CREDITON 30 PIRATES AMATEURS 15 CREDITON had to be at their best in order to beat a very combative Pirates Amateurs and indeed were stunned when the visitors took an early lead on 10 minutes when, after Crediton pressure, the Amateurs broke clear and a superb handling move ended with hooker Dan Toolan crossing in the corner, Rhys Brownfield landing a difficult conversion. Within minutes, home fly-half Mark Lee slotted a penalty to reduce the arrears. However, Brownfield responded with a penalty to maintain the advantage. Crediton then put a superb move together off a line-out and centre Ollie Down cleared three defenders before offloading to winger Matt Dayment who went over out wide. The hosts continued to apply the pressure, and with their forwards getting the upper hand, set up several phases and put Mark Lee in for a try. Lee then landed a penalty. The visitors hit back strongly and put us under pressure and it was no surprise when flanker Ben Britten went over to level the scores at the interval. The early stages of the second period were dominated by the Amateurs but they were unable to make any headway through a resolute defence. However, Crediton were unable to get their hands on the ball. Fortunately for Crediton the Amateurs conceded a penalty and Lee's boot put us downfield. From the resulting lineout, prop Henry Gavin got the touch down. Inspired by their pack, Crediton took over but the Amateurs defence held firm. Ten minutes from time, the increasing dominance of the Crediton pack became the telling factor. The visitors lost their own put in at a five metres scrum and the home pack drove them backwards like a herd of rampant reindeer on Christmas Eve and it was flanker Josh Lee who got the touchdown for the all important bonus point try. In the final minute, brother Mark popped over a penalty to complete the scoring.  TORQUAY SECONDS 5 CREDITON 'QUINS 57 An in-form Crediton side travelled to bottom placed Torquay in search of another Merit Table victory and it did not take long for us to get off the mark. Despite being up against a huge pack of forwards, the Crediton pack won a line-out on seven minutes and a catch and drive try followed for hooker John Gurzynski to get the touchdown. The lead was increased on 33 minutes when, after several phases of play, the Torquay defensive line was broken by Devon Hosegood and when he was stopped short of the line the ball was quickly recycled to Sam Harris who went over for a try, John Cheffins adding the extras. The pace of the 'Quins' backs continually posed problems for the Tics' and within five minutes they pounced on a loose ball on half-way and after several phases the ball went wide to Rory Huxtable who ran in from the "22". Crediton's next score came right on half-time. Again well-controlled phases of play sucked in the Torquay defenders and John Gurzynski made a good line break before offloading to James Goodman who was up in support to go over for a try, adding the extras himself to make the half-time score 24-0. It was Torquay who scored first in the second half when they split the Crediton defensive line for an unconverted try. Crediton soon got back into their rhythm and within five minutes got back onto the scoreboard. Sam Harris made a fine break down the wing and offloaded to support players running off him. The ball was moved through several pairs of hands and Matt Watkins got the final touch down with John Cheffins adding the extras. The 'Quins continued to pose problems and Torquay began to concede penalties and from one, a kick to touch found a good attacking position for a catch and drive off the lineout for Gurzynski to get his second try of the game, with Devon Hosegood adding the extras. Another penalty given away by Torquay was quickly taken by Crediton and with the Torquay defence caught by surprise John Gurzynski made good ground before offloading to Phil Holmes who went over for an unconverted try. The Crediton lead was further increased two minutes later and this time it was Phil Holmes who was the provider when he picked up loose ball on the half-way line and made ground before passing out to Ash Bradnock who raced down the wing and went over under the posts, adding the extras himself. The final score from Crediton was probably the best of the game. Torquay kicked the ball deep into the Crediton half and John Cheffins ran the ball back into the Torquay half and with fine support runs being made by Crediton players the ball passed through several pairs of hands before Sam Harris got the final touch down with John Cheffins adding the extras to make the final score 57-5. This was another fine performance from a Crediton side and the belief is that there is still more to come from this team providing the players keep putting in the work they have to date. CREDITON HORNETS 54 BIDEFORD THIRDS 13 The Hornets continued their winning ways with a comfortable win in a friendly against Bideford Thirds. Bideford are always honest opponents and the two sides generally enjoy a good game played in the right spirit. Tries were scored by Nick Mingo (2), Jamie Cheffins (2), Nathan Jackson, Rowan Locke and Phil Anning, who also converted six. CREDITON COLTS 7 IVYBRIDGE 43 A strong Ivybridge side proved too powerful for the young Crediton Colts for whom John Gray scored a try which Haydon Hill converted. The Club Committee would like to wish all our members, players, supporters and sponsors a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. PH