SOUTH DORSET GIANTS 14 EAST DEVON EAGLES 44

SOUTH West Conference new-boys the South Dorset Giants faced their toughest task to date as they went toe-to-toe with reigning champions the East Devon Eagles.

The table-toppers stamped their authority on proceedings with some strong direct running and it was not long before they opened the scoring against the Giants.

East Devon were able to build real pressure and seemed to be scoring freely over the first 30 minutes of the game.

Had it not been for player-coach Anthony Cowburn, who made crunching tackle after tackle, the scoreline would have been far greater. At half-time the Giants found themselves trailing 36-0.

South Dorset challenged themselves to win the second half at least and from the first whistle, the hosts took the game to the Eagles.

With man of the match Adam Poole causing the Eagles all sorts of problems it was not long before the Giants had seen out their set and Tim Peplow put a dangerously high ball deep into the opponents’ half, which the champions could not deal with.

From the resulting scrum, the Giants started to stretch the Eagles’ defence and on the third tackle prop Tim Comben smashed his way over the try-line. With Peplow adding the conversion the Giants grew in confidence and were on the attack again.

After a fantastic run by Adam Hoxey, East Devon began to concede penalties, which the Giants took advantage of with Peplow converting the points.

With their tails up, the home side were unlucky to see a try conceded after an interception deep in the Eagles’ half.

However, the Giants came back once more and with the likes of Poole, Dave Allan and Lian Berry taking the team forward it was only a matter of time before they found themselves within metres of the Eagles’ try-line. The visitors gave away a penalty and quick thinking by captain Mark Sample saw him bundle over with Peplow adding the extras again.

The result may not have gone their way but the ever-improving Giants showed that they can compete with the best.

Sample said: “The first half was very disappointing for us. However I’m so proud of what the guys produced in the second half.

“They showed what passion they have for the game and really tested the champions. If we can start to produce that kind of performance over 80 minutes then we will begin to win games.”

The Giants will have a rest from the league this week as they take on Plymouth in the South West Cup at the Marsh on Saturday (2.30pm).