Paignton U16s 0,

Ivybridge U16s 51

Although the conditions were cold, damp and overcast, the rugby was sizzling. Paignton must be congratulated for providing a superb pitch that was ideal for an expansive running game, and an excellent referee that was keen to let both sides get on with a fluid and flowing match.

Despite a very even first 15 minutes, Ivybridge found themselves two tries up, from one of Mat B’s signature dancing runs, and a turnover by Jon Joe, who off-loaded to the ever-present George. With a quarter of the match gone, team strategies started to become visible with Ivybridge keen to attack wide, and Paignton capitalising on their dominance at the ruck.

The Ivy scrum was functioning as well as anyone has seen it in recent months, and a win against the head on the Paignton five-metre line led to a try by winger Oscar.

He unfortunately could not make his day a few minutes later when he was held up on the line by committed Paignton defence.

The home side’s stoicism and tactical kicking from within their own 22 made it clear that they were a well-drilled side.

A late call for a blindside attack then resulted in Ivybridge scrum-half Luke kicking through for number eight George to gather and score.

With a few minutes to go in the half, Ivy made the most of an attacking scrum five yards out from the Paignton try line, which resulted in a try for the in-form Dan.

Ivy started the second half as enthusiastically as they had finished the first.

The starter was an individual showcase from halfway by Matt G, the main a fluid backs move from Mat B, and for dessert the sweetest of driving mauls from the forwards resulting in a score from flanker Henry.

Paignton’s superb aggressive rucking continued to win them turnovers, but as sometimes happens to the best of teams, they were not able to convert that pressure into points.

This was partly due to a try-saving tackle from Mat B, who was then forced to leave the field for a head injury assessment.

The ever-threatening Dan and Tommy, on his comeback game for a broken arm, completed the scoring in the second half.

Paignton’s magnanimity and sportsmanship in defeat was as evident as their hospitality, with both sides contributing to a thoroughly entertaining match, even if the result was not to everyone’s liking.