CREDITON RFC 1ST XV 26-21 WIVELISCOMBE RFC

WE produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a valuable five-point victory over newly promoted Wiveliscombe, scoring twice in the final stages to turn a frustrating afternoon into a result that keeps the side moving in the right direction.

Wiveliscombe arrived as something of an unknown quantity – our last encounter at 1st XV level was 33 years ago - but their start to the season had already demonstrated the quality they possess. A narrow one-point defeat to Okehampton and a draw against North Petherton had made it clear that we would need to be at our best to overcome the visitors, particularly after the disappointment of the previous week’s defeat.

We got off to the worst possible start, conceding an early try following a sloppy kick chase. However, the response was immediate, with a well-worked catch and drive providing the platform for Jake Power to finish over the line. Ollie Harris added the conversion to bring the scores level.

We then followed up with an excellent team try, starting deep inside our own half and showcasing the attacking potential within the side. George Down got the touchdown with Harris again adding the extras, and at 14-7, we looked well placed to kick on and produce the attractive, high tempo rugby we had set out to play.

Unfortunately, the momentum was short-lived. Discipline issues that had proved costly the previous week once again crept into our performance, leaving us on the wrong side of the referee and struggling to build any sustained attacking pressure. The following 50 minutes proved frustrating, as we spent long periods defending as Wiveliscombe took control of the contest.

With 20 minutes remaining, the visitors had established a 21-14 lead, and we faced a stern test of character. We needed to rediscover our structure, intensity and attacking ambition and, to the lads credit, they did exactly that to rescue the game.

We began to build momentum and execute the game plan that had been missing for much of the afternoon. A return to high tempo, structured attacking rugby created the opportunity for Josh Woodland to break through and race under the posts. Harris made no mistake with the conversion, bringing the scores level at 21-21 and setting up a tense finish.

With just five minutes remaining, we produced our best attacking sequence of the match. A series of high intensity, multi-phase plays straight from the training ground stretched the Wiveliscombe defence, creating the space for Woodland to finish brilliantly in the corner. The conversion was not needed to secure the result, as the late score sealed a hard-fought victory and all five league points for Crediton.

From a coaching perspective, there is plenty to reflect on. The early lapse in the kick chase, the disciplinary issues and the prolonged periods spent defending are all areas that will need addressing ahead of next week’s trip to North Petherton. Against stronger opposition, those spells could prove costly.

However, the side can take real encouragement from the character shown in the closing stages. To find a way back into the game, return to the intended style of play and deliver two decisive tries under pressure speaks volumes about the group’s determination.

There is plenty of work to do, but five points are safely in the bag. We will take the positives, address the areas for improvement and turn our attention to another tough test against North Petherton next weekend.

Scorers: Tries – Jake Power, George Down, Josh Woodland (2); Conversions – Ollie Harris (3).

Rob Avery-Wright

Next Saturday: 1st XV v North Petherton (A), 2nd XV v Honiton 1st XV (A), 3rd XV v Honiton 2nd XV (H), Colts XV v Tiverton (H).

Next Sunday: Women’s XV v Paignton (A).