Services are still searching for their first win

DEVONPORT Services’ tough time in National Two continued with a 43-5 away defeat at Old Redcliffians.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

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That’s three defeats on the reel now for Services, whose only point so far was earned for scoring four tries in their opening day defeat by Bournville.

Newly promoted Services are one of three teams – Hinckley and Hornets are the others – sharing bottom place in the division.

Services were only 7-5 behind in the run-up to half time – Tom Davies their try scorer – but shipped a try either side of the break and had no way back.

Kieran Leach, the Services team manager, said even playing most of the game with fewer players, Reds were still too good for them.

“Four of Reds’ six tries were scored when they had 14 men on the pitch, which was most of the match,” said Leach.

“Two of Reds’ props went off injured in the first half after they clashed heads and that meant going to uncontested scrums.

“Although the rules said Reds had to drop a player, as they dropped one in the pack it was still seven against seven in the backs so we gained no advantage.”

Leach said Services did not help themselves with some wrong choices and slipshod defence.

“We made a lot of errors, for example: giving Reds two interception tries,” said Leach.

“Reds are a good side, but we made them look better than they are allowing them to run round us or through us!”

One bright spot for Services was an encouraging debut on the wing for Henry Gliddon, who plays InterServices rugby for the Navy and has previously played at level five for Weston Hornets.

Reds’ first-half try score with two was Lewis Oakley. Jack Gapper converted both. Davies was shunted over for Services in between.

Jon Cook, Tom Bryan, recently recruited from South West One side Chew Valley, Tirion Bowen and Harry O’Donnell added tries after the interval. Gapper converted three from four and a penalty.

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