PIRATES AMATEURS 19

CREDITON 26

FOURTH placed Pirates Amateurs provided a stern test of both our ability and character and on both counts we came through with flying colours.

Our hosts had only previously lost twice on their own ground this season and on both occasions had restricted their conquerers to very few scoring opportunities as both Saltash and Withycombe had narrow victories in Penzance.

There were times when we looked particularly sharp only to give away penalties at crucial times. That said there were also times when we were made to look ordinary as the Amateurs attacked with pace.

The fact that we had to battle back from a six point deficit mid-way through the second half showed our character and, of course, the need for a victory made all the greater in order to set up a last day "winner takes all" game against League leaders Saltash.

Immediately from the kick off we showed our intent with a dangerous looking attack down the right flank but were penalised when we failed to release the ball in the tackle, an interpretation of the law which caused consternation throughout the game – was it the tackler not releasing or our failure to present the ball?

Nonetheless our next attack brought a penalty in our favour which fly-half Ollie Avery-Wright slotted with ease against the wind.

The lead did not last long as the Amateurs hit back strongly and some poor defending gave them a try out wide which was converted.

In a game of end-to-end rugby, fortune swung back in our favour and a good handling move involving forwards and backs ended with lock Josh Lee outpacing the defence to score in the corner and Avery-Wright landed an excellent conversion.

Once again the Amateurs hit back and a good team try and conversion put them back in the lead.

We continued to concede penalties at the tackle which was impeding our progress especially when we had worked ourselves into good positions only metres from the try-line.

However, as the interval approached, Avery-Wright landed a penalty to reduce the arrears to a single point.

The second half began with more Crediton pressure but we were rocked back when the Amateurs first foray into our "22" brought them an unconverted try for a 19-13 lead.

From there on it was mainly Crediton in the ascendancy but the home defence was in no mood to make life easy for us.

With the game going into the final quarter, Avery-Wright cut the lead to three points with another penalty.

The penalty count against the hosts was increasing as the pressure on them began to mount.

A kick to the corner for a line-out set up a driving maul and it was Lees who peeled off and raced over for the all important score. Avery-Wright converted for a four point lead.

With the clock ticking down, Avery-Wright landed another penalty to seal a hard-earned but well-deserved victory.

Despite not gaining a bonus point, we go into the last game with every chance of winning the league and, although our visitors on Saturday,

Saltash, are one point ahead of us, victory will give us the Champions trophy.

Saltash have had an amazing run, losing their first game of the season when we narrowly beat them down there by 27-24. They have since put together a run of 24 consecutive wins.

It is now our job to bring that run to an end. The season could not have had a better finale had it been scripted with the two top sides playing each other to decide which one will be League Champions.

It promises to be a big day at the Club as Saltash will be bringing their Second Fifteen's to play our Seconds with a 1.30pm kick off. The First Fifteen game will kick off at 3.15pm.

The 'Quins did not have a game last Saturday as Devonport were unable to raise a team, a huge disappointment but it seems to be an issue with many clubs these days where players have either lost interest or simply do not want to travel.

BIDEFORD THIRDS 5

CREDITON THIRDS 17

An unusual shortage of players meant that we travelled to Bideford one player short but the side started with a full compliment with the addition of one short player in committee man Martin Phillips!

Tries from Richard Gray, Joe Green and Ieaun Evans whilst Will Jermyn landed a conversion in the 17-5 victory.

CREDITON U17'S 14

GUILDFORD U17'S 40

Crediton Under 17's played their first game of the season against a well-drilled Guildford side who play at this age group on a regular basis.

On the face of it the score looks something of an easy win for the visitors but the Crediton side produced an encouraging display and were certainly hampered by the loss of influential flanker Charlie Luxton with a broken ankle.

Tries were scored by Tom Mortimer and John Gray with Ollie Landgon-Wright landing two conversions.

The Colts have reached the final of the Devon Colts Shield competition and will meet Brixham at Sandy Park, Exeter on Sunday, May 3, with a 12.30pm kick off.

This is yet another wonderful achievement in what has been an extraordinary season for the Club. Please come along and support the boys, they have worked so hard to reach this final.

Add to that the Girl's Under 15 side who have reached the National final - an even more remarkable achievement.

They are a hugely talented side and meet Castleford in the final, to be played at Lichfield RFC this coming Sunday (April 19) – we all wish them well and hope they return with another trophy.

The boys Under 15's also made it through to the Devon Final, to be played against Topsham at Barnstaple on Sunday, April 26 – a tough, but nonetheless, winnable game.

Again please make the journey to Barnstaple and support them.

Fixtures tomorrow, Saturday, April 18: First Fifteen v Saltash  (home) 3.15pm kick off; Second Fifteen v Saltash (home) 1.30pm kick off; Third Fifteen v Withycombe Seconds (away); Colts v Devonport (away).

Sunday, April 19 sees the Third Fifteen play at home against Barton-Under-Needwood with a kick off at 11am.