BRIXHAM RUGBY CLUB

CLUB XV v HMS BULWARK

23 July 2011

More pictures below

PRESENTATIONS: Senior, Youth and Minis
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Pictures from the Tamar Cup game between Devon and Cornwall - with the Brixham players involved.

Frank Gibbs has stood down as Chairman on the Past Players Association.

A large crowd had gathered at Astley Park on a warm Easter Sunday afternoon, to watch the inaugural match between the Brixham Youth Coaches and the Brixham Lifeboat Crew, arranged to help raise funds for the Brixham Junior R.F.C. and it proved to be a great success in terms of both entertainment and fundraising. Spectators were treated to the sight of many veteran Brixham players returning to the fray and showing just how competitive they still are. The smart money was always going to be on the coaches to win, but that was before the Lifeboat backs showed how quick they were!

The coaches kicked off and both teams enjoyed periods when they tested the opposition defence, but a good kick downfield by the R.N.L.I. broke the stalemate. The chase was good and a Lifeboatman fell onto the ball as it crossed the tryline. The R.N.L.I. had found their advantage and the ball was frequently spun out to the wingers. A kick down the right hand wing was collected and touched down in the corner, for another Lifeboat try which went unconverted this time.

Approaching half-time, the Brixham coaches decided it was best to keep the ball tight and in doing so increased the pressure on the Lifeboat defence. This resulted in a number of infringements against the Lifeboat for handling in the ruck and offside. A powerful run by centre Gary Williams from a penalty tap 10m from the Lifeboat line got the coaches back into the game with their first try.

At the turnaround, the R.N.L.I. were leading 12-5, but the scores were soon level after Lee Squires powered over from a scrum in the opposition half. Coach Captain James Onslow, playing at fly-half, converted. The Lifeboat Crew added another try to the tally off a move from a 10m lineout, before the coaches were able to level the scores again. Martin Weedon collected the re-start for the coaches before off-loading to a centre who sped through a disorganized Lifeboat defence for a try which Onslow converted.

The field was beginning to open up now and more daylight appeared between the scores after Williams crossed again for his second try, the conversion attempt hitting the upright. The coaches attacked again, this time via their backs. A kick over the top by Williams was chased by the winger who did well to catch it on the bounce, before touching down in the corner.

The Lifeboat crew did not throw in the towel though. John Heale, playing an influential game at centre, crossed for another 5 points after good pressure by his forwards.

Before the game against Paignton on Feb 5th Brixham presented the Help For Heroes with a cheque for £1600 raised on Boxing Day at the Club v Presidents match. Support for Help For Heroes at Christmas seems set to become a fixture.

Also before the Paignton game. Howard & Gary presented the First XV Manager - Barry Thomas - with the post-match polo shirts for the team which they have sponsored.