Crediton Thirds 17 - Barnstaple Thirds 26

THE third meeting of the season between these two sides proved equally as close as the previous two, both having won their home games in the Merit Table.

Barnstaple were a side full of experienced players who had played at a higher level in their younger days whilst the Crediton side were mainly young players taking the first steps into senior rugby.

The early exchanges were in our “22” and despite valiant defending, we found ourselves 12 points down after 10 minutes.

We did gradually gain some possession and work our way into the game.

No8 Ben Rodd led with some powerful breaks from the base of the scrum, supported by Ash Bradnock and Joe Wreford all making inroads into the Barum defence.

Winger Tom O’Donnell defied his size and clattered a couple of would-be tacklers as we desperately tried to get on the scoreboard.

The Barnstaple defence dealt comfortably with our attacks and they excelled at the breakdown where their experience proved the difference as they were quickly on the ball to turn over possession.

Things got worse for us as on the half hour, a break down the middle set up try number three for the visitors under the posts and at 19-0 down giving us a mountain to climb.

With the interval approaching, we found a way back with a well worked try following some excellent carries from Rodd, Bradnock, skipper John Gurzynski and O’Donnell who was tackled just inside the “22”.

The quick ruck ball found its way to hooker Ben Gillard who, with a fine angled run dodged past three defenders to score, Tom Cooper converted.

From the restart, again it was Rodd and O’Donnell who made ground and earned a penalty inside our half.

Gurzynski took a quick tap and go before offloading to Bradnock and then to flanker Euan Philip who raced home from 30 metres, the conversion drifted wide but we were back in the game.

The second half became a stalemate, defences cancelling each other out although it took a try saving tackle from fullback Harry Hustwayte to prevent a Barnstaple score.

On the hour mark, we thought we had scored when O’Donnell broke through and was tackled short of the line.

He recovered quickly and grounded the ball but it was deemed a double movement and a penalty to Barnstaple relieved the pressure.

The Thirds continued to press, dominating territory and, with 10 minutes remaining were rewarded when Joe Wreford forced his way over.

The conversion dropped short and we were two points adrift but certainly in the ascendancy.

Barnstaple rallied and some end-to-end rugby followed but as the game entered the final minute, they secured the victory with a well worked try under the posts, converted for a 26-17 win.

The Thirds can be very proud of their performance to come back from a 19 point deficit to within two against such a good side was no mean feat.

There are players in this team who should be pushing for places in the Quins next season.

Barnstaple’s strength at the breakdown was the difference between the sides, nonetheless a great game played in very good spirit.

Defeat in this David Butt Memorial Trophy Final may be disappointing but it does not detract from the achievements of the Thirds this season.

Paul Harris