Sat 12 Oct 2019
This was a very important win for Torquay Athletic against the previously unbeaten League leaders.
It took some patience to break down a visiting defence in which the first up tackling did not just bring the ball carrying player down, but more often than not knocked him back. However, Player/ Coaches Lewis Harben and Jake Bury led the way with hard work and determination to break through the opposition lines and score three tries, which brought an eventual comfortable win.
They were backed up by some very good place kicking by the reliable boot of full back Mawgan Penrice, who potted four shots out of four.
Two days’ worth of persistent rain on top of well above average recent precipitation had provided a grass thickening spurt to the pitch, which held up well.
Whilst Tics' were probably not at their best compared with the last three games, the ever falling rain made it difficult for both Teams with the greasy ball not going safely to hand more often than might be usual.
Again there were enforced changes from the away win at Pirates Amateurs. With something of an injury crisis at prop Torquay were indebted to Sonny Rowe for returning once more from Loughborough to continue his reassuring presence in the side.
Out were stand in prop Adam Dart and No. 8 Martin Harrison-Browne, with ever present wing Luke Hedges sidelined by injury.
In still conditions Tics' kicked off towards the sea and immediately Oaks knocked the ball into touch, giving the home side a lineout on the 22', from which a free kick then ensued followed by some driving play by the forwards towards the try line.
Unfortunately, during the first 5 minutes Torquay could not translate promising field positions into points; first after being penalised for holding on on the ground and then a secondly with a wonky throw from a close in attacking lineout.
The first score came in the 11th minute when Oaks were penalised for a high tackle, with a home lineout 5 metres out on the left. A solid catch and drive with excellent cohesion and body positions was too much for Oaks to hold and Harben secured the touch down under a pile of bodies. This was followed by a conversion from wide out for 7 – 0.
Next Torquay let a good opportunity pass by when a 40 metre break by outside centre Jonny Brown down the right might have led to a score if an overlapping Tom Drake had been fed. However, the latter may have slightly overrun the ball so the pass was not made and instead Brown darted infield, only to be tackled short.
However, still inside Oaks 22' Torquay brought pressure to bear at scrum time securing quick, clean ball and were duly rewarded when Bury used a low centre of gravity and determination to scythe between defenders and touch down. A second conversion and it was 14 – 0 after 30 minutes.
When the re-start was spilled Oaks gained field position inside Tics' 22' for the first time in the match and got within 2 metres of the try line from a resulting scrum. With Tics' then penalised for offside prop James McFarlane took a quick tap and powered over, but Hayden Coles missed the conversion, so it was 14 – 5 after 35 minutes.
Oaks counter attacked from the re-start, but then knocked on. Then Tics' strayed offside again and were marched back 10 metres for unnecessary backchat. The home side needed to tighten up just before half time and deny Oaks a confidence giving further score. However, more indiscipline as a foot was seen attempting to hack the ball forward at a ruck. This gave Cole a reasonable chance of three points, but again his shot went wide from 40 metres out on the cusp of half time, so to Tics' relief it remained 14 – 5.
The second half saw another Tics' spilling of the ball from the kick-off. James Wood then replaced inside centre Jack Keiller, who was carrying a knock from the previous week. After a good Gary Owen by Bury was dropped by an Oaks defender they infringed by trying to slow quick release at a breakdown and from the 22' Penrice slotted a routine penalty for 17 – 5 in the 44th minute.
Gradually Oaks worked their way into the contest, somewhat assisted by errant clearing kicks by Torquay, which were immediately run back. Oaks attacked when another spill by Torquay, as two players went to field the same ball and collided. However, Oaks overthrew at an attacking lineout and the ball was cleared up field.
As the half wore on so Tics' scrum become more dominant. Then a defensive lineout by Oaks was stolen and as pressure built up they went offside, allowing another successful Penrice penalty kick to make the score 20 – 5 entering the final quarter.
That lead was increased to a comfortable margin of 27 – 5 after Oaks had put themselves under pressure by failing to kick the re-start the required 10 metres.
Another strong scrum by Tics' eight set a platform. Ball retention followed and then an attack from just outside the 22' going right to left. A line break by Bury allowed him to recognise a space between defenders and he ran diagonally to score to the left of the posts, with Penrice adding the extras.
With 14 minutes left to play and after some useful willowy runs left wing Ryan Hanauer was replaced by Ben Spears and the well-built player was soon in the action bouncing off defenders and producing a different type of threat.
Tics' were then a player down as No. 9 Gavin Blacoe was receiving attention on the pitch, whilst an Oaks attacking lineout was allowed to proceed. Quick ball off the top was spun away to the wide left and although Tics' halted the move it was at the cost of a high tackle and a penalty award. A quick tap was then followed by Oaks driving play and although Torquay managed to initially prevent a break through McFarlane finally barged over for his second try, which Coles converted for 27 – 12 with 8 minutes of normal time remaining.
Harvey Piper came on to replace George Helmore in the back row. Another strong surge and Tics' were awarded a scrum penalty kicked to touch 9 metres out, but Oaks were able to clear, although they were soon pressed back again, as Torquay went hell for leather for the bonus point fourth try.
Despite more than one Oaks defender making a hash of clearing close to their own line under the posts Tics' could not take full advantage. However, another Tics' scrum 5 metres out seemed to be the best chance of a try, but after another solid scrum the ball at the base was knocked on.
With a little luck going Oaks way on some decisions they managed to hold out until the chance to kick the ball dead, but overall Torquay must be pleased with the result of 27 – 12.
It is still early days, but this could be the start of a promising season for Torquay. This win allows them to overtake Oaks in the League Table, duly jumping to second behind new leaders Truro. However, it is tight at the top with only four League points separating Truro on 25 from Paignton in fifth on 21. Torquay have 24 points.
Having played six matches against Clubs who at kick off time were in the top half of the Table the Rec. side now have an opportunity to consolidate their position with the next four matches against sides in the lower half of the Division; starting with bottom Team South Molton, away, next Saturday (19/10).
If Tics' can maintain their collective existing strong mindset their position in a month's time before taking on League leaders Truro at home on 23/11 could be very healthy.
TORQUAY TEAM:
15 – Mawgan Penrice, 14 – Tom Drake, 13 – Jonny Brown, 12 – Jack Keiller, 11 – Ryan Hanauer, 10 – Jake Bury, 9 – Gavin Blacoe,
1 – Josh Castleton , 2 – Craig Withers, 3 – Sonny Rowe, 4 – Tom Whitford (Captain), 5 – Nathan Pring, 6 – Shane Wakeham, 7 – George Helmore, 8 – Lewis Harben.
eplacements: Harvey Piper, James Wood and Ben Spears (all played).
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