CREDITON 15 - DEVONPORT 21

FOR the third successive week we found ourselves up against a side at the top of the league and with four wins from their opening five games the visitors arrived full of confidence.

For our part, we were without the services of several players which probably hindered our attacking options but certainly did not diminish our defensive capability.

Certainly Devonport controlled possession and territory and for much of the first period led 6-3. As the half-time whistle approached however, they took advantage of a stray pass and scored in the corner to lead 11-3.

Within 12 minutes of the second half Devonport had increased their lead with a second try and conversion and it looked very much like game over.

However, scrum-half Ed Brady, ably assisted by his forwards, reduced the arrears and with the visiting forwards visibly tiring as their scrum began to creak, it looked as though we could well get something out of the game.

A further penalty gave them a bit of breathing space but we continued to put pressure on their scrum and eventually got our reward with a penalty try, now worth an automatic seven points which put us back within six points.

A converted try would have done the trick but sadly time ran out and the visitors clung on to their lead.

If the last three games have proved one thing it is that there is very little to separate the top sides from those near the foot of the table.

With the exception of Chard, against whom we were unable to score a try, the other two we have either outscored or equalled them on try count.

Unfortunately, we have been losing to penalty kicks which is somewhat frustrating for the players and coaches alike.

We certainly need to spend more time in the opponents “22” and build the pressure - do that and scores will come.

CREDITON ‘QUINS 33 - DEVONPORT 5

Crediton Seconds welcomed Devonport Services to Blagdon for a Devon Merit Table One League fixture aware that third in the table Services had been putting together some decent results in recent weeks including a 68-0 drubbing of Bideford Seconds last week.

The game started quite scrappily with neither side able to settle, however, it was the Devonport who got the scoreboard moving after 22 minutes.

From a line-out close to the ‘Quins try-line they secured possession and their big pack drove over the Crediton line to touch down for an unconverted try.

This prompted the young Crediton side into action and we camped in the Services half where they put sustained pressure on their defence but were unable to break through.

With half-time approaching the ‘Quins finally got on the scoreboard. The dominant Crediton pack once again won good scrum ball which saw three of last year’s Colts involved in the score.

No 8 Rob Guthrie pick up and made ground before passing to scrum-half Bobby Saunders who went over for a try. Fly-half Josh Davey added the extras, making the half-time score 7-5 to Crediton.

Crediton upped the tempo in the second half and within a minute of kick off prop Macca Jones drove over the Services line for an unconverted try following a good steal by Josh Pearce off a Services line-out.

The ‘Quins began to take the initiative and, gaining in confidence, were soon on the scoreboard again. Following several phases of play in mid-field the ball was moved out wide to winger Morgan Rundle who outstripped the Services defenders to go over for a try, Josh Davey adding the extras.

After 53 minutes centre Rob Milton, who would be considered a veteran when compared to the average age of his team mates, was next on the scoreboard when once again good phase play produced excellent ball for the backs and he cut a really good angle to go over for a try, Josh Davey again adding the extras.

Services were attempting to get back into the game with their experienced player/coach Matty Antis constantly giving them good field positions with his trusty boot but the Crediton defence remained solid.

The ‘Quins were by no means finished though and on 70 minutes they scored their fifth try. Winning a line-out in the Services 22 metres area, the Crediton backs found prop Rob Leach who powered his way over the line for a try, with Josh Davey landing his fourth conversion of the afternoon, making the final score 33-5 to Crediton.

After two narrow defeats in previous weeks it was good to see this young Crediton side getting a well-deserved win, and whilst there are still areas of their game which need working on, there is huge potential in this squad.

SOUTH MOLTON SECONDS 19 - CREDITON THIRDS 7

The Thirds were hugely disappointed to lose at South Molton Seconds. Flanker Ed Marshall scored the try with Phil Anning converting.

BRIXHAM COLTS 12 - CREDITON COLTS 19

The Colts recorded their first win of the season with a fine performance away at Brixham in the Devon Colts Shield Competition.

Tries came from Oscar Broad-Voysey, Sam Wilson and Josh Woodland plus a couple of conversions from Conrad Saunders were enough to see off their hosts.

Paul Harris