Withies Show Their Fight in Wet and Windy Brixham

Four tries and a bonus point to take home from a tough afternoon at Astley Park

Withycombe produced a much-improved performance in difficult conditions at Astley Park on Saturday, but were left disappointed after Brixham II pulled clear in the closing stages to take a 46–25 win.

The hosts started strongly, putting the Withies under pressure through a series of phases in the opening minutes. Withy soon had an opportunity to respond, but a couple of quick penalties saw Harrison Greenslade go for the posts, with his effort drifting wide.

The Withies didn’t have to wait long to get on the scoreboard, though. On 10 minutes, Greenslade sent an excellent crossfield kick towards Joel Ranft, who timed his jump perfectly to take the ball in the air and finish the move for an outstanding try. The execution was all the more impressive in the wet and windy conditions.

Withy continued to threaten the Brixham line and were rewarded again on 25 minutes. A series of penalties saw the Brixham hooker sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. With the man advantage, quick recycling created the opportunity for Harrison to cross for Withy’s second try, extending their lead to 0–10.

Brixham responded with a try out wide before adding another score under the posts to turn the game around. Withy needed a response before half-time, and they found one. Harrison Greenslade crossed for his second try of the afternoon and converted his own score to put the Withies back in front at the break, leading 14–17.

The second half began with Brixham regaining the lead, but Withy kept themselves in the contest. Harrison landed a penalty against the wind to edge the visitors back in front at 19–20.

Brixham answered with another score to reclaim the lead and extend their advantage. The Withies continued to work hard and were rewarded on 70 minutes, when Tyler Ford crossed for their fourth try of the afternoon. The score brought the Withies back into the game at 31–25 and secured a four-try bonus point.

The closing stages saw Brixham add further scores, taking the final result to 46–25. The margin was disappointing for the Withies after the effort they had put into the game, particularly having worked their way back into the contest and taken the lead during the second half.

There were positives to take from the performance, not least the quality of the tries and the determination shown throughout challenging conditions. The four-try bonus point was some reward for that effort, as the Withies now turn their attention to another tough test next Saturday, when they welcome table-topping Plymstock Oaks.