Fisherman ‘moving in the right direction’ insists Worthington

RUGBY UNION ROUND-UP

BRIXHAM’S run of Devon derbies continues this Saturday when they make the short trip to Exmouth.

The Fishermen defeated University of Exeter 22-10 on Saturday afternoon to move up to fifth in the South West Premier table.

That was the first of four successive derbies for Brixham, who go to Exmouth this week then face Ivybridge (H) and Newton Abbot (A) before the Christmas break.

Replacement scrum-half Jamie Hext scored a late, fourth try against the University to earn Brixham the fifth bonus point.

The Students are not fielding the same sort of all-conquering sides that swept them to promotion from South West One last season – but had the second-best scoring record in the division going into the game.

Martin Worthington, Brixham’s coach, said a game plan was drawn-up to combat the threat from the Students and by and large it paid off.

Worthington said when errors did creep in, the team adapted to deal with them.

“We expected the University to come and play their systems, and for us not to have the ball for long periods of time,” said Worthington.

“Their systems would only be as good as we let them, so the more pressure we put them under in defence the less effective they would be.

“We came out the blocks flying and scored two early tries, but Exeter capitalised on silly mistakes which let them creep back in the game. Our defence was outstanding.

“We dug deep, sacrificed for each other and were very comfortable without the ball.

“It was very pleasing as our reaction from the mistakes was very good.

Worthington added: “We still have lots of work to do – but we are going in the right direction.”

Two tries in the first five minutes – one each for JP Simonetti and Tom Maclean – set Brixham on their way. Mitch Pinkus converted one.

The scholars got back to 12-10 down at the break and it stayed that way until Connor Bedwell scored for Brixham on the hour. Hext’s try two minutes from time wrapped things up.

Meanwhile, Brixham have strengthened their front-row options by signing Navy Un-

Brixham beat Exeter University on Saturday in their run of games against Devon sides in the South West Premier der-23 prop Kai Alton, who will make his debut for the Fishermen against Exmouth on Saturday.

Alton has previously played for Midlands One side Malvern.