CREDITON 3RD XV 35-10 BARNSTAPLE

BARNSTAPLE away has been a daunting task for the 3rds recently but, having beaten them at home earlier in the season, the thought of a win wasn't out of the lads’ heads completely!

Competing on the main pitch, in front of a vociferous Barnstaple crowd, was also a little daunting for some of the team to start with, and it was the hosts who scored first, using their pacy back three to good effect and scoring out wide.

In true Kirton fashion we responded quickly, taking a lineout in the Barum 22 and driving them back over their line for Lewis Cook to dot down with Owen Cooper adding the extras.

Barnstaple continued to threaten and once again the speed of their backs was decisive as they beat us around the outside for a second, well-worked, try out wide.

We fought back again, this time with Sam Reed crashing over for a try which the ever-reliable Cooper converted.

Quite often this season the 3rds’ scrum has been a deadly weapon, and this match was no exception. The front row of Richard Gray, Matt Moyes and Lewis Cook were dominating and leading the charge. The trusty duo of Ashley Bradnock and Joe Wreford more than solid in the in the engine room and with the unstoppable trio of Liam Staite, Harry Poole and Ben Rodd in the back row we were gaining the ascendancy and being rewarded with the hosts coughing up penalties.

Our dominance took its toll on the Barum forwards and they lost a front row through injury. With no recognised replacement, it was uncontested scrums for the second half. Cynics may suggest this was a ploy to take the sting out of our potent attacking weapon, particularly with the threat of Wayne Reed on the bench!

Half-time gave the squad an opportunity to gather their thoughts. We were 10-14 up but had to adjust to the situation. The heavens opened for a brief downpour of hail and rain and this spurred us into life.

Skipper Ben Rodd, fresh from helping Devon Young Farmers win the Tamar Cup against the Cornish counterparts the night before, showed no signs of fatigue and crashed through many defenders from 15 metres out to score a brilliant solo try.

Liam Staite was quick to follow, topping off a fine all-round performance, to smash through the Barnstaple defence to score. Finally, not to be outdone by his son, Wayne Reed completed our scoring after crashing his way through from the back of a ruck!

Conditions weren’t great for kicking from the tee but Owen Cooper dealt with them admirably, slotting all his conversions. Final score 10-35.

This game showed how the 3rds are growing and learning how to change their game to suit conditions or situations that might not favour them. The players really took the bull by the horns and proved that they mean business.

It was fantastic that Club President Trevor Sanders made the trip to North Devon to support and he thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon. He was extremely impressed by a true game of grass roots rugby and gave some very kind post-match words which will mean a lot more to the lad's than he thinks!

We thank Barnstaple for their hospitality and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.

This coming Saturday, November 8 the 1st XV make the short trip to Tiverton in the league, the 2nd XV head to South Molton 1sts, the 3rd XV host South Molton 2nds and the Colts are away at Exeter Athletic. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Chris Hooper, John Gurzynski and Jay Harris