KINGSBRIDGE 41 - CREDITON 3

AFTER running Kingsbridge close in the home game earlier in the season, hopes were high of a reasonable result in the return game. Sadly things did not work out as hoped.

Kingsbridge showed just why they are in the top three and whilst we worked extremely hard throughout, we were unable to match them in almost every department.

One of our strengths this season has been the driving maul but the home side countered that quite comfortably if at times we felt they did pull the maul down illegally, however, it would be a bit picky to complain too much.

Whilst our lineouts worked pretty well, we did struggle a bit in the scrum, more so in the early stages. Although the scoreline suggests something of a one-sided affair, the game itself was not so.

We did have plenty of possession and made every effort to run the ball but the Kingsbridge defence presented something of a brick wall and our efforts were thwarted at almost every turn.

We did not really create much in the way of try scoring opportunities whereas the home side did, and indeed were, very clinical with their finishing.

In the end, a game best forgotten, we were well-beaten by a better team, no disgrace in that and the players could not be faulted for effort.

It was not a good day either for the other sides around us in the league so in terms of position, we did drop a place but no real damage was done. It is a close battle amongst the clubs in the bottom half with no team outside the top five totally comfortable.

We have played the top two sides twice now and whilst we are eight points above the relegation spots at least four wins from our remaining 10 games will probably be necessary to avoid the drop.

That is certainly a reasonable target and we have the players with the ability to win more than those four games.

CREDITON QUINS 18 - BIDEFORD SECONDS 12

In their first home game for over a month, Crediton Seconds entertained Bideford Seconds in a Devon Merit Table One league fixture.

Having racked up more than 50 points at Bideford earlier in the season, the ‘Quins might have been forgiven for thinking this would be something of a try fest.

However, there were 13 changes from that previous encounter but such is the quality of players coming up from the Third Fifteen, we still proved too good for the visitors.

On a very heavy pitch early exchanges between both sides were even but the heavier Crediton forwards were starting to put the Bideford pack under pressure in the set pieces and also around the field with their strong ball carrying.

It took until the 33 minute mark to get the scoreboard moving at which point Bideford were penalised for handling on the ground and full-back Phil Anning stepped up to convert the penalty.

Both sides continued to cancel each other out with good defensive play and the first half closed out with the score remaining at 3-0 to Crediton.

Bideford started the second half with more intensity and within five minutes of the re-start they shook Crediton by scoring an early converted try under the posts following good play by their No 8, aided by some poor defending.

That setback was the wake-up call that the ‘Quins needed and they soon got back into their rhythm with fly-half Andy Pennington giving them good field position by kicking deep inside the Bideford half at every opportunity.

After 65 minutes pressure was turned into points when, after winning good line out ball Crediton set up a good driving maul and Richard Gray forced his way over to touch down for an unconverted try.

Five minutes later Crediton added to their score when Bideford were penalised for pulling down in a line-out and once again Phil Anning stepped up to convert the penalty.

Within 10 minutes Crediton scored again when Bideford were penalised five metres from their line. Crediton opted to go for a scrum and with their pack being dominant all afternoon they pushed the Bideford pack back over their try-line for No 8 Jamie Cheffings to get the touchdown, with Phil Anning adding the extras.

Bideford were not finished however and deep into injury time they scored their second try from a driving maul by their forwards making the final score 18-12 to Crediton.

This was a solid team performance and if any proof was needed as to how valuable running a Third Fifteen is, then this was surely it.

There were a number of players who stepped up, some for the first time this season, and certainly showed that they are more than capable of holding their own at a higher level.

It is not difficult to see why the third team are currently sitting at the top of Devon Merit Table Two with some fine individual performances.

With so many players unavailable this week and losing at least seven players to the Seconds, it is a huge credit to the Third Fifteen’s manager, Martin Phillips, that he still managed to find 15 players to travel to Bideford for a friendly fixture with their Third Fifteen…

BIDEFORD THIRDS 17 - CREDITON THIRDS 22

…and still managed a very good win. Many of the players appeared in unfamiliar positions as the Thirds sneaked home in a close and very enjoyable game, as it always is with Bideford.

Centre Leigh Kinch grabbed a couple of tries and flanker Will Jermyn also touched down.

Fly-half Gareth Kinch landed two conversions and a penalty.

CREDITON COLTS 10 - EXETER COLTS 13

Any hopes the Colts might have had to reach the Plate Final disappeared with this narrow defeat at home against Exeter.

PH