Devon Junior Vase

Topsham 12

After last week’s disappointment in the league, Dartmouth were keen to put things right and get back to winning ways.

But playing a side from a league higher who like to throw things around, Darts knew they had their work cut out.

Things were not helped by the fact that for the first time this season, Dartmouth were struggling for players and would have to start the game with the bare 15 and no replacements.

Conditions were wet, with a strong wind blowing across the pitch. Dartmouth started well and from the kick-off were deep in the Topsham half.

After a scrum on the away team’s five-metre line, Dartmouth scored through Tom Clark, who was playing at number eight, due to captain John Dingle having to play in the centre.

Tim Brown’s conversion went wide, but it was a fair effort considering the strength of the wind.

After about 20 minutes some Dartmouth reinforcements had arrived and, after a reshuffle, Luke Bon­stow came on in the centre, with Dingle back in the pack, and veteran second row David Bradley returning to a more comfortable place on the bench.

Dartmouth were still in control, with most of the rugby being played in the Topsham half, and Bonstow soon made his presence felt, touching down after a sublime chip over from hooker, Nick Shillabeer.

Brown was still fighting the elements and unable to convert so the score stayed 10-0 to the home side.

Either side of the half-time break, Top­sham scored through fly-half Aled Rosser, who converted his own effort, and then Russ Sayer, which put the visitors 10-12 up.

This was the way the score stayed until, with about five minutes to go and after some great pressure from the home forwards, and constant infringements from Topsham, Dartmouth were awarded a penalty try.

Brown duly converted to secure an impressive victory.

The cup competition is home and away for the first few rounds so it’s only half time in this round, with Dart­mouth having to travel to Topsham after Christmas for the second leg with a small points advantage.

If they play with the same drive and determination, a win is surely possible.

Dartmouth are at home to Devon­port High School Old Boys in the Devon Two league on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for at 2.30pm.