Sat 22 Jan 2022
Although beaten by runaway table toppers Wadebridge, Kingsbridge can hold their heads high after a truly impressive performance. Kings were beaten 47-38 in a fast-flowing game of rugby that went down to the wire, with the home side proving just a little more clinical.
Wadebridge’s lighting fast start, which put them twelve points up in the first 10 minutes of the game, was the only time that Kingsbridge didn’t match them. Kingsbridge dominated the scrums but were occasionally sloppy in the lineouts. This cost them a couple of times when pushing Wadebridge hard. A much-improved performance from their backs, with a welcome return to form from George Banfield and his stalwart center partner, Ben Glover, consistent as always.
The first half started with Wadebridge getting off to a flying start, scoring within the first 5 minutes and following up with another try soon after. Worrying signs for Kingsbridge, who had to dig deep but came back strongly, nearly scoring off a wraparound pass from Ben Newman to centre Banfield only for it to be judged forward. But from this their confidence grew and skipper Jake Vincent was soon over for kings’ first of the afternoon. Wadebridge struck back almost immediately as Kings failed to exit and were punished, leaking their third try. Kings replied soon after as Number 8 Jack Cope was on hand to storm over. Back came Wadebridge as Kings again failed to exit from the restart, scoring their fourth, to leave the half time score 26-12
The second half started with Kings forcing the home side on to the back foot, resulting in a try as the superb Stu Harris broke clear to find Glover, who used his strength to get close, with Ali Hamilton on hand to touch down. Newman added the extra points. Not to be out-done, Wadebridge were back on the scoreboard with a slick try of their own. Cope, impressive throughout the game, grabbed his second and secured the try-scoring bonus point. Another poor exit left Kings frustrated as Wadebridge scored for the fourth time from the restarts. The game almost seemed like ping pong as back came Kings with another score, this time from Glover.
A fine line break from Wadebridge saw them edge into a sixteen-point lead which almost signaled the end of the game, but Kings’ never say die attitude brought them swift reward as Vincent was over again with a fine catch and drive. Newman converting. However, Kings had run out of time and couldn’t quite get the extra points to secure a losing bonus point.
A game that Kingsbridge can be proud of, to take on the top of the league and get so close shows just how determined this team is to make up for their poor start to the season. Better things await if they can take this form on to the next couple of games.
This weekend sees them host Bideford at High House at 2.30 pm.
