EXETER SARACENS 51-19 COLTS XV

THE Colts were on the road again and a large squad made the trip to Exeter Saracens on Saturday, 29 players in total pulled on their boots and were well supported for this local clash.

A perfect day for rugby produced very evenly matched opening moments as both teams looked to attack when they had possession, which was met by physical and organised defence.

It took nearly 15 minutes for the first score, which came from Saracens centre field pressure that sucked in defenders, eventually being finished down their right wing.

We upped our tempo after the restart and did the same to Saracens with some strong midfield carries that got us deep into opposition territory.

Only a couple of metres out we turned over possession which Saracens cleared with a long kick down field, the bounce was kind to the Saracens chase as the ball sat up nicely for their flyhalf who then raced in for their second try.

We applied pressure following the restart, more strong carries from forwards and backs, and more possession only meters from the Saracens line. The forwards kept it tight with pick and go’s and eventually scrum half Max Day crashed over from a metre out for our first try. Ollie Harris slotted the conversion.

We were intent on staying in the Saracens half but their defence was resolute and kept repelling our attack.

A fumbled ball was cleared close to the Saracens line and following a mid field tussle Saracens broke through a ruck and charged in.

On the stroke of half time, Sarries went the length of the field to take a 22-7 lead into the break.

Our hosts started the second half with a bit more punch in attack and put territory pressure on our lads who did well to keep them out and make ground while defending but were beaten by the bounce of a loose ball which popped up nicely for the rushing Saracens players.

We upped the physicality again and worked the way downfield with a series of clever kicks and big carries. A penalty on their 22m line was tapped and passed to replacement hooker Ben Powlesland who showed great footwork and pace to beat the first two defenders to then finish by dragging another two defenders over the line as he dotted down. Ollie Harris added the conversion.

A missed penalty kick to touch allowed Saracens to run an exit from their 22 and a clever chip over the onrushing defence was gathered by Saracens who went in to score.

Saracens then had a period of sustained possession and territory, and we were eventually undone as they worked the ball coast to coast and scored in the corner.

We seemed to switch off defensively for Saracens next try, which came from an innocuous centre field line out that was played off the top and shifted wide early resulting in another try in the same corner just minutes later.

The game became a tussle between the 22s, our attack was met by a very physical defensive effort from Sarries and a dropped ball and fortunate bounce did for Crediton, although credit should go to the Saracens fly half who still had work to do to score.

The final try of the day came after a period of pressure that was finished off beautifully by Ben Powlesland and replacement prop Zack Blewett.

A 2 v 3 on the left wing, with Ben doing enough to get 2 defenders to commit to him before giving a deft pass to Zack who sidestepped into the final defender to crash over for a try any winger would have been proud of.

It was a day of missed opportunities and us, not being clinical enough when it mattered and defensive lapses costing us.

However, the lads have proven in every game they have played this season that they will not roll over even when the game is lost, which is something they should be proud of.

We welcome Torrington RFC to Blagdon next Saturday in the first round of the Devon Cup, in which will be an entertaining game to watch.

Scorers: Tries – Max Day, Ben Powlesland, Zack Blewett; Conversions – Ollie Harris (2).

Guy Courage