Frustrating as seconds come close losing 16pts to 13pts

This fixture is one of the furthest the seconds have to travel.

Topsham started well, recieving the kick off formed a rolling maul which gained thirty metres, the ball was fed to the backs, again gaining extra yards which led to a ruck. This caused the home side to infringe giving Topsham the opportunity to open the score from the resulting penalty and was duly converted by Craig.

Ilfracombe rallied and put pressure on Topsham and moved the ball along the back line with rucks and open play gaining ground into Topshams half. This proved to be advantageous as Topsham were forced to give away a penalty near the posts which was gladly accepted making the score 3 points all. The momentum was now with Ilfracombe so a kick through not gathered by two Topsham players allowed an oncoming Ilfracombe player to score the opening try which was then converted.

However Topsham were not done and again with backs and forwards creating openings a resulting ruck near the oppositions post gave Ollie Scott a chance to power himself forward for Topshams first try and the conversion again kicked by Craig. As the half drew on further penalties were kicked by both sides and the half time score was even at 13 points all.

The second half followed in the same vein with both sides trying to gain the upper hand. One of Topshams main strengths was taken away from them with uncontested scrums being allowed giving the home side respite and allowing their backs space at set pieces. Both sides pressed for the advantage and as Ilfracombe gained ground midway though the period Ilfracombe entered Topshams half and with three or four phases Topsham were forced to give away a penalty which resulted in the winning score.
As both sides tried to break each other down and with some dubious decisions given against Topsham the game ended with a close victory for the home side 13 points to 16.

Man of the match for Topsham was Ollie Scott.