Devonport 36 - Crediton 21

Devon Senior Shield Final

April 16, 2022

IN the two league games with Devonport, honours were even and the sides were separated by just two points over 180 minutes of rugby.

Whilst the final produced a wider margin, the game itself was just as close and both sides deserve credit for the quality of rugby on show.

The game was won and lost in the opening five minutes when the home side built a 10 point lead and the last five minutes when we had pegged them back to four points and were certainly on the front foot.

Things looked ominous from our perspective when we fumbled the kick off and conceded a penalty, the kick to the corner set up a catch and drive try for home lock Andy Pond.

Fly-half Richard Goldby-West converted from the touchline and two minutes later added a penalty for a 10-0 lead almost before we had touched the ball.

However, once we settled we did start to play some good rugby and on 13 minutes, Ollie Avery-Wright reduced the arrears with a penalty after the home side had been caught offside.

Minutes later and we were going through some phases before spreading the ball wide to winger Bobby Saunders who dived over in the corner. The OAW conversion looked to have found its target but unfortunately it struck the post and bounced the wrong side. Nonetheless at 8-10, we were well in the game.

The home backs were keen to run with ball in-hand and marshalled by the experienced Goldby-West, looked threatening at times but we defended well until the 25th minute when we conceded a penalty which was kicked to the corner and again the catch and drive brought reward for them with prop Greg Thomas going over.

OAW and Goldby-West traded penalties before Services scored from a well executed move, ending with centre Harrison Reburn scoring out wide. Goldby-West converted and at 25-11 that looked very much like game over and we were relieved to hear the whistle for half-time.

The second half saw things take a different turn and we began to play with some confidence keeping the ball in-hand and generally giving Services an uncomfortable time and in the space of 10 minutes we had pulled back to within four points courtesy of some excellent handling.

Firstly, it was centre Dan Yendell who made the initial break before a well timed pass to birthday boy Devon Hosegood who outpaced the home defence to score in the corner.

Within minutes, the home side were caught again, this time No8 Ben Wonnacott started things off with a break from the base of a scrum on our “22”.

Fullback Josh Davey was up in support as was centre Josh Woodland and between them they created space for Hosegood to dash up the touchline to score his second try.

Both conversions were difficult and drifted wide. At 25-21, we felt we must be in with a chance and indeed we were, the home side were stunned by the comeback.

However, in our eagerness to maintain the momentum, we conceded a couple of penalties which Goldby-West popped over to restore a 10 point advantage.

Once again, we countered and took play to the home “22” but unfortunately a knock on ended the threat although what made the situation worse was that in his attempt to gather the ball, Goldby-West also knocked on although it was not seen by the referee and play went on ending with Reburn scoring in the corner, the conversion was missed and the final whistle sounded.

This was a good game worthy of a final and we played our part to the full, the final score did not do justice to our efforts and the commitment from the players was outstanding.

This was our sixth final in 12 years and we have yet to win one, perhaps next year will put that right. That wraps up the First XV season and players can have a breather before we take on the new challenge next season.

Crediton Quins 19 - Ivybridge Seconds 5

Match abandoned due to a serious injury to an Ivybridge player.

Ivybridge arrived at Crediton as the Merit Table Champions for 2022 and having been undefeated throughout the competition.

For our part, a number of players had been selected for the First XV at Devonport and some second year Colts had been drafted in, all of whom played superbly.

The Quins performance was outstanding and by half-time we had built up a 14-5 lead with tries from centre Ethan Power and prop Kevin Ellis, both converted by fly-half Owen Cooper.

An early second half try from Power took us to 19-5 before the game was stopped after a serious injury to an Ivybridge player, who suffered a couple of leg and ankle fractures. Obviously the player could not be moved whilst we waited for the ambulance and it was decided to abandon the game as a no result.

Disappointing for us as we looked likely to have been the first team to defeat Ivybridge but overall, the positives that came out of the game were clearly visible.

Flanker Henry Howard was in great form and fullback Freddie Borthen showed how good a player he is becoming and we can look forward to both of them along with several other Colts, challenging the senior players next season.

The Quins have one final game this Saturday at home against Brixham, kick off 2.30pm.

The Club is also hosting the final of The David Butt Memorial Trophy on Saturday between Topsham II and Plymstock Albion Oaks II, kick off 3pm.

There are more finals to see, all involving Crediton teams.  On Sunday, April 24, the Under 16s play in the Fisherman’s Shield Final at Brixham, KO 1pm and the Colts play Brixham in the Shield Final at Kingsbridge, KO 2pm.

On Sunday May 1, The Under 14 Cup Final v Ivybridge, KO 11am and the U15 Plate Final v Torquay, KO 1pm.

Plenty of good rugby to watch.

Paul Harris