Sat 11 Sep 2021
Teignmouth 45 - 19 Kingsbridge
Rusty Kingsbridge suffered defeat in their first game of the season away to Teignmouth. Although the league started last weekend, Kings were unable to field a team, which has anchored them to the bottom of the table, being deducted five points but more importantly, lost them valuable game time after such a long break. It showed in the first twenty minutes of play as Teignmouth raced into a 17-0 lead.
Plenty of poor kicking saw Teignmouth take advantage, who kept on running back at Kings, and it was only five minutes into the game when they scored out wide. Five minutes later after a series of penalties, Teigns were over again. Kings began to look like they could start to string something together but were soon back under the posts as Teignmouth executed some clever offloading to score their third unanswered try. Kings started to dominate territory at last, with Banfield going close only to be held up on the line. From a lineout, a maul formed and the excellent Toby Baldry, playing at scrum half for the first time in two years, picked up and darted through to score under the posts. Banfield adding the extra. Leaving Kings trailing 17-7 at half time.
The second half started with a bang as Baldry, showing great awareness, saw a gap and raced through for his second try within a minute of kick off. Banfield adding the extra to leave Kings only trailing by 3 points. Teignmouth responded almost immediately, and after a series of drives went over for their bonus point try. Kings had to reshuffle their pack as the dependable James was forced off with an arm injury.
From another lost lineout Kings were on the back foot as the hosts went over again. Kings raised themselves and after a fine Kick Off by Banfield they drove to the Teigns line where Partridge was on hand to force his way over. The game flowed back and forth but the fitter Teignmouth scored two more tries to leave the final score 45-19
The score line in all honesty was not a true reflection of the game, Kingsbridge probably deserved to be closer with the likes of Baldry, Blake, Harris and the Banfield brothers all showing glimpses of better things to come. Hopefully.
This weekend sees the 1st XV welcome Tiverton to High House, with kick off at 3.00 pm. The A XV travel to face Tamar Saracens and the Colts welcome Barnstaple to the Longfield Pitch at 2.00 pm.
