CREDITON 18 - SIDMOUTH 10

THERE are occasions when top of the table clashes simply do not live up to expectations, games where the fear of losing overrides the desire to win, creating a negative attitude amongst players and coaches.

Fortunately, on Saturday, March 9, in front of a bumper crowd including many former players, we had two sides that simply wanted to win and with that desire produced a game that was both exciting, enthralling and full of quality rugby.

A game that would ultimately be won by the side that made best use of the chances that came their way and also made the fewer mistakes.

An obvious statement of course but the third factor to come into the equation revolved around the defensive qualities of both sides. Three tries to one seems a fairly emphatic victory and the fact that although we could not manage the bonus point, we deprived Sidmouth of one.

It was inevitable that this was going to be a tight game and Sidmouth started full of determination. With the breeze at their backs they certainly looked threatening with ball in-hand only to knock on at crucial moments.

Defensively, we looked as solid as ever and for all their early possession and territory Sidmouth were unable to make much headway.

The game was played mostly in midfield with little happening in either ‘22’.

A 30-metre break by the visiting centre looked dangerous but the offload to the support player was knocked on and the danger passed.

It was then our turn when a superb backs move had try written all over it only to be pulled up for obstruction.

It all changed in the 35th minute when more clever back play ended with a scrum from which the visitors were penalised and a quick tap and go took us to within 10 metres when after a series of phases the ball was released down the blind side for winger Devon Hosegood to dash over in the corner, scoring for the third successive game.

The windy conditions made kicking particularly difficult although Ollie Avery-Wrights conversion attempt was not far off target.

The visitors hit back immediately and when we were caught with hands in the ruck in front of our posts, fly-half Rory O’Brien popped over the penalty to leave two points in it at the interval.

The second half saw us begin to dominate and with the wind behind us, some astute kicking kept Sidmouth penned in their half and on 50 minutes we did extend the lead with a well-worked try.

Again it came from a combination of pressure and patience, several phases were defended and eventually, once again, the ball went wide to the right and once again it was Hosegood on the end of an excellent move.

Both sides were playing some quality rugby and the entertainment value was of a high standard, both sets of backs looking sharp but kept at bay by excellent defending.

On the hour mark, Sidmouth were caught offside and Avery-Wright landed a penalty to put us two scores ahead but five minutes later, the visitors were back in it with a converted try.

A penalty was kicked to the corner and we initially defended the catch and drive attempt but Sidmouth moved the ball out and centre James Powell picked his way through to score at the posts, O’Brien converted and the lead was cut to three points with 15 minutes remaining.

Tension was building in both camps although in fairness it seemed to have little effect on the players as we went in search of another score and Sidmouth looking to gain all four points.

It was nip and tuck for 10 minutes and with time running out, we were again camped on their line as we tried to force a try. The final score of the game came in a somewhat comedic fashion.

The patient build up of pressure on the Sidmouth line looked certain to produce a try. However, somehow Sidmouth gained a turnover and all looked good but as they tried to break out centre Mark Lee stripped the ball before diving over to score the crucial try putting us eight points clear.

We managed to close the game out although a last minute fracas saw visiting lock Peli Vea red carded for throwing a punch. A shame that the game which had been played in a great spirit should end on such a note.

Where we are now is a far cry from this time last year and with more or less the same squad. This group of players has developed into a quality team and this was a much anticipated top of the table clash against Sidmouth.

The game did not disappoint. Both sides showed why they are where they are and played the game with serious pace and intensity and there was little to choose between both sets of players.

Arguably Sidmouth shaded possession and territory but there wasn’t a lot in it. Our defence was solid and ultimately, when it mattered, we were patient and we took our chances.

There are just six points separating the top four in Western Counties West. The next two weeks sees us head to Wellington (fourth place) and St Austell (third place) so it is still all to play for.

It’s the fourth attempt to get the Wellington game on following three postponements so fingers crossed!

Some days are special. Whatever else happens this season, this was one of those days. Fantastic effort lads, you made several former players very happy!

With five games left, the boys would love your support as they make the final push for the title! The result also guarantees our place in the final of the Intermediate Cup and our opponents will almost certainly be Sidmouth.

Whether it will be played at home or at Sidmouth will remain to be seen, two five point wins for them against Kingsbridge and Paignton will give them the home advantage.

‘QUINS

Cullompton Seconds arrived at Crediton with an extremely strong side, 10 of which had played the previous week in the first team at Launceston.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, they ran out easy winners 75-7. To be fair to the ‘Quins, we never gave up and tried to play rugby throughout.

COLTS

The Colts game at Brixham was called off because of the weather and with time running out to get the rescheduled fixtures in before the semi-finals, the game was recorded as a 20-all draw with both teams gaining three points.

The revised table shows that we have qualified for the semi-final on March 30 and will certainly be at home.

Paul Harris