Dartmouth welcomed Paignton to Norton playing fields for their first taste of rugby action since beating Totnes in last season’s Devon Junior Cup Final. Dartmouth with 22 fit players to choose from gave a good account of themselves against a well drilled Paignton side and all players got some much needed game time as they continue their pre-season build up to their return to the Tribute Devon 1 league.
The match was played over 4 quarters of 20 minutes with Paignton running out 0-45 winners overall with a well-disciplined display from the team that play their rugby 2 divisions higher than their hosts. It wasn’t all one way traffic though and Dartmouth had several chances to score throughout the game but a few wayward passes and a bit of rustiness with the hands meant it wasn’t going to be Dartmouth’s day. Special mentions to Jake Bridgwood returning to the Dartmouth line up for the first time in several years against his old club, Henry McCready returning at scrum half after a few years away and also Luke Bonstow back after a lengthy injury lay off last season.
Dartmouth players know they need more game time before the season starts and are hopeful a fixture will be arranged for this Saturday 19th