Second-Half Surge Propel Sharks Past Academy

Torbay Sharks capitalised first but the Academy responded soon after. The Sharks’ offloading style dominated the fixture. Despite the Academy's improved scrummaging, the Sharks ultimately secured a 31 - 10 victory. The match provided valuable defensive experience for the Academy, though limited possession hindered their attacking opportunities.

On a crisp but cold evening on Wednesday, the Academy side faced off against Torbay Sharks at the Recreation Ground in Plymouth. This match marked the culmination of their training camp alongside the Senior Men’s squad at HMS Raleigh. With both teams fielding large squads, they agreed to play four quarters with rolling substitutions, ensuring a fast-paced and competitive encounter.

Torbay Sharks’ trademark open style of play was evident from the outset, though handling errors from both sides—exacerbated by the cold conditions and a greasy ball—disrupted early momentum. In the 12th minute, a spilled Academy pass led to a hacked clearance, allowing the Sharks' winger to score under the posts. The Academy responded swiftly, as Sam Driver’s well-timed pass sent Charlie Howitt over in the right corner. However, Danny Ronald was unable to convert, and the first quarter ended with the Sharks leading 7 - 5.

Early in the second quarter, the Academy earned a penalty for not releasing in the tackle, opting to kick for the corner. However, their resulting driving maul was disrupted, and the Sharks managed a strong clearance to relieve the pressure. This marked a turning point, as the Sharks took control with their fluid offloading game. A break upfield forced a desperate high tackle from the Academy’s last defender, resulting in a penalty try and a yellow card. The halftime score stood at 14 - 5 in favour of the Sharks.

The Sharks extended their lead early in the second half, as their winger crossed on the left wing for an unconverted try, making it 19-5. Although the Academy found some success in the scrum, Torbay struck again in the third quarter with another early try. A more competitive spell followed, with play largely centred in the middle third of the pitch, as the Academy's improved scrummaging performance provided a foothold in the game. Eventually, Courtney Black managed to score after stripping the ball in the tackle, but another missed conversion left the score at 26 - 10 with time running out.

Chasing the game, the Academy looked to attack more expansively, but it was the Sharks who had the final say, crossing for one last try to secure a 31 - 10 victory. The Academy can take pride in their determined defensive effort in a match where they had limited possession and few chances to showcase their attacking ability. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining midweek fixture that provided valuable experience for the Academy squad.

Academy: W Napier, ⁠A O’Brien (C), ⁠D Horrack; ⁠T Horne, ⁠D McAdams; ⁠V Delainukunawa, ⁠L Roxby, ⁠R Mitchell; ⁠C Howitt, ⁠D Ronald, ⁠S Driver, ⁠D Palmer, ⁠J Ryder (VC), ⁠B Raivalitia, ⁠J Brown.

Replacements: D Gallon, ⁠H Wright, ⁠C Davis, ⁠R Hawkshaw, ⁠M Scott, ⁠T Humphries, ⁠D Jones, T Turke, ⁠H Mayes, ⁠C Dale, ⁠C Black, ⁠J Korobiau, ⁠O Raynor, ⁠B Knight, ⁠T Day.

Match Officials: Simon Reeves, Steve Harland and Andy Gregory.

Words by P Moore