CREDITON RFC 1ST XV 43-14 WADEBRIDGE CAMELS

WE came into this game full of confidence off the back of three strong wins.

Wadebridge started brightly and, after soaking up initial pressure from us, capitalised on some early ill-discipline from us to cross the line and take a 0-7 lead after 10 minutes.

Our response was immediate. Tom Mortimer regathered the kick off and after a couple of phases, the ball was worked wide to Charlie Cookson, a current Colt in only his second senior game, who beat a couple of defenders to go over in the corner.

The conversion was unsuccessful but a couple of minutes later, Ollie Avery-Wright slotted a penalty to put us 8-5 ahead.

Two minutes later Avery-Wright lined up another penalty, this time from the halfway line, and extended the lead to 11-7 with an assist from the crossbar.

Avery-Wright and Rhys Davies-Horne were instrumental in getting us in the right areas of the field all afternoon and after winning a kicking battle for territory, the forwards set up the former for a drop goal, adding a further three points to the lead.

For a period, the Camels enjoyed a spell of possession and territory but with some good defensive work, we kept them at bay and were able to get back on the front foot.

A well worked lineout on their five-metre line set up a driving maul and Ben Wonnacott burrowed over for his second try in as many games. We saw out the remainder of the half and turned around 19-7 in front.

We started well in the second half, keeping possession through the phases before putting boot to ball, applying pressure on the visitors and forcing them into mistakes.

A goal line drop out from Wadebridge, after they held us up over the line, was returned by Avery-Wright and another well struck drop goal made it 22-7.

A few minutes later the same thing happened but this time the drop goal was unsuccessful.

We continued to apply pressure in the attacking third of the pitch and it was rewarded when Ben Harris was given the ball on the left touchline and he powered over, Avery-Wright adding the extras to make it 29-7.

A rare incursion into our ’22 by Wadebridge gave them a seven-pointer but once again it didn’t take us long to respond, with Josh Woodland crashing over for a converted try as we entered the final quarter of the game.

We remained in control for the rest of the game, finishing things off when Josh Atkinson barged his way over. Avery-Wright’s conversion made the final score 43-14.

Our defensive composure, structure, and physicality were outstanding throughout. In possession, we were controlled, cohesive, and ruthlessly clinical, putting five tries past a very strong Wadebridge outfit.

It’s the first time in a while that we feel we belong among the teams above us in the league table.

Next weekend’s fixtures – 1st XV vs Wellington (away), 2nd XV vs Honiton (home).

We are putting on a game on Boxing Day – 11am kick-off! If you fancy a game, please just turn up and we’ll sort teams out on the day. The bar will be open from 11am but we will be shutting up shop by 5pm at the latest.