Devonport Services 24 v 17 Truro
After last weeks narrow loss away to Wellington in the opening game, this week Devonport Services took on Truro at home. Truro had beaten Bude easily in their first game by 38 - 8 and no doubt came expecting to do a similar job on Devonport Services.
The afternoon produced a thrilling game that saw the lead change hands three times, Services got off to a ripping start with three penalties in 12 mins from Matt Anstis.
Truro where stung in to action and came back with 2 converted tries and a penalty to make it 9 - 17 at the break.
In the second half the Services forwards turned on a top display of scrummaging, rucking and mauling to out do the large and powerful Truro forwards. This set up a strong platform for Matt Morrison scored his first try of the season to make it 14 - 17. The trusted boot of Anstis got another penalty to level the game.
With 10 mins to go the Service forwards drove from halfway and over the line with Jai Geraty claiming the try, Anstis converted to give Services lead by 24 -17.
Head coach Brian Crichton said of the win: "The guys did well - they're still gelling as a team, but I was pleased with the way they worked hard to get back into it."
Director of rugby Dave Oakley said: "The Truro game here last year, when we threw away a 13-point lead, was the turning point in our season, we'd just won four games on the trot and we were in good spirits, but we never quite got that back afterwards and our season continued to flounder."
Brixham 2nd 29 v 17 Devonport Service 2nd
In Devon Merit Table 1, Devonport's 2nd team faced a difficult away trip to Brixham whose 1st team are 2 leagues above that of Devonport Services.
Last season the 2nd lost by numbing 106 - 6. Saturdays game was as difficult but team worked hard and although losing the game 29 - 17 the team should be congratulated on there performance. John Mason and Rhys Williams scored tries and a penalty try was converted by Charlie Attis.
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