Sat 12 Oct 2019, 15:00
Kingsbridge’s rollercoaster season continued at Chard on Saturday, as they followed up last week’s thumping win, over Bideford, with a close margin defeat. They will come away frustrated as they failed to make early dominance count. Chard didn’t make it into the Kings half for the first twenty minutes of the game, as Kings failed to put away chance after chance.
It was to their credit that they fought back well in the second half, to give them the lead - only to have it snatched back. Chard totally dominated the scrum as Kingsbridge were continually on the back foot and were eventually down to fourteen when the referee’s patience gave out when a series of scrum penalties were awarded. Chard’s experienced front row dominated, but questions could be asked as to the legality of the wheeling technique they used.
The first half started with Kingsbridge attacking well but poor decision making left them with nothing to show. After twenty minutes, Chard slowly started to ease their way back into the game, and it wasn’t long before they were on the score sheet with a penalty. Kingsbridge came straight back with a fine backs move, that saw winger Greg Parrot narrowly fail to score. Kingsbridge were then awarded a penalty in front of the posts, but decided to tap and go rather than take the three points on offer.
Kingsbridge’s lineout wobbled badly for a time, and with Chard taking control of the scrum, they made the visitors pay. A clean line-break after a lost lineout saw them over for the game’s first try. Kings had a couple of good pieces of play after some strong running by winger Chris Canevali and centre George Banfield, but knew they were in for a torrid time unless they could do something about the scrum. Chard looked strong at half time, with a 13-0 lead.
It was to their credit that they fought back well in the second half, to give them the lead - only to have it snatched back. Chard totally dominated the scrum as Kingsbridge were continually on the back foot and were eventually down to fourteen when the referee’s patience gave out when a series of scrum penalties were awarded. Chard’s experienced front row dominated, but questions could be asked as to the legality of the wheeling technique they used.
The first half started with Kingsbridge attacking well but poor decision making left them with nothing to show. After twenty minutes, Chard slowly started to ease their way back into the game, and it wasn’t long before they were on the score sheet with a penalty. Kingsbridge came straight back with a fine backs move, that saw winger Greg Parrot narrowly fail to score. Kingsbridge were then awarded a penalty in front of the posts, but decided to tap and go rather than take the three points on offer.
Kingsbridge’s lineout wobbled badly for a time, and with Chard taking control of the scrum, they made the visitors pay. A clean line-break after a lost lineout saw them over for the game’s first try. Kings had a couple of good pieces of play after some strong running by winger Chris Canevali and centre George Banfield, but knew they were in for a torrid time unless they could do something about the scrum. Chard looked strong at half time, with a 13-0 lead.
The second half saw some valiant defending by Kings, with captain Jake Vincent, who was outstanding the whole game, making some shuddering tackles. Kingsbridge had to change scrum half as Billy Burner left the field after taking a blow whilst taking a high ball. full back James Trout coming in to replace him. Kingsbridge then began to enjoy their best period since the beginning of the match and were awarded a penalty try as Banfield was taken out with a no arms tackle as he was going to score. This galvanised Kings and a brilliant solo effort saw Banfield cross the line after a mazy run straight through Chard’s defence. fly half Ben Newman converted to take Kings into the lead. Chard responded with a penalty to nose themselves back in front. Kings then took the lead again as Number 8 Ali Hamilton buried his way over after a good lineout drive. By now, Kings were down to 14 men as Chard took total control of the scrum, and it was no surprise to see them over for the games last score leaving Kings with a narrow 23-21 defeat.
Overall not a bad effort for a team so dominated in the tight. Thanks are extended to James Palmer for coming out of retirement to help out, as a few of the Kingsbridge regulars were unavailable.
This weekend sees Kingsbridge return to action at High House for the visit of Cullompton with KO at 3 pm. Kingsbridge A XV travel to face Brixham in the Merit Table whilst the Colts have no match on Saturday but travel to face St Austell in the National Colts Cup on Sunday.
Overall not a bad effort for a team so dominated in the tight. Thanks are extended to James Palmer for coming out of retirement to help out, as a few of the Kingsbridge regulars were unavailable.
This weekend sees Kingsbridge return to action at High House for the visit of Cullompton with KO at 3 pm. Kingsbridge A XV travel to face Brixham in the Merit Table whilst the Colts have no match on Saturday but travel to face St Austell in the National Colts Cup on Sunday.
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