IVYBRIDGE player-coach Lewis Paterson was more than happy with his side’s display against National Two South outfit Launceston on Friday evening.
The Bridgers lost 29-21 to Mike Lewis’ new-look Cornish All Blacks team, but the visitors gave their higher league hosts a major fright.
Ivybridge, who won promotion to National Three South West in April, scored three tries in 17 minutes, courtesy of Matt Grieveson, Mike Cox and Charlie Briant to go 21-7 up.
They really caught Launceston cold with some impressive backs play. Grieveson also showed his kicking prowess with three good conversions.
Ivybridge were 11 points up at the break on a wet and dark night at Polson Bridge.
However, the South Hams side made changes at the interval, taking off a number of their key players, including Grieveson and Paterson, and Launceston hit back with former Brixham and Devonport Services winger Kyle Browne inspiring them to the victory with two great individual tries.
George Killen and Richard Friend scored Launceston’s other touchdowns, with impressive teenage fly-half Frazer Honey kicking three conversions and a penalty.
Afterwards Paterson (pictured), who spent four seasons as a player at Launceston, said: “There are so many positives to take from it, especially with a few players missing.
“The first half, particularly that first 30 minutes, was so impressive.
“They brought Ben Hilton and their experienced lads on, but for us to start a game like that was really positive. I’m massively happy with it.
“Second half, the only thing I was disappointed with was maybe we could have got five or three points.
“But to make changes and bring players on like that – we changed both nine and 10, our link players – and yet still keep it to a tight score is promising.”
Ivybridge will conclude their pre-season preparations next weekend when they entertain Exeter University at Cross-in-Hand.