Withies win on Brixham debut

In Withycombe’s first trip to Astley Park in Brixham at a senior level, the step into the unknown proved to be a great success.  

Withy made sure of their dominance up front in the early stages, making each scrum hard work for the host side. This forward strength was key in the opening score, as the ball came out from a maul on the 5m line and back to the awaiting Lewis Vaughan, who crashed through the defence to score on ten minutes, Harry Symons added the conversion. 

Brixham missed a penalty but, from the ensuing dropout, the Crusaders moved the ball wide and dived over the line for a converted score. 

Withies were next to score following a long period of level play. Some brilliant pressure deep in the Brixham 22’, combined with the multiple scrum resets, proved too much for the home side front row as they collapsed the driving maul, inches from the try line.  

The infringement awarded Withy the penalty try and saw the loose head prop spend ten minutes in the sin bin. Several injuries to the Crusaders meant the hosts were left without a full front row and the game went to uncontested scrums. 

Withycombe slowly began to regain the upper hand during the final quarter of the game and managed to keep Brixham largely pinned in the region of their 22’. Eventually, their persistence paid off with just three minutes remaining, as Luke Davis finished off some good team play to score under the posts for a converted score. 

Keen to get the bonus point, Withy started strong from the restart but a loose pass was collected by Brixham, who ran the length of the field to score under the posts for a consolation losing bonus point. 

Final score: Brixham Crusaders 14 Withycombe 21. 

The Withies welcome table-toppers Tavistock to Raleigh Park, kick-off 2:30pm. 

Going down to the junior ranks, Withycombe Under-11 are heading to Twickenham. Following a hugely successful day at the Land Rover Cup at Crediton, the team bagged themselves a trip to HQ for the Premiership Final in June! 

Organised and run by the Exeter Chiefs, this festival of rugby for U11 & U12 teams Saw Withies join 15 other clubs from across the South-West to take part in six matches throughout the day. 

Whilst the ethos of the day is very much about espousing the core values of rugby, in short respect, teamwork, enjoyment and sportsmanship, it is fair to say the Withy team excelled in their six matches, playing some excellent attacking rugby. 
 
Whilst there are always standout individual plays, the team worked wonderfully together, supporting very well in rucks and despite kicking only being introduced to them this season, showed a very mature level of tactical play where a number of kick chases yielded try-scoring opportunities. 

The coaches will very much remember the day for the quality of play and the way in which the players conducted themselves on and off the pitch, it must be said that the day provided some added special highlights. The team were able to meet current Exeter Chiefs player Jacques Vermeulen and the legendary Martin Johnson. 
 
The day was rounded off in the final presentation from Exeter Community Chiefs, where the team were honoured to be picked from the boot bag to be guests at the Premiership Rugby final, to be held at Twickenham in May 2023.  

Whilst there, the team will take to the pitch at half-time to walk alongside clubs from across the country as part of the Landrover Defender cup. It was incredible to see the team's joyful reaction, let alone parents and coaches. 

Withycombe would very much like to extend our thanks to Crediton RFC, Exeter Community Chiefs, the referees and all those who played a part putting the event together. It's not a day that will be forgotten any time soon!