Match Report: Kings edge home in thriller

Kingsbridge overcame a late scare to emerge 28-22 winners over a competitive Barnstaple 2XV.

A dubious yellow card and penalty in the last 5 minutes saw Kings behind with barely two minutes on the clock. But in a thrilling finish Kings raised themselves one more time and a mighty catch and drive from way outside Barnstaple’s twenty-two saw Stu Winzer crash over to seal the win. 

The two sides were evenly matched for most of the early part of the first half. Kings were starting to put pressure on but a series of penalties knocked them back and eventually lead to Barnstaple taking the lead with a nicely worked backs move.

Kings responded almost immediately when they took advantage of Barnstable’s lack of discipline, Jones putting them close to the visitors try line from where Harris crashed over. Jones who had a magnificent afternoon kicking from the tee, not missing one kick, converted. Kings seemed to keep on the wrong side of the referee and were soon back defending.

They were punished again as Barnstaple took the lead through an unconverted try. Kings responded when the exciting young back rower Freddie Hoare powered over. Jones adding the extra. Kings had a glorious opportunity to go further into the lead after a Dan Jarvis turnover was wasted by yet another penalty leaving the halftime score 14-12.

Kings started the second half well with Dalton making some telling inroads taking them close. Good running lines kept Kings on the front foot with Stu Winzer showing a clean pair of heels and so nearly getting away to score.

Yet again Harris broke through and Hoare was on hand to score his second to put the finishing touch to a series of good drives. Jones again converting.

Barnstaple hit back almost immediately as their winger sliced through Kings defence, a rare occurrence in this game, where a well marshalled defence had held firm up until then. But the penalties kept coming and Kings were down to 14 after the referee lost patience and branded a yellow card.

An interesting decision as moments before he had told Barnstaple one more high tackle would result in a card but only gave a penalty when they committed the same foul only moments after the warning. And from one of the penalties Barnstaple took the lead with minutes left in the game.

Kings were not to be denied the victory and a magnificent effort from their forwards, well marshalled by captain Rich steamrolled their way over to clinch the win. Jones again converting wonderfully from the touchline.

A fine 28-22 victory with a try bonus point.