Here we are, another season. Thank you for the piece in this week’s Journal. Please find below the match report from yesterday.

For their first League match in Devon 1, Torrington entertained Old Technicians R.F.C. from Plymouth. The sun was shining, and the ground was firm, so it was a good day for running rugby. The beginning of the match could not have been better by Torrington, right from the off they showed their determination to make a good start. Old Technicians were pinned back into their half, and tried to kick clear, but Torrington’s Flanker Ollie SCANTLEBURY charged down the kick. The referee awarded the home team a five-metre scrum, which Torrie’s pack dominated, and in a controlled manner pushed Old Techs over the line so Number 8 Michael WIGLEY was able to touch down after only four minutes. Five minutes later, Torrington produced some excellent interlinking of players and support play to get close to Old Techs line. Flanker Liam ELLIS made the half break, offloaded to Hooker Adrian AVERY who ran in from about 8 (although Adrian reckons it was closer to 80) yards out. Sam BRITTON converted the try.

12 – 0 down after only ten minutes, Old Techs appeared surprised and attempted to get back into the match. Torrington remained dominant in the scrum and their defence held firm, frustrating Old Techs at every move, and Old Techs managed to close Torrington's attack down. Sadly, the game became more ill-tempered as that frustration grew, leading to a succession of penalties awarded against both sides that broke up the game. Torrington’s prop Daniel HEAL and one of the Old Tech forwards were shown Yellow cards after a confrontation between the two just before half time. The first half ended 12 – 0 to Torrington.

Old Techs may have hoped that playing downhill would be to their advantage in the Second Half, but Torrington found a second wind. From a loose kick, Torrington counter attacked resulting in good offloading for Flanker Liam ELLIS to score after four minutes. Four minutes later, an Old Techs player was sin binned for an offence, allowing Torrington to take advantage. Adrian AVERY turned provider for Flanker Ollie SCANTLEBURY to score his first try, which Sam BRITTON converted. About nine minutes later, Torrington ensured the Old Techs defence were committed and moved the ball out quickly through the back for Right Wing George JONES to score. Now 29 – 0 up, the tension in the match remained, and following a brawl between some members of the two teams, Torrington’s George JONES was shown a Yellow card. Old Technicians used this opportunity to score through their forwards controlling a maul well. However, Torrington had the final say with Ollie SCANTLEBURY scoring his second try just on the approach of full time to leave the final score 34 – 7 to Torrington.

In conclusion, a tough match during which Torrington played some sublime rugby, both in attack and defence. Simply, Torrington’s attacking, offloading game gained them a bonus point win, aided by a determined defence and incisive counter attacking ability. Although there is a long season ahead, it is a positive start for Torrington in their new league.