Devon U20 v England Colleges: Rugby match preview

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COACH Neil Thomson admitted he was not surprised that five Ivybridge players have been picked for the Devon under-20s.

The under-20s entertain the cream of England Colleges players when the two sides clash at Brickfields on Sunday (2pm).

It will be the first time Devon have played an international team at under-20s level.

Thomson, whose young side is top of Western Counties West, said he was pleased the five had been picked.

They are second-row George Wilson, wing or centre George de Mendonca, fly-half Matt Grieveson, scrum-half Ben Watts and forward Ben Pullen.

All five, to a greater or lesser extent, have played for the club’s first team.

Thomson, who runs the first team with Ivybridge head of rugby Paul Setter, said: “I’m really pleased for them – they’ve come up together through Devon under-16s and 17s.

“I’m not surprised, though, as they are hungry and they want to do well so they’re pushing themselves.”

The match gives players a chance to impress for places in Devon’s County Championship squad.

The competition kicks off on February 23 with a match against Cornwall.

Devon then play Dorset and Wiltshire on March 23.

Charlie Attis, who has been playing at fly-half or centre for Ivybridge’s league rivals Devonport Services, has also been included in the squad, as has Marjon’s Max Snowden.

Devon under-20s boss Gareth Jones said: “I have been pleased with the response from all Devon clubs again this year in nominating a high standard of players.

“With limited amount of training time we move into this game with some basic set plays and patterns, but with the main emphasis on the players to show what they can do on the pitch to justify getting selected for the squad.

“We have a good blend of players who are playing a good standard of rugby week in week out at club and college level.

“Hopefully, this will show in an entertaining game on Sunday.”

Entry to the game is £5 for adults and free to children.

Devon (from): Josh Lee (Crediton), Max Snowdon (University of St Mark and St John), Chris Coutier (Launceston), Ashlee Crouch (Barnstaple), Dave Siddall (Brixham), Luke Mingo (Exeter College), Jon Lacey (Newton Abbot), Karl Caunter (Dartmouth), Thomas White (Okehampton), Tom Murch (Newton Abbot, Ben Pullen, Matt Grieveson (both Ivybridge), Ben Wannacott Crediton, Lewis Trickey (Topsham), Luke Smith (Newton Abbot), George Banfield (Kingsbridge), George De Mendonca (Ivybridge), Dan Sanders, Billy Massingham (both Newton Abbot), Harry Davis (Brixham), Charlie Attis Devonport Services), Ben Watts (Ivybridge), Josh Sargent (UWIC), Tim Phillips (Sidmouth), Will Cole (Withycombe), George Wilson (Ivybridge), Ben McDonald (Exeter College).

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/450955/Mallinder-hails-outstanding-North

Devon U20 v England Colleges: Rugby match preview