Kingsbridge RFC

An outstanding team performance on Saturday saw Kingsbridge AXV claim their first victory of the season. Bolstered by a strong colts contingent the blend of youth and experience gelled well from the outset. The tone was set from the first whistle with a solid defence piling the pressure on Oaks and pinning them back in their own half, despite playing uphill against a strong head wind. The pressure told with skipper Ben Banner claiming the first score, converted by Oli Rowdon. A very entertaining half of rugby ensued with Kings moving the ball well at every opportunity, showing great continuity. The returning Ben Newman was next on the score sheet claiming Kings’ second try of the afternoon. George Crocket, on debut, claimed the final score of the half to complete a fine all round performance with a break away try to leave kings 17-0 up at the break. With the elements now in Kings’ favour they set about their task with Newman managing the game well from outside half, regularly pinning the opposition back in their 22. The pressure again told on Oaks and Josh Banner was able to crash over from a hard line 5 metres out to score under the posts. Rowdon again adding the extras. Oaks were now experiencing their best period of the game but try as they might Kings repelled their attack. Some solid defensive sets were then rewarded with a break away try from Archie Maclachlan who capped fine display from scrum half. 

Oaks again came back at Kings with another sustained period of pressure camping on the kings line for the last 5 mins of the game. Kings galant defence held resolute and a fantastic last ditch effort from Jon Fish saw the Oaks winger taken into touch to keep a clean sheet for Kings and see them home to their first victory of the season, much to the delight of everyone involved. 

Man of the match awards went to George and Lewis who worked tirelessly all afternoon in fine all round performances.