Tiverton Quins 14 - Crediton Quins 8

A CERTAIN amount of head scratching went on after the game between Tiverton Quins and Crediton Quins as the players tried to work out quite how they managed to lose this game.

In the end, the solution was relatively simple. The hard work had been done in the first half, having played up the slope and turned over 8-7 ahead.

The second half was all about territory, we had started to boss the scrums to such an extent that irrespective of whose put in, we looked like winning the ball. However, the difference between winning scrums in your own half as opposed to a few metres off the Tiverton line, was vast.

We really needed to put them under the same pressure inside their "22" which we failed. Tivvy were strong in defence and any thrusts through the middle were generally easily contained, we should have kicked for territory and put them under pressure and make their exits more difficult.

The opening 10 minutes was all Tiverton and they deservedly took the lead with something of a solo try from their very pacey left winger as he cut inside to score at the posts, the conversion put them seven points to the good.

We began to get some control on the game and lock Josh Pearce was in rampaging form as he took on the Tivvy defence. We camped on their line for long periods but could not force the breakthrough until eventually the pressure told and we were awarded a penalty on the half hour and which fly-half Tom Ronchetti popped over.

We continued to batter the home line and after several minutes of pick and goes, centre Dan Yendell forced his way over for the try to give us the interval lead that we deserved.

Our tails should really have been up at the start of the second period and indeed we began to take command. The home scrum was all over the place but we failed to make a great deal of headway with ball in-hand.

Attempts to run from deep were generally easily thwarted and what was really needed was some kicking for territory and play the rugby in their half.

An error in midfield after another attempt to run from deep created an opportunity for the hosts to break clear and score under the posts and the simple conversion put them ahead with half an hour remaining.

Unfortunately, we failed to learn the lesson and continued in the same vein which suited Tivvy as, with a combination of our errors and their defence, held us at bay for the remainder of the game.

The final minutes we were camped on their line with pick and goes which somehow they defended, albeit with Tivvy players piling in from every angle other than by parachute. In the end it was a penalty against us that allowed Tivvy to close the game out.

Crediton Thirds 14 - Exeter Engineers 57

As the final whistle blew on this Devon Merit Table 2NE fixture it was the pace, fitness and organisation of the students that won the day but the spirit, attitude and commitment of our threes also shone through in spades.

Our visitors started strongly and dominated territory for the opening 10 minutes, although possession was 50/50 as both sides were managing to turn the ball over frequently.

We were struggling to get out of our own third though and paid the price when, despite a scrappy lineout, the Engineers managed to get the ball across the backline to score out wide.

Almost immediately we were hit again after a kick through was chased down for a second unconverted score and, soon after, the students were in again under the posts and we found ourselves 0-17 down after a quarter of an hour.

These early scores were quite a setback, but we started to get into the game. Our scrum was looking strong and, when we kept the ball tight, we were able to make good ground.

Jamie Acton, playing only his second game in the back row, carried well and Jack Reed (one of three Reed’s on the pitch!) was working hard in the loose.

When we looked to go a little wider, Brad Baker and Kieran Jones did their best to give us some go forward but the visitor’s backline was proving hard to penetrate.

Despite this decent spell, we couldn’t get into a scoring position and on 35 minutes the visitors extended their lead to 0-24 before, on the stroke of half-time, they went further ahead 0-31.

Unfortunately, the second half started in similar fashion and an early converted try from Engineers took it to 0-38. Again, we were stirred into life and after some good pressure from the pack Wayne Reed powered over for a try which Hayden Hill converted to make it 7-38.

For the next 20 minutes, the game was a real tussle.

Our strength was keeping the game tight while the students were more comfortable throwing the ball wider. Replacements Pete Rich and Ashley Bradnock were coming to the fore, taking the game to the opposition and getting us on the front foot.

However, it was the visitors who scored next, extending their lead to 7-43 and then again to 7-50. We may have been down but we certainly had more to give and with five minutes remaining Jack Reed burst through to score.

Ryan Styles converted and it was 14-50. The last word though went to the Engineers who rounded off their afternoon with a final converted try. Full time 14-57.

Congratulations to the Engineers on their performance and the win. We suspect you will have a decent season!

A huge shout out to our lads too. You never gave up. Your attitude was awesome. Your commitment was champion.

Back to league action tomorrow as the First XV travel to Keynsham, the Seconds host Paignton in the Merit Table and the Thirds travel to Exeter Athletic. At the time of writing Athletic are uncertain as to whether they have a team, if they are unable to fulfil the fixture we shall travel to North Tawton for a friendly against their Second XV.

Paul Harris