CREDITON RFC 1ST XV 30-22 TEIGNMOUTH

WE made the trip to Teignmouth with more than just league points on the line.

Also up for grabs was the Geoff Warne Memorial Trophy, something that carries real meaning for both clubs.

This was the seventh time the silverware had been contested and, having claimed it in all six previous meetings, we arrived determined to keep our hands firmly on it.

An away fixture at Bitton Park is never an easy task and a tough place to go, our margin of victory in the two previous encounters there was a single point on each occasion.

Scoring opportunities are few and far between, so when they come along you have to be clinical and take them.

We did exactly that in a blistering first half, crossing for all four of our tries before the break.

It wasn’t that straightforward though and, with the Teignmouth kicker bagging 17 points during the afternoon, with a flawless display from the tee, our hosts remained firmly in the contest.

Every infringement (and there were a few) was punished, steadily keeping the scoreboard ticking and building pressure late in the game.

Each try-scoring opportunity was taken with precision. Ben Wonnacott crossed for the first, after some good work from his fellow forwards.

Next over the line was Jake Clarke, before the standout moment of the afternoon, which belonged to 17-year-old debutant Ollie Harris.

Spotting an opportunity, the youngster intercepted a long pass deep inside his own half and sprinted 80 metres upfield, showing remarkable composure to dot down for a memorable try on his debut. A moment he won’t forget in a hurry.

The first half’s try-scoring was completed by Matt Arnold. Josh Davey slotted two conversions. With a converted try and four penalties of their own, we turned around 19-24 up.

The second half was a battle. Both sides traded penalties and when Davey knocked over his second, we had a 22-30 lead with time running out.

As the match entered its final stages, Teignmouth threw everything they had at us in a sustained onslaught.

However, we showed our class and composure under pressure, defending resolutely to see out the game and secure an impressive result on the road.

There was a physical cost to the victory, however. Both Charlie Cookson and Josh Woodland picked up injuries that will require some rest, making the upcoming week off a welcome blessing for the squad as they look to recover before returning to action.

Coming up on Saturday, March 14: 1st XV – no game, 2nd XV v Withycombe (H), 3rd XV v Teignmouth (H), Colts XV v Camp Hill (H).