ANOTHER two weeks of mixed fortunes saw the First Fifteen defeated at Sidmouth in the league but managed a good victory at home against Devonport in the first round of the Devon Senior Cup.

At Sidmouth, whilst they looked sharp outside, we did tend to gift them a few tries and the 47-22 defeat was probably not a true reflection of the game.

Again, we were undone by a lack of possession at the lineout and a failure to get the ball wide at times played into the Sidmouth hands.

Certainly, we had pace on the wings and on the few occasions that we went wide, we did pose some questions of the Sidmouth defence.

The deficit at the interval (3-25) was always going to be difficult to make up and in fairness we never got close. However, we did rally and tries from Mark Nott and Josh Lee plus a penalty try gave us some reward for our endeavours although not enough to earn a bonus point. Mark Lee landed two conversions and a penalty.

Against Devonport, and with both sides missing several personnel, we put together some of our best rugby of the season although the early stages gave no real indication that much had changed from the previous games.

Devonport camped in our “22” for the opening 15 minutes but the defence was outstanding and they came away with nothing on the board.

It was then our turn to dominate territory and a further 15 minutes went by without troubling the scoreboard although we came close on a few occasions.

The final 10 minutes leading up to the interval then produced a flurry of points. Firstly the visitors took the lead with a penalty which was then cancelled out with one from Mark Lee.

Within minutes, a driving maul saw second rower Declan McDonnell get the touch down, Lee converting.

As half-time was almost upon us, Devonport lost possession on half-way and Mark Lee made a 30-metre break before putting winger Devon Hosegood away with a perfectly timed pass to dash over in the corner, Lee again adding the extras.

The second half was totally dominated by Crediton but Devonport held firm in defence and the only addition to the score was another Lee penalty.

The lineouts showed a big improvement on previous weeks and proved a telling factor in our success although the penalty count against us was big enough to be a cause for concern.

On the whole though a big improvement and one which will hopefully be the start of better things to come.

The victory has ensured a home second round tie against Teignmouth on November 12.

‘QUINS

The Second Fifteen enjoyed two successive wins, one in the Merit Table against Sidmouth Seconds and the other a friendly against Ilfracombe.

Sidmouth arrived short of players and we loaned them a couple to have an even game. A relatively comfortable 23-10 victory was well deserved.

All credit to Ilfracombe who travelled with only 11 players and in order to even things up we loaned them a couple of players and the game started 13-a-side.

Despite the conditions, both sides tried to throw the ball around, perhaps the wrong tactics at times!

Crediton were first on the scoreboard after 17 minutes with a Stuart Pickard penalty after Ilfracombe were penalised for handling in a ruck.

Ten minutes later Ilfracombe caught the Crediton defence unawares when a deft kick through the defensive line was chased down by the supporting Ilfracombe players to get the final touch down for a converted try.

This score was against the run of play and Crediton then began to play territory, camping themselves in the Ilfracombe half.

This pressure paid off when after 34 minutes Richard Gray was on-hand to get a touch down following several phases of play by the forwards to make the half-time score 8-7 to Crediton.

Ilfracombe started the second half with a lot more intent and Crediton were on the defensive for long periods although they were unable to turn pressure into points.

The ‘Quins gradually forced their way back into the game and after a period of sustained pressure in the Ilfracombe half, prop Macauley Jones was up in support to get the ball and touch down for Crediton with Stuart Pickard adding the extras.

Ten minutes later the Ilfracombe defensive line was broken by a backs move and Sam Harris powered through two tackles to go over for a try, Stuart Pickard again adding the extras.

The Crediton backs were now finding space as the Ilfracombe players tired and with the final play of the game Phil Anning touched down out wide for an unconverted try to make the final score 27-7 to Crediton.

Ilfracombe were a good side and made Crediton work hard for their result, and due to their commitment to travel short, especially in poor weather conditions, it enabled 26 players to have a game of rugby.

HORNETS

The Third Fifteen have enjoyed successive wins against Okehampton (14-10) and Bideford (22-0)

COLTS

The Colts continued their winning ways in the Merit Table, two Theo Gray tries plus one from Jack Reed, two of which were improved upon by Josh Davey who also added a penalty, gave them a 22-15 victory over Okehampton.

On Saturday, October 15 the Colts travelled to South Molton and were given a bit of a surprise although Crediton did win, the 19-17 scoreline was much tighter than perhaps may have been anticipated.

David Gray grabbed two tries and Deyan Tomic one with Josh Davey landing two conversions.

Fixtures tomorrow (October 22): First Fifteen v St Austell (home); Second Fifteen v Bideford (home) and Third Fifteen v Torrington Seconds (away).

Paul Harris