Tribute Devon two

Dartmouth RFC 44,

Devonport

HSOB RFC 0

On a beautiful afternoon the Riversiders took on DHSOB at Norton in front of a sizable crowd which was treated to a feast of tries from the home side.

No fewer than eight tries were scored, of which only two were converted and no penalties kicked, either.

But it was almost half an hour after the start that the first try was scored.

Dartmouth clearly looked the stronger side but the Old Boys were providing good opposition and it eventually became clear that the Dart forwards first had to dominate their opponents before releasing their backs.

After 25 minutes a penalty was awarded to Dartmouth, who chose to kick to the corner rather than take the three points. From the ensuing catch-and-drive Reg Varney emerged as the first try scorer.

Five minutes later, Sam Duberly on the left wing burst infield and set up a ruck from which John Dingle took the ball on the burst down the blind side to score in the corner for 10-0.

With the Dartmouth pack beginning to take full control in the tight and loose and some great line-out play by Andy Williams and Adam Sharam, the backs at last cut loose.

A very fluid movement led to Scott Silsbury's first try in the right hand corner that was converted by fly-half Aaron Hunt.

Scott repeated this effort with another try that took the score at half-time to 22-0.

This score was replicated exactly in the second half. The forwards were beginning to enjoy themselves, particularly the front row of Miguel Tenreino, Nick Shillabeer and the redoubtable Reg Varney, who grabbed his second try which was converted by Hunt for 29-0.

Carl Caunter, Budgie Hall and John Dingle were not to be outdone and their back-row forays were paying dividends, one of which was a hat-trick for Scott Silsbury following a great run by Richard Lobb for 34-0.

The half-backs Rory Shillabeer and Aaron Hunt started to sling the ball about and the three-quarters of Picot, Bridgeman, Lobb and Duberley made no mistake in cashing in.

But it was another catch-and drive from another penalty that led to Budgie Hall scoring and taking the score to 39-0.

John Dingle then capped a first class performance by scoring the final try, again unconverted, to take the final score to 44-0.

It had been a very good performance against a side that never gave up.

The Dartmouth defence looked secure and the more the backs run with the ball the better they look.

The pack looks good and there will not be any better at scummaging in this league.

The influx of younger players is most encouraging for coaches and supporters alike and the rest of the season is to be viewed with optimism.

A reliable kicker, however, is a priority.