Old Redcliffians forced to dig very deep
National League 3 South West
OLD REDCLIFFIANS were run all the way as they finished their National League 3 South West campaign in style with a 19-18 victory over Bracknell.
The visitors had already sealed the title and promotion but found themselves 13-12 behind at the break.
However, a second-half fightback saw them score seven unanswered points before holding on.
Bournemouth were the day’s top scorers, running up an emphatic 80-14 victory over Salisbury in an action packed encounter.
Wyn Roberts, Alex Everett-Bolter and Jack Hennings all ran over a brace of tries for the rampant hosts while Sam Hardcastle notched a single score.
In reply, relegated Salisbury gave it their all and Matt Loader and Dave Tonge both touched down for them.
Third place Cleve also ended their season in style running out 50-22 over third placed Camborne in another game full of tries.
Jack Simmons, Liam Chapple, Jon Drew and Rhodri McAtee all scored for the league’s new boys but it wasn’t enough as they fell to their ninth defeat of the season.
Hornets finished off their season with a bonus point 27-19 victory against Ivybridge.
Connor Harris and Oscar James opened the scoring in the first half
before Connor Littlewood added a third in the second half.
Charlie Carter added the extras for the hosts with two conversions and a penalty.
Newton Abbot finished their campaign with their 14th win of the season with a 29-23 victory over Brixham, despite a late fight-back.
Jake Monnington opened their scoring with an interception try before back-row Martin Brown added a second.
The reliable Rob AveryWright was again on hand to clinch the victory, kicking penalties, conversions and a drop-goal in a fine individual display.
In response, Declan Sexton scored Brixham’s first before two late tries by Scott Pudlestone and Matt Liner. Dings Crusaders showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with next season by racking up 76 points against Launceston’s 10 - producing some fine attacking rugby.