CREDITON RFC 1ST XV 17-14 CULLOMPTON

IN conditions more suited to a fishing trawler than a rugby pitch, we battled to a hard-earned 14-17 win over a stubborn Cullompton side on Saturday, December 6.

Strong winds and driving rain made even the simplest skills difficult, turning the afternoon into a test of concentration, physicality and composure.

We came into the fixture riding the confidence of back-to-back victories, and although that momentum was welcome, we were fully aware that games you’re expected to win often become the trickiest. We knew Cullompton would be gritty opponents, and they lived up to that from the first whistle.

There were a few changes from the side that beat Penzance the previous weekend. Ed Brady, still carrying a knock, was named on the bench, while 17-year-old Colt Ozzie Kent made his senior debut - our second youth investment in as many weeks following 17-year-old Charlie Cookson’s debut against Penzance. It’s been a huge positive to see our young talent stepping up.

Playing into a fierce wind in the first half made any sort of attacking rhythm almost impossible. Territory was hard to gain and harder to keep, and as a result we spent long spells defending inside our own half.

It took 30 attritional minutes before we finally broke the deadlock, driving over for a well worked pushover try finished by Tom Luxmoore. In conditions like these, every score mattered, and that one proved crucial.

But Cully responded well, applying sustained pressure before grabbing a converted try of their own. With the wind and rain swirling, we went into halftime locked at 7-7.

Early in the second period, with points at a premium, we opted to take a shot at goal from a penalty. An indication of the type of game it had become. Ollie Avery-Wright’s kick was good, nudging us 10–7 ahead.

Cullompton, however, refused to go away. Much like the first half, their pressure began to build, and eventually they broke through our line to score a well-earned try. The conversion was added, pushing them into a 14–10 lead with twenty minutes remaining.

From there, we began to dominate territory and possession. The left boot of Rhys Davies-Horne was instrumental in getting us into good areas.

Wave after wave of attack tested Cully’s dogged defence, which somehow held firm as we camped in their half.

Eventually the breakthrough came. Ben Wonnacott powered over for a thoroughly deserved try, and with the successful conversion we moved ahead 17–14.

The final 10 minutes were anything but comfortable. Cullompton threw the kitchen sink at us, but our defence was physical, disciplined, and absolutely committed. We absorbed everything they had left.

When the final whistle sounded, the sense of relief and pride was clear. It wasn’t pretty, far from it, but in conditions like these, it was a valuable four-point win.

Performances of grit matter just as much as the flashy ones, and this result keeps our winning run into Christmas alive.

Next week we host Wadebridge at home, and the lads will be extremely keen to build on this momentum.

Next weekend’s fixtures: 1st XV vs Wadebridge Camels (home); 2nd XV vs Exeter Saracens (away); 3rd XV vs South Molton (away); Colts XV vs South Molton (home).

We look forward to welcoming Leach Brothers and Dave Pollard Transport as our match-day sponsors.