CREDITON RFC First XV has come through September with a 100 per cent winning record and sit in second place, just one point behind St Austell.

The first three games were reasonably comfortable wins but Chard proved quite formidable opponents and Crediton were made to work hard for the win.

Chard were recently promoted up into Level Six following the recent restructuring, and their opening results have been a bit of a mixed bag. However, it has to be said that three of their four games have been away from home.

Crediton players were anticipating a competitive game following recent reports about them and in that respect, were not disappointed. The team started brightly and were soon camped in the Chard half creating several sets of phase plays, but the Chard defence was proving difficult to break down.

The breakthrough came on 10 minutes when more pressure in the Chard “22” and a series of pick and go’s saw lock Chris Courtier force his way over. Skipper Ollie Avery-Wright added the extras.

Both sides were looking to play good attacking rugby and each were creating chances, but both defences were up to the challenge and opportunities at either end of the pitch were snuffed out. Chard got their first points of the game after 18 minutes when Crediton were penalised for an infringement in the tackle area on halfway and the penalty sailed through for the three points. The remainder of the half was evenly contested with both sides having their moments but neither gaining the ascendancy.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with each side continuously looking for an opening against very resolute defending.

However, the deadlock was broken on the hour and fortunately it was a home try.

A lineout deep in the Chard half allowed us to set up a catch and drive and it was flanker Jake Clarke who touched down, Ollie Avery-Wright landed the extras. Eight minutes later Ollie slotted a penalty but any hopes of a flurry of tries in the final 10 minutes were dashed as the Chard defence held firm.

This was a game that the Crediton players had to dig deep for, but their work ethic for each other was phenomenal throughout, and a true reflection of the good feeling around the club currently. Chard deserved much praise for their part in making this an entertaining game of rugby and there is no doubt they will be causing a few sides problems throughout the season.

Crediton Quins 62 - Buckfastleigh 5

Crediton Quins produced an identical score to the previous week, this time against Buckfastleigh Ramblers.

A comfortable victory certainly, but the scoreline does not reflect the effort and commitment shown by the visitors who battled away throughout.

The Crediton players all round game was pretty effective as their set piece was stronger.

The Buckfastleigh defence worked really hard and they kept tackling effectively causing some handling errors on Crediton’s part and it is to their credit that they kept going to the bitter end.

In all 10 tries coming from Henry Roberts and Phil Holmes with two apiece, both members of the front row union!

Matt Arnold, Sam Rowe, Chris Hooper, Josh Goldman, Bobby Saunders and Freddie Borthen scored one apiece.

Owen Cooper landed a conversion with Tom Ronchetti landing five.

Honiton Seconds 31 - Crediton Thirds 15

Crediton Thirds gave a good account of themselves and only just missed out on a couple of bonus points.

The Thirds arrived with just the 15 players and no bench, and consequently it was inevitable that for some, lasting the entire 80 minutes would be a problem.

The first half was spent defending up the slope as Honiton were camped in Crediton’s “22” for most of the time.

Crediton’s defence was outstanding and the home tries were scored out wide as Honiton had some pacey backs.

The second half was a different story as the Thirds got their game together and with the advantage of the slope and piled on the pressure.

The forwards were totally dominant in the scrum as Honiton were sent backwards at a rate of knots at most scrums.

From a penalty five metres out, it was centre Matt Karea who proved unstoppable for Crediton’s first try.

Unfortunately, Chris Baker was forced off with a hamstring injury but as luck would have it, Ashley Bradnock had turned up to watch - well he could not refuse the offer of borrowing some boots to restore the balance. His impact was immediate as from a lineout 15 metres from the try line, he bashed his way over to reduce the deficit to within a few points. Last to score was Richard Gray crashing over after a series of pick and go’s on the try line to reduce the deficit to within a few points!

As was predicted, Crediton players ran out of puff a little later in the game and they managed a couple of tries through their backs again. Communication was a problem at times but to be fair this was a really good effort from the players.

Whilst it is always difficult to single out individuals, mention must be made of Elliott White who, although not lucky with the boot, marshalled and controlled the forwards in sergeant major fashion resulting in three tries.

Bideford Colts 22 v Crediton Colts 29

Recent encounters between the two sides have been close, and this friendly fixture was no exception.

Ahead of kick-off there was a sense of nervousness within the Kirton camp and, in all fairness, the warm up did little to settle those nerves. 

However, when it came to the crunch the lads came good and, although it was far from a complete performance, produced enough quality to come away with the win.

Crediton players enjoyed periods of dominance during the game but also found themselves on the back foot. 

Throughout it all though, the lads played with an energy and commitment that could not be faulted.

Victory was secured with tries from Charlie Conner, Ben Harris (2), Harry Grigg and Ben Baxter. Tom Cooper added two conversions.

It’s back to cup action on Saturday, October 1 with a trip to Cullompton.

This week the First XV will travel to Wellington and the Seconds will host Torrington Firsts - both league fixtures.

The Thirds have a Merit Table game at home against Bideford and the Colts will travel to Cullompton for the second of their Colts Cup competitions.

Paul Harris