League Leaders Prove Too Strong for Withy

The Withies welcomed unbeaten league leaders Plymstock Oaks to Raleigh Park on Saturday, knowing they faced a tough test against a side that had made an impressive start to the season. Despite three tries from the home side, the visitors ultimately proved too strong.

Withy made a positive start and looked to take the game to the visitors, but Plymstock struck first with a try after just three minutes. Harrison Greenslade responded with a penalty two minutes later to get Withy on the scoreboard, but Oaks added two further tries in the opening 20 minutes to establish a 14-point lead at 17–3.

The Withies needed a response, and it came midway through the first half. After a period of pressure, a quickly taken ball created the opportunity to move the ball wide, where Joel Ranft finished well to bring the score back to 17–8.

Shortly after the score, the visitors were reduced to 14 men with the Plymstock hooker sent to the sin bin. Tom Litton was shown a yellow card for Withy shortly afterwards, bringing the sides back to 14 players each. With half-time approaching, Plymstock added another try, leaving Withy with a 24–8 deficit at the break.

The second half began with Withy looking to find a way back into the contest, and the moment of the afternoon soon followed. A well-judged nudge from Harrison Greenslade caused problems for the Plymstock defence, with the defender unable to gather the bouncing ball. Fin Ivory showed excellent pace to collect it and race upfield before diving over for a superb try. A score enjoyed by the players and home supporters alike, bringing the score to 24–13.

Unfortunately, Plymstock responded almost immediately and continued to add to their tally, making it difficult for Withy to build any sustained momentum.

There was still time for another Withy score, though. After being awarded a penalty in the visitors’ 22, the Withies worked their way through a series of phases from a five-metre lineout, with Jack Fear eventually finding a way over the line. Harrison added the conversion to make it 43–20.

The afternoon’s third yellow card followed, with another Plymstock player sent to the sin bin following an infringement as Withy threatened to score. The visitors had the final word with another try, while a late spell of pressure from Withy offered the chance to add to their total. Despite several attempts to find a way through, Plymstock held firm to bring the afternoon to a close.

The final score: Withycombe 20, Plymstock Oaks 50.