Thomson calls on Ivy to show cutting edge

IVYBRIDGE will be trying to end their try-scoring drought at Bude tomorrow.

The Bridgers, who are trying to guarantee they don't suffer successive relegations, last scored a try on January 7 in their 19-10 defeat at Tiverton.

That's three matches ago and coach Neil Thomson admitted it was something the Bridgers are aware of.

They nearly won against Bideford last week on the back of Adam Bradley's penalty kicking, eventually losing 17-15.

But Thomson said: ""We haven't scored a try for three games and it's something we've certainly been working on in training.

"We've been making the chances and our pack has been dominating games, but we're not finishing our chances.

"When we do get going again, somebody's going to have a few tries scored against them."

Ivybridge are not yet seriously in relegation trouble – they are six points above St Ives and the second relegation slot.

The pivotal match for the South Hams side this season is likely to be the home clash with St Ives in two weeks' time.

Thomson said: "When you've gone seven matches without a win, of course you're worried about relegation.

"We're fourth bottom, but I'm pretty sure we can beat St Ives at home."

He added: "It's going to be hard at Bude, because they've apparently picked up a few players from Launceston.

"But we shall be trying our hardest to get a result."

New back George Mendonca, 17, keeps his place after an impressive showing against Bideford last week.

Ivybridge are still waiting on the availability of a few players.

One definitely out is second row Don Loomes, who has seven stitches in a cut head and Alex Percival, who is ill.

Ivybridge (from): Adam Reece, Matt Finn, Nathan Webster, Kelvin Trent, Rocky Young, Rory Wakelin, Dan Barnard, Scott Pulestone Matt Grieveson, Luke Martell, Tommy Newman, Ollie Brown, Adam Bradley, Dave Lawson, George Mendonca, Simon Ebsworth, Sam Kingscott, Charlie Briant, Tom Scoles

MATT ANSTIS gets a recall for Devonport Services as they try to end their losing streak against Wellington at The Rectory (2.30pm).

Services, who have had problems with unavailabilities and injuries, have not won for three games.

One unavailability tomorrow is Rhys Phillips, who has been carrying out his team's kicking duties, leaving the door open for Anstis to move up from the seconds.

Jay Samuel is also expected to return to the scrum-half berth.