A Very Hard Fought Win In Hostile Plymouth

For those of you that have had the pleasure of playing down at "Old Techs" you will know it is not a nice place to go and has not proved a happy hunting ground for Topsham in the past.

However, Topsham went down full of confidence after a near perfect start to the League campaign.

With a few changes to the team and a rushed warm up (due to some tardy time keeping, Ben Shires, Jiggy Tapp... and a very talkative ref) we went into the game a little under cooked.

The first 15 minuets proved as such as it was all old Techs in that period, however Topsham’s resolute defence and awesome line speed kept them out.

Soon we managed to turn it around with Matt Slee Bursting through the line in a trade mark barrelling run to crash over the line. Jack Saunders converted.

This was then followed up by a sublime grubber through by Zac Mac for Jack Saunders to race through and dot down over the line. He duly converted his try from wide on the right.

Old Techs Rallied and scored a converted try shortly before half time.

With the pressure mounting from Old Techs (and the pen count) Jack Saunders took advantage to slot 3 points before the half time whistle.

Half Time 7-17

The Half time chat was about keeping discipline and not stooping to the low levels of the opposition.

Jamie Somerville " I thought these sorts of games were a thing of the past"

The 2nd half started much the same as the first with Old Techs going all out for the line.

A sustained period of pressure saw their Centre slice through our mid field to score under the posts. 14-17

For those on the side line it was now a bit of squeaky bum time.

However, Topsham’s superior defence, skill and attitude proved the difference. Old Techs lost 2 men to the bin (some on lookers thought there should have been more and definitely at least 1 red)

Half way through the 2nd half Topsham were awarded a Penalty Try for foul play 14-24.

Matt Slee got his second after a powerful run by Chris P, some calm forwards play and then slick hands in the backs to give Matt an easy jog in thanks to the large overlap.

Jack Saunders again converting 14-31

Bonus Point in the Bag!

With the final play of the game Lewis Tricky went on the charge and Jack Saunders spotted a gap but was scragged, a great support line saw the off load safely into Zac Macs hands for a dash to the line and dotting down under the sticks.

Again, Saunders converting.

Final Score 14- 38

Special mention goes to all the Ex Colts who fronted up admirably in what was a very hostile and at sometimes violent game.