Withies Work Hard

With a fierce wind behind them Withycombe started strongly attacking Exeter with aggression and momentum to score first. A penalty move in the hosts 22 saw slick hands to put Matt Shaw-Smith in for a trademark burst over the line. Withy continued to pressure for periods but the sizeable home side soon returned the compliment with their own attacking play.

The first half was an evenly balanced affair with Exe just having the edge over with a converted try 7 : 5 to Exeter Youth

The second half began well for Withy with good phase play and a second penalty move saw Tom Humphry charge over the line for to take the lead. This galavanised the hosts in to action and Withy had to absorb much of the remainder of second half on their back foot despite some good breaks . With some home advantage Exe were allowed to continually progress and probe the Withy defence to land a further 2 tries despite some resolute and very determined defence.

In all a very close game well played by both teams in difficult conditions due to the very strong wind with only a score between them at the end. Withy can take heart from the fact that the large home side were made to work very hard for their victory in what was a mostly forwards battle upfront.

Try Scorers: Matt Shaw-Smith (1), Tom Humphry (1)

Conversions: Matt Rye (1)

Men of the Match: Tom Humphry for a very tenacious shift