Cents bounce back

Old Cents first team bounced back from last weeks mauling at Hornets with a fine win against a strong looking Newton Abbot side.This was a totally different Cents team this week,they were totally focused on the match and wanted to prove that they were a better team than last week's team at Hornets.It helped that the majority of the team were not hung over after a team members wedding last Friday and Coach Lee Fortey was at the helm for his first match in charge.
Last season Newton Abbot won the match at the Stade de Bridge and did so in the last few minutes,so a close match was hopefully on the cards.That match was also an end to end affair with both sides moving the ball around at every opportunity.This match proved to be no different and it was a delight for both sets of supporters to see a high quality game between two sides who wanted to attack from the outset.Their was hardly any handling errors in the match and the conditions were perfect for running rugby.
Cents started off the stronger of the two sides and were 12-0 up inside 14 minutes through tries by Rob Jones and Capt.Liam Hemming.LIam's try was a fine solo effort and Rob Jones was the product of good slick handling by the Cents forwards and backs.Liam converted his try and for the next 10 mins Newton almost drew level with two well worked unconverted tries of their own.With the nature of the open play,you knew more scores were going to come along and by half time Old Cents had opened up a lead of 24-10.Cents had scored two tries through debutant Sam Goatley and a second by Rob Jones and one of the tries was converted by Liam Hemming.Sam's try came about after an attack started in Cents 22 and included an excellent pop pass by prop James Elliott and Rob Jones effort was a fine solo effort when he went the length a field and caught his own chip ahead near the Newton Abbott try line.

At half time Old Cents were in control but they could not afford to relax as Newton Abbot are a dangerous side when the ball is moving around freely like it was in this match.However, Cents increased their lead to 34-10 within the first 20 mins of the second half through a fifth try by Ryan Townsend and a penalty and conversion by Liam Hemming.At this stage the home side supporters were wondering if their side might increase their score,however Newton Abbot showed their character when they fought back and dominated the final quarter of the match.Cents could not lay their hands on the ball for long periods and the home side were having to dig deep in defence to keep their visitors at bay.Newton Abbots efforts were well rewarded with two well taken converted tries and in the final minute they converted a penalty to bring them a loosing bonus point to go with the bonus point for scoring four tries.

Final score 34-27 and Cents were more than happy to come away with a bonus point win and this made up for last weeks poor performance.This was also a cracking match to watch and both teams can be proud of the way they played.Cents next week play Weston superMare at home and this will be no easy fixture as they beat Newton Abbot last week on their own turf.