In a thrilling match, Withycombe Rugby secured a dramatic victory against Plymouth Argaum with a last-minute penalty, taken by Tom Cooke.
Withycombe's season officially started this weekend at Bickleigh Down where they battled Plymouth Argaum.
Despite the challenging inclined pitch in the first half, they held their own and maintained solid early possession.
Plymouth capitalised on some initial penalties, providing them an opportunity to score a goal from 20m out.
However, the missed shot meant Withycombe swiftly reclaimed the offensive, establishing a strong position.
Tom Cooke then sent the ball through the posts with pinpoint precision.
The rhythm of the game alternated substantially as possession was exchanged frequently due to penalties, making it a match with minimal flow.
The first try of the match was courtesy of Argaum after a quickly executed penalty from just outside the 5m line and under the posts.
Withycombe were unfortunate to not overtake right before the first half concluded when a driving maul was held up.
Plymouth led 7-3 as the teams retreated for the break.
The second half saw Withycombe use the slope to their advantage.
During Argaum's final team warning period from the first half, Withy got an early penalty which resulted in their fly-half being sin-binned.
With an additional player now on their side, Neil Scopes was enabled to secure his first Withycombe try.
In a high-tension moment, Tom Cooke received a yellow card for questioning a decision after an injury-interrupted play.
Argaum seized on this opportunity, securing a penalty try and retaking the lead.
Bothered by these developments, Withycombe regained control and advanced rapidly down the field, knocking on Plymouth Argaum's line twice only to be rejected.
However, a numerical advantage afforded by the sin-binning of Argaum’s prop helped Jayden Gore to secure a hard-earned score for Withycombe.
The concluding moments of this nail-biting match saw both teams trailing by a single point.
A vital Withycombe penalty was awarded with 79 minutes on the clock.
Cooke stylishly converted this opportunity despite a difficult angle and wind conditions.
The spectators had another eight minutes of heightened suspense, linked with penalties, defensive pressures, and another penalty kick that swerved back into play on the field before Withycombe collected and cleared to win the game.
The final score stood at Plymouth Argaum 14, Withycombe 16.
Next week, Withycombe will welcome Topsham II to Raleigh Park.
The action will kick off at 2.30pm.
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