CREDITON 21

WITHYCOMBE 18

THE long anticipated encounter with Withycombe, whilst never reaching spectacular heights, was certainly enthralling with both sides giving 100 per cent.

There was nothing fluffy or furry about the contest, it was a physical battle with little to choose between the sides.

Defences were on top for most of the game and as a consequence try-scoring opportunities were at a premium. 

There was much at stake for both sides and whilst promotion hopes for the losers would not be completely dashed, they would certainly be dented.

The visitors began forcefully and dominated the opening exchanges, their big pack kept possession as they played through several phases but were unable to make any headway against the Crediton defence which was outstanding throughout.

Opposing fly-halves Glen Channing and Mark Lee exchanged penalties in a bruising first half before Withies took the lead with a catch and drive try from No 8 Mike Richards which was converted by Channing. 

Shortly before the interval, Lee slotted his third penalty to cut the arrears to four points.

Crediton made good use of the rolling replacements and the introduction of lock Eddie Yeandle and prop Wayne Reed early in the second half added a bit of impetus.

It was not long before the home forwards took the game to Withycombe and after one effort was held up over the line, a second driving maul ended with Yeandle crashing over at the posts.

Replacement fly-half Ollie Avery-Wright popped over the conversion for a three point lead. That lead was short lived as Withies hit back and they too used the driving maul to good effect scoring out wide, the conversion missed leaving them two points ahead.

Play swung from end-to-end although neither side was able to penetrate the defensive barrier that stood in the way.

There was some ferocious tackling from both sides and it seemed the stalemate would only be broken through a mistake. 

Indeed that was the case as 20 minutes from time a Withycombe attack broke down on the Crediton 10 metre line and home winger Devon Hosegood pounced on the loose ball and raced home for the winning try. The conversion was not successful and the hosts were left to weather a brief storm but held out for a hard-earned but well-deserved victory.

The result leaves us in second place, six points clear of Withycombe and one behind Saltash.

BUDE SECONDS 0

CREDITON SECONDS 78

The 'Quins proved far too strong for their Bude counterparts as they ran in 12 tries.

Winger Rowan Locke led the way with three tries, Sam Andrews and Jack Usher each had two and there was one apiece for Sam Rowe, Nick Mingo, Rob Milton, Brad Baker and Ben Wonnacott. Mingo converted two and Milton seven.

PH

CREDITON THIRDS 36

OPM SECONDS 7

Glamorous, alluring, thrilling and captivating are all words that would sum up Crediton Third team season so far, however, on Saturday the rugby was more suited to "stuff it up your shirt and run with it".

Playing a very stubborn Old Plymothians and Mannamedians (OPM) team and with the slope in the first half, Kirton started well with an early break and score from Scott "the Hulk" Mills.

A second score was not far behind with a well-controlled catch and drive from a line-out finished off by Richard Grey.

In boggy and very sticky conditions, the game became a little disjointed with both teams passing going to floor and individual errors becoming more frequent.

Kirton extended their lead with further tries from props Sam Phillips and Macauley Jones whilst Mills grabbed a second.

All stemming from the style of rugby that may make England coach Stuart Lancaster send scouts down ahead of the "Six Nations" and the "Rugby World Cup" later this year.

Two conversions were added by fly-half Gareth "Quinchy" Kinch with the precision of a sniper, leaving the half-time score 29-0.

After the break, it was OPM's with the slope and they got themselves on the score sheet within 10 minutes.

A reckless pass by winger Sam Miller, led to an interception under the posts for the visitors which was converted. To their credit, OPM's pursued further scores and battered Kirton's try-line but to no avail due to some titanic defence.

Skipper Kevin "the Cart-father" Ellis, rallied his troops with inspirational words and guidance leading to further plays that would rival any professional rugby outfit.

It was not until the last play of the match though that Kirton increased their lead with Sam "the body" Phillips making a break and instead of passing it to his supporting players, quite literally ran through one more defender to flop over the try-line for his second try of the game and a final score of 36-7.

Tomorrow, the thirds are at home to Sidmouth, a game that will draw in rugby fans from near and far, and promises to be yet another exciting and flamboyant game of rugby.

If you have nothing to do tomorrow afternoon, Crediton RFC is the place to be!                               GK

CREDITON COLTS 12

BRIXHAM COLTS 13

Despite a lack of games for a month, the Colts ran high-flying Brixham extremely close and indeed but for some handling errors at crucial moments could well have won the game.

Will Goodman and Alex Rodd scored a try each with Haydon Hill converting one.

Crediton First Fifteen have no game tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, but other games are as follows: Second Fifteen v Ilfracombe (away); Third Fifteen v Sidmouth Thirds (home); Colts v Tavistock (home).

MICHAEL ROACH

Club members were saddened to learn of the death last week of Michael Roach at the age of 89. Michael was the Club Captain from 1953-54, 1954-55 and again in 1956-57 when he combined the Captaincy with the role of Club Secretary.

He continued as Club Secretary for 23 years, the longest serving secretary in the clubs' history. 

During that period, Michael also served two stints as Club President, from 1963-71 during which time the current ground and facilities were developed, indeed he was one of the leading figures of the whole project and his name is engraved on the foundation stone of the club. 

His second period as President coincided with the Club Centenary. Although we have not seen much of Michael in recent years he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.