Sat 11 Jan 2020
A magnificent performance from Kingsbridge came up short as they narrowly lost to the league’s runaway leaders, Wellington. Inspired by yet another hattrick from George Banfield and stellar games from John Merrin and Stu Harris, they outscored Wellington five tries to four but just couldn’t get themselves over the line, losing out to a last minute penalty. The game was played at a terrific pace and the High House crowd were entertained from start to finish as the lead fluctuated every 10 minutes.
Wellington started powerfully and King’s defence was fully tested as the visitors sent attack after attack at them. Kings held out for twenty minutes before conceding the game’s first points, a converted try. Kingsbridge came straight back after Ben Glover turned over Wellington’s ball, a quick release and Banfield was over for his first. Fly half Ben Newman adding the extras. Wellington went further in front as Kingsbridge had a clearing kick charged down, putting pressure on the home side and giving away a couple of penalties, the second converted. Kings retaliated, with Harris making a brilliant break, which could have resulted in a try, but was unable to get the ball away. From the resulting clearing kick, Kings attacked again, which saw Banfield over for number two. Newman converting again well from the touchline. Yet another charge down resulted in Wellington scoring another converted try. As half time approached, the visitors stretched their lead with a long range penalty, leaving the score at 14-20.
Straight from the kick-off Kings were on the score sheet again. They gathered brilliantly from the restart and quick hands saw Banfield over for his hattrick. Kingsbridge were now falling foul of a referee who constantly penalised, some interesting to say the least. But struggle on did Kings, and after a series of strong drives, Captain Vincent was over to take them into the lead after Newman converted. Vincent, who leaves nothing out on the pitch, had a great game; his throwing in at the lineout was especially good. After yet another dubious penalty, Wellington came back with a score of their own. Two minutes later, Wellington were straight back with what many thought was the winning score, to leave them leading 26-32. No way were Kings finished. Newman saw a gap and Parrott was on hand to take the final pass. Kings back in front, with Newman converting well into a strong wind. Wellington could just not break Kings defence, and it was only yet another penalty in the last minute that saved them, eventually winning 33-35.
The whole squad should feel good about this great game, the best so far in the season. Kings can consider themselves unlucky not to have won and a draw would have been a fair result. Onwards to Bideford on Saturday, where hopefully the luck will be with the Blue and Whites.
