Bideford 1st XV 5 Wellington 1st XV 14 – South West Counties Intermediate Cup Final - 22.02.20

The R&Bs travelled to Bideford last Saturday in the South West Counties Intermediate Cup Final, whilst the conditions were not as bad the previous week the playing conditions were far from perfect, a cold day with a strong breeze, a heavy pitch and rain once again throughout. The R&Bs kept faith with the starting XV that performed so magnificently the week before.

Playing against the elements in the 1st half The R&Bs expected to find themselves penned deep into their own territory but in reality despite Bideford having plenty of possession the hosts rarely ventured into The R&Bs 22m zone with the majority of the 1st period being played in and around the halfway line. Despite having their fair share of possession Bideford found it difficult to make any inroads into the R&Bs defence but when The R&Bs got their hands on the ball they looked threatening stretching Bideford’s defence to breaking point on numerous occasions. From one such well orchartsted attack The R&Bs opened the scoring with 15 minutes of the remaining when Liam Phiilips crashed over for an unconverted try to give The R&Bs a well-deserved lead going into the halftime break.

With the elements now in the favour The R&Bs were soon on the attack putting pressure on hosts, this pressure soon told and Bideford were penalised at the break down, fullback Rob Hooper stepped drilling the ball between the posts to increase The R&Bs lead to 8 points. Like the 1st half Bideford had their fair share of possession but could only threaten The R&Bs line once following a series of penalties conceded by The R&Bs. Bideford took full advantage of this opportunity crossing for an unconverted try following a 15 man driving lineout. Stung by this set back The R&Bs went back on the offensive putting together some fine attacks with winger Ash Harney to the fore. The pressure on Bideford mounted, two penalties were the result of this pressure both of which were duly dispatched by Hooper to make the final score 5-14 to The R&Bs.

This victory sees The R&Bs progress to the South West Divisional Intermediate Cup Final where they will play Swindon RFC on the 14th March - the game will be played at Swindon RFC.
Another good performance from The R&Bs in once again not the best playing conditions. Bideford were competitive throughout which resulted in a full bloodied cup match but the victory was well deserved by The R&Bs who in all honesty probably should have troubled the score board on a few more occasions.

Next week The R&Bs return to league action when Teignmouth are the visitors to The Athletic Ground – KO 2.30pm. Teignmouth will be somewhat of unknown quantity for The R&Bs having not played each other for a number of years but what is known is that the Devon side, after a slow start to the season, are in a rich vein of form and are currently lying in 4th place in the league – The R&Bs will to show that same passion & commitment from the previous two games in what is sure to be a difficult fixture.

Squad: Richards, Phillips, Marke, Walker (M), Walker(R), Venn, Lee, Kitto, Goldstone, Jarman (C), Harney, Hodgson, Gordan, Davey, Hooper, Sestaret, Hancock, Howe, Crosby, Gamlin, Pitman, Hawkings.

Wellington Rugby Football Club

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Team Sponsors