Under 14's

TOPSHAM 7

CREDITON 10

AS great sheets of December rain swept across Bonfire Field, two well matched sides took to the pitch and despite the inclemency of the winter weather, spectators were treated to an exciting encounter that was not settled until the final whistle.

Fly-half and Crediton's Man of the Match, Adam Stanbury, showed the visitor's intent with strong running from his own half, pushing deep into Topsham territory.

His efforts were ably supported by a pack that worked well together, linking up to give a fine display of rucking and mauling.

With the rudest of winds endeavouring to scupper the entertainment, Crediton's back three, David Gray, Theo Gray and Abe Dellamuro, did well to handle a soap-like ball and launch counter attacks following forays by Topsham's well drilled back line.

In fact it was good tackling across the board that kept the home side at bay.

Good ripping by No 8 George Stone in particular ensured that Crediton won their share of turnover ball to push Topsham onto the back foot.

Things were evenly poised as half-time arrived with the score still standing at 0-0.

The pace did not let up in the second half as the ball moved from end-to-end. A tap penalty taken by quick thinking scrum-half Conrad Saunders saw centre, Lewis Terry, unleashed as he crashed into the Topsham 22.

Quick hands saw the ball move wide to Dellamuro who was tackled into touch short of the whitewash.

Terry was again on-hand shortly after when he found a half gap and managed to cross the Topsham line, but a last ditch tackle dislodged the ball as he hit the ground.

Both sides pushed hard into opposition territory and it was great tackling that kept the scores level.

Prop, Rob Lancaster, again gave a fine display as did centre Bobby Jenkins. However, it was difficult to pick out individual performances on a day when the Kirton team gelled so well together and everybody played their part.

It was Crediton that eventually broke the deadlock when Stone capitalised on a loose ball that squirted free from a ruck.

The ball was spread wide to Dellamuro who made full use of the accelerator pedal to race down the touchline to score.

But in a game where there was so much talent on display no-one could be complacent.

In instant reply Topsham surged forward and were only denied a try by tenacious defence. However, their pressure soon earned a penalty which was taken quickly resulting in a try under the posts that was converted. With about five minutes to go the score was 7-5.

Crediton did not let their heads drop but worked hard to regain possession following the restart.

Straight runs by forwards Danny Martin and Lancaster saw Kirton trundle up to the opposition 22 before the ball was slipped to Terry who pushed through the defence to touch down.

Crediton now head into the Christmas break unbeaten for a well earned rest.

GT