DEVONPORT SERVICE v IVYBRIDGE

Local derbies are often tense and noisy affairs, last weekend's game between Services and Ivybridge was no exception.

For most of the game Services were ahead starting with a Matt Anstis penalty, Ivybridge briefly took the lead with a converted try.

Services came back with 2 tries the first from prop Niall Stokes the second from Rocky Young the former Ivybridge captain who recently joined Services. Matt Anstis converted both to take Services to a 7-17 lead in the 2nd half.

Ivybridge closed the gap with a try and a penalty, 15-17.

Hooker Mne (Phil) Wilson (30 Cdo RM) took advantage of loose Ivybridge play to steal the ball and score a short-range try. 15-22.

Another converted try from Ivybridge levelled the scores at 22-22 with 10 minutes of the game to go.

A penalty to Ivybridge put them 25-22 ahead, Services pressed back and with only a minute or so to go won a kickable penalty.

Decision time!!! To go for the kick and an almost guaranteed draw or kick for the corner and a catch and drive to go for the win?

Service's chose the latter, unfortunately partially due to crowd noise the call was misheard and the ball went long rather than the planned throw to the front of the line. The ball went to ground on the Ivybridge side, Services flanker Panu Ratu fell on it but before Service's could collect and drive over the referee adjudged a knock on and Ivybridge cleared to win a tense game by a short head.

At least a bonus point was gained but Devonport Services dropped a place to 5th in the league.

Devonport 2nd also lost to Ivybridge largely due to fact that the Ivybridge scrum was so strong and Services were unable to get much ball. The game ended on 12-36 with Services tries scored by prop Lee Mills and centre Marcus Chambers with Mark Symes converting one of them.

The Colts beat Plymstock colts in the Devon Colts Merit table by 3-50.

This weekend with see:

Devonport Services 1st XV v Kingsbridge (League Game) KO: 3pm
Devonport Services 2nd XV v Plymouth Uni 3s KO: 2pm
Ivybridge v Devonport Services Colts (League Game) KO: 2.30pm