PRE-SEASON training has been ongoing for six weeks at Crediton Rugby Club and the opening trial/friendly fixture on Saturday, August 16 saw the Quins pit their talents against a Bideford XV.

The combination of youth and experience proved too strong for a battling Bideford side and it was certainly a good opening test for the players.

The opening 10 minutes saw the visitors create a couple of half chances and with the Quins conceding two penalties giving Bideford attacking lineouts. Fortunately, the Crediton lineout was in fine form and managed to steal possession on both occasions.

The opening score came 10 minutes in when, from a lineout 30 metres out, the ball was spread wide to the left before a break down the middle by flyhalf Tom Ronchetti switched the direction of the attack, but we were held up just short.

However, from the ruck, No8 Chris Hooper burrowed over. Scrum half George Baxter landed an excellent conversion.

The Quins doubled the lead when, after pressure on the Bideford line and several phases, flanker Ben Baxter forced his way over for brother George to add the extras.

With half time approaching, a penalty to the corner gave the Quins an attacking opportunity and the ball was swept wide to the left where winger Charlie Gribble out paced his opposite number to score out wide. The conversion drifted wide.

After a closely fought third quarter with both sides putting some good attacking play together and defending strongly.

However, Bideford reduced the arrears when they picked up a mis-directed pass and broke away upfield.

Sam Borthen put in a great tackle but the visitors were able to offload and score out wide.

Within a minute they had scored again when from a box kick, the bounce of the ball favoured their chasers and they scored out wide again, both conversion attempts failed to find their mark.

The Quins had the final word with a well taken try from a move straight from the training pitch.

A five metre scrum was won and quick ball found Charlie Gribble in space to bag his second try of the game.

George Baxter landed the extras to complete a well deserved win in a hard fought game.

A number of young players really stepped up to the mark and look to be adjusting to senior rugby with considerable ease.

The Third XV also enjoyed an impressive trial match against Exeter Saracens Seconds. No8 Ben Rodd led the scoring with two tries and there was one apiece for Joe Warren, Marcus Johns and Macauley Jones with Tom Cooper landing four conversions.

The trial games continue on Saturday with the First XV travelling to Plymstock, the Thirds host New Cross Seconds and the Colts host Ivybridge.

Paul Harris

• Crediton RFC run adult, junior and mini teams.

Its clubhouse is off Exhibition Road, Crediton and it has one adult pitch and a training pitch. It also owns an adult pitch at Creedy Bridge.