Tics trounce a withering Withycombe

Torquay Athletic were at their ruthless best in condemning a depleted Withycombe side to a 61-8 defeat at the Rec, a result that moved the Tics level on points with Devonport Services 2nds in the Devon Counties 2 Division.

Tics are ten points behind leaders Barnstaple 2nds but do have a game in hand.

Withy travelled to South Devon with just sixteen players, although they did make a bright start, notching an early penalty to get the scoreboard rolling. Very soon after, play was paused due to injury, forcing Withy to deploy their solitary substitute into action. 

Torquay took full advantage of the situation to score several tries in the match, with a number coming from the extremities of the pitch. The Withies did manage a late consolation but this was the Tics in clinical mood, despite the tricky conditions.

It was a particularly enjoyable occasion for Lewis Crocker, who dotted down for a try and slotted eight conversions to take his points tally for the season beyond the 100 barrier.

Devonport were made to work hard in beating Exmouth Quins 17-12 and Barum also had a tough game, edging past Honiton 19-13. The other games from this division saw North Tawton defeat Plymouth Argaum 22-0 and Ivybridge 2nds beat OPM 25-22 in a cracking game.

Tics travel to North Tawton on Saturday for their game in hand against a side struggling in the bottom two. Torquay then move on to a cracking showdown at Devonport Services on March 16.

Torquay Extras were unlucky to go down 17-15 at the Old Technicians in the Counties 3 Devon S&W division but there was a great result for the U15s, who piled more misery on Withycombe as they recorded a 48-15 victory to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Devon Cup.