Withycombe U14’s win on the road against Torquay

Withycombe U14’s travelled to the Rec in Torquay last Sunday for the first round of the Devon Cup.
In perfect conditions, a hard fought match saw Withys victorious by 30 points to nil.
From the kick off Withys were far quicker out of the blocks than their larger opponents and it was not long before they had their first score.
A turnover at a ruck and slick hands saw winger Max Richards in space and he outstripped the defence to the corner.
Withys kept the pressure on and were soon back into the Torquay 22 threatening their line.
Torquay knocked on and from the resulting scrum, scrum half Charlie Passmore picked up, ran blind, and put a deft kick to the corner. Winger Harry Bennett chased and beat his opposite number to the ball to score a cleverly worked try.
Back Withys came and it was not long before Bennett was again heading for the corner. He was tackled well, just short of the line, but flanker Olly Willis was first to the break down and he grabbed the ball and dived over unopposed.
The pattern continued, Withys did not let Torquay settle, and they were soon on the scoreboard again. After a few phases of quality forward play they released the backs. Centre Jude Baker-Hands saw a gap which he duly stepped through. His quick feet then saw him pass another two defenders to score under the posts. Bennett added the extras, and soon afterwards he slotted a penalty when Torquay were caught offside.
Torquay did however finish the half strongly and only stout Withycombe defence kept them out. Half time 0-25
The second half saw the young Tics come out fighting and it was their turn to pile the pressure on the green and blacks. Their strong runners ran well and constant infringements by Withys saw them gaining penalty after penalty. A number of 5 meter line outs ensued and Torquay attempted to catch and drive to the line. Withy stood firm and did well to defend their line.
The home side grew in confidence and they sensed a score but they were met with strong resolute defence in the Withy backline. Two try saving tackles by Baker-Hands, supported by his teammates, kept them at bay.
Withys spent most of the period in their half but a break by Baker-Hands, having a fine game, saw him sprint from one 22 to the other and only a last ditch tackle prevented him going the whole distance. From that moment, Withys cut out the errors and controlled the game from then on. From a rare attack on the Torquay line they were awarded a penalty. Powerful prop Jack Ballett took the ball at pace and crashed over.
A great win for Withys against strong opposition.
Strong performances throughout, the whole pack dominated throughout in the tight and the loose. The backs attacked with great pace and defended when they had to. With a bit more precision with the last pass Bennett may have exceeded his one try in the game.