On the first truly cold morning of the season Withycombe Under-8s welcomed Brixham to Raleigh Park for what are always close and keen contested encounters, writes Mark Long.

Game one saw the return of Jamie Thompson after a three week break, and he came back in fine form. This only added to the skills on show from Otto Montgomery-Ames and Jack Macdonald- Brown who both scored multiple tries through some wonderful running. Brixham were always in touch and showed excellent skills of their own to open Withycombe, who were not displaying their usual doggedness in the tagging of the opposition. With the cold weather leading to frozen hands, it became noticeable that more balls were being dropped than usual, one of these was pounced on by Charlie Tucker who slipped a pass for Jack McBryan to score his first Withycombe try to a loud ovation. With every team member playing their part it was up to Max Rowley and Brendan Moore to set up Abigail Cotter for the last two, and decisive tries of the game. The Withy youngsters eventually seeing out the game with a 10-8 success.

The second game saw a tighter affair as Brixam were able to field the team leading to match sharpness and a better understanding of each other’s positions. This however did not deter the Withy players, and Ben Jeffery showed what direct running into space can do, as he made two clean breaks through the defensive line to register scores on each occasion. Thomas Lawrence and Tyler Gover took it upon themselves to marshall the team in it’s defensive duties and the girl power of Abigail Cook and Megan Holt took valuable tags to keep Brixham at bay. Abigail Cotter again had the last word as she outpaced the whole defence to score the final try of the game as it finished 8-5 to Withycombe.

All in all a good work out ahead of next weeks games against Exmouth. Withycombe were also missing Kieran Long and Lewis Tose after a clash of heads between the two in training, however both showed what this team is all about by staying and supporting their team mates.

This weekend Withy entertain Exmouth.