Sat 28 Sep 2024
Kingsbridge hung on gamely to ensure that they left with at least a try bonus point from their 49–34 point defeat at Cornish Pirates.
Travelling again without several of their first team squad, they managed to keep the Pirates in check for most of the game, only falling behind after an early second half blitz when Pirates scored three unanswered tries. That they recovered to score two further tries of their own owes much to the hard work of their back row, Jon Merrin, Dan Jarvis and the outstanding Henry Rich.
The first half started with Kings being rocked back as Pirates were on the board within the first two minutes. A poor clearance kick led to the Pirates full back carving through the defence with others on hand to take the pass and score under the posts. Kings immediately responded with a fabulous move of their own as Rich stormed through with full back Toby Baldry on hand to then slice his way through and sprint clear. Fly half Ben Newman converting to level the score. Kings were then denied the chance to take the lead as a strong run by Captain Buckle, with Sam Jones and Ash Thuel combining to score, was adjudged forward by the referee. They did take the lead soon after as Newman slotted a penalty.
Both Kings and Pirates were constantly talked to by the referee, who was beginning to award penalties like confetti, with neither side seemingly to blame, however, from one against Kings, Pirates scrummed and quick hands through the backs saw them over. Indebted to another fine performance from prop Joe Thompson, Kings made ground, deep into Pirates territory and from yet another penalty Kings once again took the lead as a clever lineout move saw Jake Vincent power over. Newman converting. Back came Pirates with another penalty to draw level. As half time approached, Kings kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts. They elected to scrum, failed to take advantage and were then punished as Pirates broke out to score, giving them a 24–17 lead at half time.
Kings started the second half well and were soon on the scoreboard again as they this time elected to take the points with Newman slotting home. Then came the games turning ten-minutes as Pirates went on the rampage, scoring three unanswered tries. Kings manfully tried to stay in the game but fitness for the non-regulars was beginning to tell as Pirates took a commanding lead 41–20. As always, with Kings courage never in question, Kings came back as a rare visit to the Pirates half resulted in the ever-alert Joe Banfield punching his way through. Newman adding the extra. Pirates soon responded with another try of their own through their pacy back line. Not done, Kings once more mustered themselves and took the ball deep into the Pirates half, where Rich took the ball at pace and stormed through for the bonus point try. Pirates finished the game with a penalty to leave the final score 49-34.
