WITH Easter fast approaching, some schools in the region are already breaking up for the holidays. This match, at the famous old Rectory Ground last Saturday, also had an end of term feel about it, Devonport Services, mid-table, playing an open expansive game, almost Barbarians in style, but Bude by contrast, apart from a breezy opening period, playing as though they would rather be elsewhere, writes Paul Cottle.

On a gloriously sunny early spring afternoon and firm underfoot, conditions were well set for running rugby and it was the Seasiders who took charge of the opening exchanges. In the second minute, they broke from deep after their forwards had won quick ball at a ruck and after full back Olly Denford and outside centre Paul Williams had made excellent ground, inside centre Andy Yates was held up on the line.

Two minutes later, with the tryline beckoning, the visitors had a second chance to go in front, only for Paul Williams to drop a rather wayward pass from his fly half Ollie Rayner. Still Bude pressed, but they couldn't unlock the Services' defence and on 12 minutes, with virtually their first foray into Bude territory, the home side went in front with a cleanly struck drop goal from fly half Matt Anstis.

Seven minutes later, Services went further ahead when Bude scrum half Steve Yates, under pressure in his own 22 following a lineout, had his clearance kick charged down and second row Stuart Bartlett seized on the loose ball to score, which Anstis converted. 10-0 down despite all the early pressure, Bude now had it all to do, but on 19 minutes, the home side increased their lead when outside centre Ed Court charged over as the visitors' defence went walkabout. Anstis added the extras to take his side 17 points clear.

Bude rallied, with Joel Troke in the unaccustomed role of flanker prominent, but still the elusive first score would not come to put them back in touch.

At the break, Services held their 17 point lead and the opening score in the second half was vital for the Seasiders if they were to remain in contention. Sadly, it was not to be and on 48 minutes and showing excellent pace, Services left wing Mo Andrews finished off a good threequarter move, with Anstis converting. Four minutes later, came the killer blow as Bude attacked deep in the Services half. The ball was turned over and second row Bartlett fed Andrews on his outside, who raced away to score. This time, Antis' conversion failed, but at 29-0 up, it counted for little.

Back came the visitors, with Steve Yates now at fly half, following an injury to his brother Andy, which resulted in a re-jigged threequarter line, but still that first score would not come. On 70 minutes, Services flanker Rupert Fairweather added his side's fifth try of the afternoon, following good work by his pack. Anstis again kicked the conversion for a final scoreline of 36-0 and the visitors could have few complaints.

This Saturday, Bude are away to basement club Withycombe, but with no relegation there is only pride left to play for and the little matter of avoiding the wooden spoon. Hopefully, that will be enough to spur the Seasiders into action.

Scorers Devonport Services: Mo Andrews (2), Stuart Bartlett, Ed Court, Rupert Fairweather (tries); Matt Anstis (4 conversions and 1 drop goal).

Bude: Olly Denford, Martin Green, Paul Williams, Andy Yates (Ollie Mounce), Mark Dennis, Ollie Rayner, Steve Yates, Thabo Mitchell (Adam Williams), Barry Lucas, Barry Sobey (Capt), John Hiscock, Tom David, Will Kingdon, Joel Troke and Matt Williams.

Referee: Mr Ian Freestone (Launceston – Devon RRS).