Totnes U16s 36 South Molton 29

THE Totnes U16 boys turned up in high spirits at 9am for the full reveal of the new kit and stash. After a few outfit changes and team photos with local sponsors, it was warmup time.

South Molton were quick out of the blocks in this fixture, scoring an early try in perfect rugby conditions. Nevertheless, Totnes started with some cracking tackles backed up by cohesive teamwork.

The half continued with some exquisite handling from the backs to take it wide with the forwards continuing the dog work to retain the ball. Line brakes came from all over the park with some heroic defending from the opposition to cancel out a couple of tries.

With confidence slowly building, Totnes snuck over in the corner for their first try, scored by Edward Hill. South Molton pounced on errors to hit back with three unanswered tries though, sending the teams in at 22-5 to the visitors.

Totnes U16s like a challenge and that’s what the next 40 minutes was going to be.

They came out firing, willing to put it all on the line with the bench emptied for the first time, adding five sets of fresh legs and plenty of energy.

Will Life crossed the white line for the home team along with a pair of scores from Dan Mumford, tying the game up heading into the final 10 minutes.

It was time for Totnes to complete the comeback but South Molton had other ideas, crashing over with eight minutes left on the clock, 22-29.

Some great teamwork and passes saw the lads edging towards the SM try line once more and boom, over they went, another try from Edward Hill. The pair were level once again but with just three minutes remaining, the Totnes boys were not about to settle for a draw.

An excellent exit by Sam Heath from inside their own 22 saw the pressure tell as the Totnes boys turned it over and started phases up the field. The ball headed out to the backs where Archie Roe continued to break the tackles of defenders and get the team ever closer.

Some slick, well-recycled ball saw a cracking try from Dan Mumford to bag himself a hat trick in what was an incredible game for all to watch.

Final score 36-29. Try scorers- Daniel Mumford (3), Ed Hill (2), Will Life (1). Conversions- Sam Heath (2) and Leo Legg. Man of Match- Daniel Mumford and Archie Roe. Top tackler- Harry Phipps-Warren.