Withycombe Rugby Club away to Newquay Hornets Rugby Club - 14th November 2009

Withycombe took a squad depleted by injury to fellow league strugglers Newquay. The overnight rain had eased off when the team arrived at Newquay but the strong winds remained.

There was a strong wind blowing down the pitch. Withycome started the first half with the wind behind them. Newquay kicked off into the wind. The ball did not carry and there was a scrum which Newquay won. Withycombe intercepted the ball and the backs took possession, passing well, maintaining control enabling Dan Bradford to go over within two minutes of the start. The wind caught the ball and Withycombe were unlucky not to convert.

Newquay countered and made good progress up field. Withycombe threw everything into defence but unfortunately in so doing conceded a penalty try which Newquay converted.

Withycombe regrouped, catching the ball on the restart and attacked. Newquay gave away a penalty, Withycome found touch and were able to make progress up field. Newquay conceded a penalty but Withycombe could not get the points. Newquay kicked off from their 22 metre line, Withycombe caught the ball and crashed through the Newquay defence. Newquay gave away a penalty in front of their goal but again Withycombe could not take an easy 3 points.

Again Withycombe attacked and this time the forwards were able to give good ball to the backs who moved the ball well, giving Adam Morris the chance to score. Adam Laws converted and Withycombe ended the first half 7-12 ahead.

Withycombe started the second half playing in to the strong wind which made for hard work. They were overturned by Newquay who attacked strongly forcing Withycombe to defend and leave the wing exposed. Newquay exploited the gap to go over for a converted try

Despite winning several penalties Withycombe were unable to find touch and gave away possession to Newquay. Newquay made light work of the frail Withycombe defence, capitalising on having the wind behind them to get another converted try. Score now 21 - 12.

Withycombe refused to give in. They countered, abandoned the kicking game and used the forwards to push up field. Gradually they wore down the Newquay defence. Then Withycombe lost possession and had to start again. Their efforts were eventually rewarded by a push over try, which was claimed by Dave Thompson. Adam Morris converted. The score 24 - 19. Unfortunately time ran out with no additions being made to the score line.

Withycombe suffered several injuries during the game meaning that they were unable to retain as much possession as they would have liked. Despite this they continue to play with great spirit. With a couple of games to play before the half way point of the season is reached Withycombe know that they must now get some victories to move away from the danger of relegation.

Final Score Newquay 24 Withycombe 19

There is a two week gap before the next game when Withycombe are at home to Wadebridge on 28th November.

Withycombe Rugby Club at home to Truro Rugby Club - Saturday 7th November 2009

Withycombe got off to a good start playing attacking rugby, wining good ball and a series of lineouts and scrums. Truro halted the attack and were able to break through and gain valuable ground before a desperate Withycombe defence was forced to concede a penalty within kicking distance and go 3 points down.

Withycombe restarted with a move that Truro resisted. Truro attacked and Withycombe held them at bay before running back at Truro. Truro conceded a penalty. Withycombe won the lineout but the move fizzled out as Truro overturned the backs and mounted their own attack forcing Withycombe on to the back foot. Withycombe yielded another penalty, giving an easy 3 points to Truro.

Withycome came back strongly only for the move to break down in the ruck and another penalty given away. Withycombe were looking at a 9 point deficit inside 20 minutes. Then a change of fortune for the home side as the ball was off loaded to Dan Mather who passed to Jimmy Holman who ran in Withycombe’s first try. Ollie Ellsworth converted. Score 7 - 9.

Truro charged up field, Withycombe defended, both teams concede penalties. Unfortunately for Withycombe Truro’s kicking out of hand was more accurate enabling the visitors to gain more ground. Truro pushed Withycombe off the ball in the ruck and attacked. Ben Wright made a try saving tackle only to receive an knee to the back of his neck and had to leave the field. He was replaced by Dave Thompson.

Truro took their chance and went over for a converted try. A desperate Withycombe defence conceded another penalty to end the first half 7-16.

Withycombe started the second half strongly forcing Truro into making errors which resulted in a penalty chance which Ollie Ellsorth took to reduce the deficit. 10 - 16

Against the flow of play Truro side stepped the Withycombe back line to go over for a converted try, 10 - 23. Withycombe were starting to tire and again lost possession for Truro to go over again 10 - 30.

Withycombe came back strongly and were within 5 metres of scoring. Garth Hodgson of Truro was yellow carded for coming in from the side and subsequently red carded.

Withycombe were unable to take advantage of having superior numbers and score. Again against the flow of play Truro made a quick break which the defence could not stop to add another 7 points, 10 – 37.  A strong interception and run by Truro broke what was now an error strewn Withycombe defence to add another 5 points to their tally. Final score 10 - 42.

Withycombe have plenty of spirit and enthusiasm and can build on this for the future. At present they are not reading the game well enough to prevent being out tackled and out played.

Next week we are away to Newquay.

On 21st November the club will be holding their Autumn Reunion at 12.30pm. Any old Withie players are welcome and are asked to contact Peter Farley 01395 27100 for details.