A mixture of youth and experience headed to North Devon for the David Butt Memorial play-off match with Ilfracombe. The squad included seven 2nd year Colts from this year’s successful Colts team together with a mix of youth and experience from the squad that had performed so well throughout the season.

They were faced with a very experienced and aggressive Ilfracombe side who dominated the early stages of the match, moving quickly into a 12-0 lead. However, the Teigns dug deep and as the half wore on they came more and more into the game, they were unlucky not to score just before half time, being held up over the line.

Half-time Ilfracombe 12 – Teignmouth 0

The second half started in a similar manner as to how the first half finished with the Teigns pressing hard for their first score, and were again held up over the line. After a further period of pressure Owen Cayless kicked a penalty to get the Teigns on the score board.

After that they continued to exert more pressure and as a result of the same, Archie Baker, scored his first try in senior rugby, with Owen Cayless converting to make it 12-10.

Unfortunately a mix up between two of the Teigns in trying to receive the ball from the kick-off, meant that Ilfracombe were gifted an easy try, which was converted making the score 19-10.

The Teigns refused to let their heads drop and after forcing a mistake in the Ilfracombe defense Kai Clayton scored an opportunist try, which Owen Cayless again converted to make the score 19-17.

Unfortunately, the Teigns ran out of time as the final whistle sounded shortly after the restart.

Final score Ilfracombe 19 – Teignmouth 17.

Player of the Match – Ricky Walters.

The Teignmouth players can be truly proud of their performance, all 7 of the 2nd year colts performed commendably and say they can’t wait for pre-season to start which is great to hear!