ON Sunday, February 1, the Crediton Under 15's girls rugby squad won the final of the South West (South) Under 15 Cup.

Due to be played in Crediton, the game had to be switched at the last minute to Newquay following heavy rain.

Despite the disappointment, the girls put in a massive performance against a strong and physical Newquay side.

Following some frantic early exchanges, scrum–half Sarah Nathan dived over in the corner to put Crediton ahead.

This was followed by a great team try resulting in Danni Phillips going over the line. Conversions were made very difficult due to the swirling wind; soon after Newquay scored a push-over try under the posts, which was converted to make the half-time score 10-7.

The second half was an entirely different affair.

Crediton dominated the scrum throughout the second half, and the pack was decisive in the break-down securing good quality ball for the backs, who looked increasingly dangerous as the game went on.

Maddie Luxton made an excellent break, but could not quite reach the line; Bracken Vanstone and Sarah Kingdon made a succession of forward forays but were held up; and on the wings, Nikkie Sherratt and Ruby Smith both made significant incursions into opposition territory.

Lauren Woodman at full-back was a constant thorn in the Newquay defence, and Rachel Mortimer kept pressing through the centre to keep momentum going forward.

The pressure eventually told, with Danni Phillips finishing off another team move, and then crowning her excellent performance with an individual try going past – or through - five defenders.

Sarah Kingdon scored a try for the forwards, which was answered by a strong Newquay try near the end, but the match was won.

Crediton girls, in only their second year of existence, had secured a decisive 25-12 victory, away in Cornwall.

A broken collarbone for Maddie Luxton put a bit of a dampener on the day, but this was an excellent team performance.

The 15 girl squad stepped up with strong tackles all over the pitch, and the win was based on a strong defence, aggression in the breakdown, and good technique in set pieces. We will see more of these players in years to come.

PA