CREDITON 37

WITHYCOMBE 13

CREDITON got their season off to a fine start with what eventually turned out to be an emphatic home win.

However, even the most ardent home supporter would never have predicted the outcome at half-time.

The visitors had the better of things for the first period and will be wondering how they turned over 13-14 down.

All the early pressure came from Withycombe and a Glen Channing penalty after four minutes saw them ahead. The hosts struggled to get hands on the ball and when they did, they conceded turnover ball.

It took another 20 minutes for the Withies to extend their lead when full-back Dan Sansom turned up on the wing to score out wide after a free-flowing handling move.

Within minutes though Crediton were back in the game and a driving maul ended with No 8, Mark Nott, touching down, fly-half and Mark Lee added the extras.

Withiycombe continued to dominate possession and on 35 minutes, lock Mike Richards was on the receiving end of some clever interpassing to run over from 10 metres, the conversion attempt hit the upright.

However, the signs were not looking good for the visitors as their scrum began to creak under pressure from the home eight and right on half-time, three successive scrums brought penalties for the home side and referee, Steve Harling, had no option but to award a penalty try, which Lee increased upon to see Crediton go to the interval with a one point advantage.

The second half was very much one-way traffic as the Blagdon outfit totally dominated up front and began to put some phases together.

With the visiting forwards struggling to compete, Nott added a second try to put Crediton further ahead. Lee then added a penalty on 50 minutes as the Crediton side pressed home their advantage.

On 55 minutes, another good scrum ball started a free flowing handling move which ended with full-back Jon Down breaking through to touch down, Lee landing the conversion from out wide before landing another penalty.

Such was the dominance of the hosts at the scrum, that it mattered little, as the Crediton pack drove through to set up a good ball which they did not always take advantage of.

However, it was another Down try that sealed victory after the pack had laid the foundation. Both sides will have much to work on although Withycombe will have to deal quickly with their problems up front if they are to be a force this season.

For Crediton, ball retention was an issue in the first half, but it inevitably improved as the game went on.

Scorers (Crediton): Tries - Nott (2), Down (2); Penalty Try-Con - Lee (3); Penalty - Lee (2). (Withycome): Tries - M Richards, Sansom; Conversion - Channing.

Devon Merit Table Three NE

WITHYCOMBE

THIRDS 10

CREDITON THIRDS 5

The Hornets travelled to Withycombe for the opening Merit Table game of the season and will feel somewhat disappointed to have lost such a close fought encounter.

With the home side short of props, the game was played with non-contested scrums throughout which was a huge disadvantage to the Crediton side.

The early stages saw the Crediton side apply all the pressure with the back row of Gav Best, Sam Rowe and Neil Sansom all showing up well and came close to scoring early on before the move was halted five metres from the line.

With prop Sam Phillips and Rob Somerwell showing neat touches, things were looking good for the Crediton side.

Withycombe though defended well and managed a long clearance to the corner and then with some slick handling from their backs posted the first try of the game.

The game was evenly contested and Crediton levelled the score early in the second half when Sansom got the touch down off a driving maul.

Crediton were reduced to 14 when one of the side was sin-binned and the home side took full advantage when, after several phases of play, they scored in the corner to seal victory.

COLTS

CREDITON 22

SOUTH MOLTON 0

Crediton Colts got their season off to a winning start with a work-man-like win against South Molton.

The visitors travelled short of players but borrowed some from Crediton and overall a competitive match was won comfortably.

Tries came from Jordan Garish, Ollie Down, Will Goodman and Will German with Andrew May landing a conversion.

CREDITON 8

FALMOUTH 12

Falmouth opened their season with a hard fought victory over hosts Crediton in an entertaining and keenly fought battle.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested although the visitors seemed to have the edge in terms of possession.

It was no real surprise that they took the lead on 20 minutes with a catch and drive try from a lineout after the home side had been penalised for handling in the ruck, hooker Ollie Church claiming the touch down.

The pressure on Crediton mounted but their defence was in fine form and the Eagles simply could not find a way through.

With much of the exchanges taking place in mid-field, neither side could force any real scoring chances but it always looked as though Falmouth would add to their score before the interval.

However, they did not and in the second half they were almost made to pay for their failure to cross the line.

Within minutes of the second period, Crediton were on level terms when, again from a catch and drive, new recruit and lock forward Declan McDonnell got the touch down.

The hosts took the lead 10 minutes later as Falmouth were penalised when their tackler failed to release. Debutant winger Doug John stepped up to take the penalty, the previously enthusiastic crowd was reduced to a whisper as the youngster popped over a cleanly struck kick to put the home side ahead for the first time.

Falmouth battled back but again were unable to penetrate the home defence and once more Crediton put the pressure on.

A series of driving mauls were defended by the visitors and when, with 10 minutes remaining they broke into the Crediton '22' and grabbed the winning score.

Successive phases kept them going forward and it was fly-half Edmunds who spotted the gap that eventually appeared and darted through to score. He landed the extras to provide a hard earned win in a game that both sides deserve credit for the effort and skill that was shown.

There is no doubt we were disappointed to lose but there were many positives to come from the game.

Falmouth are a far better side than last season and will no doubt cause problems for most sides in the division. However, with several enforced changes, we certainly proved that there is strength in depth and with a back row combination of Ben Wonnacott, Josh Lee and Jake Clarke all of whom are 19 or under, things really do look good for the future.

Clarke made a dramatic start to the game when he chased the opening kick-off and collided heavily with an opposition forward as they both went for the ball. Fortunately, there were no ill effects. Wonnacott and Lee covered acres of ground scrapping for every loose ball and looking to support the ball carrier.

Doug John, who was last years Colts fly-half, made his senior debut on the wing and on a couple of occasions posed problems for the visitors.

He also proved that he has a cool head on young shoulders when he stepped up to take the penalty.

Granted it was not a difficult kick but the pressure that that can bring especially on the first attempt in senior rugby can be immense.

Given more time, there is no doubt this is the makings of a good side and we shall have to be patient, but the rewards will come and with all but one of the squad having come through the juniors, it is a true testimony to the effort put in by the junior coaches over the years.

Scorers: (Crediton) Try - McDonnell; Penalty - John; (Falmouth) Tries - Church, Edmunds; conversion - Edmunds.

For the game against Falmouth, the Club welcomed some of the sponsors and coaches as guests for the day.

These included Rachel Jackson of Bernaville Nurseries who very kindly donated the outdoor table and seating.

Tomorrow the First Fifteen travel to Hayle, whilst the Seconds and Colts are at home to Barnstaple and the Thirds are at home against Bideford.

PH