THE trial matches are done and now the new season begins in earnest for Crediton Rugby Club on Saturday, September 3 with a trip to Truro and from performances seen so far, the year ahead looks promising.

Two squads were sent in opposite directions, one to Taunton with a game against their Second XV and the other to North Tawton for a trial against their Firsts.

At Taunton, Crediton were held to a 19-all draw but there were some really encouraging signs. The opening try from a rejuvenated Devon Hosegood verged on the spectacular with some quality possession and great handling before he came off his wing cutting a great line and outpacing the defence to score from 30 yards.

Young hooker Henry Roberts added a second from an attacking lineout and he slipped off a driving maul to touch down.

The third try came from another newcomer, centre Andy Wright and again it came from quality first phase possession off a lineout, the ball went wide to the left through several pairs of hands before being stopped.

The support was on hand very quickly and the ball recycled and some crisp passing ended with Wright going over in the corner. New skipper Ollie Avery-Wright converted two of the three to complete the scoring.

With time running out, Crediton held a 19-14 lead but the final play of the game, the home side levelled with an unconverted try.

Crediton caused Taunton problems when they attacked and for most of the time they defended solidly.

The combined Seconds/Thirds travelled to North Tawton and were given a lesson in creating and taking chances, defensively we were fragile to say the least and the 78-0 defeat probably did not benefit either side.

Tiverton at home last Tuesday showed signs of what Crediton hope will be forthcoming during the season and whilst the 42-0 victory was welcome, it was the manner of that win which gave cause for the promise of a successful season ahead.

Once again it was the fleet-footed Hosegood who was on the end of a fine three-quarter that began in Crediton’s own half.

A fluent passing move was finished in textbook style, the sort of try that is worth watching over again and which hopefully will be repeated during the season.

The second try soon followed and again it came from deep, scrum-half Ed Brady made the initial break and Chris Courtier in support took the ball another 20 yards before the off load to centre Ross Toms who spotted a gap and burst through to score at the posts.

Three minutes later and Hosegood was over again quickly followed by a trademark Josh Woodland try as he brushed off three defenders down the left touchline to score from just inside the Tiverton half.

Further tries were added by Chris Courtier and Matt Arnold with OAW converting all six.

Performances have been really encouraging and the players are certainly enjoying their rugby.

That is not to suggest everything will be easy this season, but we have more strength in depth this season than we have had for some time and if we can remain injury free then I have no doubt the prospects are good.

The new faces have added to that depth of talent, the experience and quality of Dan Lee will be a real bonus and we should see more of centres Ross Toms and Ollie Clark both of whom missed much of last season through injury.

Andy Wright is another newcomer who plays in the centre and has recently moved into the area. Scrum-half Fenton Davies, who also missed most of last season is back in action and will provide competition for that No 9 spot.

Hooker Henry Roberts, prop Jack Ballett, fullback Freddie Borthen are among a crop of young players just out of age grade rugby who will be tremendous assets to the club.

For the opening game of the season Crediton will renew their acquaintance with newly promoted Truro, always a friendly and welcoming club.

In Crediton’s last visit there, during their promotion season, they won 29-19, tries from Ben Wonnacott with two, Jason Luff, Andy Brown and Mark Lee, with two Ollie Down conversions secured a hard fought victory.

Hopefully, Crediton can repeat that on Saturday, September 3 and get the season off to a good start.

The Second XV will start with a friendly against Plymouth based OPM who they will come across in the league later in the season. This is the first season of Second XV’s in the league structure and there is a certain excitement about their prospects.

It will be a competitive league but there is no reason why they cannot do well.

The Thirds have a tough start to their Merit Table campaign with a home game against Merit Table 2NE Champions, Exmouth Thirds.

The Colts were due to play Kingsbridge but unfortunately, they were unable to raise a team and at the time of writing these notes, an alternative fixture had not been found.

Paul Harris