Sat 15 Jan 2022
Sweet revenge for Kingsbridge as they defeated Truro 45-31 at High House on Saturday. Reversing the result from earlier in the season, when Kings travelled to Truro with a much-depleted side, the home side won an entertaining free-flowing game. Once again, Kings’ forwards paved the way, with the whole pack, from one to eight, putting in a real shift.
Truro took an early lead only minutes from the Kick-off when they worked the ball well into space and a cute inside pass saw them over under the posts. Converted by their standoff, who was a constant threat throughout the game with his kicking of the highest standard. Kings’ forwards started to take control in the tight and were soon rewarded with penalties. Newman kicked well into the corner and from the resulting lineout, Vincent controlled the drive well and was over. Conversion missed. A great scrum close to the Truro line saw Kings score their second as Cope marshalled them over the line. Newman converting. Kings kept on the attack, and Jack Evans, making a welcome return in the last two games, can consider himself unlucky as the ball bounced agonisingly away from potential tries at least three times. Kings were reduced to 14 after a yellow card for a late tackle and Truro immediately took advantage, scoring their second try and converting. Undeterred, Kings came straight back, and after another powerful maul Glover was on hand to force his way over, leaving Kings edging the first half 19-17 after Newman’s conversion.
Starting the second half still with a man down, Kings were soon back in the Truro 22 after an electric run by Baldry. From the resulting scrum, Harris, as always, was on hand to break away and score the bonus-point try. Newman converting. Truro were on the rack for a period as Kings kept up the pressure, forcing the visitors back three, into mistakes. From one of these, which could easily have seen the referee give a yellow card to the Truro winger after deliberately knocking the ball into touch, a move straight off the training ground saw Harris off the top of the lineout and straight to Vincent, over for his second. Newman converting. Truro came back as a lack of concentration and silly errors crept into Kings game, allowing them to score another converted try. More forward power brought swift reward for Kings as they drove well after another penalty took them deep into the Truro 22, and from the resulting maul Palmer was over. Newman converting.
Back came Truro to show they were not finished with another converted try, and even had the chance to get within a score of Kings with a long-range Penalty. Although missed, it stirred Kings into action. A great move through the backs and a perfectly timed pass by Glover saw winger Dave Stephens over to seal the win for the home side 45-31.
A good win in which Kings showed true grit and determination against a well drilled Truro side, especially after falling behind so early in the game. Kingsbridge are on the road this week as they travel to face league leaders Wadebridge.
