April 2012

Withies Ensure Top Four Finish on Saturday 21st April

Withycombe 22 Crediton 14

Withycombe had eyes on a top six finish at the beginning of the season but ended up finishing fourth. An achievement that can be attributed to never say die attitude of players and the spirit that has been generated particularly in the latter stages of the league campaign.

On Saturday against old rivals Crediton, Withies playing with the slope in their favour were soon in front when in the fourth minute Neil Williams found a gap at the back of the line out to squeeze over for a score that was converted by Jack Pugsley. Withies not satisfied with the early score then dominated the next fifteen minutes but Crediton took on the home pack showing the type of spirit associated to Crediton when playing Withycombe. It was abrasive stuff and it took a lapse in concentration from Crediton when Withycombe took a quick penalty and some confounding and slick passing between the forwards saw Danny Parry crash over in the corner. The score was not converted. It was now important that Withies kept up the momentum and it looked like another score but was disallowed when touched down for either foot in touch or not grounded properly. All rather confusing to the supporters. However just before the break Withies did manage to increase their lead when Pugsley had the simplest of penalty chances and the score moved to 15-0. With the wind stiffening and the visitors with the slope in their favour it was clear that Withies needed to be at their best in the second half.

Withycombe’s lead and spirit was tested from the start in the second half but the selection of Chris Gibbons and Dave Passmore in the centre was assurance that nothing was going to happen in midfield. Some of the home tackling had the supporters cringing at their intensity. Crediton’s answer was to start bombarding Withies with the high ball that didn’t do much for the game as the free flowing passing game adopted by Withycombe in the first half was all but stifled. Certainly Crediton, with the slope and their tactics, edged the superiority in the opening twenty of the half as Withies always looked slightly vulnerable with their returning kicking game. Crediton managed a score through hooker Bobby Mogford that Rob Milton converted and it was then game on. Withies needed a moment of magic to stifle Crediton fight back and it was the inspirational Williams who seized the moment to dash over from twenty five metres for a converted score and the game was all but won. Crediton, however, continued to worry Withies right to the death and score an excellent converted try through winger Jordan Pring right on the whistle.

Withies fantastic season continues next week at Raleigh Park when they play Honiton in the Ollie Marsden Memorial Match that raises money for CRY (Cardiac Arrest in Young People - http://www.c-r-y.org.uk). Ollie played for Withies whilst at Rolle College as well as his home Club Totnes before his untimely death three year ago. All support is welcome for this fabulous charity match that kicks off at 1.00pm Match sponsors No 9 Bar have been supported by prizes for auctions and draws from The Clipper, Porky Downs, Richards and Sons, Franklins, Spoken, Peppers, The Bank and Sweeney’s Barbers. Withycombe thanks all those contributors for this fantastic cause.

Withies Sink Pirates on Saturday 14th April

Withycombe 29 Pirates Amateurs 13

Withycombe produced a stunning opening twenty minutes against Pirates Amateurs last Saturday at Raleigh Park. It’s now nine on the trot for Withycombe who will be all out to secure double figures against local rivals Crediton next week.

Withycombe playing up the slope were soon into their stride and registered their first points within four minutes when Adam Morris was on hand after some slick handling from the outsides. Pirates’ deficit was reduced when Murray Westren knocked over a monster penalty from almost the halfway line. It looked like the game was going to develop into something special and so it proved as Withies opted to raise the tempo with some scintillating open rugby. Dave Passmore was the recipient of the next Withies try taking a superb off load from Neil Williams to make it 10-3. Five minutes later another Withies score came from Mike Richards who score d from a superbly engineered catch and drive move in Clubhouse corner. Jack Pugsley converted for the extras. On twenty minutes Withies were again agitated the score board for their bonus point score and it was centre Williams who broke numerous tackles to crash over between the posts for another try that was converted by Pugsley. 24-3 up within 20minutes had the home supporters purring with delight. However, Withies were only to trouble the scoreboard once more and that would be in the second half. Indeed, the tempo of the game changed somewhat as playing conditions started to change with a stiffening breeze developing and a persistent drizzle. Just before the halftime whistle Ryan Forrester scored a break way for the Duchy side as Withies lost possession when a poor kick from hand was intercepted. The score was unconverted so team changed ends at 24-8.

The second half was a much more disjointed affair with mistakes, mainly due deteriorating weather conditions. The open rugby produced in the first half was never going to be on the cards. Strive as they might Withies pushed for their fifth try but it was proving difficult as Pirates defended stoically. However Withies persistent paid off and Morris added to his first half score with a try in the corner to make 29-8 and the game looked all over for the Duchy side. However, Pirates marginally shaded the final quarter and Withies for some time defended their line. In fact it was Pirates who had the last say when a tentative kick to the corner was gathered by Sam Keating with a hint of a knock on to score near the corner flag. The score was unconverted just before the referee brought an end to proceedings.

A Withies XV entertained a touring side from Minchinhampton on Sunday and won 74-14. Director of Rugby, Nigel Symons reported there were some awesome performances through the side. So brought to an end to a successful weekend at Withycombe. On Saturday Withies entertain old rivals Crediton with a 2.30 KO. It is the last game of the season so plenty of support would be appreciated.

March 2012

Hornets Feel the Withies Sting on Saturday 24th March

Withycombe 24 Newquay Hornets 5

Withies winning run continued on Saturday at Raleigh Park when they overcame a spirited Hornets side. Everything is looking rosy at Withies presently and spirits are clearly high and first team places at a premium.

Withycombe playing with the slope in their favour found Newquay intent on exacting revenge from the defeat Withies inflicted in Cornwall earlier in the season. For the first fifteen minutes it was all Newquay with their back division particularly prominent. Withies held out until seventeen minutes when Hornets big centre, James Alexander, who was proving a bit a handful, broke through to score wide out for an unconverted.

Withycombe responded by taking the game by the scruff of the neck and started to take control through their forwards who are dominating most opposing packs in the division. It was the forwards who engineered the open score for Withycombe when catch and drive was taken on and lock Ben Tuckett was driven over. Standoff Paddy Shaw converted from the touchline. With the pressure on Newquay had to defend to maintain the score line to half time when they would have slope advantage. However just before the break Withies were able to extend their lead with a penalty from Shaw to Withies advantage was 10-5 at the break.

The second half totally belonged to Withies, all but two Newquay incursions into the Withycombe twenty five. Using intelligent kicking from hand Withies manoeuvred great positions and Newquay looked more and more vulnerable. It all looked a matter of time and in the fiftieth minutes the Withycombe pack engineered another catch and drive effort to Club house corner and this time it was Withies other lock, James Perkins, the scorer of his maiden Withies try. Shaw knocked over the conversion and Withies looked odds on to increase their advantage.

Shaw was unlucky with two penalty attempts but he made up for his misses when he ghosted through the Newquay backline to score between the posts. It was a classic standoff effort. The score was converted and Withies just needed one more try score with ten minutes to go to get a fifth bonus point.

They did go for it but Newquay were not about to roll over and gift Withies their score. On two occasions Withies players were over the line but held up. It was a bit frustrating but final whistle came before the goal could be achieved.

Prior to the first team game a Withycombe VETS XV overcame a touring VETS XV from Bradford on Avon. It was wonderful to see the skill factor was very much in evidence and if the body was willing some of the players might just show younger players a thing or two in league rugby.

Withies travel to make their last trip to the Duchy next week when they play Veor. Veor are one of the few clubs to have beaten Withies at home this season and the Raleigh Park outfit will be up for revenge.

 Lions Mauled By Withies on Saturday 3rd March

Withycombe 43 Liskeard and Looe 0

Withycombe produced their best display of the season that saw Liskeard and Looe leave Raleigh Park empty handed. It was a prodigious display by the home side forwards who dominated their opponent’s larger pack that allowed the backs freedom to exert pressure almost at will. Withycombe post Christmas improvement has been increasing in momentum, that dare I say it, a top five finish look ultimately achievable.

Withies playing against the slope started strongly and soon had the Lions pinned in their own twenty five. If the away team threatened to move away from their territory stand Dean Chisling and full back Tom Steer sent them back with intelligent kicking from hand. On ten minutes after good work from the forwards scrum half Danny Parry stretched over to score an unconverted try. Only minutes later, lock Ben Tuckett crashed over after a catch and drive. The try was unconverted. Withies were growing with confidence with every passing minute and everything from the training ground was paying off. The influential No 8, Mike Richards had a try disallowed on half hour but not to be deterred made sure that the referee saw a score minutes later to register Withies third try of the half. The score was converted by Steer and the half came to end with Withies leading 17-0.

The second half saw Withies really emphasise their superiority and again Liskeard and Looe were soon under pressure as Withies strove for their bonus point for the fourth try. To be fair to the Lions they defended well but it was all in vain when replacement prop Chris (Fridge) Gibbons bulldozed over from five metres and the bonus point was won. The score was unconverted with the score at 22-0. Whilst the first half saw Lions never bother the Withies twenty five they did so in the second half on a couple of occasions but Withycombe were defensively solid as they were potent in attack and Cornish side looked to be running out of steam. Withies were given a penalty try half way through the second have when referee Neil Woodhead ran out of patience when a Withycombe score looked inevitable. The score was converted by Chisling. With fifteen to go, it was impressive Brad Perkins who sliced thought the away defence and Withies job looked done with the score at 36-0. But the, now exuberant, home crowd were then treated to the best try at Raleigh Park this season when audacious passing saw the play switched from one side of the pitch to another and Steer swept over for a score that he converted himself. At 43-0, fifty points looked possible, but the Lions wouldn’t have deserved that ignominy for they battled well but Withies were just sublime on the day.

Withies travel to bottom of the table Totnes next week. Withies should win on the form book but upsets do happen and the improved performances of late must be continued. Then Withies can look back at this juncture of the season and use it as a springboard for better things next season.

February 2012

Withies Tame Plymouth Baa Baas on Saturday 25th February

Plymouth Barbarians 18 Withycombe 30

The re-arranged fixture between Withycombe and Plymouth Barbarians produced some real fireworks with three sin bins, a sending off and early final whistle as the referee felt he could not continue because there was too much going on off the ball. There was only eight minutes left on the clock so the result will likely stand with Withies collecting five points for four tries scored.

Withies started like a train and were ten points to the good in as many minutes. In that time Barbarians also collected the first of their two yellow cards. It was clear this was going to be game of debate and controversy. Withycombe first score came courtesy of the boot of standoff Paddy Shaw who stroked over penalty in the third minute. Then almost from the restart Withies scored their first try and it came with after good work from lock Jon Axon, again rolling back the years, to feed skipper Dave Richards to force his way over in the corner. Shaw converted the difficult attempt to make it 10-0. Barbarians now one short came back at Withies strongly opting to put width on the ball. The pressure paid dividends and Barbarians were awarded two penalties, one from Scott Martin and one from Tom Richards.

The second quarter saw Withies hit Barbarians with two tries in fairly quick succession. Withies eight Mike Richards was proving to be a handful to the home defence and from one his line breaking excursions, centre Neil Williams was on hand to score. The score went unconverted. Withycombe needed one more score to cement their authority on the proceedings and it was Richards himself who crashed over. The score was converted by Tom Steer. However, Barbarians did manage a score a well worked try from a catch and drive; the scorer being skipper Jack Martin.

It was a very satisfactory half for Withies leading 22-11: the only downside being the ineffectual refereeing that frustrated players, coaches and supporters of both sides.

The second half saw Barbarians exert early pressure to get them back in the game. Within ten minutes they scored a try when some very slack Withycombe tackling allowed Scott Meakin to score a try that he converted himself. It was a soft try and it shouldn’t have been scored but it did wake Withies up as they strived to seek the fourth score for the try bonus point. However, players were getting increasingly frustrated by the stoppages that the referee seemed intent on imposing on the game. A altercation between both sets of players ended with Withies losing scum half Danny Parry to the bin on a yellow card and Barbarians centre Steve Hammond receiving a straight red. Players were becoming understandably confused at the actions of the referee and it showed.

However, Withies did have a man advantage and they made the most of it by exerting pressure on Barbarians and their first rewards came when the home side were adjudged off side at the ruck and Tom Steer converted to nudge Withies into a 25-18 lead. Withycombe required just one more score with ten minutes remaining for the try bonus point and to effectively close out the game and they got the score they wanted when Withies centre Williams powered over in the corner. In explicably, on the score a hand bag fracas between some players had the referee reaching for his whistle to end the eight minutes early.

Next Saturday, Withycombe host Liskeard and Looe at Raleigh Park with a 2.30pm KO

 Parry Boosts Withies at Lowly Torrington on 18th February

Torrington 6 Withycombe 22

On a very cold day at Donnacroft Withycombe overcame a spirited Torrington side fighting for survival in the Cornwall and Devon league. Pre match rain made conditions very awkward for both sides and Withycombe will be very happy with the result in what could have been a potential banana skin had they allowed themselves to become bogged down.

Withycombe played the first half with the slope in their favour. Clearly intent on making the most of that advantage, the Withycombe pack opted to take it on and Torrington were forced to defend from the onset. Kickable penalties were rejected in favour of kicks to the corner for the catch and drive. It was after twelve minutes that Withies got themselves on the score board when a catch and drive was taken on and quick recycled ball from the drive was stopped and scrum half Danny Parry squirmed over close enough in for standoff half Tom Steer add the extras. The seven point advantage was soon reduced to four when Withies were penalised and Torrington’s Sam Britton slotted the ball between the posts

After the restart Torrington, enjoyed some brief incursions into Withies territory but a combination of excellent defence and conditions denied the home side in the quest for a score. Withycombe needed to increase their lead to make the most of the Donnacroft slope and they did with a score from full back Bradley Perkins, entering the line, after some encouraging phases from the Withycombe pack. Steer added the extras.

The final minutes of the first half had Withycombe pushing hard for an equaliser but the slippery conditions denied the East Devon side as the ball went to ground at crucial moments. Torrington’s Britton reduce d the deficit with another penalty but right on the whistle Withies were awarded a penalty and Steer knocked it over as it was the last play allowable.

The second half was a more even affair and Withycombe were forced to defend on occasions but Torrington never really looked like scoring whereas Withies chances were much clearer particularly when lock Jon Axon nearly forced his way over from a line out.

Another Withycombe score was needed to make the game safe as the final quarter of the game approached but with the pitch becoming heavier ball control was becoming a lottery. Withycombe pack had a weight advantage and they used it to good effect and rumbled and mauled the ball to make good ground. Ben Mardle nearly broke the defences with a nicely timed run but a last ditched tackle saved the day for Torrington. However, it was only moments later when Withies got their score and it was a copy cat score from scrum half Parry. Steer was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt, but with only ten minutes to go to the final whistle the game was almost won. With a 22-6 advantage Withies held control of the ball until the final whistle and the points were in the bag.

Withies travel to Plymouth Barbarians next week for a rearranged fixture.

January 2012

Withies Power Punish Teignmouth on 29th January 2012

Teignmouth 8 Withycombe 23

Withies produced a performance of dominance that gave them their first double of the season at Bitton Park last Saturday. However, it took right up to the final whistle for the fruits of their performance to really tell.

Withies from the kick off looked positive and assured and Teignmouth were forced onto the defensive. The pattern of play adopted by Withies clearly upset the home side. The neutral onlooker would have been deceived by the fact that Teignmouth are several places above Withycombe in the league. With the forwards dominated the tight, Teign’s were forced into error after error and in the tenth and in the twentieth minute standoff Paddy Shaw was able to kick two penalties to give Withies a deserved lead. Although the Withies pack were dominating the Teignmouth front five the Withycombe backline did not rest on their laurels with penetrating runs on the home side backline, with centre Jimmy Holman breaking the line on almost every touch. Even with so much dominance Withies failed to increase their lead before the interval and Teign’s did put themselves on the scoreboard with penalty. It was a little frustrating that Withies couldn’t have managed more considering their supremacy in most aspects of play.

The second half started with Teignmouth showing a little more flair to get their quick outsides into the game and the tactic looked to have paid off when a gap was engineered for Will Sowden to sneak over wide out and Teignmouth had an undeserved lead. The score seemed to stun Withies and the edge went out of their game as Teignmouth gained momentum. However, Withies were able to nudge themselves in front as Shaw hoisted another penalty for a one point Withycombe lead. Shaw was also unlucky with a monster penalty attempt from almost the half way line that bounced on the cross bar. Shortly after this effort there came a turning point in the game when Teign’s centre Paul Scott was sin binned with only eleven minutes remaining. The penalty kicked to the corner set up a catch and drive and after several resulting mauls Teignmouth prop Jake Burry was also sin binned. The pressure told and its Teign’s Skipper Colin Aldworth was also sent to the bin only minutes later. With another scrummage being taken, it was a fairly simple task for No 8 Mike Richards to pick up and power over for a converted score. Straight from the kick off Withies increased their score with a James Rose powerful run into the Teign’s twenty five and there again was Mike Richards on hand to score his second try, in the space of a minute. The score was converted by Shaw to give Withies a 23-8 win that the home supporter might have said was caused by Teignmouth committing hari kari at the death but in truth Withies power forced the misdemeanours and any of the casual supporters on the day would say that Withycombe’s win was well deserved.

This Saturday Withies entertain top of the table Honiton so Withycombe will need to produce a similar powerful performance to overturn the form book. KO at Raleigh Park is at 2.30pm.
 

Withies Make Most of Conditions on 21st January 2012

Withycombe 25 Hayle 18

It was always going to be close at Raleigh Park last Saturday and it was the home side that made the most of the conditions to take the points in an intriguing Cornwall and Devon encounter.

Playing with the wind and slope in their favour, Withies took the game to their opponents in the opening exchanges and Hayle had to defend stoically to stem the initial Withycombe onslaught. However after only ten minutes, Withycombe opened their account with a penalty from standoff half Paddy Shaw. Five minutes later Withies increased their lead after some good work from a catch and drive and Withies eight, Mike Richards forced his way over for an unconverted score. With a narrow 8-3 advantage, Withies up their tempo to try and gain a good first half advantage, but Hayle played their cards right by keeping the ball in hand and Withycombe’s backs were kept on their toes to ensure that progress was limited. However, after a foray into Withies territory, Hayle engineered position for a simple penalty chance to be rewarded that eroded Withies advantage. From the restart Withies were soon on the offensive and some stern mauling and rucking saw the ball whipped down the back line and lock Jon Axon flicked the ball out to Tom Steer to go over in the corner for a converted score. A further score came ten minutes later when new signing Bradley Perkins picked up a loose ball to scamper over for a converted score. Another Shaw penalty ensured that Withycombe changed ends 25-3 to the good.

It was a case of table turned in the second half as Withies had to withstand the long periods pressure from Hayle who had wind and slope advantage. It wasn’t helped when skipper for the day, Dave Richards, was sin binned within ten minutes of the restart and Hayle made the most of it and scored their first try when Rob Heath rumbled over to reduce the deficit. Fortunately the score was unconverted. The restart saw Hayle immediately apply pressure and Withies had to defend stoically. As the game progressed it looked only a matter of time for Withies defence to crack and it did so with twenty minutes to go when centre Josh Rule was able to go over for a converted score. Now 23-15, the game was interestingly poised. A James Prisk penalty with ten minutes to go heightened the worries for both the home side and supporters alike. As the minutes ticked away it was exciting stuff and right on the whistle, Withies might have settled it completely with a bonus point try but the ball was just adjudged to have been knocked on. However the final whistle was gratefully accepted and Withies were able to put behind them their beating at Tavistock last week.

A good win, but still a need to up the first tackle percentage and retain possession when a good lead has been established. A visit to Teignmouth next week will be stern test when Teigns will be looking for revenge for their defeat at Raleigh Park earlier in the season.

Tavistock Take Revenge on Withies on 14th January 2012

Tavistock 41 Withycombe 6

Tavistock avenged their defeat at the hands of Withycombe at Raleigh Park in a confident display at Sandy Park last Saturday. There is no doubt that this was a much better organised Tavistock side who have now gone eleven wins on the trot and now lie second in the table. However, Withies will have been disappointed in the manner of the defeat and must regroup to ensure that recent improvements are not a flash in the pan. Withies first tackle percentage was below par and with the runners that Tavistock had, it became damage limitation for Withies in a fraught second half.

Tavistock were first to score and that came in the fifth minute when there was too much space given wide out. However, Withies came back strongly and gave themselves a 6-5 advantage when Paddy Shaw knocked over a penalty and then struck with a neatly taken drop goal form 30 metres. The game was the nip and tuck for a a while and then with ten minutes of the first half left, referee sent Withies No 8 to the sin bin for a high tackle when it was clear that man and ball had been taken at the same time. Unfortunately, that was the turning point of the game as Tavistock scored twice more before the break, one of which was converted. With a lead of now 17-6 Withies had it all to do.

With the restart Tavistock wasted little time in making the most of a man advantage as the referee for some reason extended the sinning bin of Richards to total of 16 minutes. Typical of the decisions and mistakes made by the referee that both teams found infuriating. It that time they scored two further tries and it was all over for Withycombe. As the half progressed Withycombe did have their moments and came close on a number occasions but Tavistock were intent on keeping Withies out. Two more Tavistock score came near the end of the match and as the clock reached full time, Withycombe were well beaten.

Withies host Hayle this Saturday and hope that they can get back into the winning habit. Kick off is at 2.30pm

Falmouth Undone By Withies Pace on 7th January 2012

Withycombe 22 Falmouth 12

Falmouth turned up Raleigh Park last Saturday and found Withies pace to hot to handle. It was a good performance by the home side who emulated the Boxing Day display where open and fast rugby was the name of the game.

Withycombe played up the hill and against a stiff breeze in the first half. As early as five minutes into the game, warning bells should have rung for Withies as Falmouth's Jake Seviour banged over a penalty from the ten metre line. Withycombe only had to wait moments later when Falmouth conceded and Paddy Shaw brought the score level with a relatively easy penalty. Using the slope and the wind to their advantage Falmouth muscled their way into Withycombe territory. Withies defence stood their ground and the larger Cornish forwards forays were stifled. As half time approached it was clear that Withycombe were not going to be broken or bullied by the larger Cornish counterparts and the Duchy side had to rely on another two monster penalties by Seviour to put a little light between themselves and a the rock solid defence of Withycombe.

It was shortly after Falmouth had gone ahead, and with fifteen minutes remaining of the first half that Withies rocked the Cornishmen with two scintillating tries. The first came from fullback James Collett who sliced through the away back line to score a converted try and Withies held a 10-9 lead before Withycombe’s speed man Jimmy Holman took advantage of a Mike Richards steal and raced in from the half way line egged on by the supporters’ cheers at Clubhouse corner. The score was unconverted but Withies had shown their cards that any Falmouth mistakes would be penalised with injections of pace and tempo.

With the half time score advantage to Withycombe, Falmouth had an uphill struggle and so it proved as they had very few scoring chances in a half dominated by Withycombe. To be fair to Falmouth they defended well as Withies had in the first half. However, it was always going to be Withies day even though Falmouth’s Seviour gave the Cornishmen some hope with another long range penalty. If Withies had a fault in their pursuit of more points it was that perhaps too much effort was put into upping the pace and passes went adrift or were spilt. On another day those passes would probably have stuck. With the game entering the final quarter, Withycombe scored another great try; again through Collett who evaded three or four desperate tackles before scoring close in for Shaw to add the conversion points.

The last five minutes of the game was dominated by Falmouth desperately striving for a losing bonus point and they almost gave Withycombe a chance of a four try bonus point when Holman picked up and only a last ditch tap tackle stopped a length of the pitch scoring effort. It was only moments after this that referee brought an end to the proceedings and Withies rest in comparative mid table safety.

Next week, Withies travel to the most improved team in the league Tavistock having won ten on the trot. Tavistock will be aware, however, that it was Withies who beat them comfortably at Raleigh Park at the beginning of the season 19-3. They will be up for revenge, so Withies will need to be at their best to ensure Tavistock do not gain revenge.

December 2011

Withies Xmas Delight on 26th December 2011

Withycombe 34 Withycombe Presidents XV 34

It was festival rugby at its best at Raleigh Park on Boxing Day where the crowds were able to relish some the best open rugby seen for a long time. Referee, Richard Steggles expertly handled the proceedings between a Withycombe side playing without the pressures of league rugby and a Presidents XV, full of ex Withies players and guests from other Clubs. It was scintillating stuff end to end stuff with some wonderful tires scored and full credit should go not only to the players but to Director of Rugby, Nigel Symons, for organising a plethora of players into competitive sides when spirits are jaded and the fizz of Christmas Day Festivities are long gone. Player numbers allowed those with wearying limbs to leave and then re-enter the fray when they felt able to.

The Match was played for the inaugural John Passmore Memorial Shield to be presented to the man of the match and was presented to two players, Chris (Fridge) Gibbons from the Withycombe side and Joe Parkin from the Presidents XV, by John’s wife Ann. Prior to the presentation, Tony Rowe, Withies President and Chief Executive of Exeter Chiefs, said a few words about John and his achievements and service to grass roots rugby.

A day to be remembered at Raleigh Park for all sorts of reasons. Withies restart in the New Year with a home league fixture again on 7th January 2012 with a 2.30 KO. Happy to New Year to you all.

Withies Share the Spoils with Spirited Display on Saturday 10th December

Pirates Amateurs 8 Withycombe 8

Another almost game but at least Withies returned from the Duchy with a share of the spoils. True, this was a better performance than the previous week but there are weaknesses with certain aspects of the game that must be worrying for the coaches. Eradicate those weaknesses then Withycombe’s potential can be built on.

Withycombe started strongly and kept the home side mainly in their own territory for most of the first twenty minutes. Chances were few as both packs tried to exert their dominance. It was what Withies do best and it showed. Despite the territorial advantage it was Pirates who went ahead in the second quarter of the game in their first real excursion into the Withies half when a penalty for holding was punished and the attempt was sent through the posts for 3-0 lead.

Withies soon were back in the game when a off the ball incident was noticed by the referee, who surprisingly didn’t award a yellow card but did give Withies Dean Chisling the opportunity to level the scores with a penalty from 25 metres. Soon after this the referee did go to his pocket to give a yellow card to Pirates No 3 for chat and with the man advantage Withies should have made this period count. There were some scoring chances, as the half came to a close, notably when hooker Dave Richards and prop Chris Gibbons produced promising runs but lacked back up when it was needed.

Withies were hit early in the second at the half when the home side manoeuvred a position some ten metres from the Withies line and a rather fortuitous pass was picked up for a Pirates score wide out that wasn’t converted.

This score stung Withies into action and with the very slight slope in their favour dominated most of the second half proceedings although the propensity to kick for territorial advantage was starting to back fire as in last week’s unfortunate performance against Veor. However, unlike last week the Withies forwards mobility and their good tight technique started to tell and the Pirates’ found themselves encamped in their own territory for long periods.

With twenty to go Withies lost standoff Chisling with a knee injury and with a switch around outside the Withies pack began to exert more pressure. A penalty nudged to the corner by Tom Steer gave Withies the opportunity for classic catch and drive and the pocket rocket Sam Manning was driven over the home line. Steer was just wide with the conversion attempt.

The Pirates did a have a match winning penalty attempt with minutes to go that was unsuccessful but it would have been an injustice considering Withies long time domination of the second half proceedings.

Withycombe travel to Plymouth Barbarians next week for the last game before Christmas and a points win there would be just reward before the second half of the season starts on 7th January.

Lack Lustre Withies Pipped By Lowly Veor on Saturday 3rd December

Withycombe 12 Veor 13

Withies fresh from a famous victory at Newquay, succumbed to a dogged Veor side last Saturday at Raleigh Park. It was Withies first league home defeat of the season and although close it was the manner of the defeat that dismayed coaches and supporters alike.

Withycombe playing with the slope in their favour did start the game strongly and at the outset the home pack looked to have the beating of their bigger Cornish counter parts. As early as three minutes, standoff, Dean Chisling was only just wide with a drop goal effort. Although dominant for the opening exchanges it was all huff and puff and a mixture of dismal kicking from hand and elementary mistakes became the common denominator. It was clear that a settling down period was needed. More work was needed to keep the momentum going through first and second phase to work the channels. This was the way the game was won at Newquay. However, the plan to kick for territory continued and hopelessly backfired with Veor running back at Withycombe whenever they could and to great effect with big strong running centres.

Veor’s confidence was beginning to grow and Withies edge seemed to be all but gone as Veor looked stronger and stronger. However, as the minutes ticked away towards the end of the first. Withies almost scored a breakaway try when the loose ball was hacked on. With sudden territorial advantage gained a scrummage near Veor’s whitewash was won and No 8 Mike Richards bulldozed over. Unfortunately, the moderately easy penalty conversion was missed.

With a five point advantage and a brisk wind favouring the away side it clearly wasn’t going to be easy for Withies. But they scored first and it was probably the best try seen at Withycombe this season. Richards picked up and fed flanker Ben Tuckett who in turn fed skipper Neil Williams who scored a try converted by Chisling. It was pace and subtleness of the score that was mesmerising. This demonstrated how Withycombe should have been playing in the first half.

After that score little can be said about Withycombes’s efforts as they resorted to first half type. Veor now 12-0 down should never have been allowed back in the game. But Withies poor tactical kicking gave the initiative back to Veor and they took full advantage with a penalty from veteran standoff half Kevin Mankee. Almost immediately after, a catch and drive, had the Withycombe pack in all sorts of trouble and from a resulting maul, Veor scored a converted try and its was game on.

If Withies thought that kicking their way out of trouble was the answer they should have realised that this wasn’t a good ploy considering what had gone before. But continue they did and were rewarded with an awkward ten minute period before the full time mark. And they paid the price for the indifferent display on the day when Mankee kicked his second penalty and Veor had snatched it at the death.

Next week, Withies travel to the Duchy to play Pirates Amateurs and will hope that they can put this display behind them as a one off and return with the spoils as they did at Newquay.

November 2011

Withies Bag The Points in the Duchy on Saturday 19th November

Newquay Hornets 39 Withycombe 40

Withycombe returned from Cornwall with all five points from a thriller of a match at Newquay. Director of Rugby, Nigel Symons was over the moon at the commitment, resilience and performance. Skipper Neil Williams bagged a hat trick of tries with two from No 8 Keegan Fereday and one from second row Matt Brambles.

Playing against the wind, Withies were soon two scores down as Hornets rushed into a 14-0 lead within the first ten minutes. There then came a bad injury to Withycombe flanker Dan Mather who was taken to hospital with damage to ribs and sternum. The enforced stoppage didn’t help Withies cause and they were suddenly 21-0 and it was looking like a long afternoon for the Devon outfit.

Withies need to get on the score board and quickly. They did so courtesy of a catch and drive and Matt brambles was the beneficiary. The score was converted by Jack Pugsley.

The scoring spree continued in the latter stages of the first half with Newquay adding to their total with a penalty and then scrum half Neil Williams scored a try started and finished by himself. The extras added by Pugsley gave some respectability to the scoreboard as Withycombe entered the second half only 24-14 down.

The second half was all Withycombe. Soon after the restart Keegan Fereday score a brace of tries from pick up at the base of the scrum as the Withycombe pack took control. The scoreboard kept changing as Withies upped the tempo and Williams scored his second. It wasn’t all one way stuff though and Newquay did cross the Withies whitewash again and notched another penalty.

One more score was needed with the match minutes fading and it was that man Williams again that put Withies score on the 40 point mark and it needed a monumental effort from Newquay to try and take the points. They almost did it and their rewards were a converted score on the last play of the match.

It was a fantastic effort from all the team, make no mistake about it. Keegan Fereday was outstanding with his defensive as well as attacking work. Veteran Phil Sluman was dominant in the front row and a massive individual performance from Neil Williams was in part instrumental to the win. Just too many performances to mention.

Withycombe have a weekend off before starting league action again with a home game against Veor. Confidence must be high with two five pointers in a row. This is the last home game before the Christmas festivities so good support would be appreciated by all.

Withies Unbeaten Home League Run Continues on Saturday 12th November

Withycombe 24 Totnes 8

Withies overcame a spirited Totnes side last Saturday at Raleigh Park to claim a five pointer win. The four to one try margin was good enough on the day but Withycombe first half performance was less than satisfactory and Totnes dominated for large spells in that period.

Playing with the slope in their favour Withies were soon put under pressure as Totnes opted to push the ball wide whenever possible with occasional flurries from front row runners. Outside Withycombe backs kept their counterparts at bay with Dave Passmore excelling with thumping tackles. Withies forwards were more than a match for Totnes’s forwards who struggled in the tight but held their own in the line out.

With territorial advantage in the first half it was Totnes who were first on the score board when Withies were penalised some twenty five metres out and George Palk nudged Totnes ahead. The away score was certainly a wakeup call and Withies began to up the tempo. For the last ten minutes, Totnes were under the cosh and Tom Steer found enough space to feed Withycombe skipper Neil Williams who scampered over from ten metres out. The extras were added by Jack Pugsley.

With Withies playing up the slope in the second half it was essential that most was made of the favourable stiffening breeze and fly half Steer obliged pushing Totnes back time after time. The ensuing pressure was destined to tell with the ball being stretched wide and Rich Hall scorched over when an overlap was created. The score was converted. Withies second try in the second half was a gem started and finished by full back Pugsley but not after some scintillating work from centre Adam Morris. This score was unconverted.

Withies now looked for their fourth try to reap the extra bonus point and Totnes defended tenaciously to stop Withycombe achieving this. With only ten minutes left on the clock Withycombe achieved their objective when several scrummages near the Totnes whitewash engineered enough space for the ball to worked to the blindside and Rich Hall dived over in the corner for his second try. The score was unconverted.

From the restart Totnes force Withies back deep into their own territory and it looked a very tired Withycombe side who were forced to concede a line out close to their own line and from the ensuing catch and drive Totnes prop Tome Edmonds forced his way over for and unconverted score.

This score brought an end to the proceedings and the maximum five points will be welcome as Withies continue their climb up the divisional table. However, Withies need to start with more conviction. There are teams in the league that take advantage of opponent’s slow starts and catch up rugby is so difficult at any level. Withies will need that extra injection of effort in the opening encounters when they travel to Newquay Hornets next week.

Withies Loose Out at the Death on Saturday 5th November

Withycombe 21 Crediton 31

As usual this encounter between the two old adversaries turned out to be a close affair with the away side only tying up the match in the final ten minutes. To Withies credit they battled well but a mixture of late enforced changes through injury upset the balance of the side and they had to settle for second best on the day.

For the opening ten minutes it was nip and tuck and but Withies then started to get on top and Crediton had to defend as Withies launched attack after attack in Crediton's territory. However, it was the away side who struck first when Tom Rochetti broke the Withies line and was able to break some defensive tackle to score a try converted by him. It was a soft try and Withies coaches will be disappointed at the manner of the score. With that being the only score in the first half and with Withies now having to play up the slope in the second half no one expected the display of scintillating rugby that was to come.

It was Withies who struck first when pace man Jimmy Holman outstripped the away defence to touch down in the corner following an intelligent chip ahead from Paddy Shore. Within five minutes Holman had scored again breaking several tackles to outpace the defence. With a lead established it was all Withycombe and some good work Neil Williams and Ben Wright got the ball close enough to the Crediton whitewash for Ben Tuckett to take a slipped pass to crash over. Unfortunately none of the early second half tries were converted. Had they done maybe the deficit would have been too great for Crediton to recover from.

Crediton responded to the early second half blows when Lance Palme crossed from close range for a converted score. And there was only one point in it. Then the crowd were treated to blast from the past as centre Dave Passmore broke the Crediton back line and ploughed over from almost the half way line. The score was converted by Dean Chisling.

Heart break was too follow for Withycombe as they lost the influential Holman and Wright to injuries in quick succession and with only ten minutes remaining Crediton scored three times, one from Dan Mann and two from No 8 Mark Nott. Two were converted so that put Crediton through to the next round of the cup and left Withies a little deflated after a fine early second half performance.

Withycombe return to league action next week against Honiton at Raleigh Park which will a 2.30pm KO

October 2011

Withies Squander Opportunities on Saturday 29th October

Liskeard and Looe 10 - Withycombe 7

Withycombe will look back at this game and know they could and should have won. It could have been settled in the opening ten minutes with a score from Dan Mather, after a catch and drive, after four and two great try scoring chances when Neil Williams was brought down just short of the line and then Jimmy Holman inexplicably let the ball slip from his grasp with the line beckoning.

Those opening moments on a wet and dreary day should have signalled that when the ball was being pushed wide, Liskeard and Looe would be hard pressed by the Withycombe pace men. However, for some reason Withies began to opt for direct approach through mid field or kicking from hand that was on the whole well judged but failed to give opportunities to Holman and Tom Steer, both who have electrifying pace.

As the half progressed and with Withycombe opting for a tactical battle that kept Liskeard and Looe in the side the match cascaded into a scrappy affair with no team really on top. Steer was unlucky not increase the Withycombe lead with a penalty attempt and standoff Dean Chisling was well wide with a drop goal attempt but that was about as much excitement conjured up as the home team stifled any Withycombe attack.

With ten minutes to go Withycombe lost the influential Mike Richards to the sin bin and this allowed Liskeard and Looe to dominate at the end of the opening period and from a catch and drive the maul was taken close to the Withycombe line and scrum half Dan Goodman scampered over for and unconverted try.

With the slight slope in their favour in the second half Withycombe looked like they would be able to see off their Cornish opponents. It was not to be as the tactics still seemed to push through midfield rather than stretch the home side defence. Tactical kicking became haphazard whilst the home side used the stiffening wind to good advantage. With twenty minutes gone in the second half Withycombe advantage was being decimated by astute home side tactics and not very thoughtful direction in Withycombe’s efforts.

When an opportunity came to Withycombe with penalty opportunity easily within Steer's range and on his right foot it was spurned in favour of a line out. Withycombe were to rue the decision for almost at once Liskeard and Looe made quick inroads into Withies territory and second row Colin Soady picked up a loose ball and strolled through the Withycombe defence for and unconverted score.

Then as if a light had been switched on, Withies started to mount a serious assault on the home side’s line. This time it was the Withycombe pack who took the initiative but there was still some reason why, when the ball was released, to take it on in midfield. There were a couple of occasions when there was a one man overlap or at least one on one scenario, that the wrong option was taken. Withies still could have shared the points when another penalty chance, again on Steer's right boot, was turned down in favour of a scrummage. It was all very frustrating right up to the final whistle.
Withycombe play Crediton next week in the Cup at Raleigh Park KO 2.30pm and must put this below par performance behind them and use their strengths as they did when defeating Torrington the week before.

On Song Withies Thump Torrington on Saturday 22nd October

Withycombe 52 Torrington 3

Withycombe easily defeated bottom of the table Torrington at Raleigh Park last Saturday scoring eight tries in the process. However, it wasn’t until the second half when Withies really turned up the gas and blew the visitors away.

Playing with the slope in their favour Withies were soon into their stride and looked to run the ball wherever possible. They were soon rewarded for their endeavours but it was individuals try from Tom Steer that set the score rolling. A score that he converted himself. A second score was to follow soon after and that came after the ball had been moved wide several time and Chris (Fridge) Gibbons found an opportunity to stroll over for an unconverted score.

Torrington suddenly got the wake up call and briefly threatened the Withies line for a short period. During this period of pressure the visitors did get themselves onto the scoreboard with a penalty converted by Craig Hooper. A further period of pressure was dealt with by the Withycombe defence and for the latter period of the first half the soon Torrington found themselves confined to their own twenty five. Another score was inevitable when the ball was pushed wide and Steer overlapped to score another try that he converted himself.

Withies playing up the slope and with the wind in their favour were so dominant that Torrington were encamped in their own half and had to defend continuously. When they did clear their lines Withies kicking for territory was just superb. Having lost prop Chris Gibbons with a rib injury, the Withies pack was ably shored up with Phil Sluman as a replacement and the Torrington pack began to crumble. Five metre scrum saw Danny Parry break blind to score wide out for a converted score. The fourth try secured the bonus point, and the fifth was soon to follow from a line out set piece move for flanker Miles Lenygon to score wide out. Steer hit the woodwork with his conversion attempt.

The sixth try was a penalty try when Withies in the act of scoring were denied by a push on the pass receiver. The score was converted.

With ten minutes left on the clock, Withies looked for the fifty score and it was achieved with two tries form skipper Neil Williams, who rounded the Torrington back line twice after the pack had sucked in the defence . Both scores were converted by man of match Steer who is fast becoming Withycombe’s most promising player for years. So at the whistle eight tries and fifty two points was fitting for a team who were just outstanding on the day.

Next week Withycombe travel to Liskeard and Looe who, like Torrington, are at the wrong end of the table. Withies shouldn’t rest on their laurels. Wounded animals are always at their most dangerous.

Richards Four Tries Not Enough For Withies on Saturday 15th October

Honiton 53 Withycombe 27

Five tries is normally enough to win most matches but this wasn’t the case at All Hallows last Saturday as the Honiton outscored the Withies try count by eight to three. However, what it did mean was that Withycombe picked up a try bonus point and there was a personal achievement for Mike Richards who scored four tries, a new record for the Club in Withies league rugby era.

Playing down the slope, Withies nearly were rewarded for their endeavours, when Tom Steer just floated a penalty chance past the posts. Honiton responded trying to move the ball wide whenever possible and looked a very dangerous outside. The pace told after ten minutes and the first of four first half tries for the Lacemen came when wing Ben Dobson outstripped the Withies defence to score wide out for a converted score. Very soon after that Honiton’s other winger added to the score for another unconverted score and the addition of a Glenn Channing penalty it looked to be a long afternoon for the Withycombe outfit. However Withies hit back with first of Richards' tries from a catch and drive. A series of defensive blunders and pretty ineffectual tackling allowed Honiton to score two more tries before the break, one of which was converted. Not to be outdone, Withies added two of their own with a Richards' push over try and opportunist try from flanker Dan Mather making the most of some sloppy handling in the Home side’s backs. At the half time whistle 25-15 Withies had all to play for especially with the slope now in the favour of the home side.

And so the task was to prove too difficult as the Lacemen stepped up the gas in the second half. Honiton scored another two tries before Withies managed another score of their own and again it was that man Richards forcing his way over after good work from a forward catch and drive, securing the bonus try point. Steer found his kicking boot and added the conversion from wide out. Using the “Honiton slope”, the home team dominated looking for all, the best team Withies had encountered this season. The Lacemen hit Withies with another two tries in quick succession but to their credit Withycombe failed to give and in the dying moments of the game Richards scored his fourth.

Whilst the try count of eight to five looks reasonable and admittedly the Honiton side looking a slick side, the casual observer would probably agree that some of the home sides tries were gifted with some not too clever defensive lapses and tackling that was below par. But on the positive Withies didn’t give up and with games against teams lower in the league on the next three Saturdays it all bodes well for a rise in the table to respectability.

Next Saturday Withies entertain Torrington at home with 2.30 pm KO.

Steer Wins Battle of the Boot for Withies on Saturday 8th October

Withycombe 12 Teignmouth 9

Withycombe edged out high flying Teignmouth in a thriller last Saturday at Raleigh Park. The match was ultimately settled by Tom Steer playing his first season for Withycombe who hoisted four penalty kicks to Teignmouth’s, Mike Moses’s three.

Withycombe played with the wind and the slope in their favour in the first half and dominated the opening exchanges. It was evident that Withies looked to move the ball at all times and with the bonus of two flying wingers in Rich Hall and Jimmy Holman the aspect of high scoring game was a distinct possibility. Withies were on the scoreboard quickly but not through the crossing of the whitewash when Steer hoisted a massive penalty from almost the half line. He repeated the act five minutes later to put Withies six up.

With a quarter of the match gone Teign's began to show more at the breakdowns and Withycombe were found themselves starved of quick ball. Teignmouth have scored heavily with their backline this season but Withycombe were so tenacious with their tackling in this stage of the game that Teign’s only threatened on the rare occasion. On one of  their excursions into Withies territory, Teign’s were able to reduce the deficit when Mike Moses was presented with a penalty chance from almost in front of the posts.

The second half played up the slope was always going to be difficult for Withycombe. The wind was beginning to pick up and with added advantage of the slope, Teign’s looked the obvious favourites. However, Withies are made of sterner stuff this season, and they stepped up to the plate to play with courage and commitment. Dave Passmore replaced injured captain Neil Williams at centre so there was change in Withies defensive capabilities. They needed all of that experience as Teign’s started to put pressure on the Withies backline. It wasn’t all one way traffic as Withies engineered quick ball from time to time to get their wings in particular Holman away. It was nail biting stuff and even more so for the Withycombe faithful when Teign’s drew level when Moses kicked two penalties in quick succession with only twenty left on the clock.

With the draw looking on the cards, Withies then were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Steer banged it over to give Withies a narrow lead. Teign’s immediately strove for a score to take the game but Withycombe to a man puffed up their chests and tackled with intensity, when in the past they may have crumbled. With a minute to go Teign’s were awarded a penalty right in front of the sticks but strangely opted to run the ball; a decision they were to rue as the final passage of play saw a Teignmouth player held up over the line and Withies had taken the day.

Withycombe are away to another high flying team next week at Honiton. The following week Withies are at home to bottom of the table Torrington.

September 2011

Withies Show Potential on Saturday 24th September

Withycombe 19 Tavistock 3

Withycombe recorded their first win of the season against Tavistock at Raleigh Park last Saturday. All Withies point came in the second half and there could have been a bonus point had the second half effort been replicated in the opening forty minutes.

Playing with the slope in their favour Withies looked out of sorts in the opening exchanges as Tavistock looked keen kick start their season with their first win. Using the keen wind the away side caused all sorts of bother to Withycombe who created only a few chances. To be fair Withies defended well but the balance of the side just didn’t seem right. Three quarter movement was too lateral and there didn’t seem any purpose in what the forwards were trying to achieve. Whilst Withies attack seemed content to meander through the first half, Tavistock for all their efforts were at least stifled by the Withies defence. It was all huff and puff but no progress for both sides. The only opportunity fell to Tavistock when Withies were penalised in front of their posts and Tavvies Rich Goldsby-West added the points. It was a little bit of a relief when referee Derek Keeling brought the proceedings to an end for the first half but clearly whatever was said at half time to the Withycombe team, it certainly had an effect as the second half was a completely different affair.

Now playing up the slope and with the wind, Withies looked far more determined and immediately entrenched themselves in Tavistock territory. The Withycombe three quarter line straightened up its lines of attack and the Withies pack began to operate more as a unit. Within ten minutes of the restart Withies went ahead when Miles Lenygon barged over when the forwards had created a weakness in the away sides defence with some co-ordinated driving. Tom Steer just failed to add the extras.

Some enforced changes saw a further improvement in Withies fortunes when veteran centre Dave Passmore entered the fray and Lenygon moved into the pack. The further strengthening of the pack and the introduction of Passmore in the back line was just too much for Tavistock whose attack was completely blunted by the Withycombe fifteen. It was great stuff as Passmore took on the away sides back line time and time again. It was just creating more space and Tavistock were beginning too tire from the onslaught. Centre Neil Williams took advantage of Tavvies increasing defence frailties and weaved over to score in the corner eluding tackle after tackle. Steer converted from the touchline. With twenty minutes to go Withies went ahead further when man of the match Dan Mather scooped on a dropped ball to run in unopposed from twenty five metres. The score was converted.

The score of 19-3 could have been worse for Tavistock as Withies crossed the white wash on two further occasions but all in all the loss of a possible bonus point was not a factor for too much worry, for the Withies second half performance was the bonus. It proves that Withycombe are not one dimensional but can be a side to be reckoned with in the division. Withies are away to Hayle this weekend and will have to be on their mettle to one the leagues high fliers.

Withies Outmuscled in the Duchy on Saturday 17th September

Falmouth 20 Withycombe 18

Withycombe failed to take advantage of a strong wind in the first half at Falmouth last Saturday but did manage a losing bonus point for their efforts. The normally potent Withycombe front five found their heavier Cornish counterparts on top of their game and in the tight and in the breakdown clean, quick decisive ball was difficult to deliver.

Oddly enough Withies could have been on the score sheet within minutes when a loose was hacked on and a score looked to have been made only for the referee to award a drop out. Never the less Withies did look the stronger in the opening stages looking to spin the ball wide whenever possible. On ten minutes Withies were awarded a penalty and Tom Steer converted to give Withies 3-0 lead. Falmouth were soon to able draw level when Withycombe were penalised for holding and Falmouth’s Mark Horton was able to convert the points.

With the scores level Falmouth started to exert some forward dominance and using home knowledge of how to play the pitch in adverse conditions, significant gains were made into Withies territory. Withycombe were being starved of any ball to get their agile back line into action. It looked ominous when Falmouth were awarded a penalty that was put in the corner for a catch drive and Phil Wells driven over. The lead was short lived when Falmouth had a player sin binned when a promising Withycombe move was stifled. After some smart interplay by forwards and backs, Danny Parry squirmed over for an unconverted score.
With the scores level at half time, Withies fortunes were always in doubt as the wind strengthened. It didn’t get any better when Withies were reduced to 14 men with the influential Mike Richards being sent to the bin. Falmouth took full advantage of the dismissal and with the Withies scrum under pressure Falmouth’s 8 Tom David picked up and drove over for an unconverted score. Ten minutes later Falmouth’s Rob Fitzpatrick muscled over when the Falmouth forwards kept it tight with some determined driving. The score was unconverted. With only ten minutes ago, Withycombe suddenly cottoned on the tactics that Falmouth used in the first half and made good gains into the Falmouth half . Withycombe’s Parry was given a sharp opportunity when the ball was taken on by the forwards and he scored to set up an exciting finale.

Unfortunately the revival was too late and with the minutes ticking away, Withies needed a converted score just to draw level. With the final play Withycombe did manage to score when Adam Lawes, playing his last game for Withycombe before returning to Australia sniped a try in the corner. The conversion needed for a share of the points was always going to be a tall order into the prevailing wind and Withies had to be content with a losing bonus point.

Withycombe entertain Tavistock next Saturday at Raleigh Park with a 2.30pm KO. Tavistock have also had an indifferent start to the season so there is all to play for next week.

Withies Have Promising Start on Saturday 3rd September

Crediton 15 Withycombe 9

Withies just failed to open their 2011/2012 campaign with a win at Crediton last Saturday. It was promising opening gambit but in the end Crediton just managed to hold on in an exciting encounter.

Withies started the stronger of the two sides and threatened briefly but the pattern of the game soon settled into a midfield encounter with both sides looking to break solid defences. On eighteen minutes the home side were penalised for going in at the side and Paddy Shaw knocked over a penalty from 20 metres.

A defining moment of the game happened some five minutes later, when Withycombe lost No 8 Jamie Rose with dislocated shoulder. The changes made gave more momentum to the home side and unfortunately Withies paid the price. A chip ahead by Crediton’s ten Rob Milton was inch perfect for winger Matt Shapland to scamper over for a try converted by Milton. After this setback Withies took the game to Crediton once more and were rewarded with a penalty that Shaw converted and as the minutes ticked away to the end of the half and after sustained pressure on the Crediton line Shaw repeated the act and Withies went into the break 9-7 up.

The second half was nip and tuck for most of the forty minutes and the feature was the defence of both teams. It was exciting stuff with opportunities for both sides.

On the sixty minute mark Withies defence was broken after some smart line out work and a loose ball was picked up by Crediton’s hooker Shane Bayley and he scampered 30 metres through some desperate Withies tackling for an unconverted score.

Crediton further increased their lead with ten minutes to go with a Gareth Kinch penalty. A last season Withycombe side would have run out of steam, at this juncture of the game but with the improved fitness levels Withies came back at Crediton to seek a result. For the last ten minutes Withies lay siege to the Crediton line and Crediton were forced to concede penalty after penalty. Keeping up the pressure and needing more than three points Withies persisted for the maximum. It is conceivable that the referee might have considered a penalty try but on extra time after he had awarded Withies another penalty he also considered Withies forwards had been over the top with the use of the boot and reversed his initial decision. Crediton were able to out the ball into touch for an unsatisfactory end to a good contest.