CREDITON 20 CLEVE 35

WHILE this game wasn’t a must-win, it was certainly one where victory would have been welcome given we sit above Cleve in the league. 

In the end, after a disappointing performance we were left to reflect on an equally disappointing result.

Of particular concern is that our defence at the early part of the season was one of our strengths but of late it has shown some frailties as we have leaked 144 points in our last four games and all too often, opponents are creating scoring opportunities off our mistakes.

We started brightly enough and our early pressure was rewarded with a penalty on four minutes which Ollie Avery-Wright slotted through the posts for a 3 - 0 lead.

There weren’t any reasons for concern in the opening exchanges as we appeared to hold the upper hand in the scrum and were looking like we could create some chances in the wider channels.  Unfortunately that optimism was blown away in a nightmare few minutes.

With possession in our half of the field, Cleve were on the attack.  A slight hint of a knock on in midfield might have given us a scrum, but the referee waved play on and the visitors broke through to score a converted try. 

The game was still young and this wasn’t a score to kill the game off but, when almost immediately they scored a second, we were in a bit of trouble.  Cleve returned the kick off with and as we set off on a counter an attempted chip over the visiting “12" was plucked out of the air giving a simple run to score.  

Shortly after, we gave away a penalty and with a quarter of the game gone, all of a sudden we were 3 - 17 down and looking rattled. 

We needed some composure and possession to try and find a way back into the game and for the next 15 minutes there were signs that we might just be able to do that.

With half time approaching, we had an attack that was halted five metres out by a high tackle. The offender was given a 10 minute break by the “ref" and we opted for a scrum. 

No 8 Ben Wonnacott broke of the base and offloaded nicely to Josh Woodland who dived over.  Avery-Wright added the extras and at 10 - 17 we were back in the game.

There were still a few minutes until the break and we had our tails up.  We went on the attack, which ended when an attempted dropped goal was mis-hit.  The ball hit a Cleve player, rolled over their line and was touched down. 

Depending on your interpretation of the law, a five metre scrum could have been awarded but the referee signalled a “22” drop out. 

Cleve kicked long upfield and where a clearance kick to touch would probably have heralded the end of the half, we opted to run out of defence giving away a penalty in the process.  Rather than take the three points on offer Cleve kicked to the corner.

A well-worked catch and drive led to a penalty try as we collapsed the maul, earning a sin binning in the process.

That was half time and we were trailing 10 - 24.  You could argue that scoreline was a little harsh, but in all honesty Cleve had capitalised on the opportunities they were given and we hadn’t.

We needed to start the second half strongly and get the first score but five minutes in, following a strong run and several missed tackles, we were back under our posts and any thoughts of a comeback were pretty much gone.  The visitors were taking control in most departments and they extended their lead to 10 - 32 with a penalty on 60 minutes.

The lads continued to battle and we were able to enjoy some territory and possession late in the game, although some of our decision making lacked clarity.  Saying that, we were able to cross for two more unconverted tries.  Josh Woodland picked up his second following a couple of phases after a scrum and Will Goodman drove over after some good forward pressure.  Both scores were split by a further Cleve penalty making the final score 20 - 35.

We’ve had better days than this, that’s for sure!  The players have given us some cracking displays and results this season and that’s what makes days like this so disappointing for everyone.  They have it in them and will be working hard to get back on form.

Exeter Athletic 2nds 36 v 3rd XV 12

Rather disappointingly, the 3rds arrived at Exeter Athletic only to be told that the home side had no front row and the game would have to be played with non contested scrums.

Scrummaging is all a part of the game and is a particular strength for the 3rd XV.

To have that negated proved a huge disappointment and of course the home side had a strong set of backs.

Nonetheless the 3rds battled away throughout the game and were rewarded with a couple of tries, Richard Gray and Hayden Hill got the touchdowns with Hill adding a conversion.

Crediton Colts 37 v Bideford

The Colts bounced back from their narrow defeat to Cullompton last week with a comfortable and impressive victory against Bideford to retain their position in fourth place in the Merit Table.

Paul Harris