CREDITON 25

SIDMOUTH 14

THE Crediton resurgence continued with a well-deserved win against visitors Sidmouth last Saturday (December 5).

This was the first occasion that the two clubs had met in the league since February, 2007. Without doubt it was the home supremacy in the forwards that won the game although the slender interval lead seemed insufficient having had the advantage of a strong wind during the first period.

The first scrum gave an indication of how the game would go as the visitors were comfortably shoved off their own ball but the only surprise was that the hosts took some 20 minutes to get on the scoreboard.

A Crediton lineout was won and a succession of driving mauls created an opportunity for No 8 Gavin Best to go over. Winger Mark Lee converted.

Sidmouth soon showed where their strength was with an immediate response as the ball went through the hands quickly for centre Rory O’Brien to go clear and score at the posts. Full-back Dan Retter converted to level the score.

Crediton continued to spend time in the Sidmouth “22” but were unable to break down a stubborn defence. As the interval approached, another dominant Crediton scrum drove forward and skipper Ben Wonnacott touched down.

The five point interval lead seemed inadequate as Sidmouth looked dangerous with ball in-hand, as it turned out, they had very little quality possession in the second period.

Indeed Crediton looked after the ball so well that the visitors did not spend as much time in the home “22” as they would probably have expected.

Despite early pressure from Sidmouth though, it was the hosts that got the first score in the second half. Lee added an early penalty to take the wind out of the Sidmouth sails.

Sidmouth rallied but again were turned over and Crediton cleared as they continued to absorb the pressure.

Indiscipline at the breakdown cost Sidmouth dear and Lee put in a wonderful kick to the corner and with lock Cam Huxtable in imperious form, the line out was secured and the try for hooker Bobby Mogford was more or less a formality. The exercise was repeated 10 minutes later. This time prop Lance Palmer getting the bonus point try.

Sidmouth bounced back and it was Crediton under the cosh and fly-half Rob Milton was yellow carded for handling in the ruck, Sidmouth ran the penalty and home winger Mark Lee went for the interception but was adjudged to have deliberately knocked on and consequently had a 10 minute breather.

With only 13 men on the pitch Crediton ran out of defenders when Sidmouth attacked out wide and winger Luke Wells-Burr scored at the posts, Retter converted but it was too little too late.

SIDMOUTH SECONDS 10

CREDITON ‘QUINS 36

The ‘Quins returned to Devon Merit Table One league action with an away trip to Sidmouth. On arrival at the ground, Crediton were informed that Sidmouth did not have a complete front row and as a consequence the game would have to be played with uncontested scrums throughout.

This is always an unsatisfactory way to play a game of rugby but, of course, it is better than no game at all. It does take away much of the competitive element from the game and certainly nullifies our strength in that area.

However, the players soon overcame that initial disappointment and started strongly laying siege in the Sidmouth “22” stringing phase after phase together.

This pressure paid off when, with just two minutes on the clock, Tom Ronchetti put in a deft kick through the Sidmouth defence which he then gathered himself to touch down for a try, adding the extras himself.

Losing their ability to scrummage restricted Crediton somewhat and although they were playing good rugby any infringement made by them which resulted in a scrum gave Sidmouth free ball to play with.

Although they did not have a front row the Sidmouth backs looked sharp and they competed well in the contact area winning several turnovers against.

After 26 minutes the ‘Quins increased their lead when a penalty was kicked to the corner and from the resulting line-out the Crediton forwards set up a good driving maul. With Richard Gray controlling things at the back he eventually touched down for an unconverted try.

Within five minutes Crediton scored again, this time after winning possession on the half-way line the backs moved the ball quickly and Sam Harris ran a good line to draw the Sidmouth defence before popping the ball up to Ash Bradnock to finish off. Tom Ronchetti added the extras.

Just before the interval, Sidmouth pulled a score back, Crediton were penalised five metres from their line and Sidmouth opted to go for the scrum giving them free ball to play with.

Their backs then ran the ball wide and in a good set move drew the Crediton defence to put their winger over in the corner leaving the half-time score at 19-5 to Crediton.

The second half started quite evenly but Sidmouth were still contesting the contact area well and they were also starting to put phases of play together.

This deadlock was broken after 52 minutes when Crediton won good turnover ball in their own half and Ash Bradnock made a fine break through the Sidmouth defence to put Brad Baker away to score an unconverted try.

Crediton scored again after 60 minutes and this time it was Ben Rogers who went over for an unconverted try finishing off a fine backs move which went across the whole width of the pitch.

Another score was added five minutes later when a mis-move in mid-field by Tom Ronchetti put Sam Harris into space and he outpaced the Sidmouth defenders to go over for a try with Tom Ronchetti again adding the extras.

Crediton were now in total control but a combination of handling errors and some dogged Sidmouth defence prevented them from adding to their score.

Sidmouth however had the last say when in the last minute of play they caught the Crediton defence napping to put their winger away to score in the corner for an unconverted try making the final score 36-10 to Crediton.

Whilst the whole of the Crediton team played well, especially those players who had stepped up from the third team, there were still points left out on the park.

The lack of competitive scrummaging was a huge disadvantage to the ‘Quins and allowed the home side plenty of possession that they probably would otherwise not have enjoyed. As a consequence, the scoreline was probably very flattering for the home side.

CREDITON THIRD FIFTEEN 34

BUDE THIRD FIFTEEN 0

The Third Fifteen had a break from Merit Table rugby with a hastily arranged fixture against Bude Seconds. Unfortunately, Sidmouth were unable to raise a Third Fifteen team and we were delighted that Bude were able to travel here for a game.

The fact that we played with 14 men from the outset and still scored six tries without conceding a point is testament to the spirit of this side.

Winger Mark Ruddock donned his rugby boots for the first time in 15 years to help the cause and with Tim Garner and Andy Dafters completing the full 80 minutes, this was a side packed with experience.

Centre Jon Cheffins bagged a try hat-trick and there was one apiece for Ben Jackson, Joe Green and Sam Andrews who also landed a couple of conversions.

PLYMOUTH ARGAUM COLTS 12

CREDITON COLTS 7

The Colts were particularly disappointed with their defeat at Plymouth Argaum and whilst it is not our policy to be critical of match officials whatever the outcome of the game, it would seem in this instance the Colts had some just cause for concern.

Nonetheless, these are setbacks that have to be overcome and no doubt they will bounce back tomorrow against Plymstock.

Fixtures for tomorrow, Saturday, December 12: First Fifteen v Okehampton - away; Second Fifteen v Okehampton - home; Third Fifteen v South Molton – home and Colts v Plymstock - home.

A bus has been arranged for the First Fifteen trip to Okehampton which will leave the club house at 12 noon. Supporters are very welcome and a late return is anticipated.

PH