Drybrook 42pts
Cullompton 7pts
With the sun shining and Drybrook bathed in the unusual warmth of a Spring like February afternoon, the large crowd that had assembled at the Manning’s were rewarded with an afternoon of hard and at times quite exhilarating rugby.
Cullompton showed that in this league you can never take a win for granted and it took some delightful attacking rugby from the home team to break down their dogged resistance.
After an even opening ten minutes Drybrook were awarded a penalty just outside the Cully twenty two. Tim Stevenson made no mistake with the boot and the Green Army were three points in front.
Drybrook continued to attack and after a lovely break by young winger Ollie Moore, Joe Tingle took the pass to race clear and score out wide on the right.
Drybrook were then guilty of allowing Cullompton back into the game by gifting them a simple interception try, they converted to bring the score back to eight – seven in the hosts favour.
Cullompton upped their game and a strong scrummage and committed defence meant that the chances were few and far between for the remainder of the half.
Joe Tingle again showed his pace to take the ball into the visitors twenty two, but the Cullompton cover got back to stop the try albeit at the expense of another penalty which Drybrook
.
stand-off Stevenson duly converted.
The pace Drybrook were able to call on was making life increasingly difficult for the Devonians and although they competed well they were unable to resist the avalanche of speed the Forest team were deploying.
Moore outpaced the defence for Drybrook’s second try after some excellent carries by Greenwood and Peaper.
Next on the scoresheet was the Drybrook captain Ben Large who took advantage of some enterprising play out behind to cross the Cullompton line. Stevenson converted and Drybrook had opened a healthy gap of twenty three points to seven.
Cullompton refused to throw in the towel and Drybrook were having to play at their best against a committed effort from the visitors.
The bonus point try was elaborately executed by Danny Price after a scintillating break from fullback Charlie Herbert.
Stevenson was unlucky with the conversion, but at twenty eight points to seven ahead Drybrook were now playing from all areas of the pitch. The tiring Cully defence were being stretched to the limit by the pace of Baldwin and Herbert and work rate of the Drybrook forwards.
Next to cross for a try was Ashley Howells who was also celebrating his Birthday. At the grand old age of thirty he has the honour of being Drybrook’s eldest forward. Stevenson added a
good conversion for the extra two points.
What at half time looked like it could have been an awkward afternoon for Drybrook was now a good victory
Cullompton were never going to stop trying and to their credit they only conceded one more try, and what a try it was.
Charlie Herbert who looked a class act all afternoon took it upon himself to run a cleared kick back at the Cullompton defenders. After beating the attempted tackles in midfield he chipped ahead to race behind the Cullompton rear-guard and collect the ball to cross for the best try of the afternoon. Stevenson completed the scoring by adding the conversion and Drybrook were worthy victors by a winning margin of forty two points to seven.
Cullompton will take pride in the effort they displayed and a good game of rugby had been enjoyed by all.
Drybrook now go into a run of away games against difficult opposition and will need to be on top form to continue their fabulous season.
We wish them all the best and can only hope the effort they have shown this season will bring it’s just rewards.
Drybrook First XV: C Herbert, O. Moore, D. Price, B. Large, M. Baldwin T. Stevenson, R.Marsh, M.Hale, A .Howells, L Boon, G. Nott, W. Greenway, S. Peaper, J.Tingle, M. Bourne
Replacements – L.Mullane, T. Treherne, D.Jelf
