CREDITON RFC COLTS XV 52-7 KINGSBRIDGE

THE Colts were in fine form as they extended their winning streak to five from five in the Devon Colts Merit Table.

Kingsbridge arrived with a three from four record, their only defeat being against us at the start of the season, and so the lads were definitely up for a tough contest.

Playing up the slope on the “Leisure Pitch” in the first half, not even the most optimistic of home supporters could have foreseen how the game played out.

We started strongly, with forwards and backs combing well allowing us to work into good territory. Within 10 minutes, we had a line-out 10 metres out and, while it didn’t quite go to plan, Josh Burnison snapped up the loose ball and used his power to break through a couple of tackles to score. Ollie Harris added the extras for a 7-0 lead.

From the kick-off, we worked our way back into the Kingsbridge ’22 but a penalty gave them an easy exit and a chance for some territory of their own. They nearly scored after pouncing on the ball in midfield and hacking through but we just about won the race to the line.

Some great defensive sets and a rampaging run from Solomon Plowman eased the pressure and once again we found ourselves in a good attacking position and forcing Kingsbridge to concede a penalty. It was taken quickly and Bertie Johstone crashed over for a 12-0 lead.

The visitors had a tendency to kick away possession and when Ben Pulfer gathered a kick in our ’22 he set off up the touchline getting beyond half way. He found Johnstone in support who in turn got the ball to Charlie Cookson who ran in to finish off a brilliant passage of play with a score. Harris converted to make it 19-0.

Straight from the kick-off, good hands from forwards and backs got the ball into Cookson’s hands and he ran half the length of the pitch to score again. Harris was successful with the conversion and we were 26-0 ahead in as many minutes.

Kingsbridge then had a brief spell of pressure but again our defensive effort was immense and we kept them out.

Jed Smith put us further ahead after Kieron Wallis made a break from the half way line to the visitors ’22. From the resulting ruck, Smith spotted a gap, picked and went for line. Harris slotted the extras and it was 33-0.

With half-time approaching, and Kingsbridge trying to play out from their own half, Harris read the play well and picked out an interception to score. He added the extras to make the score at the break 40-0.

The second half started well, with Rhys Coates scoring within five minutes after good work by Bailey Adams.

To their credit, Kingsbridge found some fight and for the next 15 minutes the game was very even. Both sides got themselves in good positions but coughed up possession at crucial times.

The mini-deadlock was broken when Shay Wheeler burst through the defence to score. Harris made it six from eight from the tee to make the score 52-0.

The game continued in the same vein, but Kingsbridge had the final word when they scored a converted try right on full-time and the game finished 52-7.

This was a very good performance from the Colts. They were exciting in attack and defended with great intensity. The scrum and driving line-out worked well and the backs showed great pace and skill – well played lads!

On Saturday, November 22, the 1st XV host Teignmouth in the league and the first leg of the Geoff Warne Memorial Trophy and the 2nd XV welcome Devonport Services.

The 3rd XV head to Torrington. This coming Friday night, November 21, the Colts take on Okehampton – details TBC.

Rob Avery-Wright and Jay Harris