It's been a long time since Withycombe have been in a position to field two senior sides in a week, in fact, it was February 2018 when this was achieved. However, with strong training numbers with a large pool of senior players and colts, as well as some players looking for the odd casual game, it has finally been possible to start to get back to periodic 2nd XV games.

With the game kicking off in heavy rain, it seemed that we could be in for a hard game for both sides. It was the hosts that benefited from the early phases of play and possession and they converted early pressure into points with a break away just inside their 22' to score early on 6min. The conversion went wide. However, immediately from the restart, the Withies had a go at some pressure play themselves, allowing Will Griffiths over for his first Withycombe try 15m in from the touchline, again with the conversion missed the scores were tied at 5-5 after 10 minutes. The remainder of the half ended up a rather equally matched with both sides sharing good possession and passages of play. A 5min period on the Withycombe try line early in the second quarter was weathered well, with the impenetrable Withy line denying the home side any points. After some more good play from both sides, the first half came to an end 5-5.

The second half began much as the first one ended, with some equally matched play providing plenty of entertainment for both sets of fans. The deadlock was broken after 48min when Ben West chipped the ball beautifully just over the defender's heads. West caught his own kick and powered over the line. By this point, the Withy scrum was starting to dominate and show real strength. This was evident when a driving maul steered the ball over the Tiverton whitewash for a third Green and Black try. Returning Withy Fly Half Adam Ykhlef slotted the kick to bring the score to 5-17.

Tiverton managed to get a try back soon after after a short ball exited a scrum deep in the Withycombe 22' to close the gap to just 7pts. However, a penalty at 71 minutes extended the lead back to 10. There was still time for another try though as a great run from Will Griffiths was rewarded with another five points on the 80th minute.

Overall a great display of rugby for a Friday night and an enjoyable evening out! Each of the 22-strong squad on the day put in a huge shift and should be pleased with their efforts. To come away with a convincing win away from home on your first match is no mean feat!