Sat 8 Nov 2025
Kingsbridge lost out to promotion chasing Wiveliscombe 21-27 in what was almost a repeat of their last fixture against Cullompton. A poor first half and a much-improved second. A game they might have just won much against the run of play. But showing a lot of determination, they managed to salvage a losing bonus point, even more impressive as they were down to thirteen players after two yellow cards.
A habit they must get rid of is allowing the opposition to score early and leaving themselves on the back foot at the start of games. A promising move, five minutes into the game, broke down as a failed pass was hacked up field and gathered by Wiveliscombe who were on the board for the games first points. Wiveliscombe continued to attack but Kings defence held firm. As the pressure mounted Kings started giving away penalties. Finally, one too many and they were punished as the visitors scored a push over try, well converted to put them into a fourteen-point lead. Kings tried to speed up the game to allow their runners more space with Rich always to the fore. The visitors defence held out till a quickly taken penalty by Stu Harris saw him over. Newman converting to leave the score 7-14 where it remained until halftime.
A slow start from Kings had them fall further behind as Wiveliscombe’s influential scrumhalf scouped up a loose ball and ran through to score a converted try, again within the first five minutes of the second half. Kings stirred into action and started to come back strongly, although making it hard for themselves as too many players were static when receiving the ball. Kings pressure finally paid off as a slick backs move saw Morgan force his way over, Newman converting well from out wide. Wiveliscombe pulled further ahead with a penalty. But back came Kings with another piece of Harris quick thinking, catching the visitors asleep after another penalty, he was over for his second try. Newman adding the extra. Two pieces of ill-discipline resulting in yellow cards put Kings further behind as Wiveliscombe slotted a penalty to stretch their lead to six points. Try as they might Kings couldn’t find a way through, although they nearly did as a last-ditch tackle on Joe Banfield who looked certain to score saved the visitors. 21-27 the final score.
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