Wadebridge Camels 28 - 26 Crediton First XV

WADEBRIDGE has always been one of the toughest places to travel, and rarely a happy hunting ground for us. With a week of injuries and unavailability, the odds were stacked against us.

But what a performance it was. This was the best rugby we’ve played on that ground. We led for large parts of the game, showing grit, determination and real quality.

Few could argue that on this occasion we deserved so much more and, on another day, we would have been heading back up the A30 with a well deserved five points in the bag.

Unfortunately, two sin bins shifted the momentum, and in the closing stages a straightforward penalty kick at goal clinched the victory for the Camels and we had to settle for two points.

The home side came out of the blocks quickly and it wasn’t long before the defence was stretched and the Camels crossed out wide for a 5-nil lead. Five minutes later this became 8-nil.

We began to get ourselves into the game and, after kicking to the corner and winning good lineout ball, the ball was delivered to Josh Davey who scored in the corner to make it 8-5.

A second Wadebridge penalty extended their lead to 11-5 before a moment of brilliance from Ed Brady saw him race through to touchdown from 30 metres out, beating several defenders in the process. Ollie Avery-Wright added the extras and we were 11-12 up just over a quarter through the game.

Controlling the game well, we looked comfortable but knew that Wadebridge could be dangerous.

The forwards were carrying well, Josh Woodland was knocking over defenders for fun and just before the break, Wadebridge were down to 14 men with a yellow card for a high tackle.

We continued to put the home side under pressure early in the second half and extended our lead to 11-19 when Josh Pearce burrowed over after a patient series of forward raids on the try line. Ollie Avery-Wright converted.

Although there was still a long way to go, we were playing with confidence but the pattern of the game swung pretty quickly.

Woodland was yellow carded, taking one for the team and shortly after Josh Davey faced the same fate. There was some scratching of heads from the Kirton contingent trying to understand why.

Reduced to 13, it felt like it was only a matter of time before Wadebridge would break through, but we defended heroically as they chucked everything at us. We were well and truly under the cosh, but bodies were being put on the line. The effort was immense.

Back up to 14, the defence was finally broken but we still held a narrow 18-19 lead. Davey returned to the fray but, despite the best efforts of the players, attempts to get a foothold back in the game were thwarted.

We’d been defending for what seemed like an age and, with seven minutes left on the clock, we conceded a converted try making the score 25-19.

The kick off gave us an opportunity to get some territory and we responded almost immediately. Josh Goldman getting a try which Ollie Avery-Wright converted.

At 25-26 up and with time running out, there was still work to be done. It looked like we had done enough, winning a scrum from the kick off but, as we looked to exit downfield, an offside was spotted giving the Camels a very kickable penalty which they converted for a 28-26 win.

Congratulations to Wadebridge, a strong side who acknowledged our efforts after the final whistle, which was much appreciated.

To our travelling supporters, thank you. Your backing in such a tough place meant a huge amount to the players.

Sometimes results hinge on things outside our control, but what we can control is effort, commitment and unity, and those were there in abundance.

We regroup. We reset. We go again.

This coming Saturday the First XV host Wellington, looking to kick start their season and the Colts take on Bideford at Blagdon and we are looking forward to welcoming Gilbert Stephens Solicitors and their guests as our Match Day Sponsor.

Jay Harris