Cautious Tics fail to excite frustrated coach Dorling

TORQUAY Athletic coach Chris Dorling has told players there is only one probably outcome unless they up their game away to Wellington this Saturday.

Dorling was singularly unimpressed by the Tics' showing in the 25-12 win over bottom side Honiton last time out.

Torquay did enough in the first half to ensure they did not come unstuck in the second – and it is that attitude which is bothering Dorling.

"The first half was fine, nothing spectacular but we pretty much controlled the game," said Dorling.

"The second half was our worst half of rugby this season and if we play like that we won't beat Wellington.

"I could understand it if these boys were playing their first game for the club, but we have been together long enough now.

"What is frustrating is we potentially have such an exciting group of young players, yet they seem genuinely scared of what might happen if they express themselves.

"It is ironic seeing that we put 100 points on Saracens the week before last and they beat Honiton last week.

"Clearly, confidence seems to be lacking in some quarters

"If we can just keep winning, as we all know it becomes a habit, then I'm sure in time it will come good.

"Let's hope we see a little bit more of what we are capable of.

"However, I will take a one-point win this weekend without question, and frankly, it can be the ugliest, dullest game of rugby you will ever watch."

Torquay, who welcomed back scrum-half Ed Cribb and had Andrew Gormley on the wing for the injured Joe Briggs, eased into a 20-0 half time lead.

James Wood popped over a 47-metre penalty in the first 10 minutes.

The lead was increased when ball from a scrum on Honiton's 22 was run down the short side by Alex Jeffery, who delayed his pass before putting in Gormley.

The forwards came to life when a line-out catch was driven to the line with Tom Whitford getting the touchdown.

On thirty five minutes good work up the left side by Gormley gave Torquay field position and the ball was worked along the back line to Wood, who held on well to the pass to scoot in and run around behind the posts enabling him to convert his own try.

Torquay had one more score left in them after the break, which Alex Smith put away to claim the bonus point.

Replacement lock James Rust-Ashford thought he had scored a further try, but referee Nigel Boyd couldn't see the ball grounded and had to rule it out.

Torquay Extra Firsts felt hard done by after losing a very close encounter 9-8 with Paignton Saxon Chargers at Queens Park in a Devon Merit Table One fixture.

Over at Torre Valley North, the Quins maintained good recent form with a 29-19 win over Honiton II's in Devon Merit Table Two.

The Colts were without any match at the weekend but resume Merit Table duty this Saturday at Brixham.

KINGSBRIDGE will want to bounce back from a 38-27 loss at Devonport Services when Exeter Saracens are the visitors.

Kingsbridge, who had player-coach Nick Burnett pressed into service as a makeshift tight-head prop, went from 6-0 up to 18-6 down then 20-18 up in the first half.

Town's try scorers were Mike Powell, Jack Cope and James Speechly.

Services were still chasing the game at 27-25 down, then crept in front with a monster penalty from half way by Matt Anstis.

Matt Morrison went in for a try that Anstis converted for an eight point lead when Anstis added another penalty with 10 minutes to go.

Kingsbridge huffed and puffed in the time left, but couldn't get over the home side's line.