Bideford 15ptsDrybrook 7pts
The weather was dreadful for Drybrook’s visit to Bideford and after a difficult afternoon they were a shade fortunate not to suffer a heavier defeat.
The home forwards completely dominated the set piece play with Drybrook’s problems made even worse by the early departure of prop Alex Gibson to injury.
Playing up the slope and against the elements Drybrook had a lot of defending to do and went behind after 14 minutes.
A clearing penalty failed to find touch and Bideford used the wind to pin Drybrook back in the corner where a catch and drive try resulted.
Drybrook then enjoyed a long period of ball retention and took play up to the home line on several occasions but lacked the penetration to break through.
With 30 minutes on the clock Bideford scored a second try when a wayward kick up field was gathered before play was switched to allow an easy run in.
The home side then lost a player to the bin following a cynical block when Drybrook took a quick tap penalty, but despite the numerical disadvantage they remained on top.
Bideford extended their lead with a penalty goal on 38 minutes and right at the end of the half Drybrook’s Andy Milner was just off target with a penalty attempt into the wind.
Half Time:
Bideford 15pts
Drybrook nil
The weather was even worse in the second half and both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball.
Bideford’s best weapon was their strong forward pack and on a number of occasions they demolished the Drybrook scrum.
Despite a lack of controlled possession Drybrook kept knocking on the door but could not get over the line.
A second yellow card then came for Bideford and the scrums became uncontested when Drybrook’s Dean Large was carried off injured.
At last Drybrook had a platform to work off and almost got over for a try but the ball slipped from Mitch Hale’s grasp.
A tremendous break from skipper Ben Large was halted just short of the line and then continued pressure finally brought its reward when second row Will Greenway crashed over for the try.
Andy Milner converted and there was some hope for Drybrook but the home side had other ideas and seized control in the last quarter.
At one stage Drybrook were down to 13 men with both Danny Price and Chris Barry in the bin and Bideford looked certain to score again with a succession of driving mauls.
Somehow Drybrook held out but the home team emerged deserved victors on the day.
Drybrook; Andy Milner, Sam Peaper, Kristian Taft, Jamie Roberts, Mitch Bourne, Ben Large (capt), Jack Coombs, Dean Large, Luke Fisher, Alex Gibson, Will Greenway, Glen Nott, Chris Barry, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne,
Replacements; Tim Howarth, Luke Roberts, Mitch Hale.
