SADLY, Old Patesians were unable to raise a team for the league game on Saturday, March 26 due in part to Covid and as a consequence, the Colts took centre stage in their final “round robin” fixture against Devonport.

At stake for both sides was a place in the Shield Final against Brixham at Kingsbridge on April 24.

In a fairly evenly contested game, both sides played some excellent rugby with both defences tested to the full.

Crediton opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a well worked try from centre Tariq Sayers.

The game ebbed and flowed although we dominated territory, the Devonport defence proved difficult to break down.

However, a second try arrived before half-time when centre Freddie Blackburn exploited a rare gap in the Devonport defence and he proved unstoppable from 30 metres out to score at the posts, he converted his try for a 12-0 lead at the interval.

Devonport opened their account early in the second half with an attack down the right and eventually went over for a try, the difficult kick was off target. That was the signal for Crediton to do a bit of defending as the visitors sensed they were in with a chance of levelling the score.

However, the advantage was always with the home side as a draw would be enough to see them through.

A try from number eight Taylor Wonnacott settled the issue with Blackburn adding the extras.

Devonport did respond with a second try but without the conversion it meant they would have to score twice in the final minutes to win the game.

That proved a step too far for them but in fairness, they contributed to an excellent game.

Both sides had some strong runners and there was hardly a handling error of note.

The former players were treated to a tremendous game of rugby and certainly with quality players such as the ones on show today, both sides can be well pleased with the talent that will eventually move into senior rugby.

Newton Seconds 14 - Crediton Seconds 55

The Second XV continued their excellent form with a thumping victory at  Newton Abbot which moved them up one place to fourth in the Merit Table. The forwards controlled things from start to finish and they shared all but two of the tries amongst themselves.

Flanker Sam Rowe chipped in with two tries as did winger Ethan Power whilst Chris Hooper, and the third of the back row trio Ben Wonnacott each scored once.

Prop Joe Rees, replacement Will Crang and lock Josh Atkinson added one apiece. Josh Woodland landed five conversions.

South Molton Seconds 52 - Crediton Thirds 5

Once again, the Thirds came up against some strong opposition as the home side bolstered their team with a sprinkling of first team players whose game had been called off.

Whilst bemoaning the fact that this gave the home side an unfair advantage, skipper Jon Gurzynski felt that for much of the game we made them look very ordinary.

It was Gurzynski himself who, with some quick thinking after a penalty award decided on a quick tap and go, which he executed to perfection to bag the solitary try.

Obviously, players can alternate between teams in their club, the whole point of second team rugby is to ensure players can have somewhere to play if they are dropped or returning from injury, that is to be expected.

However, whilst it may not be the case in this instance, it is not unknown for teams to flood a lower XV with first team players in order to get a result.

Nonetheless, the Thirds once again did the club proud and whilst we see clubs not far from us who cannot raise a Second XV, it is enormous credit to the Thirds that they turn out every week and give 100 per cent to the cause.

Tomorrow, Friday, April 1, the Colts play Winchester Colts, with kick-off at 7pm on the River pitch under lights.

On Saturday, April 2 the First XV travel to Sidmouth in what could be termed a double header.

Not only is this a league fixture but also it will determine whether or not we get to the final of the Senior Shield.

The Seconds host Sidmouth hoping to continue the run of form that has been so impressive of late.

The Thirds entertain Tiverton Thirds.

Paul Harris