Sat 16 Nov 2019
Kingsbridge strolled to an emphatic win over Honiton. In great conditions for open rugby, they played with controlled aggression and proved too strong for the newly promoted visitors. Another hattrick for the irrepressible George Banfield, and a man of the match performance from Stu Harris, plus, further evidence of the emerging talent of young Toby Baldry; a performance to be proud of. Missing the talismanic Ben Glover, Freddie Buckle and Greg Parrot, the whole team played with pace and power.
Kingsbridge fell behind to an early penalty, but were soon in front after a pick and drive from a penalty lineout, captain Jake Vincent on hand to barrel his way over and Fly half Ben Newman converting from wide. Almost immediately, Kings went further ahead after slick hands saw Number 8 Matt Allen in. Newman again added the extras.
More points came from Banfield’s first of the match, after a kick through from the unexpected source of prop Mike Powell. Newman converting from wide. Kings made their lead 28-3 after a fine kick from scrum half Billy Burner was well chased by full back James Trout, before returning to see Burner go over for the score. Conversion successful.
Credit to Honiton who never gave up and put Kingsbridge under pressure at the start of the second half, but to no avail as the scrum took hold and forced a penalty. The ensuing lineout quick ball off the top saw Harris over for his first. Newman converting again. Back Kings came again after the hard working Chris Canevali chased well, giving Newman the time to kick through for replacement winger James Ogglesby to touch down. Newman adding the extras again.
Honiton put a bit of respectability on the scoresheet with a try of their own to make the score 42-3. A great turnover from Allen saw Kings attack down the blindside, where winger Baldry timed his pass to perfection to put Banfield through. To the surprise of the crowd, Newman, who had a nigh-on perfect day with his kicking, missed the conversion. Banfield’s third came after a storming run by Harris, with Newman on hand to put Banfield away. Newman added the extras again.
Not letting up on the pressure, the powerful Scott Lowry broke through and put (the young) Dave Stephens over under the posts. To cap his man of the match performance, Harris, in the last play of the match, intercepted and raced through to score his second . Newman adding the conversion once again.
A thorough and convincing performance, which should send Kings away to Penryn next week full of confidence. The A XV welcome Tavistcok II’s to High House for a 2.30pm kick orr whilst the Colts travel to face Brixham in a friendly.
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