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.
