CHEW VALLEY 57 - CREDITON 26

THE score undoubtedly flattered the home side although it cannot be denied that they deserved their victory in this game played on January 18.

Injuries prior to and during the game certainly did not help our cause and indeed created disruption. However, we were well in the game until midway through the second half when the home side ran away with it.

The game was all square at the interval at 19 points apiece and although we added a further score in the second half to earn a bonus point, the opposition were scoring at regular intervals.

In the scrum we held an advantage but outside Chew had a couple of fleet footed backs and any kicks for territory were simply run back straight at us.

Josh Woodland bagged a couple of tries and there was a superb solo effort from Jason Luff with Will Goodman adding the fourth. Josh Davey landed a couple of penalties to complete the scoring.

CREDITON 2NDS 3 - BARNSTAPLE 2NDS 45

This was always going to be another difficult game for the Seconds against a strong Barnstaple side who currently head the Merit Table.

To be fair, the players competed and made Barum work for their points. Heads never dropped as we battled away.

Tom Ronchetti landed a penalty for our only points of the game.

CREDITON 3RDS 36 - BIDEFORD 2NDS 33

This was indeed an impressive performance from the Thirds against the Second Fifteen from Bideford, especially as they found themselves 28-12 down at the interval.

The second half saw the Thirds with the slope in their favour and they made full use of it. Pressure mounted on the Bideford defence early in the second half and the deficit was cut quickly to five points.

However, Bideford soon added to their score with a solo try up the slope which could well have killed off the game.

The Thirds pack began to dominate the visiting eight and two converted tries brought the scores level. Everything depended on a last minute penalty which Hayden Hill coolly slotted over for a memorable victory.

Veteran lock Richard Gray bagged a couple of tries and there was one apiece for Andy Griffiths, Deyan Tomic and Guy Courage.

Hayden Hill landed four conversions and the all important penalty.

CREDITON COLTS 38 - TIVERTON COLTS 7

The going was soft for this Colts Merit Table fixture against Tiverton, making conditions a little tricky. Despite this, the Kirton lads put in an impressive performance to run out winners 38-7.

Tiverton played their part in an entertaining game and took an early lead after a defensive mix-up; however, for the most part we held the edge in most departments.

After the early setback, we began to settle into the game and were taking the game to Tiverton through the forwards.

Some powerful running and rucking in the build up lead to Liam Bayley driving over under the posts with a couple defenders for company. Ryan Styles added the extras to make the game all square.

This was followed quickly by a second try. A penalty kick to the corner resulted in a well worked catch and drive.

Tighthead prop Tobias Rimbon-Whittaker broke free and went over in the corner. Soon after, and having seen his fellow prop get on the scoresheet, loosehead Charlie Jarvis got in on the act and burrowed over himself after another spell of pressure.

We were looking dangerous with the ball and from the restart, skipper Ethan Sibley set off on a rampaging run downfield which was followed by some good work by centre Toby Humphreys.

Not to be outdone by his colleagues, hooker Callum Yeandle found himself in some space and raced over for the front row hat-trick and bonus point try! Styles converted and the lead was 24-7 at the break.

Having had the benefit of the slope, the half-time talk was about controlling possession up the hill in the second period.

Tiverton played the territory well in the early stages of the second half but were unable to break down our committed defence. To their credit, our attack was stifled by their own defensive effort for long periods as the game was played out in the middle third of the pitch.

We needed to work hard to get ourselves into the Tivvy 22 and on occasions when we did, the final execution let us down as a couple of chances went begging, much to the frustration of the coaches!

We did take one chance though, and after a patient build up from the pack, Josh Walker somehow found his way through a gaggle of bodies to score. Styles converted again for a lead of 31-7.

The game was now opening up with both sides trying to defy the conditions and play an expansive game.

With Tiverton on the attack, a stray pass ended up in the arms of winger Toby Jeffrey who managed to pick the ball up off his toes and run in from distance. Styles added the conversion for a final score of 38-7.

Well done to both sides for offering up a hugely enjoyable game in conditions that weren’t the best. The quality of rugby on show, along with 100 per cent effort and commitment was fantastic.

Paul and Jay Harris