CREDITON RFC 3RD XV 49-5 EXETER ENGINEERS 2ND XV

WE welcomed Exeter Engineers to Blagdon last weekend on a stormy afternoon, but despite the wind and rain, the conditions were perfect for grassroots rugby.

Looking to extend our winning run, captain Ben Rodd delivered some strong words of encouragement before kick-off and the lads clearly listened. The ball was slippery, mistakes came from both sides, but whenever it hit the deck, we made sure it was Crediton's.

The line-outs proved challenging in the conditions, but veteran Kevin Ellis was on target throughout, finding Harry Poole with impressive accuracy. Up front, the big lads carried hard all afternoon, making valuable metres and ensuring we enjoyed the lion's share of possession.

To their credit, the youthful Engineers side got on the scoreboard with a well-worked try, moving the ball nicely before breaking down the wing to score in the corner. But the mighty 3rd XV never looked rattled and continued to pile the pressure on.

Richard Gray powered over from close range to get himself on the scoresheet, while Harry Poole was his usual menacing self, crashing over for another try. The evergreen Barny Butterfield put in yet another strong shift and was rewarded with a score of his own. Not to be outdone, son Elliot Butterfield clearly fancied one-upmanship and responded with a superb brace of tries, both excellent finishes.

Paddy Brady sliced through the defence to add his name to the scoresheet, while Danny Parcell, enjoying what may well be a successful new role at full-back, also crossed for a try. Captain Rodd continued his impressive scoring form with two tries of his own, and Hayden Hill added two conversions despite the challenging conditions and swirling winds.

Unfortunately for the Engineers, an afternoon of being marched backwards at scrum time and repeatedly battered by a determined, powerful and well-organised Crediton side eventually took its toll. Just after the 60-minute mark, they asked for the game to be brought to an early close.

While that meant some of our lads missed out on valuable game time, and perhaps denied us the chance to add a few more points to our points difference tally, we completely understand and respect their decision.

We wish Exeter Engineers all the best for the remainder of the season and look forward to renewing acquaintances in the return fixture.

Scorers: Tries – Barny Butterfield, Harry Poole, Paddy Brady, Danny Parcell, Elliot Butterfield (2), Ben Rodd (2); Conversions – Hayden Hill (2).

John Gurzynski