BIDEFORD 5 - CREDITON 32
The opening three games have seen the side gain 14 points from a maximum 15 and sees us sitting joint top with Sidmouth.
The pattern was set early on when our scrum proved too much for the home side and after 15 minutes we were awarded a penalty try for a 7-0 lead.
Despite the scrum advantage we did find Bideford a difficult side to break down although things did come to life towards the end of the first period.
An Oli Down penalty put us 10 points clear but Bideford hit back with a try, their first points of the season.
That seemed to stir us into action and the speed of thought and deed from scrum-half Ed Brady got him into a position to intercept a Bideford pass and he raced from half-way to score giving us the 10-point advantage at the interval.
The half-time discussion seemed to have the desired effect, the poorly functioning lineout suddenly clicked and we were able to put the phases of play together that had been practised on the training ground.
The entire second period was dominated by Crediton and the lead was increased early in the second half through full-back Oli Down as once again opposing defenders were unable to cope with his pace. He also added the conversion.
Ten minutes later it was lock Josh Pearce who got on the scoresheet with a try wide out and the scoring was completed with a try from No 8 Ben Wonnacott.
A really promising start to the season but there is still a long way to go and no-one should get carried away.
Performances towards the end of last season showed what we were capable of and the hard work put in since training started back in July is now bearing fruit.
Fourteen tries scored and five conceded in three games is a good return especially as 12 of the tries have been away from home where we have gained maximum points.
The game doubled up as a game in the Devon Intermediate Cup which has taken on a new format this season. The results of the games between the Devon Clubs in Western Counties West will form a separate table for the Intermediate Cup. The top two at the end of the season will play the final.
CREDITON ‘QUINS 7 - BARNSTAPLE SECONDS 47
The ‘Quins tough start to the season continued against a very useful Barnstaple second string who proved to have a bit too much outside.
We matched at scrum time but their size, pace and strength outside was difficult to counter. In fairness, we did put the tackles in and there is no complaint about the commitment and effort shown throughout the game.
With the advantage of the slope, Barum were 35-0 up at the interval but they did not have things all their own way in the second period.
Hooker Rob Lancaster scored our try with Tom Ronchetti converting although the visitors responded with two converted tries late in the game.
CREDITON THIRDS 19 - HONITON SECONDS 66
With Bideford Seconds unable to raise a side for our Merit Table fixture, Honiton Seconds stepped in to fill the gap.
With their First Fifteen not having a fixture, Honiton turned up with a very strong side and playing up the slope in the first half had scored more than 40 points without reply.
The signs were ominous for a long second half having to face the slope but the response from the players was impressive as we almost matched the visitors score-for-score during the second 40 minutes.
Ashley Wonnacott came out of retirement and grabbed one of the tries together with a couple of black eyes, as he took a quick penalty and forced his way over.
Richard Grey added a second and winger Tom O’Donnell added a third.
Fly-half Gareth Kinch landed two conversions. When the two sides meet in the Merit Table fixtures, I have no doubt it will be a very different Honiton team.
EXETER SARACENS COLTS 5 - CREDITON COLTS 36
The Colts continued their impressive form with a fourth successive win and have amassed 138 points in the process.
This is developing into a very talented side and should have a good season ahead.
Josh Woodland led the way with another three tries, his eighth of the season and also landed three conversions. Skipper Will Crang added one bringing his tally to six for the season and there was one apiece for Sam Wilson and Finnley Morgan.
Fixtures for tomorrow, Saturday, September 22: First Fifteen v Chard, home; Second Fifteen v Teignmouth Seconds, away; Third Fifteen v Topsham Seconds, away and Colts v Tiverton Colts, home.
Paul Harris