Colts result archive
Totnes Colt’s vs. Brixham Colt’s
19 – 46
After a break of 2 weeks, Totnes had been training hard in order to try to regain their winning ways of a few seasons ago, and against illustrious rivals Brixham, there would be no better chance to test themselves against one of the most successful colt’s sides around. Totnes went into the match, as they have done for nearly every match so far this season, injury plagued, with players in uncommon positions, such as Mark Nicholls in the second row, who played excellently, putting in tackles left, right and centre, then scoring Totnes’ second try after selling a clever dummy.
The first half was dominated by the Brixham backs, who illustrated how to get the ball wide, fast and demonstrated how powerful line running could lead to the possibility of scoring tries. However, life was made easier for Brixham by the lack of quality tackling from the Totnes defence, which will have to be improved in order for them to progress to the same level as the best teams in the area.
The second half did markedly improve, with some real flair and potential in attack, and hard hits and bravery in defence. Main attacking advances came through stand in fly-half Sam de Friend, full-back George Palk and new boy second row Ganesh Lynn, who made 2 or 3 powerful breaks through the Brixham defence, which put Totnes in good positions in order to advance on the Brixham line. Totnes’ pace on the wings showed halfway through the second half when rapid winger Sami Kahn exhibited his speed after picking up a loose ball in the Totnes half and leaving the Brixham defence for dead. Then, in the last play of them game, de Friend received the ball in the Brixham half and in a great display of ingenuity chipped the ball over the defence and somehow plucked the ball out of the hands of the full-back and touched the ball down for Totnes’ final score of the match.
Men of the Match this week went to Sam de Friend for the back due to his outstanding performance as replacement fly-half and for his excellent distribution, and Ganesh Lynn as he has shown his true potential as a solid second rower through a serious of mighty runs and huge tackles.
Next week Totnes take on South Molton at home, for the first time in several years, and will go into it brimming with confidence after a fine display last Saturday. It is an early kick-off at 1.00pm and as much support as possible would be much appreciated for this up and coming young side.
Totnes Colts vs. Devonport Services Colts
Totnes – 0 Devonport – 52
Totnes were still reeling from their heavy defeat at the hands of Torquay, when they faced another of Devon's top flight clubs on Saturday. For the first 15 minutes both teams were evenly matched and following some heavy pressure, Totnes were awarded a penalty just within kicking range, however they were unable to convert this chance. Whilst the forwards were evenly matched in the set pieces, the Devonport forwards dominated in the loose play and some strong, hard running in the backs led to several first half tries being scored by the visitors. Poor defence on Totnes’ behalf, with some weak tackling made life easy for the Services.
The second half started as the first half ended with Devonport attacking the Totnes defensive line, but Totnes put up a much greater performance in defence with several players putting their bodies on the line to make tackle after tackle. Totnes had very little possession in the second half, although when they did, they frequently found themselves in the Services half, although they failed to convert this territorial advantage into points.
Totnes’ back’s Man of the Match went to centre Sam de Friend for his fearless tackling and committed attacking flair and forward’s Man of the Match went to new flanker Ember Lagdon who got around the park like a machine and made endless tackles against a side who were running hard and fast lines throughout the match.
In order to compete at this level Totnes need to play with more determination and commitment as they have not yet met their potential.
Totnes Colts vs. Torquay Colts
Today brought potentially the hardest match of the season for Totnes, in the form of Torquay, who have regularly won by great margins so far this season and for a young Totnes side with 7 players missing leaving them with just one substitute, this would be an uphill struggle. However, Totnes began the game at a high tempo, and immediately regained the ball from the kick-off, with committed chasing from back row Josh Farley, Will Hodgson and Ember Lagdon. Facing such an imposing and experienced forward pack, it initially seemed that it would be a toil for the Tots, but the pack, containing winger Mark Nicholls as a replacement second row who had a very strong game both in attack and defence, matched the Torquay pack blow for blow. Torquay crossed several times in the opening quarter, due to high levels of organisation and the ability to create overlaps and half chances from nothing, even though Totnes defended strongly and bravely.
Attacking chances for Totnes were few and far between in the first half, but when the chances did come, the attacking flair of a backline that contained several players unused to being in the positions they found themselves in, such as Kieron Gillard, who used his pace well and distributed the effectively. Special mention must also go to covering full-back Richard Harris who was as solid as can be under the high ball and kicked and tackled as well as anyone has done all season.
The second half brought with it a new Totnes, a Totnes with more heart and determination to put in every tackle and to pressure Torquay in defence. The lack of replacements meant that, whereas Torquay could bring new players on and off, Totnes were restricted to one substitute, and when fly-half Ewen Beard had to leave the field due to injury, they were down to the bare 15, and had to re-arrange the back line once more. Even so, Totnes continued to defend well, and managed to keep the score to only 24 points conceded in the second half, compared to the 45 in the first, which just shows how much determination and commitment was displayed even when they falling further and further behind, to keep on doing their best.
Everyone can be proud of the colts today, as they competed with one of the best sides in the county and the score-line did not reflect the effort and dedication Totnes displayed.
Totnes Colts vs. Plymouth Albion Oaks Colts
Totnes – 10, PAO – 37
Coming off the back of two successive victories, Totnes went into this game with a lot of heart against an opposition who have recently been renowned for their powerful forward pack. The game was dominated by the Albion forwards using their overpowering size and strength to put the vastly improved Totnes to the test. Notable defending came from Josh Farley and Josh Green around the fringes of the rucks. After defending bravely for the first quarter of the game, Albion broke through and scored the first try of the game. But Totnes responded quickly with captain Will Hodgson scoring under the posts after Totnes had camped in the Albion half for the best part of 15 minutes, which George Palk converted with ease. This was due to the immense attacking potentials and clever kicking from Ewen Beard, Tom Moore and Richy Harris. After more intelligent territorial gains, Totnes were once again stationed in the Albion half and after a string of penalties for Totnes, they found themselves within kicking range and once again Palk coolly converted. The first half ended at with Totnes trailing 17-10.
Owing to the huge amount of pressure and physicality from the Albion side, and the lack of replacements for Totnes, it became harder for the Totnes defence to hold them out. Even so, the Tots were as dogged as ever and never gave up in their attempts to prevent the Albion from crossing again. Outstanding second half defence game from new Second Row Ganesh Lynn who is already showing extremely good potential, the ever present Ewen Beard and Tom Moore who were against a large back line. Totnes have been working hard on their defence recently over the last few weeks and it was easy to see how much it paid off today against a more experienced and powerful side.
Men of the match went to debutant Conor Field as he played out of his socks at Hooker, which was an incredibly hard task against such a large and experienced pack, and Mark Nicholls who moved from Winger to Second Row early on in the first half due to injury, and had an outstanding game and defended unbelievably.
Next week Totnes take on Torquay at home, and as much support as possible would be very appreciated to get behind this vastly improved young side.
Totnes Colts vs. Plymouth Arguam Colts 17th Oct 09
The last time these two teams met, it was a brutal affair, narrowly won by Arguam, but this time it was a different matter as Totnes had just come off the back of a crucial win against Newton Abbot. Totnes scored within the first minute of the game after flanker Joe Bryon-Edmonds retrieved the ball straight from the Totnes kick off and off the base of a solid ruck, fly-half Ewen Beard jinked his way through the Arguam defence to score in the corner.
Arguam didn’t get any possession of the ball for the first 10 minutes of the game, due to the much improved level of attacking flair from not just the Totnes backs, but the forwards as well who were picking and going very effectively. Main contributions to this outstanding attacking came from props Sam Lucas and Mickey Rowland, fly-half Beard and wingers Mark Nicholls and Richard Harris. After being set up by Beard, it was Harris who scored Totnes’ second try of the match in the same corner as Beard earlier. At the end of the first half, the score was 10-0 to Totnes who looked like they couldn’t be stopped.
The second half was dominated by penalties and a few ‘handbags at dawn’ instances. Straight after the break, Totnes kicker George Palk and the Arguam kicker exchanged penalties to bring the score to 16-9 to Totnes. This half was marred slightly after several unnecessary stamping incidents and when an Arguam player was sin binned for violent conduct. Totnes gained good field position from some clever kicks from Beard and Palk, but several silly penalties were given away in the Arguam 22 which both relieved pressure on Arguam and pinned Totnes back into their own half. However strong defence from Totnes prevailed and they managed to prevent Arguam from putting anymore points on the board and the eventual score was 16-9 to the home side who have now secured two consecutive wins.
Totnes will be playing away next week at Brixham, which will be a tough test, but one that they will be going in to with a positive view of winning and extending their unbeaten run.
Josh Green disributes the ball for Totnes Colts
Euan Beard tried to charge down opposition kick
Totnes Colts vs. Newton Abbot Colts - Saturday 10th October
Totnes 7 Newton Abbot 0
Totnes haven’t lost to Newton Abbot for the last few years and today were determined to maintain this record, whilst also recording their first victory of the season, so everyone was really determined to win and end their losing streak.
Right from the kick-off, the Totnes forwards were hitting hard and fast in the tackle and putting the Newton backs under real pressure, led by the back row of Ember Lagdon, Joe Bryon-Edmonds and Will Hodgson. The line-outs were a particularly strong point, where Matt Stephens and Ember Lagdon dominated and stole the ball on several occasions. Harry Watson made his first start for the club at prop and performed as if he’d been playing his whole life, whilst competing against a sizable front row. There was also good flare from the wings as Mark Nicholls and Richard Harris, who made several quick breaks and were fearless under the frequent high balls. At the end of the first half, the score remained at 0-0, with Totnes having the slope and the slight breeze for the second half.
The second half began with some seriously strong running through the centre from Tom Moore and Alex Pollard, who got close to scoring several times. This increasing pressure led to Stephens winning a line-out in the opposition 22, which turned into a maul. Josh Green then used his initiative to look to the blind side and exploit a gap that had appeared. He then stepped the full-back and winger in one swift movement and scoring under the posts. This was converted by George Palk, who had a strong game at full-back and, along with Ewen Beard made good territorial advances through some clever kicks.
From then on the game was Totnes’ for the taking and only strong defence prevented them from putting more points past their tiring opposition. Man of the Match for the Forward’s this week went to Harry Watson for excellent scrummaging and positioning against a much heavier pack and the Back’s Man of the Match went to Richard Harris for his use of intelligent kicking and some strong defending.
This was the first time this season that Totnes have exhibited their true potential and if they continue to hit similar form and even improve over the remainder of the season, then this will surely not be their only win, rather the beginning of a string of wins for this wildly improved side.
Next week Totnes are play Devonport High-School Old Boys away in Plymouth and go there with all thoughts pointing towards another good, strong win.
Totnes Colt’s vs. Ivybridge Colt’s – 26th September 2009
Totnes – 0 Ivybridge - 39
This fixture last season was quite a one sided affair with Ivy winning 65-0, and Totnes were determined to make amends this time round. Everyone knew that this year would be hard as well, but the whole side was ready to stand up and be counted. For the first half, the game was even, with Totnes dogged and fearless in defence, and powerful and sparkling in attack, showing a marked improvement from the previous season. Special mention must go to Richi Harris and Mickey Rowland who were outstanding in defence, and Tom Moore and Alex Pollard who were adventurous on the attack. The first half ended at 17-0 to Ivybridge.
The second half began with the same high tempo and pace as the first with Totnes showing once again their new found flair and spontaneity. After several promising attack that eventually fizzled out, Totnes found themselves on the back foot, but Ivy were met with something they rarely came up against – a strong defence.
This was a different Totnes to the one we all knew last season, a Totnes who would not give up and one that seemed comfortable in both attack and defence. This is partly due to the injection of new players and the return of some old ones, such as Joe Bryon-Edmonds and Josh Farley who both played well in their return to rugby. As usual there was a man of the match award for both the forwards and the backs, and the forwards award went to 2nd row/prop Mickey Rowland for his strong hard running and powerful rucking. The backs award went to scrum-half Josh Green who, as usual, made life very difficult for the opposition.
After such a strong performance this week, Totnes go into next week’s derby match against rivals Paignton with high hopes and expectations of recording their first win of the season. It is an early kick-off 13:30 and if anyone wanted to come down and support the first Totnes Colt’s side for 16 years, it would be much appreciated.
12th September 09 - Plymouth Arguam Colts V Totnes Colts Score -14 - 8
Match Report by Will Hodgson
For the first time in 13 years Totnes now has a colts side and Saturday was the first test for a team which was predominantly made up from younger colts (16/17 years old) and a small number of senior colts, which made this even more of a challenge as the opposition included many more older aged players.
Saturday marked the return of stand-off Ewen Beard who had been out for 18 months due to a knee injury and the whole team was determined to start his comeback with a win.
The game began in emphatic style with some hard-hitting tackling from both sides, with special mention for centres Tom Moore and Alex Pollard who dominated in the mid-field. Good attacking moves meant Totnes gained ground into Arguam’s 22 when the defence conceded a penalty which full back George Palk confidently converted.
Several strong phases from Totnes took them into the Arguam half again, with the tight 5 forwards rucking successfully and the back row gaining hard yards through good straight running off the base of rucks. Totnes found themselves in the heart of Arguam’s 22 and when simple yet effective backs moves opened a gap in the defence which fullback George Palk gladly exploited and a quick, decisive pass gave winger Sami Khan space to employ his pace and score the first try in the corner.
With the score at 8-0, Arguam scored and converted through some useful kick and chases to bring the score to 8-7 to Totnes with 10 minutes left of the first half. Then after a tackle that was deemed dangerous, Ewen Beard was sent off leaving Totnes with 14 men.
The second half began with the same pace and intensity as the first with some finely constructed breaks from the like of Tirion Keatinge, Mickey Rowlands and Sam Lucas. Mark Nicholls had an outstanding 2nd half out of position at Second Row, putting in some big tackles and strong drives.
Despite some gladiatorial defending from the Totnes back line, Arguam were awarded an attacking scrum on the Totnes 5 metre line from which they scored in the corner and converted successfully which took the score to 14-8 to Arguam.
With minutes left Totnes were awarded a penalty in the Arguam 22 which was taken quickly but were held out and the final score ended 14-8 to Arguam.
Overall Totnes performed excellently and big things can be expected of this inexperienced team over the rest of this season. The forward’s Man of the Match went to Captain Will Hodgson for his fearless driving tackles whilst the back’s went to Centre Alex Pollard for his hard running and aggressive defensive play. There were big performances from flanker/scrum-half Josh Green, prop Matt Stevens and the newest additions to the colts side Josh Farleigh, Marcus Ford, Tom Shotter, Tirion Keatinge, and Matt Hard.
