Services beat Ivybridge to reach quarter-final and Plymstock Oaks shock Teignmouth

DEVONPORT Services are through to the last four of the Devon Senior Cup following a 40-12 quarterfinal win at Ivybridge.

- By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Having recovered from going 12 points down in as many minutes, Services recovered to take a 21-12 lead into the break.

Despite briefly going down to 13 men in the second half, due to a combination of injuries and a yellow card, Services pulled clear with three more tries.

Coming next for Services is a semifinal date away to Exmouth, pencilled in for November 15.

Ivybridge switch to the Senior Shield where they will pay a visit to Topsham, also on November 15.

Kieran Leach, the Services’ team manager, said considering there were a number of new faces in the side it was an impressive result.

“The newbies all did ok - there were tries for a couple of them - once we got the first 10 minutes out of the way,” said Leach.

“I think we were guilty of underestimating Ivybridge at first and got what we deserved - absolutely nothing!

“We stuck at it, started to play the rugby we are capable of and scored some good tries.”

Steve Atkinson, the Ivybridge coach, said the resilience shown by a youthful side containing a clutch of teenagers was encouraging.

“The boys really dug in after Services went three tries on the bounce as it could have ended up a cricket score

“Maybe last season, or the season before, we might have rolled over but the boys did dig in.