CREDITON 17

WADEBRIDGE 17

DESPITE the conditions, both sides produced an entertaining and lively game which ended all square, a result which was certainly a fair one and without doubt had both sides made full use of their opportunities the outcome would probably have been the same but with a higher scoreline.

The visitors looked sharp with the ball in-hand but struggled against a very dominant Crediton pack, evidence of that was the manner in which the tries were scored.

The early exchanges were dominated by the home side and it was perhaps no surprise when fly-half Ollie Avery-Wright put them three points ahead with a penalty after the Camels had infringed at the tackle.

With the wind slightly against them, Crediton kept the ball tight whereas when in possession, Wadebridge opted to run and that served them well when they took the lead after a ball had gone first to the right and then left and a deft kick over the top of the Crediton defence saw winger Jake Grubb win the race to the touch down. Fly-half Danny Thomas converted.

It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the half as Crediton were winning scrums at will but also struggling at the lineout.

Early pressure from the visitors in the second period earned them a penalty for a high tackle which Thomas popped over to extend the lead.

Crediton rallied and dominated much of the second half, the forwards getting into good positions but then players getting isolated and penalised for not releasing at the tackle, allowing the visitors to clear any danger.

Eventually, with Wadebridge conceding a free kick for delaying the throw in at a lineout, Crediton opted for a scrum and the resulting driving maul ended with lock Eddie Yeandle getting the try. Avery-Wright converted to level the score.

With their tails up, more pressure was exerted with successive driving mauls which the visitors could only contain for a brief period and eventually flanker Josh Lee forced his way over, Avery-Wright converting.

The Final 10 minutes saw the visitors apply pressure through their backs and eventually were rewarded with a try from centre Adam Collings, converted by Thomas to level things up.

In the end a fair result. Both sides could have won had they taken their chances but equally either side could have lost for failing to do so.

With half the season completed, we are in a much better position than we might have expected at the end of October although the league is still extremely tight with only seven points separating Sidmouth, in sixth place, and Devonport who are second from bottom.

Clubs in that bunch can ill-afford any slip ups, a win can lift you up the table whereas defeat can drop you a few places.

The importance of the next game against Penryn on January 2 cannot be overstated and a victory over the bottom side would indeed be the perfect way to start the New Year.

Devon Merit Table One

BRIXHAM 6

CREDITON 9

The ‘Quins produced a remarkable result away at Brixham with this very fine win, their first on Brixham soil for 15 years.

Whilst the current Merit Table positions would indicate that the result was not so much of a surprise, the fact that Brixham Firsts play in the National League combined with a number of unavailabilities for the ‘Quins, shows the strength in depth that we have and perhaps the Fishermen don’t.

Brixham are always a very physical side and anyone would have been forgiven for assuming this would be a home win.

Of course the Crediton players were not there simply to make up numbers and they certainly knew that they were capable of a victory.

A strong swirling wind bringing the rain with it made conditions difficult and the early exchanges were evenly contested but, despite a size and weight disadvantage, the Crediton forwards began to assert their authority over the Brixham eight.

The almost completely reshuffled back line were unable to make the most of the possession in the early stages but we ensured the home side were on the back foot for most of the time.

Honours were very even in the early exchanges but it was soon very apparent that the changes in the Crediton back line were restricting them getting into their patterns early as they adjusted to each other.

The ‘Quins edged in front after 12 minutes when constant pressure forced Brixham to concede a penalty for handling in the ruck and Phil Anning stepped up to convert the penalty in very difficult conditions for a kicker.

Both sides were finding any line breaks difficult to make due to good defensive play by each and it was obvious that try-scoring opportunities would be at a premium.

Brixham levelled on 20 minutes and this time it was Crediton who were penalised for handling on the ground, but 10 minutes later Anning nudged Crediton back into the lead with another penalty kick for a 6-3 interval lead.

The ‘Quins had the advantage of the slope in the second half but it was Brixham who started the stronger bringing more intensity and physicality to their game.

Crediton weathered this onslaught with some resolute defending and gradually eased their way back into the game but with defences cancelling each other out, the scoreboard remained unchanged until the 70th minute when Anning landed another difficult penalty for a six point advantage with 10 minutes remaining.

Knowing a converted try could still win the game for them, Brixham started to throw everything at the Crediton defence and they reduced the deficit after 75 minutes with another penalty kick making the margin now only three points.

The final five minutes of play saw the Crediton players defend magnificently as Brixham camped on their try-line, desperate to get the winning score but the Crediton defence held firm and the game ended 9-6 to Crediton.

This was a superb performance from a somewhat disrupted Crediton side and credit must go to all the players but especially to captain, Dale Palmer, for his leadership, and also to Phil Anning who kicked brilliantly in very difficult conditions. This was a wonderful way for the ‘Quins to leave 2015 and look forward to next year with confidence.

On Sunday, December 27 Crediton holds the Inter Club Charity Match, with kick off at 12.30pm.

On Saturday, January 2 the First Fifteen play Penryn at home; Second Fifteen face Exmouth, away; the Third Fifteen are at home to Exmouth and the Colts also play at home to South Molton.

Crediton RFC would like to wish all members, players and supporters a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

PH