Bonus point for Ivybridge despite loss

Ivybridge suffered a frustrating 20-16 loss away at Launceston following the Christmas and New Year break.

There was drama when the Ivybridge players drove over the Cornish All Blacks’ try line, but the referee did not see the ball grounded.

“A lot of people say it should have been a try,” said Ivybridge coach Gareth Elliott.

“We did get over the line but the referee could not see the ball so we went back for a scrum but we were not able to get over from that.
That is the way things go sometimes. We still had the chance to win and it was not all down to that. We did get a bonus point and to get something away from a tough place like that was important.

‘It was a little bit frustrating. They got an early penalty try but in the first half we were largely in control. We just had a 10 minute spell early in the second half where we did not really defend too well and we let them get some territory, but then we did come back.”

‘Launceston have now only lost once in their last five games, and confidence is the key, they went 10-0 up with a penalty try and then a penalty from Dan Pearce. But a try from Tom Scoles and two penalties from Matt Grievson meant we went in at half time one point ahead at 10-11

‘Launceston quickly hit back after half time going 20-10 ahead with a fine converted try by Ryan Westren and a Pearce penalty. Not to be out done we set up a nail biting ending with Tom Scoles crossing the line over for his second of the match, making the score line 20-16.

‘To cross the line in injury time and the referee not be in the position to confirm is very disappointing but that is life, Ivybridge earned a losing bonus point, leaving them in seventh position.”

Launceston      – 20

Ivybridge         – 16