THE bad weather persisted and caused the postponement of the game at home against Honiton.

There was, however, some dispute over the state of the pitch which we certainly thought was playable.

On their arrival, Honiton seemed to take the same view and indeed both sets of players went so far as to change and start their pre-match warm ups.

For some inexplicable reason, (which came to light in another local newspaper later in the week), the Honiton coach decided the ground was too hard.

Stuff and nonsense I say but of course in the event that an agreement cannot be reached then the game cannot proceed!

As regards the comments in another newspaper later in the week it was reported that: Honiton head coach Glen Channing was grateful for the rest. Honiton were thumped by leaders Bideford 33-7 in their last match, but after their game with Crediton was postponed, Channing says his players are refreshed and raring to go.

"The break has been really good for us," he said. "Our front row had lots of injuries, but we've now got a full-strength squad to pick from. It was a bit of a relief when we found the pitch was frozen and we couldn't play, because I think we would have been on to a hiding."

That rather says it all I think!

 'Quins

However, the 'Quins travelled to Kingsbridge, whose First Fifteen are flying high in the league above us and recorded and excellent 19-5 victory.

Centre, Jordan Pring, was the star of the show with two excellent tries, skipper Kevin Ellis dotted down and Gareth Kinch converted two.

Colts

The Colts are showing significant signs of improvement and considered themselves unlucky to have lost to Merit Table leaders Exeter 13-5.

The performance though, gave considerable hope that they could indeed make one of the play-off semi-finals.

Saturday, January 29

Liskeard 38 v Crediton 18

The First Fifteen started the game on a cold Saturday afternoon at Lux Park and instantly scored 12 points with tries from debutant prop Sam Phillips and No 8 Mark Nott. Rob Milton converted one.

We opened the scoring with a long range penalty from Tom Ronchetti after five minutes but by the time the interval came, we had conceded four tries mainly through some ineffective tackling and poor decision making with the ball in-hand.

Ronchetti landed a second penalty but in reality the game was over by then.

Two more home tries killed us off completely and having used all our replacements we played the final quarter with 14 men.

Phillips immediately showed up on his introduction to First team rugby and his powerful running earned him a try under the posts.

Mark Nott, always a threat with the ball in hand, grabbed another soon afterwards and we kept the home side on the back foot for most of the remainder of the game.

Sadly, too little too late but positive signs for the future.

So far as the league is concerned, we have little to battle for other than pride, we have no chance of promotion and no threat of relegation unless of course results are turned on their head for the remaining games!

We do, though, have two Cup competitions to compete in - The Devon Intermediate Cup in which we play Torquay Athletic at home on Sunday, February 13, kick off 2.30pm.

The winners will be at home in the semi-final against either Tiverton or Honiton.

There is also the National Level Eight K. O. Cup away at either Weston Hornets or Old Richians (Gloucester) on March 19.

The winners of that game will be at home to the winners of the London and SE Divisional winners.

'Quins and Hornets

After the euphoria of the excellent win at Kingsbridge the previous week, a much depleted 'Quins side took a bit of a drubbing at Barnstaple Seconds 5-69 whilst the Hornets lost 12-22 against Topsham Seconds.

Colts

The Colts, though, continued their improvement with a superb win against second placed Barnstaple.

Ollie Massey-Birch made a welcome return after injury and scored two tries with Benn Wonnacott adding a third. Fullback Sam Gibbins landed two conversions.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

Saturday, February 5: First Fifteen v Roseland (home); Second Fifteen v University of Exeter (away); Third Fifteen v Plymstock (away); Colts v South Molton (away).

Saturday, February 12: First Fifteen v Torrington (home); Second Fifteen - no game; Third Fifteen and Colts games - TBA.

 Sunday, February 13: First Fifteen v Torquay Athletic – Devon Intermediate Cup.

 Saturday, February 19: First Fifteen v Saltash (away); Second Fifteen v Paignton (home); Third Fifteen v Channings Wood (away); Colts TBA.

PH