WITH four wins from four games, Devonport would undoubtedly have been favourites in this game and the way the game started, it is unlikely that anyone would have disagreed.

Right from the kick off they set up an attack and whilst that was thwarted by some solid defending, it took four minutes for the scoreboard to start moving when a free flowing move ended with a try more or less under the posts for scrum half Dylan Daley.

The conversion was something of a formality which Richard Goldsby-West landed with ease and the home crowd could be forgiven for anticipating a long hard afternoon ahead.

Rather like a boxer who had taken a few blows to the head, the Crediton players simply shook off that bad start and began to take the game to the visitors. However, their defence was in no mood to yield and although we managed a couple of half breaks, we were shut down pretty well.

Devonport always looked dangerous when attacking from depth but our defence also remained pretty solid as the game took on a tit-for-tat attack-defend routine.

Ollie Avery-Wright landed a penalty in the 10th minute to reduce the arrears and thereon the game was something of a stalemate with defences on top. Certainly, we were having the better of things at the scrum as the visiting front row looked anything but comfortable but neither side could create sufficient openings to find a way through.

Things burst into life in minute 33 when a superb handling move took play from the left on half-way, fullback Josh Davey came into the line at pace and managed a superb offload to winger Josh Woodland who did the rest in the corner.

The conversion drifted wide but nonetheless we went to the interval with what might have been considered an unexpected one point lead.

The second half started with our boys controlling territory and possession but, somewhat against the run of play, on the hour mark we found ourselves in arrears once again when a driving maul became impossible to defend and visiting skipper Matt Gregory touched down, the conversion by Goldsby-West put the visitors ahead 14-8.

Goldsby-West and Avery-Wright traded penalties for 17-11 to Devonport going into the final quarter.

We threatened several times as we ran at the defence with Ross Toms prominent but our inability to finish things off looked to be a major problem. The visitors withstood the pressure and looked threatening with ball in hand but as has been the common theme throughout, defences held firm. Devonport were beginning to be visibly frustrated and incurred the wrath of the referee with some ill-disciplined play although both sides did have players in the sin-bin. However, we learned from our mistakes whereas Devonport did not and with time running out, a penalty 15 metres out was disputed by the visitors who were promptly marched back a further 10 metres.

A quick penalty and lock Luke Mingo was driven over the line.

We were of course still a point behind with a difficult conversion from the touchline to come. Avery-Wright landed superbly and we were ahead by a single point.

More drama followed when we were awarded a penaltly just inside our own half and in an effort to run the clock down, we opted for the kick at goal. Avery-Wright’s effort was short and the visitors set up a counter attack which ended with a penalty to them on half-way.

They had three options, a kick for goal to win the game, a kick for touch and have the benefit of a lineout deep in our territory with still an opportunity to score a try, or, as they decided, to run and create an attacking platform.

A simple decision made difficult by the option, the ball was knocked on and we had a scrum and the ball put into touch.

For the second half performance in particular, we deserved the victory, having dominated territory and had we been a little more clinical the margin of victory could have been greater.

Whilst the entire team deserve the accolades, mention must be made of skipper Henry Gavin who led by example, made several carries and always gained ground and tackled like a man possessed.

Newcomer Fenton Davies came in at scrum-half for the injured Ed Brady and had an excellent game and overall there is huge pride in the performance.

A result that will indeed make people take notice and proves we are a force to be reckoned with.

Crediton Seconds 26 - Devonport Seconds 12

The signs of a change in form were there last week against Ivybridge and the seconds will be delighted to break their duck with a great win against Devonport seconds.

As anticipated it was a tough battle as it always is with Devonport and indeed it was the visitors who took the lead almost as quickly as their First XV had done with a try on 10 minutes. However, the Quins fought back in fine style with a try from lock, Callum Anthony converted by Sam Ronchetti for a 7-5 lead.

The grip tightened when prop Macca Jones darting over for a try, again converted by Sam Ronchetti.

Devonport reduced the deficit to two points with a converted try early in the second-half.

The Quins then asserted their control with Mike Pearce making a welcome return from retirement and directing operations as we attacked down the slope.

Some strong running from back row forwards Sam Rowe and Josh Pearce kept the visitors on the defensive.

Some quick rucks and pick and go’s provided space for Ethan Power to touch down.

The final try came via the forwards after a succession of driving mauls and rucks, enabled Jones to crash over, the conversion from Sam Ronchetti completed the scoring.

This was a much improved performance from the Quins and we welcomed two new players in Oliver Clark and Dan Enselder who made their debut appearances for the Club.

The welcome return of Mike Pearce added some experience and we can certainly look forward to an improvement in results hopefully starting at Tiverton tomorrow (Saturday, October 16).

Topsham Seconds 82 - Crediton Thirds 5

Topsham proved to be far too strong for the Thirds with a combination of experience, youth and pace, we had little answer.

Nonetheless, the players battled to the bitter end and never let heads drop.

The second half showed some improvement and we did put pressure on the Topsham line and were rewarded with a try from Kieran Jones.

Crediton Colts 12 - 20 Sidmouth Colts – U18 National Cup First Round

Following the positive performances so far this season, we had high hopes that the Colts would progress through this U18 National Cup first round tie. Played as a curtain raiser ahead of the First XV league game against Devonport Services, a good crowd had gathered soaking up the autumnal sunshine.

As it turned out, Sidmouth deservedly progressed to the second round, running out winners 12 v 20 and the young Kirton lads were left to rue the fact that their performance was some way off their best.

In the early stages of the game we managed to control territory and possession but we were not playing with any great intensity and were not looking particularly threatening.

Our lineout was not functioning, mainly due to a very good Sidmouth set piece.

On 20 minutes, after some Sidmouth pressure, we conceded a penalty to go 0 v 3 down and 10 minutes later, the visitors extended their lead with an unconverted try.

Freddie Blackburn gathered the resultant restart and after several picks from the pack, Will Conner drove over. Blackburn converted and it was 7 v 8.

With just a few minutes to go in the half, we found a bit of energy and it looked like we had sparked into life.

It was Sidmouth though who got the first score after the break with another unconverted try stretching the lead to 7 v 13. Again, we hit back pretty quickly with a Tom Gulley try after he picked from the base of a ruck 20 metres out and thundered down the touchline to score.

The conversion was missed and it was 12 v 13.

With 25 minutes to go, the game was still anyone’s but Sidmouth were the side looking most dangerous and we were still not firing on all cylinders. Once again the visitors wrestled control back and on 60 minutes went 12 v 20 ahead with a converted try.

That set up a frantic final 10 minutes and although we came close, we weren’t able to get the two scores required.

While there was disappointment at the end, we couldn’t argue with the result and the lads quickly lifted themselves to cheer on the First XV as they pulled off a stunning league win.

Many congratulations to Sidmouth and good luck in the next round.

With no First XV game tomorrow (Saturday, October 16), the Quins travel to Tiverton whilst the Thirds host Exeter Engineers.

The Colts also have a day off.

Paul Harris