NORTH PETHERTON RFC 31-10 CREDITON RFC 1ST XV

OUR four-year winning run against North Petherton came to an end on Saturday as we fell to a 31-10 defeat away from home.

Despite being forced into a number of late changes due to injuries during the week, there can be no excuses for the result. North Petherton were deserving winners on the day, controlling the game far better, using the wind more effectively and executing their attacking opportunities with far greater precision.

From our perspective, nobody can question the physical output of the lads. The effort, commitment and desire were there for all to see, and the players were visibly gutted at the final whistle to have given so much and come away with so little. That disappointment speaks volumes about the standards they set themselves and the pride they have in representing this club.

Ultimately though, physical effort alone is not enough. Our lack of attacking creativity proved to be the difference between the two sides. North Petherton stuck to their script, executed their game plan and made their opportunities count, whereas we struggled to find the answers in attack. As frustrating as that is, it is part of sport, and we have to be honest enough to recognise where we fell short.

Tries from wingers Josh Woodland and Charlie Cookson were all we could manage on the day, as North Petherton deservedly took the spoils and brought our unbeaten run against them to a close.

There is plenty for us to reflect on, and we will be taking a detailed look back through the match footage to identify and address the issues that need fixing. We know we need to improve quickly, and the focus now turns to putting things right ahead of next weekend’s fixture against Ivybridge.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who made the trip to support us.

Scorers: Tries – Josh Woodland, Charlie Cookson.

Next Saturday: 1st XV v Ivybridge (H), 2nd XV v OPM 1st XV (A), 3rd XV v Exeter Engineers 2nd XV (H), Colts XV v Wellington (A).

Rob Avery-Wright