Winscombe RFC

There were mixed feelings when the Winscombe 1st team found out about their sideways league move from Regional 2 Tribute Severn to Regional 2 Tribute South West. Many in the team had been relishing the prospect of reviving age group rivalries with the newly relegated Weston Super Mare. But Weston’s geographical position, some 800 metres further North and the fact that Tribute Severn can only accommodate 12 teams, means that Winscombe are now required to travel South West for fixtures as far as Truro and Wadebridge.

Winscombe’s first, rather damp, outing down the M5 was to the coastal town of Teignmouth, a team celebrating it’s 150th year of playing rugby across the South West, an astonishing achievement for which they are rightly most proud.

The visitors started brightly and opened the scoring courtesy of centre Sam Dearsley with a penalty kick at goal following an offside offence midfield on the home 22. From the re-start Winscombe were soon pressing again and when awarded another penalty on the five metre line scrum half Lewis Podpadec quickly tapped and fought his way over the line for the first try, Dearsley adding the conversion.

Teignmouth, then having their best spell of the game, launched a series of attacks and camped within the Winscombe 22 for a long period. Resolute defence by the visitors kept them at bay but after forcing a yellow card beneath the posts following a series of infringements were eventually on the scoreboard with a Rio Cooper penalty. As half time approached Winscombe extended their lead, firstly through a well taken try following a short range drive to the line by flanker Oscar Browne which was converted by Dearsley who then also added a second penalty. The visitors went into the break 20-3 ahead.

In the second half and as the weather deteriorated further Winscombe were the team to make the most of the conditions and the spilled balls, counter-attacking with speed and precision, especially down the left flank with fullback Greg Humphrey and centre Ollie Walrond setting up winger Will Pearce for a score in the corner. Pearce was soon sent on his way again scoring the bonus point try beneath the posts, this time fed by Podpadec who collected a loose ball and made a break on halfway. Dearsley added both conversions and a further penalty before the full time whistle to round off a perfect kicking display.

Winscombe entertain league leaders Topsham next weekend in what promises to be a tougher test.

Report and pictures - John Podpadec