withycombe put the fixture beyond doubt early in the second half when a Saracens scrum on their own 5m line started a hasty retreat, only for the ball to pop out of the back and Freddie Fraser, who had made a rascal of himself all day moonlighting at openside flanker, dived on the ball adjacent to the posts to give Pugsley the easiest of conversions.

On 65 minutes Withycombe scored again when Phil Sluman showed he is not just a superior scrummager, scoring a workmanlike try from close range. Proving that it really wasn't Sarries' day, a clean run in was not enough to get them on the scoresheet as Ben Mardle chased back and forced a knock-on over Withies goal-line to keep the clean sheet intact.

Veor v Withycombe

Ten-Try Withies Crush Veor

Veor 10

Withycombe 62

Withycombe move to sixth with smash-and-grab raid on basement boys Veor

Withycombe had the unenviable task of visiting Veor for what would prove to be a real test of nerves this weekend.

The sides have contrasting fortunes so far this season, Withycombe on the up except for a forgettable trip to Hayle two weeks ago, and Veor without a win since the opening weekend of the season. A hostile reception awaited the visitors, and they responded with a truly workmanlike performance, earning their first bonus point of the season and escaping without injury or sending off!

Withycombe proved they were in no mood to mess around when given an early penalty opportunity in front of the posts; with the wind at his back, skipper Dave Richards opted to kick the corner, with brother Mike the benficiary from the rolling maul to score the game's opening try.

Fly-half Glenn Channing was sent to the sin bin on 14 minutes, gifting Veor an easy three points for a perceived block on the kicker, however this would make little difference to the direction of traffic. John Parkin fed Jon Axon on the blindside for the big man to barge three defenders out of the way on his way over the line. Jack Pugsley made the most of the narrow pitch by converting from the sideline. Rob Hayes would be next to score for Withycombe from close range after being put in by Andrei Toma, Pugsley again converting from the touchline.

Veor hit back with a well-taken interception try but the conversion was to be the last of their scoring for the day. First Glenn Channing put Aaron Conway through to score in the corner, before scoring himself with the patented "Channing Bump-and-Run". Veor tried to change their luck by kicking the opposite way at the restart, making the ill-advised decision to put the ball directly into the hands of Rob Hayes, who returned the ball with interest to the home 22, paving the way for Freddie Fraser to score the last try of the half.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, to the extent that Mike Richards scored the half's opening try in exactly the same fashion. Freddie Fraser then put Sam Conway in for his third try of the season to make it 50-10, before Chris "Fridge" Gibbons turned up on the wing to pop the ball inside for Kev Rodwell to score.

The game was marred by an inevitable sending off on 72 minutes. Fraser, who had been the subject of an assault by a spectator early in the first half, was sin binned whilst a Veor player was red carded for punching Withycombe's Will Cole. Withycombe made sure the game ended on a much happier note when Rob Hayes took off on a mazy run before flinging a miss pass out to the one and only Fridge Gibbons who flew up the wing to score with the game's final action.

Next week Withycombe 1st XV host Exeter Saracens for what promises to be an intriguing local derby.

Withycombe v Honiton

Withycombe 25

Honiton 8

The humiliation of last week's 40-point drubbing at Hayle seems a long time ago now! After a shaky start, Withycombe saw off Honiton in a comprehensive manner.

The villagers drew first blood through an early Jack Pugsley penalty, before Honiton responded with a penalty of their own and a soft try. Fortunately for Withycombe the Honiton kicking from the spot wasn't up to much, so 8-3 it stayed. Those would be the last points Honiton scored as Withycombe's defence woke up and kept a clean sheet for the remaining 68 minutes.

Withycombe drew level on 30 minutes when Phil Sluman rolled back the years and scored a try that by next week will surely be a 30-yard screamer, but for now was a close quarters battering. Pugsley missed the conversion but made no mistake five minutes later when Mike Richards scored underneath the posts after breaking from the back of a scrum.

The second half was a story of "what could have been" for both sides. Having missed a couple of shots at goal in the first half, Honiton's luck with the boot didn't improve, and Withycombe can count themselves lucky on the one hand that the score was not a closer affair in the end.

On the other hand, however, the home side had many opportunities to score, but whether it was a bad final pass, a questionable forward pass decision or a dropped ball, something was stopping Withycombe from scoring their first bonus point of the season.

Discipline has been a Withy virtue of late, but today the penalty count was extremely high, and Withies can perhaps count themselves lucky that the referee was not more judicious with the cards. Returning skipper Dave Richards was sent to the sin bin on 60 minutes, as was Aaron Conway on 72, ending the centre's involvement in the game. The saving grace was Withycombe's tackling, so ferocious that Honiton didn't look like scoring a try, and failed to kick any points. 

Withycombe started to edge away on 60 minutes when Jack Pugsley put them ten points in front. After a tense period, Withycombe put the game beyond doubt as some clever play from Glenn Channing put Danny Sansom away on the outside from deep, and man of the match Sansom's strong running saw him beat the remaining Honiton defence to score a late try under the posts, Pugsley converting.

The 1st XV travel to Veor next week, site of a stirring 18-16 victory two years ago, whilst the 2nd XV entertain Brixham at Raleigh Park.

Hayle v Withycombe

Hayle 55

Withycombe 12

Withycombe's Cornish blues returned on a miserable trip down the A30 where they endured a first-half battering from Hayle.

Having won at Falmouth two weeks ago, and with three crucial trips to Cornwall this side of Christmas, Withy were hoping for a strong performance against a home side whose results had been unconvincing until this point.

Wins in Cornwall are never easy to come by, and with Danny Parry spending a long time in the sin bin having been sent from the field after two minutes, Withycombe's task was not being made any easier. In fact, the visitors were not even awarded a penalty until 33 minutes, by which point the game as a contest looked long over. Withycombe coach Mark Tomlinson was controversially sent off on 38 minutes to cap a first half horror show, Hayle going in 36-0 up at the break.

The second half proved to be more of a contest, Withycombe scoring first after a Mike Richards break allowed Sam Conway to crash over in the corner, and although Hayle replied with three soft tries, Withycombe had the last word when Danny Parry sniped from the fringes to run in untouched from the Hayle 22. Withycombe host Honiton this week at Raleigh Park looking to bounce back.

Withycombe 2nd XV 13

Exmouth Nomads 24

Withycombe's 2nd XV welcomed the Nomads to Raleigh Park for match that tends to bring many old faces crawling out of the woodwork. Despite a committed performance, Two Lee Tanton penalties were not enough to prevent the Nomads going in at halftime 12-6 up. In the second half, Brian Fardoe's first try for Withycombe, converted by Tanton, was negated by the introduction of Navy centre Dale Sleeman, who scored a try and set one up to put Exmouth out of reach on 24 points.

The 2nd XV visit Topsham next week for their latest Merit Table game.

Withycombe v Saltash

Withycombe 22

Saltash 10

A composed display from Withycombe's youngsters saw them to victory in the rain at Raleigh Park.

Saltash made their second trip to Devon in two weeks, having shipped a hundred points at Exeter University the week before. That proved to be no measure of the mettle as the play went tit-for-tat in the opening exchanges. The sides exchanged tries early on, some clever interplay between Matt Williams, Ben Mardle and Rob Hayes down the short side leaving the lethal Hayes with what he would consider a straightforward finish. Pugsley converted, but Saltash hit back straight away, full back Ryan Cruickshanks converting his own try to level the scores at 7-7.

Withycombe for once had the edge in the set pieces, comprehensively out-scrummaging the visitors, while line-outs were a free-for-all as both sides struggled for consistency. The weather proved to be the biggest villain to both sides as their eagerness to move the ball was often their undoing. The Ashes struggled in the tackle though, with Withy hooker Liam Cullen a constant pest, adn it was one of his steals that opened the door for the attack that would see Terry Mears dive over in the corner to put Withycombe back in front at 12-7. Saltash finished the first half with a flurry, slotting one penalty before the last attack of the half came to an end with some last-ditch Withycombe tackling.

The second half was balanced on a knife-edge, and it took 26 minutes before the first points would be scored when Jack Pugsley kicked a penalty to edge Withycombe further ahead. Saltash's last major attack came to nothing when a lineout on the Withycombe five metre line gave rise to some vicious defence, including a withering hit from centre Freddie Fraser, who almost did more damage to himself in the process.

Withycombe built on that to put the game beyond doubt when supersub Glenn Channing's deft crossfield kick was collected by Rob Hayes whose offload found the hands of man-of-the-match Fraser, who gratefully skipped underneath the posts. Pugsley's conversion made it 22-10 and a second win on the trot for Withycombe. Hayle await next week for another testing fixture in a league which is fast appearing to have no easy games.

Withycombe 2nd XV 20

Saltash 2nd XV 10

Withy's second string followed the lead in a match that took place straight after the first team's victory. Two trademark tries from Kevin Rodwell, one from Number 8 Paddy Gore (!) and a penalty and conversion from Lee Tanton were enough to see the unbeaten second string to victory. The seconds have another home match this Saturday, this time against cross-town rivals Exmouth.

Falmouth v Withycombe

Falmouth 20

Withycombe 22

Withycombe recorded a rare win in Cornwall on Saturday with a gutsy and breathless display against a resurgent Falmouth side.

Trips across the Tamar are never easy, but Withy evidently were in no mood to embrace stereotypes as they raced out of the blocks into a 12-0 lead. Aussie centre Freddie Fraser's creativity put mercurial winger Rob Hayes away for the first try, with the reliable boot of the returning Jack Pugsley converting. Minutes later Fraser turned provider again as in interception allowed Hayes to counter attack from deep, some slick hands opening the door for Sam Conway to score his first try in green and black.

Withycombe then endured a middling middle 40, with Falmouth putting the squeeze on the away pack. Struggles in the lineout and at the scrum base meant Withy's exuberant backline rarely had quality first phase ball, and the slower pace seemed to suit the home side. A couple of penalties from Paul Saberton cut the gap before Tom Spiller touched down from a rolling maul, Saberton converting to put Falmouth 13-12 up at the break.

The Withy woes continued as Falmouth skipper Tony Whittle barged through the Withycombe defence to score under the posts, the conversion putting Falmouth eight points clear. Withy fought back with a penalty before Fraser made a half-break from a scrum in his own half, the slip pass inside to John Parkin opening the field up. Parkin's switch with juggernaut Ben Mardle 30 metres from the line finished the defence off; Mardle touched down under the posts to give Jack Pugsley the simplest of conversions.

Withycombe almost blew their winning lead however when they gave away a penalty at the breakdown in a very kickable position with moments to go. Fortunately the kick sailed wide and the travelling support breathed a sigh of relief. Next week Raleigh Park hosts a double header of 1st and 2nd XV games against travelling Saltash.

Withycombe v Exeter University

Withycombe 3

Exeter University 24

Withycombe's first home game ended in defeat as what promised to be a festival of running rugby turned out to be more of a tactical ding-dong at Raleigh Park.

With both teams clearly placing a premium on defence, the game was a tight affair from the outset. The score remained deadlocked for 25 minutes until the University crashed over in the corner to make it 5-0. Two missed penalties from Withycombe cost them the opportunity to lead and when Al Loaring was beaten on the outside shoulder the University held a 10-0 lead at the break.

Commanding debuts for George Toomey, Sam Conway and Will Cole among others showed the promise in this young Withycombe side. Blooding players now will surely pay dividends before long, and this was a courageous effort against a very well-organised team who will surely be there or thereabouts come the business end of the season.

All that is not to say that Withy did not have a chance to win it, though. With Glenn Channing finally putting Withycombe on the board on 60 minutes, the University looked beatable as the green and blacks started to apply pressure. Two missed tackles led to two converted tries in the last ten minutes though which gave the visitors a soft bonus point and a flattering margin of victory.

So plenty to work on, but also plenty to work with for Withycombe as they prepare to travel to Falmouth next week, who opened their account with an eye-catching 12-8 win at Crediton; meanwhile Withies' 2nd XV play host to Torrington at Raleigh Park.

Crediton v Withycombe

Crediton 37

Withycombe 13

Withycombe's league campaign got off to a stuttering start following a week of selection headaches. With mass unavailabilities in the front five and late withdrawals disrupting the starting lineup, the Withy preparation was far from ideal.

However, Withycombe started the better of the sides. After some early pressure and many phases making ground in the Kirton 22, Kevin Rodwell was tackled high giving Glenn Channing the opportunity to score Withycombe's opening points of the season. The game remained tight for the next twenty minutes, Withycombe appearing to have overcome their breakdown woes that cost them badly in pre-season. On 25 minutes a set move from a lineout gave Danny Sansom the opportunity to showcase his talent and score a fine try in the corner to make it 8-0.

Having been run ragged in the last game of last season, Withycombe were wary of the Kirton backline, which turned out to be a non-factor thanks to the diligent Withy defence. Crediton certainly had the edge in the tight though, and their first points came from a rolling maul which would be a sign of things to come. John Stevens scored the try with Mark Lee converting to make it 8-7. 

Withycombe replied on 39 minutes with a blindside break from a scrum, Mike Symons offloading to Connor Gilby then Mike Richards who rumbled over to put Withycombe 13-7 up, Channing's conversion attempt hitting the post. Crediton were not done though, and on half time were awarded a penalty try from a 5m scrum which Lee converted to put the hosts up at the break.

The second half was a completely different affair as Crediton made their superiority in the scrum count. Withycombe struggled to win first phase ball, and with indiscipline at the breakdown creeping in again, Crediton kicked the corners and played the numbers game with their rolling maul. It yielded another try after just 4 minutes of the second half and changed the face of the game. An offside penalty was gratefully slotted by Lee to stretch the lead to 22-13, before 10 points in 3 minutes effectively ended any Withycombe hopes of getting anything from the game.

A try in the corner followed by a touchline conversion and yet another penalty 2 minutes later made the score 32-13, and the departure of Danny Sansom robbed Withycombe of one of their best counter-attacking threats. To rub salt in the wound, Crediton scored another try with 3 minutes to go, making it 37-13. 

Though the scoreline may flatter the home side, there were many positives to take from the game. Notable performances from debutants Connor Gilby and Dan James in the back row, Glenn Channing beginning to get the backline firing from fly-half, and resurgent performances from the likes of Kevin Rodwell and Danny Parry are just some of the reasons that this is a Withycombe team on the up. Exeter University visit Raleigh park next week to visit their old friend Mark Tomlinson for what promises to be an open, attack minded 80 minutes of rugby.

Crediton v Withycombe (Apr 2012)

Crediton 46

Withycombe 34

Withycombe's yo-yo season came to an end at Crediton with a bonus point loss in a game both teams will be hoping provides a sneak peek of next season.

Crediton struck first with a breakaway try after Withycombe had missed an early opportunity at a penalty. Withycombe struck back minutes later as Mike Richards' deft footwork undid the set Creddy defence to dot the ball under the posts from 20 metres out. A Jack Pugsley conversion put Withy in front before Crediton struck back through No. 8 Mark Nott. The sides traded penalties before Crediton's impressive backs outwitted the Withy defence, the conversion making it 22-10 to the hosts at half time.

The sin binning of Nott for stamping on his opposite number's head gave the visitors plenty of impetus after the break, and Withycombe's backs drew the second half's first blood with an impressive move of their own just after half time. Danny Sansom dived over to make it 22-15, but injuries to Mike Richards and James Perkins meant that Withycombe's reserves were running low. Crediton's ex-Plymouth Albion fly-half Mark Lee, a menace throughout, came into his own later on, scoring a try of his own, then converting a try from a driven lineout and setting up a breakaway try to leave the visitors reeling at 39-22. Withycombe would not give up, though, and a withering hit from Andrei Toma forced a turnover which allowed Ben Mardle to screech 50 metres under the posts. Danny Sansom then beat half the Crediton defence single handedly, offloading to Matt Brambles who was on the wing for some reason, who in turn fed Ben Tuckett to score in his last league game for Withycombe before moving to Norfolk. Lee broke again to score for Crediton to dash any remaining Withycombe hopes, but the green and blacks were to have the last word as some sevens-style offloading and a crossfield kick landed the ball in the hands of Rob Hayes, who took off in a zigzag motion before settling, inevitably, under the posts untouched. The Withycombe supporters will be no doubt drooling at the prospect of a full season with Hayes following his impressive bit part role this year, and if this performance is anything to go by, there's some very entertaining rugby in store. The Oliver Marsden Memorial Match, in aid of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) will be at Totnes RFC next Sunday to unofficially close the curtain on Withycombe's year.

Pirates Amateurs v Withycombe (Apr 2013)

Cornish Pirates Amateurs 12

Withycombe 20

Withycombe put in their finest away performance of the season at the Mennaye Field on Saturday having travelled down the night before. Steeled by a cultured night in Camborne, the visitors planted a green and black flag in Cornish turf for the first time this season at the seventh time of asking.

After starting miserably the majority of the time, Withycombe came out all guns blazing. A one-handed lineout take gave the backs front foot ball, Danny Sansom picking the ball off his toes and slicing through the Pirates defence with a coruscating run and leaving the full back for dead as he raced over to open the scoring. Jack Pugsley's increasingly reliable boot made it 7-0. Withycombe's mobile pack were getting the better of their lumpy opponents in the tight and, more tellingly, in the loose. Quick ball meant Mike Symons at scrum half could make the most of his considerable pace and it was his break down the left of the field that fed John Parkin, whose educated feet jinked this way and that, before setting up a switch with Jack Pugsley. Pugsley's straightened line and powerful running strained the defence to breaking point and he converted his own try from under the posts. More Withycombe pressure gave Pugsley a penalty kick at goal and the visitors were cruising at 17-0.

The last five minutes of the first stanza belonged to the Pirates though, as Withycombe's disclipline deserted them. The Pirates' pick and go game left little to the imagination, but proved effective as Withycombe infringed again and again. The Pirates scored just before half time to make it 17-7 at the break.

The early pressure in the second half came from Withycombe as they looked to put the game out of sight; scores were becoming hard to come by in the worsening conditions. Mike Richards was unlucky not be awarded a try after taking several defenders over the line with him and grounding the ball and grounding the ball somewhere amongst the heap. Pugsley kicked another penalty from the ensuing play as Withy snatched the points on offer.The effects of a long season started to show on Withycombe's reserves, injuries to Dave Richards, Matt Brambles, Danny Sansom and others meaning that the interchange cards got plenty of use. The Pirates used the disarray to their advantage, rumbling up the field and making Withycombe infringe again with the pick and go, before a freak spinal injury to the Pirates scrum half and captain Ashley Weston meant the game was halted for over twenty minutes while an ambulance was called. Weston thankfully made a full recovery by the following day. The sin binning of Jack Pugsley shortly after the resumption of play made scoring something of an inevitability for the Pirates, though the conversion was missed to leave a crucial eight-point gap.

Both sides attempted to play rugby but come the end the ball became something of a liability and Withycombe's smart tactical kicking and composure under pressure meant they stuck it out for a thrid win in a row. After a fallow middle third to the season, Withycombe's fortunes have picked up recently; the second XV also won on Saturday, beating Totnes 51-5 at home, and the the first team will be chasing a fifth place finish next week at Crediton, 

Withycombe v Wessex (Apr 2013)

Withycombe 59

Wessex 5

Withycombe hosted their final home game of the league season last Saturday, fielding a full strength side save for the inclusion of skipper Dave Richards switching from hooker to fly-half. Wessex, already relegated, brought a strong side and thankfully both teams seemed more eager to play rugby than the last time they met!

Withycombe started slowly as usual, Wessex veteran Steve Boatfield showing Danny Sansom a clean pair of heels to put the visitors 5-0 up after only five minutes. That was to be the last of the Wessex scoring for the day as Withycombe scored 59 unanswered points, though the scoreline was flattering. Rob Hayes proved the difference in the early stages, his fleetness of foot proving lethal on the firm ground. Three blindside moves from scrums gave Hayes a first half hat-trick, first from a scrum on the 22, then from halfway as the ensuing kickoff failed to go ten metres, before Mike Symons outfoxed the bolstered defence with a clever grubber kick for Hayes to gratefully scoop up for his third. Lee Tanton kicked all three conversions to give Withycombe a 21-5 halftime lead, despite being second best at the breakdown. Two yellow cards, first to Ben Mardle and then to Phil Sluman just before Mardle's return, underlined Wessex's fine play in the loose. 

The second half would do the visitors no favours though, as Withycombe's pace outside turned half-chances into tries. Terry Mears scored under the posts early in the second half to effectively end Wessex hopes of salvaging a win. Lee Tanton then put a speculative kick into the air, only for the Wessex backs to completely flub the catch allowing Kevin Rodwell, moonlighting at flanker, to collect and score unchallenged beneath the posts. Two more Tanton conversions made it 35-5. Wessex captain Dean Meldon was next to go to the bin, opening the floodgates on the scoring somewhat. A blindside break gave Adam Morris a five-pointer, then a fine three-quarter move allowed Danny Sansom to put Rob Hayes in for an incredible eighth try in two games, and a turnover directly from the ensuing kickoff resulted in Matt Brambles dotting down. Dave Richards added a conversion to the latter to make it 52-5, where the scoring ceased for a while. To add insult to injury, Adam Morris intercepted a wayward pass in the Wessex backline to score from halfway, a Tanton conversion rounding off the scoring. Withycombe travel to Penzance next week looking to extend their run of wins, whilst the 2nd XV host Sidmouth in preparation of club stalwart Paul Clarke's 50th birthday celebrations.

OPM v Withycombe (Mar 2013)

OPM 36
Withycombe 44

Withycombe travelled to Old Plymothians and Mannameadians on Saturday with both sides facing severe disruptions to their selection process following the hasty rearrangement of the fixture. OPM opened the scoring with a breakaway try, Withycombe responding first with a Paddy Shaw penalty and then Mike Symons breaking down the blindside before feeding Rob Hayes who darted over to make it 8-7 in Withies' favour. OPMs hit back with another try before Symons again exploited the blindside, this time finishing the job himself to leave the score 13-12 at halftime.

The previous fixture between the sides was a tight affair, finishing 23-22 in Withies' favour, but this one really opened up in the second half as both teams' makeshift defences struggled. OPM opened the scoring to take the lead before Withycombe hit back with two tries, first from Adam Morris up the left wing, then a chip from MIke Symons was collected by Rob Hayes. The game was still nip and tuck until a Ben Mardle chip bounced favourably, allowing Adam Morris to score under the posts, Lee Tanton converting to make it 30-17 in Withycombe's favour. Although OPM closed the gap with another converted try, Rob Hayes replied with the try of the match. After finally scoring is first ever try for Withycombe two weeks ago at a sodden Raleigh Park, Hayes showed what his feet could do with some decent conditions as he ran riot, receiving a clever reverse pass from Matt Brambles before flummoxing four OPM defenders to score. He then added another minutes later, Lee Tanton converting both to make it 44-24. OPM secured themselves a bonus point and a more respectable scoreline with two late tries but Withycombe will be glad to come away with 5 points and looking to build on this performance for the visit of Wessex next weekend.

Withycombe v Saltash (Mar 2013)

Withycombe 18

Saltash 28

Withycombe slipped, literally and figuratively, to another defeat in awful conditions at Raleigh Park. Despite the stellar efforts of groundskeeper Peter Farley, the match quickly descended into an error-ridden mudbath. 

Saltash played up the field with the wind at their backs in the first half, wisely booting the ball from their own half at every oppportunity. Withycombe's staunch desire to play the kind of rugby usually associated with mid-March got them into trouble, and an early penalty was swiftly followed up with a pick-and-go try under the posts for the visitors. After conceding one in almost identical fashion the week before, Withycombe should be looking to tighten up around the fringes for their visit to Plymouth next week. A Jack Pugsley penalty was Withycombe's only reward for their first half efforts, the whistle blowing with the visitors 16-3 up.

Withycombe's restart-phobia struck again at the top of the second half, Saltash returning the Withy kick underneath the posts to open up what would prove to be an unassailable 23-3 lead. Despite losing James Perkins and skipper Dave Richards to injury, Withycombe played their best rugby in the second half. Despite the wind having dropped, Withycombe persisted with the kicking game. The ball proved to be a liability in the conditions and Withies' resurgence started with a 5m scrum, Mike Richards picking and feeding Rob Hayes on the blindside to score his maiden Withycombe try. Further pressure gave Pugsley another penalty before a quick tap from scrum half Mike Symons caught the Saltash defence napping, John Parkin straightening the line to dash over and give Withycombe hope at 23-18. However some smart territory play from Saltash led to a Withycombe lineout ten metres from their own line, and with the sharpshooting Dave Richards on the sidelines, the throw went awry and the ball was scooped up by a grateful Saltash forward who put the game beyond doubt. Withycombe take on OPMs next weekend looking for a rare away win.

Withycombe v Tiverton (Mar 2013)

Withycombe 10

Tiverton 10

Withycombe arrested a slide of two home defeats with a hard-fought draw against third-placed Tiverton on Saturday.

In atrocious conditions, both teams were to be applauded for their eagerness in playing positive rugby. In spite of this, the game remained scoreless at halftime. Though both teams had made forays into opposition territory, the standing water made it difficult for the sides to find a cutting edge. Withycombe looked to be at a disadvantage when second row Tom Caygill was sin binned with 20 minutes to go, but broke the deadlock in his absence with a penalty in front of the posts from Jack Pugsley.

Withycombe's composure had deserted them in the latter stages of games recently, and today looked to be no exception. Having worked so hard to get the lead, Withy conceded a pick-and-go try in soft fashion which was converted to make it 7-3 in Tiverton's favour. A petulant penalty on the Withy 22 allowed Tivvy to stretch away to 10-3, and Withycombe's hopes of getting anything the game were looking slim with five minutes on the clock. In a showing that showed maturity beyond their years, WIthycombe worked back up to the Tiverton 22, and having held their nerve with three lineouts in the top corner, were awarded a penalty try on the last play of the game, to the delight of Clubhouse Corner. Pugsley's nerves of steel held out as he slotted the conversion to cement the two points. Withycombe will be looking to build on this performance when they host Saltash next week at Raleigh Park.

Newquay v Withycombe (Mar 2013)

Newquay Hornets 24

Withycombe 20

Withycombe came home from Cornwall feeling that they only had themselves to blame for their latest away loss.

Newquay drew first blood as they pounced on a fumbled Withycombe lineout to score an early try. Withycombe nearly struck with a counterpunch as the returning Neil Williams seized a loose ball to feed Jack Pugsley with nothing but 70 metres of grass between him and the tryline. Alas, the attack broke down and the ensuing penalty was missed, but Withycombe would not be down for long. From a Mike Symons quick tap, Withycombe recycled the ball and moved it wide for Neil Williams to bundle over taking several players with him. Pugsley slotted the conversion to make it 7-5. The momentum then swung in the opposite direction as Newquay missed a penalty of their own before scoring a breakaway try to lead 10-7. Pugsley replied with a penalty kick to make the halftime score 10-all. 

Withycombe struck first in the second half as quick ball gave Kevin Rodwell the chance to cross the whitewash, Pugsley again converting. At 17-10 Withycombe finally looked in control, with the set pieces looking strong and patient phase play allowing them to dictate the pace of the game. All that went awry in the final 15 minutes, as another Pugsley penalty was book-ended by two opportunistic Newquay tries, both kick-started with missed touch-finding kicks. Withycombe's edge in seeing out close games, so vital to their 10-game winning streak after Christmas last season, seems to have eluded them recently. High-flying Tiverton travel to Raleigh Park this Saturday which shall no doubt prove to be another test of Withycombe's nerve.

Withycombe v St Ives (Feb 2013)

Withycombe 16

St Ives 27

A spirited Withycombe performance was not enough to best high flying St Ives at Raleigh Park on Saturday. Following their thumping at Tiverton the previous week, rumours about the strength of the side that the Hakes would send to Devon abounded, whilst Withycombe's thrashing by Teignmouth last week left questions about their capability of dealing with the best sides in the league.

As it turned out, Ives fielded what they called "their strongest side of the season", but struggled to deal with Withycombe's tenacity at the breakdown in the early phases. Withycombe took the lead after 10 minutes with a Jack Pugsley penalty, only to concede a try straight afterwards, a trait that is fast becoming characteristic and one that should look to be addressed. Following the missed conversion, Withy slowly took a grip of the game. Whilst they struggled in the lineout, man of the match Terry Mears and Dan Mather made pests of themselves at the breakdown, with half backs Mike Symons and Jack Pugsley making the most of their front foot ball. Ives were lucky to keep 15 men on the field after two cynical penalties were conceded deep in their 22, both converted by Pugsley to give Withycombe a 9-5 lead. Withy skipper Dave Richards can count himself unlucky after a textbook tackle was deemed a fraction late and he was harshly sin binned with 6 minutes of the first half remaining. Another try for the visitors gave them a slender 10-9 lead at the half but Withycombe's fast and loose rugby surprised seemingly everyone, and the noise from the sidelines gave the players a welcome boost.

Ives drew first blood in the second half with a Cieron Thomas penalty, but Withycombe's persistence paid off as Dan Mather's offload put Jack Pugsley through, his turn of pace flummoxing the Ives full back as he raced under the posts on 60 minutes. The conversion took Pugsley's tally for the day to 16. With the pace of the game much higher than of recent, fitness levels dropped off in the last 20. Withycombe were lucky when Thomas uncharacteristically missed a penalty from just outside the 22, but far from trying to hold on for the win, Withy scented blood. A break from their own 22 had the St Ives defence on their knees, but a dropped pass was pounced on by the St Ives centre who ran it back under the posts. The minds were willing, but the Withycombe bodies had given everything, and Ives crossed again from a set lineout move to gift them a bonus point and a flattering result away from home. Withycombe travel to mid-table Newquay next week, looking to arrest a run of three consecutive defeats. Play like this, and they surely will.

Falmouth v Withycombe (Jan 2013)

Falmouth 27

Withycombe 15

Withycombe's 2013 got off to a gloomy start as they produced a near carbon copy of last season's performance at Falmouth.

The trip to Cornwall is never an easy one, but Withycombe were hampered by travel complications leaving them  only 35 minutes preparation time. Falmouth pounced on the muggy headed visitors to race into a 7-0 lead. The sides exchanged penalties and although neither truly held the ascendancy, Falmouth looked the more comfortable of the two. Withycombe conceded another try after one of many midfield handling errors, and the teams turned around with the score at 17-3.

The half time pep talk was all about gas left in the tank and showing their worth, but Withycombe simply gave themselves a bigger mountain to climb as they conceded an early try to fall 22-3 behind. With hooker Dave Richards retiring early from the game through injury, Withycombe's lineout struggled; however the use of quick taps made inroads into the Falmouth defence, and before long, Falmouth had conceded two players to the sin bin and a penalty try, converted by Jack Pugsley. Withycombe were pressing again, and after a third yellow, Ben Mardle crossed the line in the corner. With the score at 22-15, Withy could sniff what had looked an unlikely comeback. It was not to be unfortunately as Falmouth chipped through to score a rare bonus point try. Although Withycombe might have cause to complain about the home side's gamesmanship or foul play, the truth is that this was a game that should have been no more than a routine win, a "true banana skin" in the words of captain Dave Richards. Next weekend high-flying Saltash visit Raleigh Park, and with Withycombe lasting the entirety of 2012 unbeaten at home, it promises to be a belter.