Match Reports
17th January 07
Devon Vs. Avon & Somerset
Teignmouth's Matt Moses was man of the match as Devon Fire & Rescue Service began the defence of national title with a 39-12 win over Avon & Somerset at Brixham Community College.
Devon found the first half hard work at times as Avon's gnarled set of forwards, some with South West One league experience, punished them at the rucks. A running and kicking game proved more profitable for Devon and yeilded their first try. Scott Akins (Totnes) made a 50-metre break then the ball was recycled to wing Richard Appleyard (Crediton), who crashed over. Moses kicked the conversion and two penalties to put Devon 13-0 up. Avon got it back to 13-7 at the break with a try on the end of a cross-field kick. Joint team manager Steve Mole (D Services) gave the Devon team a half-time pep talk that clearly hit home.
Devon opened the second half with a solo try from Moses, who chipped through from 50 meteres then won hte race to the ball. Mark Griffin (Paignton) then showed good pace to score after good work by former Exeter prop Richard Pugsley. Avon got another try back, but that only stung the Devon forwards into further action. Both come from line-out steals by John Mellor (D Services) and were scored by Paignton back-row Gary Kingsley. Moses took his points tally to 19 in the game with three second-half conversions.
Paignton's Alex Simmonds, who jointly manages the team with Mole, was satisfied with the result but not every aspect of the performance that earned it. "There is a lot to improve on in the coming group games to retain the title we won last year" said Simmonds.
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