Torrington 73 Dartmouth 19

Dartmouth RFC's 3rd away game on the trot , took them last Saturday to Donnacroft Fields, the home of Torrington RFC.

Late player withdrawals meant that The Riversiders made the 160 mile round trip with a bare 14 players.

Match officials for this game were Mr Dan Thorgood (Cornwall referee's Society.) and Mr Nick Shillabeer, (Linesman, Dartmouth)

Torrington are currently mid table in Devon League 1, but Dartmouth had previously beaten them at home earlier in the season.

There was a big crowd for this game, as it was the home side's main Sponsors day.

Dartmouth's Mr reliable, veteran Andy Williams filled a back row berth. He must be one of the most senior and fittest vets playing in Devon 1.

The pitch was in perfect condition for running rugby, but there was a strong wind gusting from end to end.

Even with only fielding 14 players, some of whom were playing out of position, Dartmouth put in a very strong first half and were in fact the better side.
In the engine room 2nd row Fred Bancroft and number 8 Alex Parrot had strong games both in the scrums and loose. They were backed up by the front row of Captain John DIngle, Tom Clark and Matt Meacock, who took the play to the opposition.

Playing with the wind in the fist half, number 10 Luke Chase controlled the game for Dartmouth, with his intelligent long chip and kicks up field, which made the defence scamper back to clear their line.
Quality ball was being won by the Dartmouth 8 and after only 5 minutes a quick tap penalty saw scrum half Josh Bruckner make a break he found Luke Chase on his inside and a short pass saw Chase force himself over under the posts.
Conversion Chase 7-0

Torrington came straight and number 14 Matt Taylor went over in the corner.
Conversion Tom Gooch 7-7

On 20 minutes, the Dartmouth pack were still winning lineout ball and in fact stealing the home sides throw ins. From such a line out, the ball was spun across the three quarter line to winger Xavier Picot , he put in a good run down the right wing before being tackled. The ball was recycled by the Dartmouth forwards to John DIngle who battered himself through the defence, before slipping a pass to Will Lockerbie who went over under the post.
Conversion 14-7
On 30 minutes and Against the run of play the home side's number 10 dummied on the visitors 22 mtr line and waltzed through the visitors defence to score under posts.
Conversion Gooch 14-14.

Dartmouth were unlucky not to take the lead after Luke Chase, chipped the ball over the opposing defence. The ball was eventually gathered by the full back, but Chase took man and ball. However there was no support to carry on the movement and the home side regrouped and cleared their line.

In the last minute of the first half and from a Torrington scrum, winger Tom Scandelbury scampered over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Half time Score Torrington 19 Dartmouth 14.

Early in 2nd half, Dartmouth lost forward Lockerbie through injury, leaving 13 players on the field.
With Torrington now gaining the upper hand in the forwards and having a 2 man overlap, the flood gates opened and Torrington began scoring at will. Another Dartmouth player left the field through injury, leaving Dartmouth with 12 men.
By this time, the damage had been done and and Torrington had amassed 66 points.
The referee, stopped the game and called the team captains together and it was agreed that Torrington would loan Dartmouth 3 of their players, so that the game could continue in some form.

After the game, Dartmouth Team Manager Andrew Tomkinson said,
" Both the referee and Torrington, appaulded Dartmouth for making this long trip without a full team. Other teams in our position would have cancelled the game and forfeited the points. So hats off to those Dartmouth players who turned up . They showed great dedication and gave their all. There is no doubt,we were the better team in the first half, even with 14 players. We looked dangerous when we ran ball in hand and the two tries showed this.
Number 8 Alex Parrot returning after a fractured foot had a great all round game and it was good to have him back.
However, all teams will realise that it is difficult to play with a weakened side with loaned players , against a team who play together week in and week out.
We mow move on to Totnes next week and we want to finish the season on a high."

This Saturday 13th April ,sees the "Battle of the South Hams" when Dartmouth take on neighbours Totnes at Norton Fields. Kick off 3pm. A big crowd is expected for this last league game, especially after Totnes beat Buckfastleigh Ramblers last Saturday. Dartmouth will be out to win the double over Totnes, so there is everything to play for. We ask that the town of Dartmouth come out and support us in this game.

A big thank you to all at The Sportsmans Arms for sponsoring the Dartmouth V Totnes match.

Press release
Dick Evans,
C/O Dartmouth Rugby Football Club

Mob 07847 141 240.