Services book their place in Cup Final

DEVONPORT Services are through to the Devon Senior Cup final after seeing off Exmouth 24-15 in a tense semi-final on the Rectory

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

DEVONPORT SERVICES 24 EXMOUTH 15

Services were never behind in the game after scrum-half Dylan Daley put them ahead with a try in the opening 10 minutes, but for most of the match were not far enough in front to feel comfortable.

The turning point came midway through the second session when a lengthy spell of pressure in the Exmouth 22 ended in prop Rikki Bentham crashing through for a try that Richard Goldsby West converted for a 24-10 lead.

Exmouth had to score at least three tries, or kick a clutch of penalties to win it from there, and that always looked beyond them.

Services will be at home to Brixham in the final on Saturday, April 29. The Fishermen defeated Okehampton 55-31 in a fast-and-furious game at Astley Park to book their place in the final.

Kieran Leach, the Services’ team manager, said the team will need to step-up a rung to beat Brixham in the final.

“We played some really good rugby for 60-65 minutes against Exmouth, but there were 165-20 minutes when we were not so good,” said Leach.

“At this level you cannot afford to fall off your game and we saw that at times in both halves against Exmouth.

“Our defence was outstanding at times, but it would be better if we did not put ourselves under the same pressure at times.”

Daley picked his way over for Services opening try that player-coach Goldsby-West converted.

Exmouth hit back with a super solo try from wing Matt Ryan, who ran bust through several tackles on a 70-metre run for the line. The conversion failed.

Aiden Taylor, Services mid-season signing from Plymstock Albion Oaks, was shunted over from a lineout for a try in a running total of 12-10.