Twos Topple Topsham

By Chris Day

DEVON MERIT TABLE 2

TEIGNMOUTH II XV 73 TOPSHAM II XV 21

Despite being undefeated so far this season, Teignmouth found themselves 2nd in the table and welcomed top of the league Topsham to Bitton Park. The Teigns started with ferocious defence and contained Topsham for several minutes. As soon as the Teigns got hold of the ball the forwards tore into the opposition for several phases before a great break from the back line was finished by Andy Webber to start the scoring. A second try was added by Matt Moses almost immediately.

Although Topsham scored a try in response, Teignmouth continued to play some of the best rugby of the season with the pack dominating set pieces and releasing the back line to torment Topsham, showing a mix of power and pace that wouldn’t have been out of place at Twickenham.

Further tries were added by Dan Force, Dan Aldworth and Henry Wilkins as well as a pair from Chris Tidman to give a healthy half time lead.

With the help of the substitutes, all of whom added energy and aggression, Teignmouth continued their dominance in the second half. Topsham replied with two tries but these were against the run of play and were drowned out by further scores by Paul Scott and Joe Woolnough as well as second scores from Dan Force and Henry Wilkins.

A final score of 73-21 underlined that the Teignmouth 2s are a force in this league, remaining undefeated until the end of November whilst playing with a decent blend of forward grunt and backline sparkle.

There were excellent performances across the pitch with Matt Moses steering the back line and with Dan Force picking holes in the defence almost at will. However, Man of the Match went to Joe Woolnough whose energy and pace at number 8 drove the pack forwards and often through the Topsham defence.

Updated 08:50 - 3 Sep 2019 by Paul Williams