In the final game of the regular season, Plymouth College defeated a big and successful Taunton side at Delgany Fields. In difficult conditions both sides did well to play positive and entertaining rugby. It was, however, Plymouth who started brighter, dominating territory and the ball in the first fifteen minutes. Their early pressure led to penalty opportunities, duly taken by Charles Attis to give the home side a six point lead.
Taunton fought back strongly and only desperate defence and a deliberate knock on prevented a try-scoring reply from the visitors. A yellow card for Plymouth, who were rather fortunate not to concede a penalty try. Plymouth regained control after the break with their forwards achieving parity at set piece and upsetting Taunton's ability to hold on to the ball. With their own possession they took advantage and a 40 metre plus drop goal from Charles Attis was followed up by a try from lively scrum half Tom Jordan. Attis finished the day with a well made try of his own and a conversion to give him his own personal full house of try, conversion, drop goal and two penalties for a 16 point individual haul. Taunton's only points came from a penalty mid-way through the second half. Final score Plymouth College 21 Taunton School 3.
Although the score card appears comfortable,Tauntonwere rugged and physical opponents who perhaps deserved more from the game. In Charles Attis, however, Plymouth have a genuine game changer who has scored an impressive 39 points in his last two outings and can boast a kicking success of 13 from his last 14 attempts at the uprights. He will be featuring in the South West final trial at Under 18 level later in December and is strongly tipped to go far in the game. The season may be over, butPlymouthcan be optimistic about next season as many players will be returning including 7 regular forwards and 5 backs who have enjoyed significant experience at First XV level.
Photograph: Charles Attis
