CREDITON RFC 1ST XV 35-33 NORTH PETHERTON

WE travelled to North Petherton with a winning mentality, but fully aware that it would be a very tough game.

Although North Petherton have lost more than they’ve won this season, they never lose badly. They are a stubborn outfit who never go away, so we knew we had to be at our very best.

The game couldn’t have started more perfectly for us. Before most spectators had even taken their seats, a mistake from North Petherton at the kick-off allowed us to pounce on the loose ball and Ben Wonnacott was able to dive over for the opening try.

However, the home side responded quickly, scoring their first try just minutes later.

The match then became tit for tat. Josh Woodland crossed for our second try, with Ollie Avery-Wright converting only for North Petherton to reply soon after, bringing the score to 12-12.

After weathering a period of intense physical pressure from the home side, we began to settle and put together many of the things that have worked well for us in recent weeks. An Avery-Wright penalty plus two converted tries from Ben Harris and Ed Brady opened up some breathing room as we headed into halftime with a 12-29 lead and the bonus point secured.

The half-time message was clear and obvious. Manage field position, nail the basics, and keep chipping away at the scoreboard where possible.

The second half started to plan. Solid pressure and good field position allowed Avery-Wright to slot a penalty in the opening five minutes, extending the lead to 12-32.

With the home crowd growing louder and our hosts knowing they had to throw the kitchen sink at us, the momentum began to shift.

Disciplinary errors started to hurt us badly, and the penalties we conceded handed North Petherton valuable field position.

Their line-out drive proved to be a strong weapon, and they turned pressure into points, scoring a try to close the gap to 32–19.

Our lads refocused and, following a period of pressure inside the North Petherton 22, we were awarded a penalty. Choosing to chip away at the scoreboard, Avery-Wright stretched the lead to 19-35 with 15 minutes remaining.

From there, however, discipline continued to be an issue. Further penalties allowed North Petherton back up the field, and they capitalised with two quick scores in the closing minutes. Suddenly, with the score at 33-35, our hearts were racing.

With just one minute left, we were praying for the full-time whistle, but instead a penalty was awarded to the home side.

They opted for the posts, and everyone waited anxiously to see the outcome.

Thankfully, luck was on our side as the kick drifted narrowly wide.

At the restart, with only 10 seconds remaining, we kicked long downfield and the North Petherton player spilled the ball.

The final whistle finally sounded, bringing a huge sigh of relief in the camp.

While we are extremely happy to come away with another five-pointer, especially at a venue as tough as North Petherton, there are certainly discussions to be had and areas to work on before we host Ivybridge at home in two weeks’ time in a crucial battle for a top-four spot.

This coming Saturday there is no game for the 1st XV. The 2nd XV host Withycombe while the 3rd XV head to Brixham. The Colts complete the group phase of the Devon Colts Competition away at Sidmouth.