Ivybridge score four tries to beat Exeter Chiefs Outreach at Cross-in-Hand

IVYBRIDGE enjoyed a 24-17 win over an Exeter Chiefs Outreach under-23 side at a wet and windy Cross-in-Hand on Wednesday night.

The Exeter squad was made up of players from a host of different clubs around Devon and Cornwall and included Devonport Services’ James McQuillan and Plymstock Albion Oaks’ Aiden Taylor.

The visitors had plenty of territory in the opening minutes but could not turn it into points and on Ivybridge’s first foray into the Chiefs’ 22 they scored when winger Tom Scoles crossed out wide after the hosts took a quick penalty.

The mix-and-match Exeter side struggle at the set-pieces but they did pull level on 21 minutes when Kingsbridge centre George Banfield scored for them after a speedy break from a line-out deep in their own half.

Ivybridge thought they had scored a second try on 31 minutes but it was ruled out for a double movement. However, they did cross the whitewash five minutes later through lock George Wilson. Matt Grieveson added the conversion to put his team 12-5 ahead.

But on the stroke of half-time, Exeter pulled to within two points when Cullompton’s Ollie Schuste-Wood scored a fine individual effort.

With the elements more in their favour after the break, Ivybridge took less than two minutes to increase their lead when hooker Jay Geraty scored a converted try from a maul.

In the final 15 minutes of the game Exeter really pressed and, after wasting one good chance, they did get a third try through Topsham flanker Robin Edbrooke. This one was converted to leave them just two points behind.

Ivybridge really had to dig deep then as their opponents threw everything at them. But the hosts defended well and eventually got up the other end and sealed the win with a try in the corner by Ben Watts.

Ivybridge head coach Gareth Elliott certainly thought the outing was good for this side.

“We have a bye weekend this week and I didn’t want the guys to have too long off, so this was a good exercise for them,” said Elliott.

“A lot of our guys and the opposition work all day so to play 80 minutes after that is a really tough thing.

“But they showed a load of heart and fight. They were up against a lot of talented youngsters who played some great rugby. There was some really attractive rugby played out there.

“We thank the Exeter Outreach team for coming down. It was really helpful for us and good for the club. The game did showcase a lot of talent out on that pitch.”