Tics breeze past the Cockles to confirm runner-up finish

In their final Counties 2 Devon league home match of the season, Torquay Athletic turned on the style to brush aside mid-table Exmouth 2s at a windy Recreation Ground.

The Tics dominated the match from start to finish and had the bonus point in the bag by half time. Tries from Matt Allanson, Ryan Hanauer, George Helmore and Morgan Alcock, plus two conversions from the trusty boot of Lewis Crocker, gave the Tics a formidable 24-7 advantage.

The second half continued as the first with more attractive running rugby on display. Hanauer finished the game on four tries (one of which was a solo effort from the Tics ten metre line), flanker Ash Sharp added two and Crocker completed a good day’s work with seven conversions overall. Torquay Athletic 59 Exmouth 2nds 7.

Head Coach Dan Williams was delighted with his side’s brand of running rugby: “I genuinely back us on a dry track like today to compete with teams two leagues above. We move the ball so well at times, particularly on the edges, and that’s why you see the likes of Ryan Hanauer scoring four tries.”

This result means the Tics will finish the season in second place, regardless of the result on the April 6 at Ivybridge. Barnstaple 2nds (92pts) were crowned league champions after a resounding 66-0 victory at OPMs. Devonport Services 2nds (73pts) lost 27-15 at Exeter Saracens, meaning Torquay (86pts) are well clear of being caught by Services. 

It was another special milestone for a Tics player this week with prop Steve Smith reaching his 200th cap. After his debut in 2005, Smith rejoined the Tics in the summer after successful spells at Newton Abbot and Teignmouth. On Smith, Williams said: “Since returning, Steve’s contribution to the team has been outstanding. Find me a better counter-rucker in any league! 200 is an elite achievement.”

In Counties 3 Devon South and West, Torquay Extras returned empty handed in a hard-fought game against Plympton Victoria. Tries from captain Joe Widdicombe, Ben Sharples and Nigel East, plus three conversions from Widdicombe, were not enough as Plympton came out 32-21 winners. This defeat leaves the Extras in eighth place. Their last game of the season a home fixture against Salcombe on April 6, 2.30pm kick-off.

The second leg of the Reg Brewer Cup takes place on Good Friday at Astley Park, Brixham. Current holders Torquay U21s carry a seven-point lead after a 29-22 win at the Rec back in December. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

Torquay Under 15s overcame Cullompton 40-5 in the Under 15s Cup. Two tries from Ben O'Regan-Wright and tries for James Collins, Bastian Johns-Kouadio, Joshua Rogers and Jake Van-Martins. Jonah Prince converting five. This sets up a final against Ivybridge on April 14 at Ivybridge's Cross-in-Hand ground.