CREDITON RFC COLTS XV 21-19 BARNSTAPLE

THE Colts returned to action after a five-week layoff with a hard-fought away win at Barnstaple, overcoming early rust and a relentless opposition to snatch victory in the dying moments.

Travelling with a 23-man squad, we struggled to find rhythm in the first half. Handling errors, tactical misfires, and poor decision-making plagued our play, but we managed to take a narrow 14-12 lead into the break.

Barnstaple came out firing in the second half, matching their earlier aggression and determination. Their pressure paid off with an unconverted try, nudging them ahead 17-14.

We continued to struggle, conceding territory and possession, but showed glimpses of our potential when it mattered most.

Debutant Hayden Leach crossed the whitewash to level the scores, setting the stage for a nervy conversion.

With the kick positioned five metres in from the left touchline and just outside the 22, Jake Kibbey stepped up and slotted it, cool as you like.

Barnstaple, spirited and relentless throughout, pushed us to the final whistle. But our lads held firm, securing a gutsy 19-21 win that speaks volumes about their resilience and character.

Tries: Ozzie Kent, Bertie Johnstone, Hayden Leach. Cons: Jake Kibbey, three.

Chris Kibbey and Jay Harris