SOUTH DORSET GIANTS 44 DEVON SHARKS 42

A LAST-GASP try from Isaiah Bobo helped South Dorset Giants inflict a first defeat of the season on reigning champions Devon Sharks.

In one of the most entertaining games to have ever been played at Monmouth Avenue, the Giants came out on top by just two points.

And the hosts enjoyed the luxury of fielding former Australian international Brad Davis, who played a major role in the South West Regional win.

The match got off to an auspicious start with only frantic defending preventing the Sharks from scoring inside the first minute.

Once the home side gathered their composure and started to string together some good phases of play, ably led by ex-pro and current Bath coach Davis, the impressive Bobo scooted in under the posts to open the scoring.

A few minutes later, a fantastic break from second row Davis saw him display the class and poise he has shown throughout his career to extend the Giants’ lead. With Tim Peplow adding the extras on both tries, the hosts found themselves in a commanding position. The Sharks, however, fought back with scores from Mark Molyneux and Olly Hill.

Giants’ winger Dan Brown was the next to cross the whitewash after a huge pass from Davis, but back came the visitors, who saw loose forward Russell Morris crash over.

Peplow then kicked a penalty before Molyneux, James Wood and McCarthy all scored for Devon.

The Giants are made of stern stuff this season so it was no surprise when Bobo collected his second try and Brown added two more.

With a seemingly unassailable lead, the hosts committed the cardinal sin of trying to score another and seeing the Sharks eventually draw level at 36-apiece.

Wood then touched down for the second time of the game to put the visitors in front and on course for victory.

With time running out, home skipper Craig Barter picked out Brown, who at the last minute off-loaded to Bobo to complete his treble and spark wild celebrations on the touchline.

Peplow held his nerve to kick the conversion that secured victory.