DEVONPORT SERVICES v KINGBRIDGE
As Devonport Service welcomed Mrs Mo Jackson, the new Devon RFU President to view what would be a tightly fought game.
Kingsbridge started with 2 penalties to go 0-6 up, but then Services came back at speed with a penalty by Matt Anstis, then with a Pete Farrow try which was converted by Matt, another Anstis penalty followed an Oz Flowers unconverted try 18-6 up. Services defence then went to sleep and allow Kingsbridge to get back into the game 18-20 (HT).
Right from the beginning of the 2nd half Services got off to the best of starts, Kingsbridge collected the ball and the forwards moved forward with it, their scrum half box kick not very good and the ball fell in to our hands, Matt Morrison who took it across the pitch and Ben McGowan made a deep thrust in to the Kingsbridge half to release Callum Perkins to score close to the posts, Matt Anstis added the two and Services retook the lead at 25-20.
After 8 minutes Kingsbridge caught and drove from close to the Services line to get the lead back at 25-27.
Then what could be considered the changing point of the game, 15 minutes in to the half Services won a penalty just inside the Services half Matt's kick was dead straight, the supporters from both teams held their breath while the ball sailed towards the posts, it landed on the cross bar absolutely dead centre with a noisy rattle and to the home crowds joy went over for the 3 points, a 28-27 lead.
The second team returning from their 34-0 victory over Plymouth Uni III now joined the noisy crowd of supporters, every success was being cheered by one set of supporters, and every mistake was cheered by the others.
Kingsbridge then collected 2 yellow cards around the half hour mark, the first right on the Services line while they were defending a scrum, Services also collected a yellow card when Nat Wonnacott got over excited.
Matt cleared the ball with a monster kick from a reasonably tight angle to take Services just inside the Kingsbridge 22m. Dan Ollsen took the long throw, the ball went off down the line for Mat Morrison to score, Matt Anstis converting, 35-27.
With the clock running down Kingsbridge attacked again. To a roar from the crowd Services defended the attack and broke away to win a penalty for Matt Anstis to take Services to a 38-27 lead.
All looked lost for Kingsbridge, they continued to attack but there was no time for them to pull back enough points to win, the best they could hope for was another try to earn them a bonus point.
In their last attack Rob Ede probably saved a try and prevented them from getting a bonus point by falling on the ball close to our line, to the cheers of the crowd, and then making it available to be cleared.
Shortly afterwards the referee blew his whistle and as they say "The crowd went wild" and so did the players.
Devonport Services remain in 5th place in the league. Great win and to get the bonus points but it is gold dust and to deny one of your league chasers their bonus point.
The Colts gave a creditable performance but came out the losers to a strong Ivybridge side 24-12.
Forthcoming events at the Rectory:
Next Monday (5th Nov) HMNB will play HMS Ocean in the Navy Cup, KO is expected to be at 6pm.
Saturday 10th November DSRFC will play US Portsmouth at the Rectory, KO 5pm.
IT'S BACK.......THE RN INTER-PORTS CUP. The Devonport Services v US Portsmouth game was historically an annual fixture. In recent years it hasn't been played regularly due to other fixture commitments. But now it's back and they will play each other at home on alternate seasons. This year's game is at THE RECTORY SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2012 KO 5pm. Services have delayed the kick off to encourage all former players to attend.
Dave Oakley Devonport Services DoR said
"If you haven't played in it maybe your dad or even granddad did. So bring ‘em along, meet some old rugby pals and ‘spin a few dits' about former battles"
The game will be preceded by the England V Fiji game live from Twickenham on the big screen from 2.30pm.
Services are looking at making an occasion of it and will be playing not only current serving players but former serving players and sons of former serving players. Currently in our first team we have the sons of the 2 former RN props Stan Mellor and Jim Martin.
 (2).jpg)
Picture of L/Cpl Pete Farrow (29 Cdo (Army and CS U23) who scored the first try for DSRFC v Kingsbridge on Saturday.