Tribute Western Counties West

Kingsbridge 31,

KINGSBRIDGE gained revenge for their 15-23 loss at Wellington back in October as they secured a bonus-point win at High House on Saturday.

The five points gained also strengthens their position in third place in the league table with six matches remaining.

The visitors opened the scoring in the third minute as they converted a penalty before extending their lead to 0-6 in the 16th minute with a second successful kick. Kingsbridge opened their account in the 18th minute as pressure within the Wel­lington 22 saw flanker Ali Hamilton cross over from short range following a five-metre scrum.

Centre Ashley Tree­by converted to put the Blue and Whites ahead at 7-6.

Back came the visitors again to retake the lead shortly before the interval with a forward-generated try from close range. The conversion took them 7-13 ahead, a lead which they held until half time.

Immediately from the restart Kingsbridge reduced the arrears through an Ashley Treeby penalty to make it 10-13 before they retook the lead with their second try.

With the home side attacking deep in the Wellington half, skipper and centre Ben Glover – making a welcome return to the side following injury – cut a great line between the final two defenders to cross over and score. Treeby converted again to put Kingsbridge 17-13 ahead.

Midway through the second half, with Kings­bridge in attack on the Wellington 22, a wayward pass saw the visitors intercept and break clear deep into the Kingsbridge half.

A last-ditch tackle saw Wellington knock the ball on and allow home full-back George Banfield to scoop the ball up and race 60 yards along the touchline before drawing the final defender to score the try of the game in the corner.

Treeby added an excellent conversion to put Kingsbridge clear at 24-13.

The hosts made hard work of securing the bonus-point try but perseverance saw them attacking deep in the Wellington 22 in the final minutes.

A five-metre scrum saw possession won for number eight Jack Cope to pick up and crash over unchallenged near the posts. Treeby converted as the final whistle sounded.

Try scorers: Ali Hamilton, Ben Glover, George Banfield, Jack Cope; Ashley Treeby four conversions and one penalty.

This Saturday sees Kingsbridge travel to face Sidmouth in the league while the A XV will entertain Dart­mouth at High House at 2.30pm.

Kingsbridge Colts welcome Newton Abbot in the Devon Cup Merit Table with kick-off at 2pm.