Withycombe Under-11 action against Exeter Chiefs

Withycombe Under-11 had mixed fortunes in matches at Raleigh Park where they welcomed Exeter Chiefs for the first time in what proved to be a great day of rugby in muddy conditions.

The first game saw Chiefs having plenty of the early possession, but it was the Withy defence that proved the difference between the sides. The Withy backs and forwards constantly putting pressure on the Chiefs giving them no room to move in. As the game went on the Withies fast forwards started to out-ruck there Chiefs counterparts with Cameron Bennett having a fine game. It was from a good Jake Yarwood kick that gave Withies their opening try as Jason Farrant eventually gathered the loose ball to score and Withy led 7-0 at half-time. The Withy scrum was sound as was the line-out, but it was the strong defence and subsequent direct running from Withycombe that gave Joe Blyth room to power over for the second score. The scores remained the same at 14-0 with Jake Yarwood scoring both conversions.

The second game saw Withycombe lose some of their defensive shape which allowed some of the Chiefs dangerous runners more room and that led to them scoring four unanswered tries. As the game went on the players performances improved with some strong running from Zac Turner and Jake Lewis in the backs and both Josh Farr and Josh Arbury breaking the Chiefs line on many occasions. Both games of rugby were very entertaining and played in great spirit and supported impeccably by both sets of supporters.