November 20th 2008
Plymouth College 12 – North Devon 0 Plymouth College successfully overcame the challenge of a huge North Devon College side to make it to the final of the Devon Schools Under 18 Cup. In a tense game Plymouth held their nerve to secure a 12-0 victory thanks to tries from Ab Hamza and Alex Parford, and James Burke chipping in with one conversion. That is not to say that the College had it all their own way. Determined defence was necessary to keep North Devon off the scoresheet and they were unlucky not to be awarded a try in the second half. Plymouth’s front row should derive great satisfaction from their performance against bigger opponents. They pressured their opponents relentlessly and were rewarded with a number of balls won against the head. Again defence was good and again the fluidity of the off load game was pleasing. However, some decision-making was still questionable and protection of the ball at breakdowns still needs to improve. The laissez faire approach of the referee to the contact area did not help Plymouth and the more street-wise North Devon boys capitalised from being able to play on the edge and sometimes beyond without suffering at the hands of the official.
Plymouth College will next meet old rivals Exeter School in the final on Wednesday 3rd December at a venue to be confirmed.
Plymouth College First XV are still unbeaten.
