Plymouth College U15s have claimed the U15 West Devon Cup after an entertaining final against Devonport High School for Boys at Plymouth Albion's home ground, Brickfields.
Playing under lights, both teams started strongly but a missed tackle cost Plymouth College when DHSB scored under the post. After a break off the back of a maul by Ben Hoolash, DHSB were penalised and Tom Dinnis slotted the penalty to make it 3-7. DHSB then scored again making it 3-14 before more sustained pressure from Plymouth College, whose pack gave as good as they got, resulted in Plymouth captain Josh Westwell scoring near the posts and Dinnis slotted the conversion.
After excellent interplay and more Plymouth College pressure, Harry Avens crashed over in the bottom corner and with the conversion missed, the score was 17-14. Plymouth College were then penalised and DHSB kicked the resultant penalty making it 17-17 at half time.
Early in the second half Ben Hoolash, now on the wing, was fed wide out by Harry Baker and beat a number of players eventually touching down under the posts. Dinnis converted 24-14. DHSB came back strongly and eventually the pressure tolled and from a quick tap penalty they scored a converted try 24-22. Overall, however, Plymouth College were having the best of the match, playing to their game plan and trying not to let DHSB's runners have any space. As a result of good defence, Josh Westwell picked up a loose ball from a solid tackle which led to him scoring in the corner. Tom Dinnis, back from injury and having a mature game, missed the conversion 29-22.
DHSB threw everything at Plymouth College but their discipline, aided by the adrenaline, held out and when the referee blew for time Plymouth College were the deserved winners. Final score 29-22.
