The first half slope advantage turned into Forder Valley for the second half as Services lead soon turned into a major uphill struggle.

1st Half: It was a great and surprising start for Services and Lloyd Wilcockson couldn't believe the space he had, direct from the KO, as he lost his chasers on the wing to run downhill and go in between the posts for a Lloyd Wolaniec conversion- 0:7.

Joe Taylor gathered from the restart and kicked to clear the attack and Services looked to be holding their own as Ivy's ran back at them. Good tackling and rucking by Brandon Minhinick and Josh Hemmings halted the next attack but it looked like Ivy's pressure was to pay off as they had an overlap, but with Services defence moving up as a line, Taylor intercepted to stretch the lead further as he went in between the posts for an easy conversion by Wolaniec- 0:14.

Services efforts were big and Ivy were held up twice as the try line was breached but they kept trying when forced back only to be left further frustrated as Minhinick then intercepted and darted forward to ease more pressure. The forwards continued to work hard and with the ball secured in the rucks, Niall Gill was quick and alert to keep the ball in Services possession to spring attacks of their own. Ivy were forced to clear their own lines and Louis Plumley transversed across the pitch before heading down the wing. He kicked and chased his own ball before then feeding Taylor who pitched past the last man before collecting on the line- 0:19.

As the HT whistle loomed, Ollie Harrison brought play to an end as his turn of foot saw him in the path of Ivy's approaching Euan and he quickly put on the brakes where the ball was killed!

HT- Ivybridge 0: Devonport Services 19.

The 2nd half was a different story!! Fresh legs, downhill advantage and certainly 'sour grapes' (by the parents) with a few refereeing decisions saw Services turn over and have their bellies tickled- at least for most of the half! Tackle of the day went to Josh Martin who perfectly wrapped around Ivy's Euan to floor him, but Ivy's support in the ruck aided the first of three quick tries down the wing and this saw Services heads drop as Ivy were now only two points behind- 17:19.

Ivy didn't let up, Greg Robinson was one of a few that were successful in getting their man but with so many failed tackles and lack of pressure from Services, Ivy were soon way ahead and sprinting into the horizon to end the game 50:19. Their 8 tries, 5 of which were converted, had no response and they ended the game as worthy victors. Services MOTM was Joshua Hemmings.

by Mike Plumley