Exeter School 1st XV 23

Kings College 1st XV 8

A RAMPANT Kelly pack threatened to take this tense encounter by force in the opening quarter. However, their dynamic rucking and unrelenting surges only netted a penalty from outside half Mark Slee.

Overlaps went begging and the ball was twice dropped within five metres of the Exeter line, when a score appeared it was a mere formality.

A lost lineout following a wayward throw deep in the Exeter 22, a long clearance downfield and a dropped catch gave Exeter an attacking position. The ball was moved into midfield before being switched back down the blind side. Kelly had five defenders but all missed elementary tackles as the Exeter right wing strolled in for the score.

A second Exeter try from a quick tap penalty close to the line and two penalty goals came in quick succession as confidence ebbed from Kelly's sails.

But just before half-time Slee scored the try of the game as he swept through a gap to score in the corner.

A failure to secure quality lineout possession compounded Kelly's woes and when openside flanker Richard Morris was removed from proceedings by the Kelly coach for a dangerous tackle that the referee chose to ignore a boatful of Dunkirk spirit was required.

Exeter sought to press home their advantage but with back to the wall, exceptional tackling and sheer strength of will kept the Kelly line intact.

However, with what was to prove the last movement of the match, full back Oliver Pitts missed touch with a clearance and the Exeter right wing skated home for his second to seal the victory.

l FOLLOWING the 18 Group preliminary trial at Torquay on Monday, 12 Kelly players earned an invitation to the 18 Group Development Day on October 27.

Seventy-nine players attended the trial, giving the selectors, who included Devon Youth Development officer, Rob Masters, and Devon clubs secretary, Clifford Froom, a highly testing afternoon.

First XV captain Paul Lidster and vice-captain Jonathan Bourne played for Devon last year on the wing and at second row respectively.

Full back Oliver Pitts, outside half Mark Slee and number eight James Myerscough who represented the South West at 16 Group last season are joined by Devon Under 17 caps James Congdon and Richard Wood.

Second row forwards Andrew Barwick and Brian Venables, centre Alastair Brown, openside flanker Richard Morris and tight head Andrei Barashenko were also named in the squad — Barashenko is the first Russian to become selected for Devon Schools.

Following the Development Day, two teams and replacements will be selected for the 18 Group Final trial on October 31 from which a squad will be selected for the forthcoming series of county matches.