Torquay 2nds 7 Crediton Quins 43

AFTER gaining promotion as league champions last week, the Quins made it a double celebration with a comprehensive victory in the Devon RFU 2nd XV shield final against Torquay 2nds.

The two sides play at the same level but in different leagues, separated by geography and so had not met previously this season.

Whilst we were winning our section, Torquay had a comfortable mid-table finish in theirs and hopes were high of a successful trip to the English Riviera.

We started with a flourish and an early break down the left touchline ended with winger Josh Edwards bundled into touch a few metres short.

However, within minutes we were on the scoreboard with a try from No8 Chris Hooper who picked up from a ruck and dashed over, fly half Tom Ronchetti converting.

For the next twenty minutes the game was evenly contested although we dominated territory Torquay defended well but had yet to venture into our 22.

On 25 minutes a superb break down the right touchline by fullback Ollie Chandler-Sullivan took play within 10 metres of the home posts and it was 2nd row and skipper Sam Rowe who reacted quickly at the ensuing ruck to dart in for try number two.

As the game approached half time, we kicked a penalty to the corner and set up a driving maul from which prop Tom Luxmoore crossed for try number three, Ronchetti adding the extras.

Torquay began the second half in a somewhat more positive note and for the first time put pressure on our defence close to the line.

However, we held out and to rub salt into the wound broke away and it was winger Joe Dodge who outpaced the home defence to race home from halfway, again Ronchetti made it a seven-pointer for a 26-0 lead.

Again, Torquay tried to get back into the game, but there was a great turnover in midfield by Matt Pearce who then galloped away to score a superb solo effort from half way.

It was then the turn of Chandler-Sullivan to show his skills with a touchline run confusing opposing defenders by stepping one way then another to score try number six, Ronchetti adding the extras for 38-0.

That soon became 43-0 when Luxmoore finished off a driving maul out wide, the conversion attempt drifting wide.

To their credit, Torquay kept going and were eventually rewarded with a try when their hooker squeezed over for a consolation score, the conversion found its mark and the final whistle went.

Another excellent performance from the Quins and the scoreline emphasised the difference between the two sides. The glorious sunshine brought the very best out of the players and we were generally too quick and powerful for the Torquay side. In fairness to the home side, they did keep going and deserved their try at the end.

This has been a fantastic season for the Quins and there are still a couple of league games to go. A trip to Exeter Engineers on Saturday will not be easy followed by an way game at New Cross on April 5.

Two tough league games and certainly New Cross will need a victory to secure the runners-up spot.

Paul Harris