Withy Under-9 player Alex Woolsey in action against Farnham

Withycombe Under-9s were engaged in a second Sunday of Festival rugby and managed to claim one big scalp, but were unable to make it out of the group stages.

They opened up with a game against Exeter Chiefs and served up an excellent all-round show to defeat the Sandy Park outfit 1-0 thanks to a Tom Humphry try.

The hallmark of the success was the tremendous pressure they were able to apply in situations all over the pitch.

In their second game they went down 4-2 to Sidmouth. It was another spirited Withy performance that saw Sidmouth score four first half tries to the one from Withy.

After the break Withy played with improved defence and struck with the only try of the half. Will Cooper and Matthew Rye scored the Withy tries.

Game three saw a powerful show that served up a 4-0 triumph over Ivybridge. There were examples of good tackling, superb rucking and some fine tries were scored by Will Cooper (2), Matthew Rye and Ben Wilkinson.

The fourth and final group game saw them play touring side Farnham from Surrey who ended 4-2 winners. Matthew Rye and Alex Woolsey bagged the Withy tries.

There’s little doubt that the Withy youngsters contributed to a great day of rugby with all then matches contested in a great spirit with the undoubted highlight the victory over the Exeter Chiefs!

Alex Woolsey, for a great individual try against Farnham and Owen Devlin for all round commitment throughout the day, were named the Withy Players of the Festival.