A challenging afternoon for Withy ended in defeat during a physically demanding match in Plymouth on the artificial turf.

The game kick-started on a promising note for Withy with early pressure leading to a near-try.

Unfortunately, due to unclear grounding, the points were held up.

Not discouraged, the team continued their spirited momentum, nearing a point gain from a goal kick, only to be thwarted by the uprights, a rough start for Withy indeed.

The initial surge of activity subsided, and the game balanced out for the better part of the first half.

The only score emerged minutes before halftime as the opponents found the net wide to the side, taking the lead 5-0 at the break.

Resuming the second half, Devonport immediately scored three points with the first kick.

Withy promptly struck back as a strategic break from Tom Cooke allowed Ben Dawson a brilliant try, almost mirroring the host's position.

Following Cooke's successful conversion, Withy was trailing close behind at 8-7.

Sadly, this is where Withy's fortunes dwindled.

Two contentious tries widened the gap followed by injuries to key players that reduced Withy to just thirteen team members.

The determined team had to sustain the challenging artificial turf in the remaining 10/15 minutes of the match.

Seizing this opportunity, Devonport piled on more unanswered points, resulting in a decisive 46-7 victory over Withycombe.

The boys have a week to rest, recuperate and reset ahead of next weekend’s game against Exeter Saracens at Raleigh Park.

The next match is scheduled to start at 2.30pm.