Bideford 23ptsDrybrook 22pts
Click here to view match photos
Drybrook were desperately unlucky not to have won this game where Bideford scored a try in injury time to snatch the result.
Drybrook got off to the best possible start when inside the first minute the ball went loose in the home 22 metre area where it was hacked on and winger Gareth Holdsworth won the race to the touch down. Tom Treherne converted.
Playing against the wind Bideford responded with several attacks and with 15 minutes gone they scored their opening try. A chip ahead was gathered on the bounce and then a grubber kick through bounced awkwardly for scrum half Mitch Baldwin and the home side were able to gather to score.
Drybrook looked really good going forward and retained the ball for a long period which eventually led to a simple penalty for Treherne.
Not to be outdone Bideford soon replied with a penalty of their own but Drybrook ended the half the stronger team and deservedly increased their lead.
Several pick and drives and a number of neat off loads eventually created a gap which Mitch Baldwin raced through for a try under the posts and Treherne added the extras.
Half Time:
Bideford 8pts
Drybrook 17pts
Bideford soon got into their stride in the second half and were held up in the in goal area within 2 minutes. The home side kept up the pressure and a try eventually came from a forward drive close to the line.
Drybrook then took control for a long period and spent an impressive amount of time in Bideford’s half but could not break through.
Bideford eventually cleared the danger and forced a 22 metre drop out which Drybrook kicked long. The ball was well fielded and a smart wind assisted drop goal put the home side into the lead.
Undaunted Drybrook hit back strongly and lots of pressure led to them being held up twice over the Bideford line.
Drybrook remained patient and with 10 minutes left they deservedly regained the lead when an onslaught near the home line led to Mitch Renton showing great vision to put fellow centre Kristian Taft over in the corner.
Drybrook remained on top but stoic Bideford defence kept them at bay and with 5 minutes remaining a Bideford attack was halted by a good covering tackle in the corner.
Into time added on Bideford were awarded a scrum close to Drybrook’s line and after a couple of phases of play the ball was moved wide and the winger just squeezed in at the corner for the deciding score.
There was just enough time for the restart and Bideford scrambled the ball out of touch to claim the win.
Drybrook deserved more than a losing bonus point from this game where they had to make several late changes and play players out of position.
Back row man Mitch Bourne celebrated his 21st birthday with another rousing man of the match performance.
Drybrook; Tom Treherne, Gareth Holdsworth, Mitch Renton, Kristian Taft, Sam Peaper, Ben Large (Capt), Mitch Baldwin, Dean Jelf, Luke Fisher, Craig Clarke, Neil Morgan, Glenn Nott, Danny Price,Niall Gibbons, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements; Marcus Cowles, Anthony Suter, Chris Rawlings.
