BRIXHAM 22 CHOSEN HILL FP 3

On a fine afternoon and with the sun shining, Brixham had the first opportunity to open the scoring after just one minute when Chosen were penalised for not releasing in the tackle but outside half Ben Lovell was off target with his goal attempt. Minutes later they surged forward and a try looked certain but a great covering tackle from flanker Ryan Hawkins saved the day.

Chosen were settling down well and apart from a miss-functioning line out were competing in all phases, with their set piece scrum looking especially solid. They had their first opportunity for points after fifteen minutes but skipper Andy King’s penalty goal attempt hit the upright and bounced back into play to be cleared by Brixham full back Jamie Shone.

On twenty five minutes Chosen lost prop Jonny Mullis to the sin-bin for holding on and Lovell landed the goal for a three point lead. No sooner had Mullis returned then second row Dean Barnard followed him into the bin for a similar offence but Chosen held on and half time arrived with the home side clinging to a narrow three point lead.

Ten minutes into the second half King missed a penalty goal attempt but five minutes later he put his side on level terms when he landed the three points after Brixham had infringed at a ruck thirty metres out. Soon after, Brixham regained the lead when they attacked down the right flank and then cleverly switched play across field to create an overlap for winger Matt Dempsy to cross for an unconverted try in the corner.

Chosen brought on replacements Craig Hopton, Mike Gardiner and Ashley Lewis after injuries to Marc Riddel, Rich Austin and Justin Andrews and then had the opportunity to cut the deficit to just two points when Brixham flanker Sam Thomas was sent to the sin-bin but King’s penalty attempt drifted wide.

With just five minutes remaining Brixham struck the killer blow when Chosen lost their own line out ball and second row Dylan Flashman was driven over for a try converted by Lovell. Then, with their confidence visibly rising, the home side conjured up another try scored by winger Tom Goodman and converted via a drop goal with the last kick of the match by the winger himself.

Despite the loss, Chosen were left to reflect on a fine all round team effort after a lengthy lay-off and next week (2.30 kick-off) they entertain Camborne who will be making their first ever visit to Brookfield Road.