Sat 4 Dec 2021
After three successive wins, Kingsbridge lost to Newton Abbot 18-28 at High House on Saturday.
Kingsbridge once again gave themselves too much to do after a poor first half performance in which they allowed Newton Abbot to score 21 points, with only a penalty to show in reply.
Kings, for most of the game, were dominant in the tight, but allowed Newton Abbot to run through them after poor close defensive work. Once the visitors found their way through, they kept on coming, scoring three simple tries.
The first half was all about Newton Abbot. They had in their Captain a fly half who used the ball well and kicked intelligently using the strong wind to keep Kings in their own half for long periods of the game. It was thanks to their pack that that Kings were not overrun. Although dominant in the tight, they were no way a match for the visitors, who took control of the first half. The first points came after missed tackles allowed the visitors to break through, to score close to the posts. Kings responded with some strong scrummaging and were on the scoreboard through a Newman penalty. They had a chance to narrow the gap, passing up an easy three points electing to scrum and force a try but failed. Their pack dominance was not reflected on the scoreboard. Newton Abbot got themselves in to the Kings half and were soon back to scoring as they attacked the blind side, which saw them over again. Another defensive lapse saw the visitors score their third, leaving the Kings trailing 3-21 at half time.
Yet again, Kings staged a fightback and must rue their first half mistakes as they narrowed the gap on Newton Abbot. First points came from a Vincent try after Newton Abbot were penalised for bringing down the maul illegally, and from the ensuing lineout a good catch and drive saw them power over.
A marvelous break by Cope found Parrott with a well-timed pass, which resulted in Kings scoring their second, and they so nearly scored again after a fine move from Buckle to the flying Baldry broke down as Parrott slipped close to the line. Keeping the pressure on, they dragged themselves over the line, with Glover emerging with the ball to get themselves at least a losing bonus point. However, concentration lapses brought Newton Abbot another score to take not only the win, but a try bonus point as well, leaving Kings pointless. Final score 18-28.
Too many mistakes and poor defense cost Kings in a match they really should have taken at least a losing bonus point. Certainly not outplayed!
This weekend sees Kingsbridge travel to face Paignton.
