Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from the home loss to Crediton: “We can have no complaints at the final score and have to settle with another bonus point, in what was a tense and evenly matched affair with our neighbours.
Both teams had some decent opportunities , and whilst we had a lot of momentum going into the last 15 mins, and a slender lead, we knew any error could be punished and it was.
We cannot fault anyone’s effort levels, with everyone putting their bodies on the line throughout , and must now look to improve our completion rate in the 22 to ensure we convert pressure into points.
As a management team, we are delighted that there has only been one occasion this season where we have failed to gain at least a point from a league game (V league leaders Sidmouth, Away). This shows that we are very competitive , and whilst we sit in 5th place, we must now look to improve as a side and continue to build.
“Falmouth , Away this coming Saturday is sure to be a big challenge and one that will require a big team effort.”
Both teams had some decent opportunities , and whilst we had a lot of momentum going into the last 15 mins, and a slender lead, we knew any error could be punished and it was.
We cannot fault anyone’s effort levels, with everyone putting their bodies on the line throughout , and must now look to improve our completion rate in the 22 to ensure we convert pressure into points.
As a management team, we are delighted that there has only been one occasion this season where we have failed to gain at least a point from a league game (V league leaders Sidmouth, Away). This shows that we are very competitive , and whilst we sit in 5th place, we must now look to improve as a side and continue to build.
“Falmouth , Away this coming Saturday is sure to be a big challenge and one that will require a big team effort.”
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments on the away victory at Chard: “Our performance on Saturday was extremely pleasing, and shows signs of further improvement in our mentality and our game management.
Our Away form has been somewhat inconsistent this season, and therefore a bonus point victory over a side who rarely lose at home , and in fact have only lost at home to Sidmouth this season, is a superb return. We have gained bonus points in narrow losses away at Truro and Wellington, and drew away at Paignton. However, on Saturday, we really grabbed hold of the game and were extremely dominant for large parts.
Captain Jack Sampson and half back partner Matt Down managed the game really well and put us in the right areas of the pitch. Our forward pack were once again a strong force with everyone contributing. Ben Vickery gained the man of th match award for his two tries and an industrious performance, but this really was a real team effort, with a high work rate. Centres Greg Mills and Alex Pike gave us some real go forward and Adam Willows was exceptional at full back and then at ten later in the game.
We now look forward to a bumper “Super Saturday” where we host a Mid Devon Derby against high flyers Crediton (2.30pm kick off). We also play Crediton at 2nd and 3rd xv level this Saturday , so an awful lot to look forward to. We hope to welcome back Mark Schofield, Ben Prouse, Henry Frankpitt, Jonny Fairclough and Ross Bovingdon into the selection discussion, all of whom were missing from the Chard game.”
Our Away form has been somewhat inconsistent this season, and therefore a bonus point victory over a side who rarely lose at home , and in fact have only lost at home to Sidmouth this season, is a superb return. We have gained bonus points in narrow losses away at Truro and Wellington, and drew away at Paignton. However, on Saturday, we really grabbed hold of the game and were extremely dominant for large parts.
Captain Jack Sampson and half back partner Matt Down managed the game really well and put us in the right areas of the pitch. Our forward pack were once again a strong force with everyone contributing. Ben Vickery gained the man of th match award for his two tries and an industrious performance, but this really was a real team effort, with a high work rate. Centres Greg Mills and Alex Pike gave us some real go forward and Adam Willows was exceptional at full back and then at ten later in the game.
We now look forward to a bumper “Super Saturday” where we host a Mid Devon Derby against high flyers Crediton (2.30pm kick off). We also play Crediton at 2nd and 3rd xv level this Saturday , so an awful lot to look forward to. We hope to welcome back Mark Schofield, Ben Prouse, Henry Frankpitt, Jonny Fairclough and Ross Bovingdon into the selection discussion, all of whom were missing from the Chard game.”
Coaches comments from narrow loss at Wellington.
“Considering the ridiculously high level of unavailability for this fixture, we fought manfully against an impressive outfit and gained a well deserved bonus point for our efforts.
Missing front rowers Roger Simmons and Matt Reed, back rowers Tom Stevens and Oli King and backs Adam Willows, Mark Schofield, Ben Prouse, Greg Mills, Henry Frankpitt and Callum Wren, along with a number of others, we were forced to make a major reshuffle to get 18 players out on the pitch.
Jimmy Atkins came out of retirement to answer an SOS call and had to take over kicking duties as fly half Matt Down was only 50% fit and couldn’t kick. Will Paine rolled back the years to start on the wing, Tomas Emanuel stepped up from the seconds and Alex Pike and Tom Heard moved into the centres to get a full back line out on the pitch. Flanker Jonny Fairclough was anxiously on standby to fill in as a back should the need arise!
Wellington were superb off turnover ball scoring three of their tries from steals and errors. Their back line was particularly lively and caused problems throughout. Our forward dominance continued with numerous scrums being turned over and penalties eventually awarded as the game entered the latter stages. For all of our endeavour, we made a few too many errors , inevitable considering the amount of changes we had to make.
It was somewhat characteristic of the side that we dug deep and really threw everything at Wellington to get ourselves back in the game. Jimmy Atkins showed his class for the man of the match award. For a man who hasn’t played in quite some time and hasn’t trained at all this season , we were grateful for him answering the emergency call, as it was his reliable boot that gained us the losing bonus point.”
Regards
Jon
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“Considering the ridiculously high level of unavailability for this fixture, we fought manfully against an impressive outfit and gained a well deserved bonus point for our efforts.
Missing front rowers Roger Simmons and Matt Reed, back rowers Tom Stevens and Oli King and backs Adam Willows, Mark Schofield, Ben Prouse, Greg Mills, Henry Frankpitt and Callum Wren, along with a number of others, we were forced to make a major reshuffle to get 18 players out on the pitch.
Jimmy Atkins came out of retirement to answer an SOS call and had to take over kicking duties as fly half Matt Down was only 50% fit and couldn’t kick. Will Paine rolled back the years to start on the wing, Tomas Emanuel stepped up from the seconds and Alex Pike and Tom Heard moved into the centres to get a full back line out on the pitch. Flanker Jonny Fairclough was anxiously on standby to fill in as a back should the need arise!
Wellington were superb off turnover ball scoring three of their tries from steals and errors. Their back line was particularly lively and caused problems throughout. Our forward dominance continued with numerous scrums being turned over and penalties eventually awarded as the game entered the latter stages. For all of our endeavour, we made a few too many errors , inevitable considering the amount of changes we had to make.
It was somewhat characteristic of the side that we dug deep and really threw everything at Wellington to get ourselves back in the game. Jimmy Atkins showed his class for the man of the match award. For a man who hasn’t played in quite some time and hasn’t trained at all this season , we were grateful for him answering the emergency call, as it was his reliable boot that gained us the losing bonus point.”
Regards
Jon
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Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from 48-12 home victory over Wadebridge: "Saturday was a very good all round team performance. We have not strung together an 80 minute performance yet this season until Saturday, so were pleased with the way we got on top and stayed on top throughout the game. Our scrum and line out were superb and gave us a really good platform to play from. Blake Lugg and man of the match Tom Skelding were instrumental in a lot of our play, and Captain and scrum half Jack Sampson had his best game of the season. Adam Willows was also lively at full back , but on the whole everyone worked hard with and without the ball.
"The challenge now is to continue to improve as a side and be more consistent week to week. Our away form needs to improve, with a big challenge away against Wellington this Saturday. Dan Lock and Elliott Howells could return to the squad this weekend following un-availabilities last Saturday, as we look set to be without another front row man Matt Reed this weekend. It is very much a wider squad game nowadays, and our strength in depth will no doubt be tested many times this season. "
"The challenge now is to continue to improve as a side and be more consistent week to week. Our away form needs to improve, with a big challenge away against Wellington this Saturday. Dan Lock and Elliott Howells could return to the squad this weekend following un-availabilities last Saturday, as we look set to be without another front row man Matt Reed this weekend. It is very much a wider squad game nowadays, and our strength in depth will no doubt be tested many times this season. "
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from narrow loss away to Truro: “An away bonus point in Cornwall perhaps shouldn’t be sniffed at in Western Counties, but it is safe to say that frustration was the over-arching feeling at the final whistle on Saturday when we narrowly lost 20-14 against Truro.
Traditionally a tough place to play, we struggled to get an early foothold on the game and slipped off too many tackles against some powerful and direct Truro outside backs.
That said, our second half performance was impressive, and time and time again we would push Truro off their own ball at scrum time , only to see no reward. The front row trio of Man of the Match Ben Blake, Ross Bovingdon and Matt Reed, had a field day in the scrums, but our line out was once again a little erratic.
We were somewhat bemused when we mauled the Truro pack 20 meters from a driving maul , only for it to be dragged down a metre from the line, another key moment that on another day , we would have been rewarded. Truro, will also be frustrated at some key decisions , but will have been pleased that the final whistle came when it did.
So, work to be done , but still a number of positives , and another league point on the road. We must look to improve our strike rate and our line out return as we go in search of a more complete performance.
“Wadebridge are the visitors this weekend. It is important that we continue our impressive home form to date , and we look forward to welcoming Ben Prouse , Ian Brewer and Greg Mills back into the squad.“
Traditionally a tough place to play, we struggled to get an early foothold on the game and slipped off too many tackles against some powerful and direct Truro outside backs.
That said, our second half performance was impressive, and time and time again we would push Truro off their own ball at scrum time , only to see no reward. The front row trio of Man of the Match Ben Blake, Ross Bovingdon and Matt Reed, had a field day in the scrums, but our line out was once again a little erratic.
We were somewhat bemused when we mauled the Truro pack 20 meters from a driving maul , only for it to be dragged down a metre from the line, another key moment that on another day , we would have been rewarded. Truro, will also be frustrated at some key decisions , but will have been pleased that the final whistle came when it did.
So, work to be done , but still a number of positives , and another league point on the road. We must look to improve our strike rate and our line out return as we go in search of a more complete performance.
“Wadebridge are the visitors this weekend. It is important that we continue our impressive home form to date , and we look forward to welcoming Ben Prouse , Ian Brewer and Greg Mills back into the squad.“
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from the home fixture to Winscombe: "We are delighted to get back to winning ways in what looked like being a 5 star performance , when we were 17-0 up inside as many minutes.
That said, come the middle second half, we were clinging on and then had to show some undoubted character to build some momentum at crucial moments to get over the finishing line.
Credit to Winscombe who clawed their way back into the game and kept the ball tight to the breakdowns in a forward orientated performance. We really struggled to gain field position and possession into the wind in the second half, and spent long periods defending wave after wave of Winscombe drives, pick and go’s and carries around the fringe.
I was really pleased with our attacking intent at the start of the game and at 17-0, we had opportunities to put the game beyond the opposition , but failed in our execution and our shots at goal. The pace and width that we generated was the key difference and our outside backs saw a lot of ball. Contrastingly, our winger Tom Heard didn’t touch the ball in the second half!!
Still, a win is a win, and we are sitting fifth in the table after the first block of fixtures. We have a lot more improvement in us, and the challenge now is to push on and improve as a team.
Man of the match went to back five forward Blake Lugg, however there were very notable performances from Ben Vickery and centre and try scorer Greg Mills."
That said, come the middle second half, we were clinging on and then had to show some undoubted character to build some momentum at crucial moments to get over the finishing line.
Credit to Winscombe who clawed their way back into the game and kept the ball tight to the breakdowns in a forward orientated performance. We really struggled to gain field position and possession into the wind in the second half, and spent long periods defending wave after wave of Winscombe drives, pick and go’s and carries around the fringe.
I was really pleased with our attacking intent at the start of the game and at 17-0, we had opportunities to put the game beyond the opposition , but failed in our execution and our shots at goal. The pace and width that we generated was the key difference and our outside backs saw a lot of ball. Contrastingly, our winger Tom Heard didn’t touch the ball in the second half!!
Still, a win is a win, and we are sitting fifth in the table after the first block of fixtures. We have a lot more improvement in us, and the challenge now is to push on and improve as a team.
Man of the match went to back five forward Blake Lugg, however there were very notable performances from Ben Vickery and centre and try scorer Greg Mills."
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from the away fixture to Sidmouth: “Sidmouth were good value for their victory and were a well organised side with some prominent ball carriers up front. Jack Pyne in particular, caused damage , with some decent gain lines.
“We were too slow to react in the first ten minutes of the game and paid the ultimate price. Sidmouth kicked very well from 9 and 10 and took their chances from decent field position. Dan Retter orchestrated their play and we had no response at the start of the game. This was a shame as the rest of the game was very even with both sides spending time ten metres out trying to batter down the try line.
“We will need to regroup this week as we picked up a number of injuries. Losing Mark Schofield in the warm up didn’t help our preparations, but it did provide a league debut to Marcjan Kryzkawski on the wing, albeit, he is a scrum half by trade!
“Alex Pike and Adam Willows both left the field in the second half injured, which meant we had a hooker on the wing and a back rower in the centre. Whilst not ideal, and no doubt effecting our flow, we were not good enough across 80mins to get anything from the game , so move onto next week and a big challenge with the visit from St Austell.
“Man of the Match went to Captain Jack Sampson , who worked tirelessly throughout , and scored out only try of the game.”
“We were too slow to react in the first ten minutes of the game and paid the ultimate price. Sidmouth kicked very well from 9 and 10 and took their chances from decent field position. Dan Retter orchestrated their play and we had no response at the start of the game. This was a shame as the rest of the game was very even with both sides spending time ten metres out trying to batter down the try line.
“We will need to regroup this week as we picked up a number of injuries. Losing Mark Schofield in the warm up didn’t help our preparations, but it did provide a league debut to Marcjan Kryzkawski on the wing, albeit, he is a scrum half by trade!
“Alex Pike and Adam Willows both left the field in the second half injured, which meant we had a hooker on the wing and a back rower in the centre. Whilst not ideal, and no doubt effecting our flow, we were not good enough across 80mins to get anything from the game , so move onto next week and a big challenge with the visit from St Austell.
“Man of the Match went to Captain Jack Sampson , who worked tirelessly throughout , and scored out only try of the game.”
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from the home fixture to Saltash: “I was absolutely delighted with our endeavour on Saturday and the way in which we started the game. Having been 14 - 0 up inside five minutes was characteristic of our start and our mental strength. The guys have really bought into our game plan , and are working extremely hard on the training field.
“Saltash were lively and offered some very direct forward runners who looked to pierce holes in our defence. I was delighted with our structure and more importantly our work ethic without the ball. We made them work very hard for everything that they got out of the game, apart from, ironically , their only score which came from a loose pass from us.
“Ian Brewer gained the man of the match award for a big performance at 8. His leadership and experience is invaluable to us , and he will get better as he gets more minutes under his belt following a period out of the game. In fairness, any of our back five in the pack could have gained the man of the match award. Blake Lugg and Tom Skelding carried really well, and Jamie Green and Jonny Fairclough epitomised the work ethic that we base our game around.
“We are only three games in with some really tough games to come starting with league leaders Sidmouth away this weekend. However, we are pleased with our start but also well aware we must continue to improve over the coming weeks.”
“Saltash were lively and offered some very direct forward runners who looked to pierce holes in our defence. I was delighted with our structure and more importantly our work ethic without the ball. We made them work very hard for everything that they got out of the game, apart from, ironically , their only score which came from a loose pass from us.
“Ian Brewer gained the man of the match award for a big performance at 8. His leadership and experience is invaluable to us , and he will get better as he gets more minutes under his belt following a period out of the game. In fairness, any of our back five in the pack could have gained the man of the match award. Blake Lugg and Tom Skelding carried really well, and Jamie Green and Jonny Fairclough epitomised the work ethic that we base our game around.
“We are only three games in with some really tough games to come starting with league leaders Sidmouth away this weekend. However, we are pleased with our start but also well aware we must continue to improve over the coming weeks.”
Picture: Man of the match Ian Brewer
Director of Rugby Jon Hill's comments from the first away fixture of the season against Paignton: "Whilst disappointed not to have won the game, we are satisfied that we are still unbeaten and have improved on our return from our two games against Paignton last season.
"We looked lively and outscored Paignton three tries to one , so the draw itself is a little hard to take. Our penalty count was our Achilles heal, and something for us to look at moving forward. Defensively we were once again impressive , and worked very hard for each other, showing a lot of pride in the shirt which is a great team quality and one that we must harness.
"It was once again a big team effort with everyone contributing, but mentions must go to number 8 Ian Brewer, Fly Half Matt Down and Man of the match and centre Greg Mills for their Impressive performances. Matt Down controlled play well and scored from distance. Brewer carried really well, often against a stacked defence, and Mills was superb with and without ball in hand.
"The early signs are good, but we need to learn from the experiences , and having been 20-9 up away from home, we need to look at how we didn’t close the game out. Saltash at home is now a big focus for us and we look forward to welcoming player backs coach Mark Schofield and prop Matt Reed back into consideration for selection.
"Reed impressed in the 2nd xv victory over Paignton (12-10) , and could be joined by 2nd xv man of the match Chris Powell, fresh out of the colts, who looked dangerous in the midfield."
"We looked lively and outscored Paignton three tries to one , so the draw itself is a little hard to take. Our penalty count was our Achilles heal, and something for us to look at moving forward. Defensively we were once again impressive , and worked very hard for each other, showing a lot of pride in the shirt which is a great team quality and one that we must harness.
"It was once again a big team effort with everyone contributing, but mentions must go to number 8 Ian Brewer, Fly Half Matt Down and Man of the match and centre Greg Mills for their Impressive performances. Matt Down controlled play well and scored from distance. Brewer carried really well, often against a stacked defence, and Mills was superb with and without ball in hand.
"The early signs are good, but we need to learn from the experiences , and having been 20-9 up away from home, we need to look at how we didn’t close the game out. Saltash at home is now a big focus for us and we look forward to welcoming player backs coach Mark Schofield and prop Matt Reed back into consideration for selection.
"Reed impressed in the 2nd xv victory over Paignton (12-10) , and could be joined by 2nd xv man of the match Chris Powell, fresh out of the colts, who looked dangerous in the midfield."
Director of Rugby, Jon Hill comments on opening day Devon derby victory:
“A superb start to the season with a victory over Kingsbridge who one of the most favoured sides to gain promotion this season, and a team who we have really struggled against in recent times.
“The foundation of our victory was certainly our defensive work ethic. Kingsbridge probably had the ball for 60 of the 80 minutes and spent long periods of play in our half and in our 22. Our ability to work hard and defend as a unit was a key strength.
“Henry Frankpitt scored two tries off the bench and Adam Lambert scored another. All three of our tries came from multi phase attack and showed a desire to attack from deep. We looked lively in the wider channels and will be happy with our set piece return where our scrum and line out showed up well against bigger opponents.
“Back rowers Adam Lambert and Ben Vickery both had to leave the field with injuries. Lambert looks set to be out for a few weeks with Man of the Match Vickery a doubt for this weekend’s clash away at Paignton.”
“A superb start to the season with a victory over Kingsbridge who one of the most favoured sides to gain promotion this season, and a team who we have really struggled against in recent times.
“The foundation of our victory was certainly our defensive work ethic. Kingsbridge probably had the ball for 60 of the 80 minutes and spent long periods of play in our half and in our 22. Our ability to work hard and defend as a unit was a key strength.
“Henry Frankpitt scored two tries off the bench and Adam Lambert scored another. All three of our tries came from multi phase attack and showed a desire to attack from deep. We looked lively in the wider channels and will be happy with our set piece return where our scrum and line out showed up well against bigger opponents.
“Back rowers Adam Lambert and Ben Vickery both had to leave the field with injuries. Lambert looks set to be out for a few weeks with Man of the Match Vickery a doubt for this weekend’s clash away at Paignton.”
Picture: Man of the match Ben Vickery
