For the second time in recent weeks, Withy have had the pleasure to be able to field two sides for a top afternoon of rugby action at Raleigh Park.
The afternoon got underway with the Withy 2s hosting Exeter Engineers in a fast-paced friendly fixture. An explosive start saw both sides contest the early exchanges, but it was Withy that would strike first with Alex Taylor breaking from the scrum 5m out from the line to score after just three minutes. A rapid restart saw the hosts back on the front foot with Harry Symons’ chip kick landing brilliantly into the hands of the sprinting Ben West who burst through from 22m out to score.
The pace and intensity of the game continued with both sides enjoying time with the ball. With twenty minutes on the clock, the 2s struck once again with Tom Holmes completing a great team effort to cross the whitewash. Before the half was done, a fourth try was chalked up through Spike O’Connell; with the conversion from Harry Symons sailing between the posts, the score was now 22-0 – a scoreline that remained through to half time.

The high-octane action continued into the second half with it taking just three minutes for Tom Holmes to gain his second score of the afternoon. Aaron Lee converted to top up the points.
Straight from the restart, the relentless Withy boys engaged attack mode and released captain Valley Williams through the centre to score under the posts, with the full seven points coming through a drop-kicked conversion. Williams completed his brace a little under 10min later with another break and another score.
Although Withy were dominating the scoreboard, the visitors were making a nuisance of themselves and were playing some good rugby, ensuring that the pace of the game was maintained throughout. Despite their efforts, and threatening phases of attack, they were just unable to convert.
The final ten minutes of the game saw three more scores from the home side, with a spectacular sprint from Jimmy Holman, who powered through from the 10m line. Alex Talyor’s outstretched arm from a powerful charge was just enough for him to claim his second score and with the final play of the game, Harry Symons broke from 40m out to finish the match in a remarkable manner with a try in Clubhouse Corner.

The final score, Withycombe 60, Exeter Engineers 0.
An incredible performance from the 2s with a huge win at home. Special mention to our visitors who played a great game in top spirits. Their efforts definitely warranted a score or two.

The Withy 2s are back in action again this Saturday when they travel to Teignmouth to play the Teignmouth Vets at Bitton Park.