Crediton 2nd XV 24 - Exeter Saracens 1st XV 43

DESPITE a spirited second half fightback, Exeter Saracens 1st XV proved too strong and left with a fully deserved victory.

Playing with the wind at their backs, the visitors needed less than a minute to open the scoring, and by halftime they had built a commanding 3–31 lead. Our only points in the first 40 came from a George Baxter penalty.

Aside from the scrum, Sarries controlled the opening period: sharper, more organised, and far more clinical.

We struggled to build any continuity, turning over possession too cheaply and too often.

There were, however, glimpses of what we’re capable of, and after some frank words at the break, plus the wind now in our favour, we came out with renewed intent.

The response was immediate.

After working through several phases, the ball was moved wide to Ben Baxter who was lurking on the wing. He was hauled down by a high tackle but managed to free the ball to Euan Philip, who powered over. George Baxter added the extras.

With momentum shifting, we began to apply sustained pressure.

Sarries, suddenly less comfortable, conceded a string of penalties which we tapped quickly to keep the tempo high.

The forwards were held up short on a couple of occasions, but after another spell inside the visitors’ 22, the ball was spread wide and Charlie Gribble finished well. Baxter’s conversion closed the gap to 17–31.

At that point, the next score was always going to be decisive. Unfortunately, it went the way of the visitors, stretching the margin to 17–38.

Even then, we weren’t done. Chris Hooper crossed late on, Baxter again converting to make it 24-38, but Sarries hit back once more to push the score to 24-43.

With time in the red, we had one final opportunity to chase a tryscoring bonus point with a penalty to the corner, but the kick drifted dead, and the referee brought the game to a close.

There were encouraging signs in that second half performance, but this defeat leaves us three places off the bottom of the table.

We always knew this season would be a challenge, yet competing at this level demands more than simply turning up on a Saturday. The match day effort is there, it’s about turning patches of promise into 80 minute performances.

Scorers – Tries; Philip, Gribble, Hooper – Cons; Baxter (3) – Pen; Baxter.