IVYBRIDGE moved on from a loss against Wadebridge by inflicting a 51-24 defeat on South West Two strugglers Teignmouth.

James Cantin and Jack Skinner both crossed twice for the Bridge in a seven-try romp.

It wasn’t just the margin of victory that impressed head coach Steve Atkinson; it was the manner of it too which shows the squad’s learning gains.

Atkinson has not forgotten the corresponding game this time last year, when Teignmouth came back from the dead to finish too close for comfort at 31-26 down.

“The final 10 mins were a bit frustrating, we had some tired legs I think and Teignmouth managed to claw a couple back, exactly like last year,” said Atkinson.

“But I was pleased we managed to hold them out and deny them a bonus point which we let them go home with last year.

“Small wins like that show that this young group is going the right way.”

Ivybridge had work to do at the back in the opening exchanges to keep Teignmouth at bay.

“Teignmouth had a decent line-out whereas ours, which is normally pretty good, was quite messy so we struggled to get our set piece strikes firing,” said Atkinson.

“Once we made a few adjustments, and got the line-out firing, we settled into the game and the points just kept on coming.”

Ivybridge were 30-7 ahead at half time with tries in the locker for Ed Foster, Cantin (2) and Aaron Williams. Harry Newman-Wild potted 10 points in kicks.

Three more tries – two for Skinner, one for Owen Garner – followed in the second half. Newman-Wild converted two of them and Skinner one of his own.

Looking back on the highlights, Atkinson said: “I thought our attack was very patient and most of our tries came from eight-plus phases over line breaks, which was nice to see.

“The fact the boys had to be patient, and really work for their points, shows we are heading in the right direction.”

Atkinson said No.8 Joe Owen was the right pick for man-of-the-match.

“Joe always has a good game but he was something else,” said Atkinson. “He was everywhere defensively and also in attack.”

Ivybridge are at home to South West Two newcomers Wiveliscombe this Saturday.