Devon Cup

Ivybridge U16s 42,

Newton Abbot U16s 24

Ivybridge RFC under 16s are through to the Devon Cup final after winning a thrilling semi-final against local rivals Newton Abbot.

Early pressure from Newton Abbot forced a lot of defending from team green, but Ivy­bridge took the initiative by playing the ball from their own line, and with some great passing scored the opening try.

The game continued with great attacking play by Newton Abbot, matched by some strong Ivybridge interplay.

Although Newton Abbot defended well, Ivybridge pulled away, scoring some superb tries and stayed in front until the final whistle despite the continued endeavours of Newton Abbot.

Ivybridge will now play Topsham in the final, to be held at Ivybridge with kick-off at 3pm on April 19.

Ivybridge U14s

On a lovely spring day Ivybridge U14s rugby team had the pleasure of playing a touring side from Sudbury.

The tourists even brought along their tour vicar, but unfortunately divine intervention did not help them during the game.

After a spell of jostling for dominance, it was Ivybridge who claimed the first points.

Ivybridge were rucking well, with the forwards drawing in their opponents and opening up space out wide. After a number of three-quarter moves, Taylor was on hand to score near to the posts.

Ivybridge were moving the ball quickly, sometimes too quickly for some players, but not for Joe, who gathered the ball cleanly, beat two players and sped over in the corner.

Sudbury, to their credit, were tackling well and not making it easy for Ivybridge.

They managed to get the ball out wide and although Oscar produced a try-saving tackle, Sudbury had followed up well and scored a good try.

The second half saw the Sudbury tourists wilt as Ivybridge produced some penetrating runs.

Luke opened up the Sudbury three-quarter line with a lovely angled run to allow Taylor to score his second try.

Matt B crossed the line after a dominant Ivybridge scrum produced quick ball and Jon-Joe scampered almost the length of the field, just inches from his pursuers, to claim a good solo effort.

Irrespective of the result, the club hopes Sudbury enjoyed their visit to Ivybridge as much as we enjoyed hosting them.

Ivybridge U12s

The 14 best teams in Devon at under 12 level met in Plymouth, at Devonport Services ground to battle for the coveted 'champions of Devon' title.

Group stages were followed by semi-finals and final, with winners of each group going into the cup competition, the runners-up going into the plate competition and the third-placed teams going into the shield.

This meant all teams had plenty of rugby on what was an impeccably organised day.

Reigning champions Ivybridge knew they would have their work cut out, with U12s rugby in Devon being particularly strong.

Their group comprised Crediton and Exeter youth. Kings­bridge, Cul­lompton, Withycombe and Stonehouse Sharks were pooled in a strong group.

The other clubs represented were Tot­nes, Okehampton, Ply­m­stock, Topsham, Teign­mouth, Barn­staple and the hosts Devonport Services.

Ivybridge's first match was against a well-drilled Crediton side with a large front five.

Ivybridge hit the ground running with tries from Ewan Steph­ens, Archie Bryan and Hamish Harris in the early stages. Crediton couldn't recover and Ivybridge ran out winners by five tries to one.

Next up were Exeter Youth. This was a topsy-turvy encounter and Ivybridge stuttered – Archie Bryan did open the scoring but with the last play of the match Exeter Youth equalised after widespread confusion in the dead ball area.

By virtue of their superior points difference Ivybridge qualified ahead of Exeter for the cup competition and so faced Totnes in the semi-final.

This was another hesitant performance but Archie Bryan and Ewan Stephens did the damage as Ivybridge ran out winners by two tries to one.

So on to the final against perennial ad­versaries Kingsbridge, who had impressed in their semi-final victory over Topsham.

For the first time in the tournament Ivy­bridge played to their potential and on the front foot they were unbeatable.

Solly Stinchcombe charged down a Kings­bridge kick and Cam­eron collected the loose ball to score, then Ha­mish Harris scythed through the Kings­bridge defence to add a second before Archie added a decisive third all within the first few minutes.

Kingsbridge and their supporters were shell-shocked and des­pite a late onslaught the Ivybridge defence held firm as they retained the cup in fine style.

Credit to the entire squad, who have im­pressed all season and delivered on the big occasions.

The Ivybridge team consisted of Solly Stinchcome, Barney Collinson, Ewan Steph­ens, George Shirley, Hamish Harris, Will Atkinson, Mason, Jack Currie, Archie Bryan, Will Rodgers, Ollie Gozzard, Cameron Howley, Jacob Winters, Thomas Pringle, Ed­ward Epps, Archie Gil­roy and Harry Towle.

Plate winners were Exeter Youth who clung on despite in­tense pressure to beat Cullompton on drop kicks after the game finished level after extra time.

Shield winners were Withycombe, who beat Plymstock Oaks in their final. Stonehouse Sharks beat Okehampton in the battle of the fourth-placed teams.