CREDITON RFC 2ND XV 31-12 WITHYCOMBE RFC 1ST XV

IT would be fair to say it’s been a challenging season for the 2nds.

The Counties 2 Devon League throws up a demanding mix of 1st XV and 2nd XV opposition, and while that standard has tested us, it has also sharpened those stepping into the 1st XV. But after going without a win since early December, the lads needed a performance — and they delivered one.

We talked about starting strong, and that’s exactly what happened. From the first whistle we put Withycombe under pressure, carrying hard and playing with real intent. No. 8 Will Crang and centre Ollie Clark set the tone early with powerful running that put us firmly on the front foot.

The opening score came after some excellent handling from prop Harvey Murfitt and flanker Matt Pearce, freeing winger Tom Hunt up the right touchline. He beat the full-back and finished under the posts, with George Baxter adding the extras for a 7–0 lead.

Momentum stayed with us. Good work from Josh Atkinson and Charlie Conner created space out wide, allowing Euan Philip to dive over in the corner for 12–0.

Withycombe began to grow into the game, but our defence held firm and we continued to make meaningful gains in their half.

Just before the break, sustained pressure earned us a five-metre scrum. Crang picked from the base and powered over for a well-deserved try. With the referee blowing for half-time, we went in 17–0 ahead.

The interval gave Withy a chance to regroup, and they came out with renewed energy, getting some of their big runners into the game. While their handling under pressure let them down at times, they did manage to get on the scoreboard with a converted try, narrowing the gap to 17–7.

The next score felt crucial — and it was Philip again who delivered, crossing for his second of the afternoon. Baxter’s conversion pushed us out to a far more comfortable 24–7.

Withycombe weren’t done and hit back with an unconverted try to make it 24–12, but we finished the stronger. Clark, who had been excellent all game, was rewarded with a try of his own, converted once more by Baxter to seal a 31–12 full time victory.

This was a performance that showed exactly what this squad is capable of. Confident in attack, committed in defence, and full of work rate across the park.

Every player emptied the tank, and the result was fully deserved.

Coming up on Saturday, March 21: 1st XV – Penzance and Newlyn (A), 2nd XV v Dartmouth (H), 3rd XV v Penzance and Newlyn (A), Colts XV v Barnstaple (H) – Devon Colts Cup semi-final.