CREDITON RFC 3RD XV 50-33 TOPSHAM RFC

THE opening fixture of the Paul Harris Devon League was always likely to be an entertaining affair, and the 3rds clash with Topsham certainly lived up to expectations. With both clubs 2nd XVs competing on the same afternoon, this was a true third-team contest between two evenly matched sides that could genuinely have gone either way.

With availability a challenge, we went into the game slightly with several players having to step outside of their usual positions. Brad Perry deserves special mention for making his first-ever appearance in the front row, while Jamie Knightley marked his Crediton debut on the wing with a series of crunching tackles. It was also great to see Haydon Hill back in 3rd XV colours, returning after a lengthy absence and looking as though he had never been away.

The visitors controlled much of the first half, with their pacy backs – including former Crediton RFC player Chris Crow - taking advantage of some early rustiness from the our lads after a long summer away from competitive rugby. Despite this, we stayed firmly in the contest, with tries from captain Ben Rodd and Lewis Cook keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Owen Cooper added the extras, leaving the us trailing 19-12 at the break.

A frank discussion at half-time helped to refocus the minds and we emerged for the second period determined to play to our strengths. With the slope now in our favour, we seized control and produced an excellent display of direct running, physicality and support play.

Ashley Bradnock rolled back the years with a superb performance, repeatedly breaking the defensive line with powerful 20 and 30-metre bursts and crossing twice for deserved tries. Victor Oldland was on hand to finish off a quick tap penalty inside the 22, crashing over in the corner, while Paul Ratchford, answering a late call-up to help the side, made sure his contribution was rewarded with a try after bulldozing through the defence.

The try of the afternoon belonged to John Gurzynski, who took a tap penalty from 15 metres out and sliced through the defence like a knife through butter to score a memorable solo effort. Our dominant pack was also rewarded with a penalty try after driving a rolling maul relentlessly towards the line. Owen Cooper finished an impressive kicking display with four successful conversions.

Topsham never stopped competing and added further scores of their own, but our second-half resurgence proved decisive as we powered to victory.

Special thanks must go to Topsham for making the trip to Blagdon with a bare 15 players, and to Lewis Cook, who sportingly turned out for the visitors in the second half when numbers became stretched. It was a fine example of everything that is best about genuine third-team rugby.

Crediton wish Topsham all the very best for the remainder of the season and look forward to renewing acquaintances when the sides meet again later in the campaign.

Scorers: Tries – Ben Rodd, Lewis Cook, Ashley Bradnock (2), Victor Oldland, Paul Ratchford, john Gurzynski, Penalty Try; Conversion – Owen Cooper (4).