THE Girls of Crediton Rugby Club continued their travels around the County last Sunday (October 20) with a trip down to Bicton College to take on girls from Exmouth, Withycombe and Camborne with a glorious afternoon providing perfect rugby conditions.

UNDER 13’S

The Kirton Girls opened with a very competitive match against hosts Excombe, (the combined Exmouth/Withycombe team). Crediton started a little slowly but soon went through the gears to take control of the match.

Playing on a more wider pitch than normal the girls soon worked out that passing the ball out wide was the most effective way to score tries, crossing the line four times to the home side’s once for a final score of Excombe 5 - Crediton 20.

Crediton were then afforded a little rest as Excombe took on Camborne, with Crediton lending players to the Cornish travellers to enable a full game. Well played to the girls who played for Camborne.

Finally the youngest of the Crediton Girls teams finished the afternoon with another encounter with our Cornish friends, Camborne. It was another hard-fought game in which the girls had to be at their best to gain control.

But with the improvements that the side have been making, Crediton eventually shone through and repeated their first game score, winning 20-5.

Captain was Kaitlyn who took the team talks and led the team well. There were some big performances on the field: Gracie’s clear out at the ruck and Lucy and Livvy communicating around the mauls were individual high points. Joint players of the day were Charlie and Maisie who were both outstanding.

Try scorers Holly S, Livvy, Charley, Charlotte, Poppy Harrison, Martha and Maisie. Once again credit to everyone who played, you are all a vital part of this team and we can see improvement in everyone.

UNDER 15’S

Low numbers led to a change of plans for the Under 15 Girls. Crediton themselves bought 14, (their lowest match day squad of the season), whilst the teams from Exmouth and Camborne fielded seven between them, so that all of the girls that had made the journey could get the maximum from the day.

All of the coaches agreed that the fairest way was to create two ‘Barbarians’ teams splitting all the clubs attendees into two equal teams and going ahead with a 10-a-side game.

The girls themselves chose to play this on a full side pitch and a try-fest of running rugby ensued. In the spirit of the game, and with all of the girls getting in on the act, the final score was immaterial but with around 150 points going on the board and divided pretty equally, it’s easy to see why the supporters thoroughly enjoyed what could have been a damp squib if the Crediton Girls had wanted to stay as one team.

The coaches from the opposition were delighted with this arrangement, praising the Crediton Girls not only for their attitude but for the way that all of the girls from the other teams were welcomed and treated by the Kirton contingent.

Big thanks go to Sarah Westcott who travelled from Crediton to Bicton to referee the Under 15s game. It was very much appreciated.

UNDER 18’S

For the second weekend in a row the oldest Black and Amber squad had a tough match taking on the combined might of Exmouth/Withycombe/Camborne.

It should always be remembered that when this happens the Crediton girls are pitching their talents against good and dedicated players who come together to create powerful teams.

With the bear numbers to create their own 15-girl side, the Crediton Girls started with a warning of not to get injured (no subs) and don’t let them run on a perfect playing surface. They knew that the opposition had strength upfront and pace in the backs.

However, Crediton can offer these advantages too and the sides proved to be evenly matched. With both teams also containing great kickers, the game really opened up and became the antitheses of the one channel/one dimension game they had been playing at the start of the season.

It was great to see the girls in Black and Amber being decisive. Attacking up hill, the girls really trying to use the full width of the pitch and make the defence work – calling the ball outwide to get the overlap and score.

The girls identified a mismatch on the wing with winger Evie attacking with a hard running line, and with great support from Eloise, Emily and April brought Emily into score and April on a second occasion.

There were some crunching tackles in the game, and aggressive clearing out of rucks. And the eveness of the sides meant that if Crediton were sometimes a little slow to the breakdown it always resulted in losing the ball as both sides contested the breakdowns hard.

An example of how even the game was came when, at one point Crediton were three metres out from scoring, threw a pass to no-one which was then pounced on by the opposition and led to Crediton back in their own 22 defending.

As far as individual performances were concerned, there was some great handling of the ball, with Caitlyn catching some lovely high balls and Holly K catching a long and hard miss pass.

Clara with her reliable boot scoring three conversions and Eva, Grace and Clara reducing pressure with their boots.

Frustration within the team at half-time could have turned the game in the way of the opposition, but all credit must be given to the girls for sorting out their problems, digging in and bringing it back.

As the tense battle was drawing to a close, Crediton were losing by one point with just four minutes to go. With a combination of determination, teamwork and no little skill Crediton forged a passage of play offloading at pace with great support which allowed Holly Pickett to hit the defence hard and crashed over for the winning try, converted to put the icing on the cake.

All 15 girls were a credit to their squad and the club and should be proud of the way they played. Great work ethic from all.

The way the girls are playing is indicating really good progression and this can only get better with commitment to and in training.

There are always improvements to be made, further work on breakdown play, and further work on supporting runners will surely pay dividends as the season moves on.

Try scorers – Holly P, April, Emily B, Grace, Eva and Clara; Conversions – Clara (3).