Kingsbridge RFC 15-6 Minehead

Kingsbridge produced a gritty display in their final match of the season at High House on Saturday to put their disappointing performance at Penryn last week behind them and preserve their Western Counties League status for another season.

The Blue and Whites went into this game knowing that they could not improve on their ninth place in the table in the final game, but they were determined not to lose this match and drop down to tenth and one of the possible three relegation places.

Conditions were hardly favourable for slick running rugby with frequent drizzle and showers hanging over the High House ground. However, given the difficult handling problems both teams made an attempt to open the game up.

The opening twenty minutes saw neither team grab the game by the scruff of the neck or threaten the opposition line, and it was obvious that this was going to be a very closely contested game.

Finally, on 22 minutes, Kingsbridge broke the deadlock when full-back Graham Ball was on target with a penalty.

That 3-0 lead was extended on the half-hour when flanker Matt Hamilton was on hand to charge down an attempted clearance from the Minehead 22 and win the race to touchdown first.

Minehead scored a penalty of their own on the stroke of half time to reduce the deficit to 8-3.

In the second half, Kingsbridge extended their lead to 15-3 when Colt Ed Lennon produced a superb break in midfield that put fellow centre Ben Glover clear to touchdown for the home teams second try. Full-back Ball converted courtesy of the upright to give Kingsbridge breathing space.

The visitors scored a second penalty ten minutes from time to reduce the home teams lead to 15-6 but the Blue and Whites defended resolutely in the closing stages to run out deserving winners.

Kingsbridge 1st XV 2007-08 Season Playing Analysis:
Played 25, Won 11, Drawn 1, Lost 13, Points For 544, Points Against 425