Tribute Western Counties West

Kingsbridge 6,

Kingsbridge were unable to repeat their defeat of league rivals Wellington from earlier in the season as the two teams met for the return fixture at High House on Saturday.

Kingsbridge are still missing a number of established players from the squad for various reasons and their experience in these sort of matches is paramount.

It will certainly be needed if the Blue and Whites are to halt their worrying run of no league victories in the past five matches and prevent themselves from going into free fall during the remainder of the season.

The visitors had opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute as their heavier pack drove the Kingsbridge forwards back over the try line from a five-metre line-out.

Thankfully, the conversion from wide out was missed and Kingsbridge were able to get themselves on the score sheet only two minutes later courtesy of an Ashley Treeby penalty to reduce the deficit to 3-5.

The visitors added further penalties on 15 and 21 minutes to open up a 3-11 lead before Treeby was successful with a second penalty on 25 minutes to reduce the deficit to 6-11, which remained the score until half-time.

Regrettably, the hosts lost two further players to injury during the first half to put further pressure on the depth of the senior squad.

During the second half, Kingsbridge showed glimpses of what they were capable of, but despite getting up to the Wellington 22 on a number of occasions they were unable to penetrate the last line of defence.

Playing conditions were far from ideal with the pitch heavy underfoot and the heavier Wellington pack able to secure and retain much possession.

During one of these attacks, where a neat pass from Couch saw the hosts break along the touchline, a loose pass was seized upon by the Wellington backs and they went 60 yards before chipping the final Kingsbridge defender and winning the race to touch down. This gave the visitors their second try and extended their lead to 6-16.

Despite sticking manfully to their task during the remainder of the match, the hosts were unable to exert enough pressure or create any meaningful scoring opportunities and were left to regret the few chances that had come their way earlier in the game. This weekend sees Kingsbridge travel to Truro in the league while the A XV will entertain Crediton IIs at High House in the Merit Table.

Kingsbridge Colts play their first match at home in a number of weeks when they entertain local rivals Ivybridge. Due to the recent bad weather, both matches are likely to be played on the High House pitch with the Colts match kicking off early.

A diary note for all female supporters of KRFC is this season's annual 'Scrummies Lunch', which takes place at the clubhouse on Saturday, February 9 from noon.

This season's chosen charities are the Chemotherapy Outreach Project and The Stroke Association.

Tickets are already going fast but can be booked through Sophia Robinson on 07989 989622, Sue Darke on 07855 878604 or Martin Newman on 07974 803735.