SHERBORNE 23-20 CREDITON RFC 1ST XV

WE travelled to Sherborne looking to put a difficult run of results behind us and, more importantly, rediscover some of the foundations we worked hard to establish during the summer. The challenge was to show greater consistency, determination and belief in what we are capable of, the lads responded brilliantly.

In what was a closely fought encounter, we delivered a performance full of heart and commitment, and on another day it could easily have earned us a share of the spoils. There were improvements right across the park and it was encouraging to see us competing with confidence and resilience throughout. Our catch-and-drive game from the line-out was particularly effective and caused Sherborne problems all afternoon.

The match remained finely balanced from start to finish, with very little separating the two sides. We were also a little unfortunate with two of Sherborne's tries, both of which came from kicks that took favourable bounces for the home side and also with having a try of our own not given as the referee was unsighted. Rugby can be a game of fine margins and, on a different day, those moments may just as easily have gone our way.

Ten minutes into the game, Sherborne opened the scoring with an unconverted try. Both sides were enjoying periods of possession and following some good approach play, George Down went over for a try which Josh Davey converted to give us 7-5 lead. Penalties were traded to make the score 10-8 before, on the stroke of half time, Sherborne scored a try to take a 10-15 lead into the break.

There were opportunities for both sides as the second half progressed but it took until just over an hour for the scoreboard to move when Tom Luxmoore crashed over for a try. Sherborne hot back immediately but we managed to tie things up at 20-20 with five minutes eft on the clock.

With just two minutes remaining, Sherborne edged in front through a penalty goal which ultimately proved decisive. Credit to the lads though, as heads never dropped. We immediately put ourselves in position for one final opportunity to snatch victory when a line-out five metres from their try line gave us the perfect platform. Having enjoyed success with our catch-and-drive throughout the afternoon, we backed ourselves to finish the job, but despite our best efforts Sherborne managed to hold us out.

Naturally, there was frustration at the final whistle because we felt we had done enough to take something from the game. However, there was also a real sense of positivity within the group. The performance was a significant step forward and a timely reminder of the quality and character that exists within this squad.

With several players expected to return from injury over the coming weeks, there is every reason to be optimistic. If we can build on the standards we set at Sherborne and continue to show that level of commitment and accuracy, I'm confident the results will come. We may have come away on the wrong side of the scoreline, but the performance gave us something just as important: belief that we are moving in the right direction and have plenty more to offer this season.

Scorers: Tries – George Down, Tom Luxmoore, Josh Woodland; Conversion – Josh Davey; Penalty – Josh Davey.

Rob Avery-Wright