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
Monday, 16 December 2013
Sunday, 8 December 2013
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.
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.
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