Plymouth College 1st XV triumph in U18 Devon Cup

Published: 10 March, 2011

A resounding 39-3 victory was a fitting end to a phenomenal season for Plymouth College's 1st XV.

Played on the home pitch of opponents, Kelly College, the match was tight and competitive for the first thirty minutes.  Kelly drew first blood with a penalty kick from 30 metres but Plymouth quickly responded with a penalty of their own.  Plymouth's first try came from Jon Dawe.  As the team gained in confidence more scores followed courtesy of George Stephenson, converted by Henry Slade, putting them 15-3 ahead at half time.

In the second half, Plymouth, who are sponsored by chartered surveyors, Monk and Partners, scored 24 unanswered points with two tries from hard-working Max Earle, a further try from George Stephenson and one from Ellery Jones.  Henry Slade slotted two conversions.

"There was some excellent play from the whole team", said Plymouth College Head of Rugby, Richard Edwards.  "Particular mention should go to Will Dickinson for line outs and kick offs and Alistair Lochhead for rucks and break downs.  Jack Norris and John Mason were very prominent on the back row and behind the scrummage, George Stephenson was as lively as ever with some telling runs causing distress to the Kelly defence on more than one occasion.

"This was a fantastic end to our 1st XV's season, which has seen us notch up 17 out of 18 wins.  Our only defeat was in the quarter finals of the Daily Mail Cup against the formidable reigning champions, Whitgift, who are set to contest the final in April."