SIDMOUTH SECONDS 19 - CREDITON SECONDS 25

THE “Quins travelled to Sidmouth on December 23 for a friendly fixture and showed some excellent form against a strong Sidmouth Fifteen.

Both sides included players home from University for the Christmas holidays and provided a really entertaining game, appreciated by supporters of both sides.

The game was probably won in the first 20 minutes when, with the advantage of the slope, Sidmouth attacked relentlessly but the Crediton defence was magnificent and the home side failed to register any points during that period.

The stuffing was knocked right out of them when on 21 minutes, our first foray into their “22” resulted in a good forwards try finished off by Rob Guthrie.

Within five minutes scrum-half Tom Jermyn scored a great try darting through a gap and racing to the line, with Tom Phillips landing the conversion for a 12-0 lead.

Sidmouth hit back with a converted try shortly before the interval although there was still time for Phillips to pop over a penalty for the ‘Quins to go in at half-time 15-7 ahead.

Sidmouth started the second half as they began the first, a period of pressure bringing them no reward before another well-worked threequarter move was finished off by winger Asher Brindley, Phillips converted.

Once again though Sidmouth hit back and ‘Quins winger Bobby Saunders and full-back Sam Harris were called into action and pulled off many a tackle between them.

However, we did get caught when the home winger dashed up the left touchline and managed to dot down in the corner. Phillips landed another penalty but Sidmouth had the last word with a converted try.

BURNHAM 19 - CREDITON 10

The New Year started in very disappointing fashion for Crediton First Fifteen at bottom of the table Burnham, on January 6 although perhaps after going 12 points down in the opening 10 minutes, things could have been much worse.

The three-week lay off should have had players champing at the bit to get on the pitch but the opening spell gave the distinct feeling of rustiness and perhaps we were under prepared.

Things did improve but in an error strewn game, it would be hard not to accept that the home side deserved their win.

Having gone 12 points down courtesy of two tries and a conversion when our first up tackling left much to be desired, we did respond with a couple of tries.

Firstly, pressure on the Burnham line brought a penalty which skipper Ben Wonnacott took quickly and the resulting driving maul ended with prop Phil Holmes touching down.

Within minutes it was more of the same as the pressure built on the home defence. They conceded further penalties and again Wonnacott repeated the tap penalty and from the ensuing ruck, hooker Dan Yendall ran a good angle to take the pass and crash over.

The remainder of the half saw both sides create chances but neither could capitalise on the opportunities.

The second half brought much of the same and the only score came from the home side with a try under the posts, the conversion was a simple one to deny us a bonus point.

The result has left us well and truly in the relegation battle along with several other clubs with only seven points separating Truro on 31 points and ourselves on 24, Burnham are a further five behind on 19.

This is clearly a position that we don’t want to be in and certainly puts pressure on in the games against those that are in the mix and we will have to make sure we get victories in the home games against Chard, Paignton, Falmouth and Tiverton.

CREDITON SECONDS 24 - BRIXHAM SECONDS 5

Brixham arrived at Crediton currently lying in fourth place in the Merit Table and, having beaten us 48-5 in the opening game of the season, were pretty confident of another victory.

However, they were completely outplayed particularly up front and spent much of the game going backwards.

Their ill-discipline cost them as they earned the wrath of the referee on several occasions.

This was a good performance from the ‘Quins and the bonus point victory was thoroughly deserved.

Tries came from lock Ben Lumley, flanker Dan Vanstone, prop Rob Leach and fly-half Tom Ronchetti who landed two conversions.

CREDITON THIRDS 7 - WITHYCOMBE SECONDS 14

Despite the defeat, this was a game the Thirds felt they could have won. Lock Deyan Tomic scored the try which was converted by fly-half Andy Pennington.

FIXTURES

Fixtures for tomorrow, Saturday, January 13: First Fifteen v Chard at home kick off 2-30pm. The match is sponsored by Sandford Cricket Club; Second Fifteen v Ivybridge Seconds at home kick off 2-30pm; Third Fifteen v Topsham Seconds away; Colts v Exmouth Colts away.

Just a reminder to everyone, the Club will be open on Saturday afternoons irrespective of whether games are called off because of the weather.

There is always rugby on the TV - well almost always - so don’t let the bad weather deter you from coming down.

Paul Harris