ON one of the rare dry days this year, Sunday, February 22, Crediton Women stepped out to face top of the table Yeovil — and despite the sunshine, both the pitch and the opposition proved relentlessly heavy going.

Yeovil came out strong, dominating the scrum for most of the match, with Crediton snatching only the odd solid hold. But it was Crediton who struck first: Libby Baker spotted space and charged through to score the opener, calmly converted by Rachel Mortimer.

Yeovil answered back with a powerful run that shrugged off defenders, levelling the score and setting the tone for an intense midfield battle.

Both teams went toe to toe through the centre of the pitch, fighting for every scrap of possession.

Crediton’s escape route came through Caitlyn, whose booming kicks repeatedly relieved pressure and pushed play deep into Yeovil territory.

A well executed lineout routine paid off beautifully, sending Holly Keast over for Crediton’s second try — again converted by the ever reliable Rachel. The first half continued with determined, back and forth rugby between the two 22s. Half time: 14–7 to Crediton.

The second half opened with wave after wave of Yeovil attack. Crediton’s defence put in a heroic shift, but eventually the pressure told and Yeovil crossed to level the game. More end to end play followed, but another sustained Yeovil surge saw the visitors take the lead: 14–21.

Crediton pressed hard and came close on several occasions, but a combination of repeated penalties and a couple of lost scrums handed Yeovil the momentum they needed to secure two further tries. Final score: 14–33.

The scoreboard doesn't reflect just how fierce, disciplined and impressive Crediton’s performance was — arguably one of their strongest and most determined displays of the season so far.

Forward of the Match: Michelle Greed. Back of the Match: Rachel Mortimer.