Withycombe victory in soggy South Molton

It was a less than ideal start for the visitors as a delayed lineout throw 10m from the Withy try line proved to be the perfect tactic to set up a catch-and-drive attack. Withy dealt with the initial surge well, but this left a gap which was exploited by Molton, who scored the opening try of the game after just three minutes. 

Despite the early try, Withy were playing well with ball in hand and the end-to-end rugby continued for much of the first half. It wasn’t until 36 minutes, following a period of pressure deep in the South Molton 22’ where the scores were levelled through Joe Blyth, who broke from the back of the scrum and his dummy pass foxed the defence, allowing for an unopposed run behind the posts. Tom Cooke converted to bring the scores level at 7-7. 

After the score, Withy found a level of confidence that they hadn’t shown for large parts of the first half, winning a scrum penalty 6m out from the South Molton line in the final play of the half.  

Withy scrums from this far out can often have a positive outcome, and this was no different, as the ball trundled the six metres over the line to score. Chris ‘Fridge’ Gibbons emerged from the pile with the ball, and Withy went into the break 7-12 ahead. 

The second period was a battle of attrition. As the game entered its final quarter, the close scoreline meant that any further score would be vital. Both sides picked up the pace to make it a hugely entertaining, albeit close contest. 

The final five minutes were especially close, with Molton desperately piling on the pressure in the hunt for a late score. The Withy defence was standing strong though, as they worked hard to prevent that score.  

In the final minute of the game, the hosts earned themselves a penalty. With one final chance, the ball was sent into touch inside the Withy half. After the lineout, Molton opted with the blindside run and they were bundled into touch by the Withy defence to a huge cheer by the numerous traveling supporters.